For many individuals, 2022 was perhaps the best sporting calendar they have ever experienced in their life.
Some of the major tournaments that took place this year include the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Qatar FIFA World Cup, and the World Athletics Championships.
The Women’s African Cup of Nations (AWCON), Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics, and Winter Paralympics are some of the high-profile events that were also staged this year.
Just like in 2022, this year a number of mouth-watering tournaments will also be on offer.
Also Read: Athletics: Why Pace Setters Are Called Rabbits
TeamKenya.co.ke, compiled a list of three big sporting events that are expected to thrill fans in a few months to come.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in France broke a number of records.
Some of the records that were set include the largest winning margins, most goals scored in both the women’s and men’s categories, and the oldest player to net a hat-trick.
In France, most own goals in the history of the competition were also scored with Wendie Renard, Lee Alexander, and Nigeria’s Osinachi being some of the culprits.
With the huge growth witnessed in women’s football in the past three years, the 2023 edition promises to be an action-packed one.
Some of the teams that will represent the African continent in the tournament include South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia.
Kenya failed to compete in the qualifiers because the nation was banned by the world football governing body.
The event which will be held from Thursday, July 20, to Sunday, August 20, will be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Rugby World Cup
Aside from football fans, rugby supporters also have a reason to smile as we approach 2023.
This is because the 10th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup will also take place next year.
The quadrennial world championship will be held between Friday, September 8, and Saturday, October 28, in France.
South Africa is the reigning champion. They hammered England 32-12 in the 2019 finals held at the magnificent Nissan Stadium, in Yokohama, Japan.
Neighbors Namibia and South Africa are some of the countries that will represent Africa at the eagerly awaited tournament.
Kenya, the lowest-ranked nation in this year’s qualification, has never qualified for the event.
World Cross Country Championship
The 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championship is another event that 2023 has to offer.
East African countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya will have representatives at the games.
Uganda and Kenya recently named their squads. The latter’s team is predominantly dominated by newbies with the likes of Timothy Cheruiyot missing out.
Reigning 5,000m Commonwealth champion Beatrice Chebet, Emily Chebet, and Agnes Chebet are also expected to be on the starting lineup.
Some of Kenya's representatives of the event which will be held in Budapest, Australia include former world champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Kibiwott Kandie, Daniel Simiyu, and Kapsabet-based Sebastian Kimaru.
The event was initially slated for Saturday, February 19, 2022, but it was moved to Saturday, February 18, 2023, due to the congested athletic calendar witnessed this year.
Also Read: Beatrice Chepkoech Opens Year With 3rd Place Finish