Sports in the 21st century are growing more global, diversified, and dynamic than ever before. Asia is one of the regions that is leading the way. Asia is the world’s biggest and most populous continent, with a rich and varied history and culture. Asia is also the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic region, with a thriving and inventive economy and society. Asia is also set to become the world’s next major sports hub, with a growing and powerful presence and position in the global sports business and market.
In this article, we will explore how Asia is hosting major sports events and attracting global audiences, how Asia is producing top athletes and competing with the best in the world, how Asia is developing sports infrastructure and creating growth opportunities, and how Asia is embracing sports culture and fostering diversity and inclusion.
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How Asia is Hosting Major Sports Events and Attracting Global Audiences
Hosting big sporting events (that are popularly wagered on through platforms like 10CRIC) and garnering global audiences is one of the ways Asia is positioning itself to become the world’s next major sports hub. Asia has hosted some of the world’s most important and popular sporting events, including the Olympics, World Cup, Asian Games, and Formula One.
Some of the examples of major sports events that Asia has hosted or will host are:
- The Olympics: Asia has hosted the Summer Olympics seven times, and the Winter Olympics four times. The most recent ones were the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The next ones will be the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, and the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.
- The World Cup: Asia has hosted the FIFA World Cup twice, and the ICC Cricket World Cup four times. The most recent ones were the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The next ones will be the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
- The Formula One: Asia has hosted the Formula One Grand Prix 13 times, and the next one will be the 2021 Singapore Grand Prix in Singapore. Formula One is the most prestigious and glamorous motor racing event in the world and showcases the best of Asia’s technology, engineering, and entertainment.
How Asia is Producing Top Athletes and Competing with the Best in the World
Another way Asia is becoming the world’s next big sports hub is by developing great athletes and competing against the best in the world. Asian athletes have produced some of the most skilled and successful athletes in sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, and golf.
Some of the examples of top athletes that Asia has produced or will produce are:
- Soccer: Asia has produced some of the best soccer players in the world, such as Son Heung-min from South Korea, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, and is one of the most prolific and popular strikers in the world. Asia has also produced some of the best soccer teams in the world, such as Japan, who reached the round of 16 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and Qatar, who won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Basketball: Asia has produced some of the best basketball players in the world, such as Yao Ming from China, who played for the Houston Rockets in the NBA, and is one of the most influential and iconic players in the history of the game. Asia has also produced some of the best basketball teams in the world, such as the Philippines, who won the bronze medal in the 1954 FIBA World Championship, and Iran, who won the gold medal in the 2007 and 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.
- Tennis: Asia has produced some of the best tennis players in the world, such as Naomi Osaka from Japan, who is the current world number one in women’s singles, and has won four Grand Slam titles, including the 2021 Australian Open. Asia has also produced some of the best tennis teams in the world, such as India, which reached the final of the 2010 Davis Cup, and China, which reached the final of the 2019 Fed Cup.
- Golf: Asia has produced some of the best golfers in the world, such as Hideki Matsuyama from Japan, who is the current world number two in men’s golf, and won the 2021 Masters Tournament, becoming the first Asian male to win a major championship. Asia has also produced some of the best golf teams in the world, such as South Korea, which won the gold medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics, and Thailand, which won the gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games.
Conclusion
Asia is on its way to becoming the world’s next major sports center, with a growing and significant presence and influence in the global sports business and market. Asia is hosting major sporting events and attracting global audiences, expanding sports infrastructure and providing chances for growth, embracing sports culture, and supporting diversity and inclusion. Asia is a sports leader and a sports model, not just a sports center. Through sports, Asia is molding the world, influencing culture, and affecting the economy.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.