With a fantastic year of televised sport ahead of us, The National Student takes a look at some of the best sporting events on display. A beautifully eclectic mix of sport is on offer with no shortage of mouth-watering fixtures...
FIFA World Cup - Russia
Every four years, football fans have their eyes glued to the screen as the footballing world comes together for its ultimate competition.
Returning to Europe after rounds in Africa and South American, it will no doubt be an astonishing tournament. Russia will be the hosts and the tournament itself runs from 14 June - 15 July. With France, Brazil and Germany all boasting particularly strong squads, whilst the regular suspects of Spain, Argentina and co. also have great teams, the competition looks to be a stunner.
With Harry Kane firing on all cylinders for Tottenham, and some arguing he may be the world's best striker, England fans have more reason for optimism than they may be used to.
Commonwealth Games - Gold Coast, Australia
To ease the suffering of Summer Olympic fans across the world, come the Commonwealth Games. For the uninitiated: it's a tournament for all the member nations of the Commonwealth of Nations. Initially established as a means to establish the goodwill of the British Empire, it has since come to represent nations coming together to remember their interconnected histories. With many of the athletes taking part in the Olympics, it is a top showcase of athletic quality.
England v India Tests Series - Edgbaston, UK
This will be only the second time that India has taken part in a five-test series in England since 1959. The series begins at Edgbaston, from the 1-5 of August. This is followed by tests at Lord’s, Trent Bridge, the Ageas Bowl and the Oval. The tests are preceded by a number of T20’s and ODI’s.
Whilst India sit comfortably at the top of the test rankings, at the time of writing, England are currently down in fifth, after a dismal performance in the Ashes. It's a chance for England to recover their reputation.
Women’s Hockey World Cup - London, England
As the tournament gets underway on July 21st, the Netherlands will be looking to defend their title, and thus claim their 8th simultaneously. For hosts England, their best finish was 3rd place at Rosario, Argentina, in 2010. Drawn into a group with India, it will be a fiery start to the competition. The final takes place on August 5th, and the entire event is at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Center.
Winter Olympics - Pyeongchang, South Korea
Whilst the first edition of the Games was held in 1924 in Chamonix, this year we are presented with the 23rd edition from South Korea. Running from 9-25 February, approximately 90 countries, and 102 events across 15 sports, it’s a hard event to miss. Nor one you should! A unique skill set comes to the fore in every discipline, just as it does with the summer Olympics.
The Masters - Augusta National, Georgia
One of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, it has a rich history. Notable, as even those who aren’t big fans of the sport may know, is the famous 'green jacket'. Awarded to the winner, he must return it a year after his victory. The same jacket is used for repeat winners.
Founded 83 years ago, the tournament has run yearly, and this year there’s an $11 million prize to play for. Running from the 5-8 of April, Sergio Garcia will be out to defend his title.
Other notable events:
The Six Nations, 3 February - 17 March, UK/Ireland
Women’s World T20, 3-14 November, West Indies
Champions League Final, 26 May, Kiev, Ukraine
Grand National, 14 April, Aintree, UK
Wimbledon, 2-15 July, London
British Grand Prix, 8 July, Silverstone
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