Sports tourism is booming. Many individuals and tour groups enjoy this form of travelling since it combines travel, leisure, and sports, all of which offer enthusiasts the opportunity to experience their favourite sports in different locations, and immerse themselves in the culture and atmosphere of these events. While most people prefer to visit a destination only to witness a sporting event of their choice, one can also engage in other sports-related activities in those areas if they don't just want to be a spectator. Participate in sports tournaments, adventure sports, golf trips, sports training camps, sports-themed vacations, and sports-related sightseeing while you are travelling.
Here is a list of some of the main sporting events around the world that you can visit this year so mark your calendars.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics were closed to spectators because of the threat of COVID-19 but this summer's Paris Olympics will more than make up for it. This year will see the addition of breaking as an Olympic sport and Indian athletes will be competing in shooting, athletics, boxing, archery, wrestling and hockey.
When: July 26 to August 11
Where: Paris, France mostly, but a lot of events will also take place in Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. Check the official website to book tickets.
Can defending champions Manchester City defend their title? The last 16 will begin the countdown to the final from February onwards. Some classic match-ups include Napoli vs Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Sociedad, and Copenhagen vs Manchester City. Don't miss the final in Wembley Stadium, London.
When: Ongoing till June 1
Where: Across Europe but the final will be in London, United Kingdom.
If water sports are more your jam then you cannot miss the World Aquatics Championship. 2,600 athletes from 190 countries will be keen on doing well here and qualifying for the Olympics. Whether it's swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, or high diving, there will be thrilling action everywhere you look.
When: February 2-18
Where: Doha, Qatar
20 countries will face off in this tournament and this is the first time it will be held in the United States. Canada, Uganda, and the US will make their debut and England are the defending champions. Can India regain their crown? All eyes will be on the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
When: June 4-30
Where: USA and the West Indies
Pinehurst no. 2 is a golf course that provides a physical and mental challenge for competitors looking to take the crown. More than 250,000 spectators are expected to arrive and the area is being improved for players and fans alike, such as a tunnel from the locker room to the first tee. Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm are among the favourites to win this one.
When: June 10-16
Where: Pinehurst, North Carolina
Beginning in Florence, Italy, the Tour de France is back for its 111th edition but this time, the race will end in Nice, France instead of Paris because of preparations for the Olympics. Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard won the 2023 edition but it remains to be seen whether he can repeat his victory this year.
When: June 29 to July 11
Where: Italy and France
For any tennis fan, a Grand Slam pilgrimage is incomplete without witnessing the magic of Wimbledon. Even though the process of procuring a ticket is not easy, if you are one of the lucky ones to attend the match of your favourite player, the experience of sitting at the All England Lawn Tennis Club will be one for the books.
When: July 1-14
Where: London, United Kingdom
The Indian subcontinent is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the world and the appetite for the women's game is growing. Defending champions Australia will be among the 10 teams competing in the T20 World Cup and it promises to be a passionate and thrilling tournament.
When: September to October
Where: Bangladesh