From the earliest international games to today’s world-class events, sports have played a key role in defining nations and building bridges across the globe. But with streaming changing how fans tune in and participation trends shifting the way they engage, it’s no longer enough for sports leaders to simply set the agenda.
As the sport of choice around the world, international sports bring people together to compete for glory, honor and pride, transcending borders and fostering peace and understanding. The Olympic Games, first held in ancient Greece over 2,700 years ago, are one of the most recognizable examples of this phenomenon. The modern globalization of sports was facilitated by Pierre de Coubertin’s creation of the International Olympics Committee in 1860, leading to the establishment of international sports federations like FIFA for soccer and FIBA for basketball. These governing bodies have allowed athletes to represent countries in competitions such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Although the most popular international sports are dominated by men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds are participating in them in growing numbers, especially in developing countries. Athletes from these regions are often exposed to conditions that could have fatal consequences. A study by the University of Linköping in Sweden, for example, found that while European competitors had access to teams of medical and analysis experts, young African players often did not. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed by the international sports organisations that make the rules for these events.
About the Author
