Even by the standards of jam-packed sporting calendars, the summer of 2024 is exceptional. For the first time in history, two of the biggest continental football competitions, tennis’ classiest Slam, the most prestigious T20 tournament and the “greatest show on earth” have coincided, sending sports fans into dreamland. Whether you are watching on the move or cheering from the couch, My Kolkata has you covered with our definitive sports calendar guide for the next three months. Read on to know who, when and what to watch out for.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Jasprit Bumrah has proved to be India’s biggest match-winner at the T20 World Cup so far TT Archives
- When to watch
The two semi-finals are on June 27 (6am IST and 8pm IST), with the final in Barbados taking place on June 29 at 8pm IST
- Where to watch
Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar
- Why watch
This is as prestigious as it gets for cricket’s shortest format, which also happens to have organised the biggest World Cup in the sport’s history, with 20 teams taking part in the tournament co-hosted by the US and West Indies. After the runfest in this year’s IPL, the T20 World Cup has offered a much better contest between bat and ball, with upsets galore and close contests aplenty (New Zealand and Pakistan didn’t even make it out of the group stages!). As the action heads to the knockouts, it could still be anybody’s World Cup to win.
- Who to watch out for
India’s quest for their first ICC trophy since 2013 continues, with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant leading the charge. Reigning champions England have recovered from a slow start, with captain Jos Buttler looking ominous, and will pose a stiff test to the Men in Blue. Afghanistan, with the most versatile spin attack in the last four, are two shocks away from winning it all. But it is South Africa, still hunting for their first World Cup, who might just be the most balanced outfit, with the likes of Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje in fine fettle.
UEFA Euro
Kylian Mbappe, all masked up, should be ready to help France in the knockouts of Euro 2024 Getty Images
- When to watch
The group stages wrap up on June 27, with the knockouts beginning on June 29. The final, on July 15, is in Berlin. Kick-off times for the knockouts alternate between 9.30pm IST and 12.30am IST
- Where to watch
Sony Ten and Sony LIV
- Why watch
Probably the best Euros in terms of atmosphere since Portugal 2004, German stadiums and crowds have been a joy to behold. With no outright favourites so far, this could well be the most unpredictable championships among Europe’s best this century. While the hosts have overcome their pre-tournament wobbles, the usual suspects — France, England, Portugal, Belgium, Spain and Italy — are yet to dazzle, meaning some of them are bound to catch fire soon.
- Who to watch out for
Kylian Mbappe for France, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for England, Kevin De Bruyne for Belgium and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal are the obvious ones. But if you haven’t watched a lot of Germany yet, keep an eye out for the mesmerising Jamal Musiala. In terms of teams punching above their weight, Switzerland seem the best bet so far.
Copa America
Lionel Messi is looking to lead Argentina to back-to-back Copa America titles Getty Images
- When to watch
The group stages wrap up on July 3, with the knockouts (starting with the quarter-finals) scheduled July 5 onwards. The showpiece game is on July 15 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium (hours after the Euros final).
- Where to watch
With no official broadcaster for the Copa in India, you can try your luck with unofficial streams on X by adding the words “live stream” to the name of the match (such as: “Argentina vs Brazil live stream”).
- Why watch
With North America playing hosts, this Copa looks and sounds nothing like the last edition, played without crowds in a pandemic-ravaged Brazil. In terms of technique and temperament, the football should be feistier than the Euros, with the shorter duration and simpler format making for compelling match-ups.
- Who to watch out for
Defending champions and World Cup winners Argentina start as favourites, with Lionel Messi potentially and Angel Di Maria definitely playing their last major tournaments for the Albiceleste. Uruguay, with Darwin Nunez leading the line, look like the biggest threat to Argentina, though a new-look Brazil, with Vinicius Junior eyeing the Ballon d’Or, and co-hosts United States, powered by Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna, should go deep.
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz enter Wimbledon as top seeds, hoping to add to their success from the French Open Getty Images
- When to watch
The action is already underway, with the ladies’ and the gentlemen’s semi-finals scheduled for July 11 and 12, respectively. As always, the ladies’ final will be on a Saturday (July 13), a day ahead of the gentlemen’s final (July 14). On most days, the tennis should begin around 3pm IST and continue well past midnight.
- Where to watch
Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar
- Why watch
Because this is the most stylish sports competition of the year and also because it will be the ideal visual detox, with the all-white outfits set to soothe your eyes in the midst of the colourful explosions happening elsewhere.
- Who to watch out for
Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Roland Garros success, is the clear favourite in the ladies’ category, with Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka expected to have impressive tournaments. On the men’s side, all eyes will be on defending champion and French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz, as Centre Court prepares to welcome a new icon with Novak Djokovic a major doubt and Rafael Nadal not in contention. The Indian contingent at SW19 will comprise four members, all in the men’s doubles — Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri and Sriram Balaji.
Olympic Games
Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu are among India’s biggest medal hopefuls in Paris Getty Images
- When to watch
Paris welcomes sport’s biggest extravaganza on July 26, with the curtain coming down on August 11. If you plan on following most of the events, expect to be busy between early afternoon till at least 2am IST every day. For the entire breakdown of which event is happening when, see this.
- Where to watch
Sports18 and JioCinema
- Why to watch
Because it’s the Olympics. Period. Also because India could be set for the best tally in the country’s history. Having won seven medals last time out, the aim this time will be to hit double figures at least.
- Who to watch out for
Having come back with their most successful Asian Games medal tally of 106 last year, India will hope some of that success translates to the Olympics. While Neeraj Chopra will be the cynosure of attention as he looks to get a record second gold medal for India, it’s worth watching out for Parul Chaudhary in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and Kolkata boy Anush Agarwalla in equestrian. The Indian men’s hockey team will have the odds stacked against them but badminton, boxing, wrestling and shooting should accumulate a few medals for India between them. Mirabai Chanu will also have a lot of expectations, as she tries to go one step further to get gold after her silver in Tokyo.
