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The World Test Championship was launched in 2019 and aims to add context to bilateral cricket with each match contributing towards a team’s standing. Each cycle lasts two years with the final being contested between the top two teams. The nine full members of the ICC will participate in the tournament: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

This year’s championship final was held at Lord’s, where reigning champions Australia were defeated by South Africa. Despite a chorus of criticism over the competition’s format, most notably from Wisden, which called it “a shambles masquerading as a showpiece”, the event is generally considered to be boosting interest in the longest form of the game.

The governing body’s new league system essentially rewards teams for putting together a consistent series of results by awarding them points on a percentage basis. This is a significant improvement over the previous system whereby a team’s standing was decided by their number of wins, losses and draws in a calendar cycle.

The system also takes into account the fact that the more Tests a team plays, the more opportunities they have to earn points in a given cycle. That has led to some wildly different paths taken by the two finalists: South Africa reached the final without facing either Australia or England, while England’s comparatively light fixture schedule saw them lose points through over-rate penalties throughout the 2023-2025 cycle.

Esports tournaments are the highest stakes competitions in gaming, bringing together prolific teams and players for high-stakes matches with a huge prize pool. These tournaments span a vast array of video game genres, from the best of the most popular to niche titles with a dedicated fan base.

The biggest events in esports draw huge crowds and push the boundaries of gaming. The International is a highlight of the Dota 2 calendar, a massively popular event that draws millions of viewers and showcases incredible teamwork, resilience and emotional intelligence. Likewise, LoL Worlds is an annual prestigious competition that defines the sport, with the champions taking home a Summoner’s Cup weighing 44 pounds and designed by American jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. First-person shooter (FPS) competitions are also a mainstay in the industry, with the likes of Call of Duty, Fortnite and the new Valorant title all hosting major championships.

Throughout 2025, fans will be treated to an impressive range of esports tournaments. March is a busy month as the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, PUBG Mobile’s RLCS Birmingham Major and Rainbow Six Siege’s LEGENDARY Series all kick off this month. April is another busy month as the likes of BLAST Rivals Spring, IEM Cologne and PGL Bucharest take place alongside the newest international leagues in Call of Duty and VALORANT.

International sports involve teams or athletes from different countries. This type of sport has been around for thousands of years and is a huge part of the world’s cultural heritage. International sporting events generate billions of dollars for the host country and provide opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, and enhancing a nation’s image worldwide.

The most popular international sports are the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. The Olympic Games, first held in 1896, is a multi-sport event that features competitors from all over the world competing to be crowned the world champion in their chosen sport. The FIFA World Cup is a football tournament that takes place every four years. Other major international sports include the Asian Games, the Winter Olympics, and a number of equestrian competitions.

Some international sports also focus on social development. For example, a recent scandal in Mali saw an elite women’s basketball team forced to boycott a championship tournament because of sexual abuse by national officials. International sport can be a unifying force and a platform for dialogue, but it can also reinforce stereotypes and marginalize specific groups based on age, gender, or race.

The governing bodies of international sports set the rules for competition and organize events such as Olympics and World Cups. There are also specialized federations for individual sports. These organizations may be affiliated with Olympic governing bodies or operate independently. The International Federation of Association Football, for example, was founded in 1904 to formalize the rules of association football and promote the ideals of Olympism worldwide.

Gender inequality has been a problem since the dawn of society and sports are no exception. The dominant perceptions of masculinity – physical strength, dominance and power – manifest in violence against women, exploitation, non-inclusion and discrimination and this needs to change.

As sports organisations are often influential in their communities, they can promote gender equality in a variety of ways. They can create and promote role models of women athletes, invest in female sports infrastructure and media presence, ensure balanced coverage in the press and education for journalists on how to portray sportspeople with a gender-neutral perspective. They can also develop and strengthen legal and judicial frameworks to prevent and respond to sports-related sexual harassment and violence, and support victims in seeking compensation and remedies.

The assumption that men are better athletes than women should be abandoned. This type of perception contributes to the lack of support for women in sport. Women have unique strengths and weaknesses, which should be taken into account when training and competing. For example, women tend to be less prone to injuries than men and they usually perform better in sport than their male counterparts.

Ultimately, it is up to collaborative organisations and the media to make the changes needed to increase the visibility of women in sports. They can encourage the participation of girls and women in sports, promote female role models in sport, and provide equal opportunities for women in leadership roles and governance models. They can also invest in women’s sport and promote a gender-neutral portrayal of sports in the media, as well as establish transparent and anonymous abuse reporting mechanisms.

Combat Sports are a diverse set of physical activities that involve attack and defense techniques between two individuals. They encompass a wide range of modalities, including boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, capoeira, and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The nuances of each sport are distinct and offer athletes an opportunity to choose a modality that best fits their skill and fitness level. However, all modalities share common traits such as a focus on discipline and respect for the opponent. They are also regulated to minimize permanent or severe injury by requiring use of protective equipment and enforcing rules to ensure safety.

Whether it is the precision of boxing, the agility of Muay Thai, the tactical brilliance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or the intensity of wrestling, there is a place for all individuals in the world of combat sports. These empowering experiences are not only exciting to watch, but can unlock the potential of one’s body and mind to push past limits.

Training in a combat sport involves regular group classes that promote community and camaraderie. These positive social interactions support the health and well-being of athletes and encourage them to develop a healthy mindset. Research shows that participation in Olympic combat sports, like judo, can lead to improved quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. The key to success in these sports lies in the combination of physical training and mental resilience. Athletes must learn to overcome fear and discomfort, while embracing the challenges of the fight.

Ice hockey is a team sport that is played on an ice rink. The rink is divided into three zones: the attacking zone, the defending zone and the neutral zone. Each zone has two end zones, faceoff circles and spots and a goal crease.

The game was added to the Olympic program in 1920. At that time, players played with a puck made of rock salt, but today’s tournaments use synthetic ice and a hard-rubber ball. Players wear helmets with faceshields and can only compete on one team. The game is regulated by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

During the early years of Olympic ice hockey, the U.S. dominated. But then the Soviet Union entered the tournament, and it was a whole new ballgame. The Soviets could outscore teams, and they were very good. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the IIHF allowed professional players to participate in the Olympics.

Mike Eruzione’s game-winning goal in the “Miracle on Ice” semifinal against the Soviets in 1980 won America a gold medal and was voted the greatest sports moment of all time by ESPN viewers.

The 1992 Albertville games brought an end to the Red Army’s reign over Olympic ice hockey. The former Soviet Union disbanded, but athletes from the country now called Russia still competed as the Unified Team, and they won a gold medal. A few years later, the NHL began to allow its players to play in the Olympics, and the U.S. won its first gold since 1988 in Nagano.

Athlete endorsements are powerful marketing tools, leveraging an athlete’s public image and reputation to increase brand awareness, visibility, and sales. Athlete endorsements can create a connection between an athlete, the brand, and the audience, building authentic narratives of perseverance and success that inspire consumer loyalty.

When choosing an athlete, brands should select a person who represents their core values and embodies the spirit of their brand. This alignment fosters authenticity and builds a strong connection between the athlete and the audience, making the endorsement feel more genuine. For example, Serena Williams’ commitment to empowerment and excellence aligns seamlessly with Nike’s messaging around strength and equality. This is especially important during major events like the World Cup, where celebrity appearances can amplify visibility far beyond traditional advertising channels.

To maximize the impact of an athlete endorsement, marketers should focus on creating comprehensive campaigns that utilize multiple platforms and tactics. Social media is a key channel, where athletes can engage with fans through personal stories and day-in-the-life content. In addition, video content can bring the sponsorship to life, amplifying engagement rates and generating buzz for the brand.

Moreover, brands should track comprehensive metrics, including audience engagement rates, website traffic, and follower growth, to assess the success of an endorsement. Moreover, long-term metrics, such as customer lifetime value and brand loyalty, can help companies understand the enduring impacts of their athlete partnerships. Using these insights, marketers can develop more effective strategies that drive greater returns on investment and build lasting connections with consumers.

The Masters leaderboard is a real-time snapshot of player rankings at the iconic golf tournament. As players navigate Augusta National’s challenging course, their scores fluctuate based on the ebb and flow of every birdie and bogey that they make. These shifts directly impact their standing on the leaderboard and can create an extra layer of excitement for fans following along.

As the tournament enters its final round, the Masters leaderboard takes on an even greater level of importance. The winner of the coveted green jacket is awarded to the golfer with the lowest cumulative score over four rounds, and keeping track of the leaders’ progression throughout the weekend will be paramount for those hoping to witness an exhilarating finish.

Rory McIlroy shot up the Masters leaderboard on Moving Day with a 2-under 66, putting himself within striking distance of winning his first green jacket. The two-time major champion entered the second round in a tie for fifth place, but has a chance to win his third straight major this year. He’s tied with Corey Conners and Scottie Scheffler at 6-under, and Bryson DeChambeau is also in contention for his first Masters victory after posting a bogey-free 68.

As the leaderboard tightens, every stroke will be crucial as players fight for a spot in the final group at 8:00 a.m. ET on Sunday. If no winner is crowned after the final 36 holes, a sudden-death playoff will begin on the 18th hole and continue to the 10th until a single golfer has claimed victory.

There are few things more dramatic in baseball than a walk-off home run. They’re a staple of World Series history, and for many, they mark the most memorable moments in baseball’s greatest competition.

Freddie Freeman’s first-of-its-kind Game 1 grand slam flipped Dodger Stadium into Blue Heaven on Friday night. But it wasn’t the only World Series highlight of 2024.

The 1975 World Series is regarded as one of the greatest World Series games in history thanks to exciting lead changes and nail-biting turns of events. But it’s also infamous for the fact that Carlton Fisk’s famous “fingertip homer” in Game 6 was actually a hit off a clerical error.

Dennis Eckersley’s epochal ninth-inning relief appearance in the 1988 World Series remains a classic for good reason. The Dodgers were facing elimination and trailing the 104-win Boston Red Sox in a must-win situation with two outs. But Kirk Gibson, who’d been injured in the NLCS and wasn’t expected to play, pinch-hit and homered on his second swing. It inspired iconic pronouncements by Vin Scully and Jack Buck.

This year’s World Series has had its share of nail-biting moments, but few have rivaled the drama of the ’88 series. And despite the Dodgers’ shaky 9th inning, they still managed to beat the Yankees 4-2 and secure their first championship in 40 years. So in honor of this momentous occasion, here are the top World Series highlights to remember from 2024. (And don’t miss our full list of the best World Series games of all time, too). The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download it now for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Athletes, just like everyone else, often struggle with the transition into retirement. It is difficult for them to identify themselves outside of the sport that they have devoted most of their lives to and this shift can be even harder for elite and professional athletes.

In a video on her social media page, Alex Morgan announced her retirement from women’s soccer on Thursday. The USWNT revolutionary is widely considered one of the most important players in women’s sports history and her retirement marks the end of an era for the program.

Lorenzo Carter, a longtime defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans, has decided to hang up his cleats at 29 years old. The former third-round pick racked up 21.5 sacks in his career and will now join the Buffalo Bills as an assistant.

After 12 seasons in the NFL, New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is calling it quits. Known for his toughness and blond patch in his hair, the LSU Tiger was a Heisman Trophy finalist and was compared to a honey badger (a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators) throughout his career.

Despite the fact that many athletes retire at an early age, their transition to life after sport can be difficult. According to research done by Dr Cavallerio, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, female gymnasts’ transition experiences fell into three narratives: Entangled, Going forward and Making sense. This study highlights that it is important for sport organisations to develop strategies for their athletes to prepare them for retirement.