Even as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the globe, it was in the empty stadiums, reverberating players’ chatters and the return of our beloved sporting events that we found a window of escape from the pangs of the apocalyptic reality.
And as we slowly inch towards normalcy, it’s exciting to imagine the games we adore back to their original manifestation.
A lot of the sporting events that were suspended in 2020 are mostly chalked to be held next year. Let’s take a look at few of the biggest sporting events to eagerly wait for next year:
1. Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics
The Summer Olympics, which was scheduled for 2020, has been
pushed back to reportedly July of the next year. Arguably, the grandest
multi-sport event, the Tokyo Olympics will see the debut of karate, sport
climbing, surfing, and skateboarding, as well as the
return of baseball and softball for the first time since 2008.
For India, as announced by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, the country will witness its largest-ever contingent of athletes to the proposed event.
With over 11,000 athletes attempting to win the coveted gold for their country, hopefully, the Olympic torch will guide us past the dark times.
2. UEFA Men’s Euro 2021
Europe’s premium footballing tournament, which was rescheduled to 2021, will see the finest national teams from the continent lock horns for the ultimate glory.
While the likes of France, Portugal, Spain, Germany and England are always the usual favourites, World Cup finalists Croatia and rejuvenated Italy can make their entry count.
3. The Ashes
For the cricketing purists, the encounter between the age-old rivals England and Australia in the longest format of the game often eclipses even the grandest of events.
While Ashes 2019 produced some breathtaking bit of cricket, the fans will be hoping the upcoming one can even trump the previous edition. The Men’s Ashes is set to start from November in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Ashes is also scheduled for 2021 start, although the dates are yet to be confirmed.
4. Copa America 2021
The South American counterpart of the Euros, the Copa America has at display the flair and finesse of the continent’s finest footballing nations.
The 2019 winners Brazil will look to defend their title against the likes of Argentina, Chile, Columbia and this edition’s invited nations — Australia and Qatar.
The tournament will take place in Colombia and Argentina from 11 June to 10 July 2021.
5. FIFA U-20 World Cup (Indonesia)
At any level, the football world is one of the grandest events and expect the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2021 to be no different.
The competition will be hosted by Indonesia between 20 May and 12 June 2021, which will be the first FIFA tournament in the country.
While UEFA has announced their entries to their tournament, the other continent’s are yet to do so.
6. ICC T20 Men’s World Cup
The grand carnival featuring the shortest format of the game was postponed from 2020 to November of 2021. To be held in India, the tournament will offer some of the finest cricketers on display as they embark on the journey to etch their name in history books.
With the World Cup in their own backyard, this will be a huge opportunity for Virat Kohli and his men to clinch the title for India yet again.
7. 2021 Rugby League World Cup
The 2021 World Cup, the ninth Rugby World Cup for women, is scheduled to be held in New Zealand between 18 September and 16 October 2021 in the cities of Auckland and Whangarei.
This will be the first women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere.
Holders New Zealand have been pooled in the same group with their Oceania rivals Australia, while top-ranked England and France are in the same pool.
