A globalised world has led to a growing number of international sports. As travel became easier, soccer’s popularity spread, eventually leading to the founding of FIFA in 1904. The Olympics and other events followed, making them a cultural phenomenon, and increasing their financial clout.
The Olympic Games are the oldest international sporting competition, dating back to ancient Greece. The ancient event was not just an athletic contest; it was meant to bring together city-states and kingdoms, with all internal struggles put on hold while the Olympian Games were taking place. This set a precedent for sports as a form of diplomacy or a temporary truce between conflicting powers, something still seen today.
Today, there are 43 Olympic sports, with eight on the programme for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and 35 in the LA 2028 Summer Olympics. These are governed by the International Federations (IFs).
IFs establish and govern their sport at world level and monitor its everyday administration. They ensure that their discipline is developed worldwide, promote the Olympic values and supervise the organisation of the events at the Olympic Games.
But even if you are not a huge fan of sports, attending a local match is a great way to experience the culture and vibe of an international city, like Rome. Whether it is hearing the crowd cheer for the hometown team or seeing that iconic goal, there is no better feeling than being part of the action at a live game.