Sports

Gaza Sunbird team members distribute much-needed food aid and other supplies in Rafah, Gaza in February 2024.

Gaza Sunbirds paracycling team pivots to aid distribution amid war

Cyclists on the Gaza Sunbirds team have always dreamed of competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. But after Oct. 7, 2023, that dream took a backseat. Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the athletes have put their bikes to good use — delivering food to their community members in need.

Gaza Sunbirds paracycling team pivots to aid distribution amid war
competitive camel racers pose for a picture with their camels

Women's camel racing team takes an ancient sport back to the future

Women's camel racing team takes an ancient sport back to the future
Serhiy Ivanov is a goalkeeper with Ukraine's first amputee soccer club. 

‘Keep on living’: Wounded vets in Ukraine establish first amputee soccer club

‘Keep on living’: Wounded vets in Ukraine establish first amputee soccer club
Student athlete posing in a blue uniform and holding a basketball at a photo shoot

International students still restricted from NIL deals

International students still restricted from NIL deals
The main rule of "walking soccer" is no running.

‘Walking soccer’ trend in Spain keeps people of all ages in the game

‘Walking soccer’ trend in Spain keeps people of all ages in the game
Three women in red soccer uniforms holding their hands up with a trophy

Spain made history with Women's World Cup victory — despite team tensions

Supporters are hoping their win leads to greater equality in professional soccer.

Spain made history with Women's World Cup victory — despite team tensions
woman facing camera

A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.

Varzeshe Pahlavani is a mix of martial arts, wrestling and calisthenics. It has deep roots in Persian tradition going back centuries. The sport is officially closed off to women, but one female Iranian activist is trying to change that.

A traditional Iranian sport has been closed off to women. One activist wants to change that.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) shoots over Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Denver. 

Nikola Jokić takes center stage at NBA Finals and Serbian fans are loving it

As the NBA Finals kick off, the 28-year-old Serbian basketball star is making waves with fans back in his hometown of Sombor, Serbia. 

Nikola Jokić takes center stage at NBA Finals and Serbian fans are loving it
stadium

New Kings and Queens soccer leagues enlist internet stars to revamp sport

The game is loosely based on soccer, but immersed in video game culture and reality TV antics. In Barcelona, Spain, the second season of the Kings League kicks off the first weekend of May alongside the first season of the Queens League. This summer, the Prince Cup will launch for kids ages 9 to 11.

New Kings and Queens soccer leagues enlist internet stars to revamp sport
Two players from Boston bruins and Montreal Canadiens hockey teams talk to each other on the ice

Montreal Canadiens superfans brace for historic record to be smashed

The Boston Bruins are on the verge of making history — eclipsing the Montreal Canadiens' coveted record of most points scored in a regular season, set back in 1977.

Montreal Canadiens superfans brace for historic record to be smashed
Surfing instructor Godpower Tamarakuro Pekipuma in Lagos, Nigeria.

‘Walking on water’: Surfing makes waves in Nigeria

The West African country of Nigeria is lucky to have a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. In the coastal community of Lagos, where many people didn't grow up learning to swim, interest in surfing and water sports is growing.

‘Walking on water’: Surfing makes waves in Nigeria
Fans are seen on the stands during the Russian Premier-League soccer match between Khimki and Rostov Rostov-on-Don, in Khimki, outside Moscow, Russia.

Russia’s new Fan ID law seen as new form of authoritarian surveillance

​​​​​​​In Russia, in order to attend soccer matches in the country's Premier League, fans now need to present a "Fan ID." The state says it’s about public safety and security. But Russian soccer fans aren’t buying it. 

Russia’s new Fan ID law seen as new form of authoritarian surveillance
Ukrainian fencers train at the National University of Physical Education in Kyiv.

Athletes in Ukraine strive for Olympic gold 

As Ukrainian athletes train for the Summer Olympics next year in Paris, it is unclear whether or not Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Games.

Athletes in Ukraine strive for Olympic gold 
Bullfighting is still legal in the Colombian city of Manizales, which holds a major festival on the first week of January.

Colombia’s plan to ban bullfighting sparks debate on tradition, animal rights

Bullfighting has become less popular as views about animal rights change in Colombia. But in some parts of the country, it is still a highly esteemed tradition.

Colombia’s plan to ban bullfighting sparks debate on tradition, animal rights
grassy mountain

An unseasonably warm winter in Europe threatens ski resorts, tourism

​​​​​​​Countries across Europe are experiencing unseasonably warm weather this January, causing a headache for ski resorts and broader concern for what it might mean for the year ahead.

An unseasonably warm winter in Europe threatens ski resorts, tourism