From the fast kicks of soccer to the precise swings of golf, sport is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. But not all sports events are equal. Some carry more political baggage than others. During the Age of Imperialism, it was common for sports competitions to be used to prove that the “white race” was intellectually superior and physically at the pinnacle of human excellence.
As a result, many of the world’s largest sports organizations and competitions have become increasingly politicized. This has sometimes turned sporting events into a battleground between democratic and autocratic governments.
The most prominent example is the Olympics, which is usually dominated by European countries, although China recently won both the summer and winter Olympic Games. Other examples include the FIBA World Championship (basketball), Giro d’Italia (cycling), Ryder Cup (golf), and the Calgary Stampede (rodeo).
While there is no official definition of what qualifies as a major sport, it typically refers to those that are popular and widely followed in a country or region. This is often determined by the number of teams, spectators, and TV viewers that a sport attracts. Some of the most popular global sports include cricket, rugby, and football (soccer).
It is important to recognize that hosting an international sporting event is not without cost to the host nation. Several multi-million dollar investments are required to prepare and submit a bid to host a tournament. Then, once a host nation is selected, it must invest millions more to provide venues that will accommodate the competition and enhance existing facilities, such as cycling tracks and ski-jumping arenas. Head over to 해외스포츠중계 to know more.
It is also vital to remember that it is possible for democratic states and international organizations to take steps that can mitigate the negative effects of politicized sport. For instance, if an organization is willing to use its contracts with host nations to ensure that human rights standards are respected and enforced, this can be an effective tool to discourage autocratic regimes from stealing the spotlight.
