Impact of Major Sporting Events on International Relations :

A Contemporary Indian Perspective

Abstract

Sports refers to organized skill-based activities taking place at an international level where countries and states compete against each other. Sports can be a basis to achieve the object of strengthening one’s international relations. They can be utilized by geopolitical blocks or states to showcase their superiority or develop a relationship with other states. Governments may want athletic victories to display the power of the political and economic system of the state. For political reasons, sports can also be used on an international scale; by participating (or not) in sports events, states can achieve a number of policy goals. It has to be noticed that professional sports were earlier a neglected activity, and in stereotypical families, especially in India, sports is still not considered to be a viable career option. However, in the past, sports have emerged as a strong source for the development of international relations. Sports are not just influenced by the policies of a country, but sporting events can also influence states on certain occasions. International sports tournaments and events serve the larger purpose of impacting international relations among countries. They help countries in developing a bond with other countries and also help them in fulfilling political motives. The purpose of this article is to analyse the significance of international sporting events and their impact on international relations between countries.