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A look at the top sports moments from 2023.
From the Australian cricket team’s record-extending sixth ODI World Cup triumph to the Denver Nuggets’ maiden NBA victory, the field of sports witnessed some historic events in 2023. The football world was dominated by Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s men clinched an emphatic treble (and then made it four at the FIFA Club World Cup). As we approach year end, let’s take a look some of the most memorable sports events that occurred in 2023.
LeBron James becomes NBA’s all-time highest scorer
The first major event of 2023 probably took place in the NBA. It was when LeBron James became NBA’s all-time leading scorer. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record of 38,387 points during a match against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Denver Nuggets win their first NBA title
Powered by Nikola Jokic’s sensational performances, the Denver Nuggets succeeded in winning their maiden NBA title. The Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in the finals.
Novak Djokovic surpasses Steffi Graf for most weeks as World No 1
Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic equalled Margaret Court’s all-time record of most singles Grand Slam titles – 24 – at the US Open. Apart from this, Djokovic also made the year memorable by surpassing Steffi Graf’s record to emerge as the only player, male or female, to remain at the top of the world rankings for a record-breaking 378 weeks. He took that tally past 400 weeks by the end of the year.
South Africa win the Rugby World Cup
South Africa successfully defended their men’s Rugby World Cup title by getting the better of New Zealand 11-12 in October. The Springboks won a third successive knockout match in the competition by a point and add to their titles in 1995, 2007 and 2019.
PGA Tour agrees merger with LIV Golf
The major event that took place in golf this year was the merger of PGA Tour, European Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. The big announcement was made in June this year.
Max Verstappen wins 19 of 22 races in the season
In Formula 1, the best performer of the season was Max Verstappen. Red Bull’s triple world champion capped off the glorious season with a win at the Abu Dhabi, securing a record-extending 19th victory of the campaign. Overall, Red Bull won 21 of 22 races this season, with Sergio Perez emerging victorious on two occasions.
Australia win the ODI World Cup
Australia won their sixth ODI World Cup with a dominant performance against hosts India. The home side were overwhelming favourites to lift the title but faltered against Pat Cummins’ tactics in the final. Australia had a great year under Cummins, winning the World Test Championship and retaining the Ashes.
Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar for most ODI centuries
India batter Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries. Kohli achieved this magnificent feat by bringing up his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.
India win 107 medals at Asian Games
The Indian contingent produced their best performance in the history of the Asian Games with 107 medals. Overall, the Indian athletes claimed 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Neeraj Chopra wins gold at the World Athletics Championships
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra had a memorable year with the highlight being a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. With this, Chopra became the first Indian athlete to secure a gold medal at the senior world championships.
Manchester City win a historic treble
Manchester City has done it. They have won their first ever UEFA Champions League Title.
Manchester City has also become the 10th different team and 8th different club in men’s soccer history to win the European treble (Domestic League, Primary Domestic Cup, European Cup). pic.twitter.com/4u0PGuetCS
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 10, 2023
Manchester City came up with an impressive series of performances to win a historic treble in the 2022-23 season. Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final to complete a remarkable treble. It was only the 10th occasion when a European outfit won a treble and first since 1999 for an English side.
Lionel Messi joins Inter Miami
Arguably most shocking development from the football world this year was Lionel Messi signing for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami. Having capped off a stellar outing in European football, the Argentina legend joined American side Inter Miami during the summer transfer window.
Spain win the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Spain defeated England 1-0 in the final to lift their first FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy. Their World Cup triumph, however, marred by the actions of Luis Rubiales, the then president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), who kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales was banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
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