Sports are an integral part of many cultures. From the Olympics to FIFA World Cups, international sporting events bring together teams and fans from around the globe. They also have a huge impact on the political, economic and social aspects of countries worldwide.

In this week’s feature, we take a look at the ideas and innovations that permanently changed the world of sports.

The Olympic Movement

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was founded in 1904. This event helped to formalise the sport of football and allow it to become an international sport, a trend that continued with the first modern Olympics.

International sports include any sport that involves at least two countries, such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup or cricket matches. However, there are some sports that are more internationally renowned than others. One of these is hurling, an ancient Irish sport that looks like a cross between rugby, field hockey and soccer. Players wear helmets and wield a stick called a hurley to hit a ball called the sliotar over or under a crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper. The game has been played for thousands of years in Ireland, and three hurling matches are held every year.

The global sports industry is massive, worth between EUR350 billion and EUR450 billion in annual revenue, according to Statista. It includes everything from broadcasting and licensing to merchandise sales and brand marketing. It is also a large employer and contributes to the local economy, particularly in areas such as infrastructure construction and tourism.