It’s the first few months of the year. While some people are journaling significant dates, sport enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a plethora of events to keep the spirit of sportsmanship alive throughout the year.
Fortunately, this year came with an impressive number of events that cut across all sport niches. So, whether you’re a football, basketball, table tennis or weightlifting fan, there’s something for you. Here are some of the major events this year.
14 Major Sporting Events In 2024
1. Africa Cup of Nations (13 January-11 February)- Football: Ivory Coast
Hosted in Ivory Coast, This sporting event is currently ongoing. It was initially planned for the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, but was postponed to January-February 2024 due to weather concerns in Ivory Coast.
It features national teams from across the African continent competing for the prestigious title. It’s a showcase of African football talent and a celebration of the sport’s popularity in the region.
While 24 teams began the tournament in January, only two countries are through to the finals. Nigeria and Ivory Coast are set to face off in the finals on February 11th.
2. Australian Open (Jan 14-28)- Tennis: Melbourne, Australia
This is an annual extreme sports event which features thrilling competitions in snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports disciplines. It’s known for its adrenaline-pumping action and innovative tricks. This year’s edition will be held in Melbourne. Although not very popular in the African region, it could be an interesting event to follow through.
3. Winter X Games (Jan 26-28)- Extreme Sports: Aspen, Colorado, USA
The 2024 Winter X Games which recently kicked off pushes the limits of extreme sports with jaw-dropping feats and adrenaline-fueled action.
If you’re a sport enthusiast who enjoys gravity-defying tricks in snowboarding, this event is perfect for you. The athletes work to showcase bravery and skill at the forefront of their disciplines.
4. World Aquatics Championships (Feb 2-18)- Swimming: Doha, Qatar
Here, swimmers, divers, and water polo players from across the globe converge to compete for aquatic supremacy. This year, the World Aquatics Championships will take place in Doha, Qatar. Over 2,600 athletes hailing from 201 countries, alongside a dedicated refugee team will display athleticism across six aquatic disciplines.
The stakes are high, with coveted qualifying spots for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, intensifying the already electric atmosphere. Notably, swimming and three other sports are set to witness a historic surge in participating countries, while three disciplines will welcome a record-breaking number of athletes, promising competition and excitement.
5. Super Bowl (Feb 11)- American Football: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
This is a cultural phenomenon that brings together millions of fans. To conclude the 2023 season, it will be held in 2024. This will be the first time Las Vegas and the state of Nevada will welcome the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl one of the most-watched sporting events globally, known for its halftime show and high-stakes football action.
6. World Championship (Feb 16-25)- Table Tennis: Busan, South Korea
This is a pinnacle event in table tennis. Holding in Busan, South Korea, top players from around the world will compete for the prestigious title. It’s a showcase of skill, speed, and strategy in one of the fastest racket sports.
7. African Games (Mar 8-23)- Multi-sports: Ghana (Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast)
This is a multi-sport event to be held in Ghana, featuring a wide range of sports and disciplines, including athletics, boxing, basketball, and more. It promotes unity and friendship among African nations through sport.
8. NCAA finals [March Madness] (Mar 19 – Apr 8)- Basketball: USA
The culmination of the college basketball season in the United States, known for its single-elimination tournament format and intense competition. It’s a showcase of young talent and a breeding ground for future NBA stars.
9. FA Cup final (May 25)- Football: Wembley Stadium, London
It’s the oldest football competition in the world and a prestigious trophy in English football, involving the participation of Premier League and Championship teams.
Manchester City, having emerged victorious over Manchester United in the final of the previous season, stands as the defending champions, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this year’s competition
10. UEFA Champions League Final (June 1)- Football: Wembley Stadium, London
It’s the most prestigious club competition in Europe, featuring the continent’s top clubs competing for the coveted trophy. As defending champions Manchester City strive to secure their second consecutive title following their victory in Istanbul last season, a multitude of formidable teams aspire to reach the pinnacle of European club football.
11. Euro 2024 (Jun 14 – Jul 14)- Football: Germany
European Football Championship, hosted by Germany. It’s one of the most prestigious international football tournaments, featuring the best national teams from Europe competing for continental glory.
Related: AFCON 2023: How Ademola Lookman Rose To Become Naija’s Rave Of The Moment
12. NBA Finals (June)- Basketball: USA/Canada
This is the climax of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season, featuring the top basketball teams from the USA and Canada competing for the championship.
The regular season concludes on April 14, while the 2024 NBA postseason initiates with the play-in tournament on April 16, followed by the commencement of the first round of playoffs on April 20.
13. Paralympic Games (Aug 28 – Sept 8)- Multi-sports: Paris, France
A multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, held in Paris, France, it was created to break down barriers, challenge perceptions, and inspire people of all abilities to reach for their dreams. . Spanning 12 exhilarating days from August 28th, this event will feature wheelchair basketball, para-swimming and more.
14. WF World Championships (Nov-Dec)- Weightlifting: Manama, Bahrain
This is a premier event in weightlifting, held in Manama, Bahrain, where top weightlifters compete for world titles and records. It’s a test of strength, technique, and mental fortitude.
Final Takeaway
As we eagerly anticipate the progression or unfolding of these major sporting events slated for 2024, one thing is certain: this year promises to be a thrilling and exciting one for sporting enthusiasts.
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