International Sports Competitions Research Articles

ESTRATÉGIAS DE CONFORTO AMBIENTAL PARA QUADRAS FECHADAS VOLTADAS A ESPORTES DE ALTO RENDIMENTO

Sports architecture, with its particularities, is essential to optimize the efficiency of environments, considering the specific needs of each sport. This article addresses environmental comfort strategies applied to indoor courts intended for high-performance sports, highlighting the importance of an architecturally planned environment to ensure the well-being of athletes and optimize their performance. The study focuses on thermal, visual, acoustic and ergonomic aspects, and analyzes how each of these factors influences sports performance. In addition, it explores the interaction between the body and the physical environment, proposing solutions that favor the creation of functional and comfortable spaces for sports practice and competitive events. The research, of a bibliographic and exploratory nature, brings together concepts of environmental psychology and athletic performance, in addition to highlighting the construction strategies of ventilation, lighting and acoustic control that can be applied to indoor courts with the aim of promoting human well-being. The work proposes solutions so that sports centers offer adequate conditions for sports practice, supporting the creation of environments that favor both the satisfaction and the enhancement of the performance of athletes. From this study, it is possible to define the importance of the preparation and competition environment in the performance of high-performance athletes, and architecture, linked to environmental comfort, is shown to be a tool for the development of these spaces, essential for success in national and international sports competitions.

Student Leadership Qualities through Academic Sports Diplomacy and Qualities

This research investigates the field of academic sports diplomacy, with a specific emphasis on the leadership abilities and levels of involvement exhibited by student-athletes. By conducting a thorough analysis, this study reveals valuable insights regarding the evaluation of leadership skills in student-athletes across different dimensions. These dimensions encompass modeling the way, encouraging the heart, enabling others to act, challenging the process, and inspiring a shared vision. Furthermore, this study investigates the level of involvement of student-athletes in academic sports diplomacy. This includes activities such as student-athlete exchanges, international sports competitions, cultural sports exchange programs, international sports projects, and cross-country competitions. The research emphasizes a positive relationship between leadership abilities and involvement in sports diplomacy initiatives, emphasizing the significance of leadership training in promoting active engagement. Furthermore, this study illuminates important challenges encountered by student-athletes, including limitations on time, gaps in awareness, the necessity for skill development, the juggling of competing priorities, the importance of cultural comprehension, and the significance of collaborative efforts. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the creation of strategies and programs that aim to empower student-athletes in their role as effective representatives of sports diplomacy. These initiatives seek to foster cultural connections and inspire positive global transformations.

Новые методики формирования позитивного образа международных спортивных соревнований в Российской Федерации

сегодня проведение международных спортивных соревнований в Российской Федерации затруднено, прежде всего по геополитическим причинам, трансформирующимися в проблемы с имиджем. Однако, в нашей стране имеются ресурсы и кадры для проведения соревнований самого высокого уровня. Формирование позитивного образа международных спортивных соревнований в Российской Федерации позволило бы решить как проблемы российского спорта, во многом изолированно, так и более глобальную проблему «мягкой силы», в которой весьма нуждается российское государство. Целью статьи является анализ и разработке новых методик формирования позитивного образа международных спортивных соревнований в Российской Федерации. В ней рассматриваются существующие методики формирования позитивного образа, успешные практики и проблемные аспекты. Затем предлагаются новые подходы, включающие использование современных коммуникационных технологий, вовлечение общественности и медиа, а также улучшение инфраструктуры и сервиса. В заключении представлены практические рекомендации, которые могут послужить основой для разработки конструктивных стратегий по улучшению имиджа международных соревнований в России. Эта статья предлагает комплексный подход к формированию позитивного образа международных соревнований, который способствует в конечном итоге укреплению имиджа страны. Методология исследования представляет собой качественный сравнительный подходы, включающий обзор литературы и анализ программных документов. В результате исследования выявлены механизмы, позволяющие реализовать в России международные спортивные соревнования высокого уровня, формирующие позитивный образ таких соревнований в нашей стране. today, holding international sports competitions in the Russian Federation is difficult, primarily for geopolitical reasons, which are transforming into image problems. However, our country has the resources and personnel to hold competitions of the highest level. The formation of a positive image of international sports competitions in the Russian Federation would make it possible to solve both the problems of Russian sports, in many ways in isolation, and the more global problem of "soft power", which the Russian state greatly needs. The article is devoted to the analysis and development of new methods for forming a positive image of international sports competitions in the Russian Federation. It examines the existing methods of forming a positive image, successful practices and problematic aspects. Then new approaches are proposed, including the use of modern communication technologies, the involvement of the public and media, as well as improving infrastructure and service. In conclusion, practical recommendations are presented that can serve as a basis for developing constructive strategies to improve the image of international competitions in Russia. This article offers a comprehensive approach to the formation of a positive image of international competitions, which ultimately contributes to strengthening the image of the country. The research methodology is a qualitative comparative approach, including a literature review and analysis of policy documents. As a result of the research, mechanisms have been identified that make it possible to implement high-level international sports competitions in Russia, forming a positive image of such competitions in our country.

Competitive effectiveness of Kazakhstani athletes specializing in Greco-Roman wrestling in the international sports arena

Despite the great popularity of Greco-Roman style wrestling and the success of Kazakhstan athletes in the international sports arena, there is no in-depth analysis of the competitive performance of our athletes at major sports competitions in the literature available to us. The purpose of the study was to analyze the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at major international competitions. Such research methods as analysis of literary sources, analysis of protocols of performances of Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions, analysis of profiles of Kazakhstan athletes in the International Wrestling Database were used. Analyzing the performances of Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers at such major international competitions as the World Cup and the Olympic Games, we can conclude that their competitive performance has decreased. In recent years, the share of gold medals in the medal standings of the national team has decreased and the share of bronze medals has increased. Kazakhstan Greco-Roman wrestlers are one of the regular participants of major international sports competitions. During the entire period of participation, Kazakhstan athletes at international competitions have won 12 medals of the European Championship, 43 medals of the World Championship and 16 medals of the Olympic Games. However, in recent years there has been a decrease in the competitive effectiveness of our athletes at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Is There a Link Between the Increased Consumption of Sports Drinks and Dental Decay?

Background: The role of oral health in influencing athletic performance has been well documented. The use of sports drinks has been linked with an increase in poor oral health including dental decay. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between sports drinks and dental decay/pain amongst elite athletes and the incidence of dental decay/pain. Hypothesis: This study is looking at the hypothesis that the consumption of sports drinks leads to dental disease, particularly dental decay. Level of evidence: Local and current random sample; randomized trial; cohort study or control arm of randomized trial; inception cohort study. Methods: An opportunistic volunteer survey of elite athletes attending a varied international sporting competition. Analysis of the data was undertaken using descriptive statistics, mean values and standard deviations. Associations between demographic information and results were presented. A p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: 458 completed questionnaires were distributed and received. The link between the frequency of sports drinks consumption and dental decay/pain was marginally statistically significant, (X2 , p=0.077). Isotonic sports drinks and sensitivity was statistically significant (X2 , p=<0.001). 197(43%) athletes reported drinking sports drinks at least once a week; 33 athletes (7%) reported consuming sports drinks a minimum of three times a day. n=175 (35%) athletes reported that they saw their nutritionist for advice about sports drinks, only n=21 (4%) sought advice from the dentist. One in four athletes reported seeing their dentist due to pain (n=116; 25.3%). Conclusion: This study covered a diverse group of elite athletes. It is unclear whether the use of sports drinks does result in more tooth decay, but dentists should educate athletes and their supporting teams about the potential risks from these drinks thus mitigating those potential risks. Clinical relevance: By understanding the magnitude of the challenge of dental decay facilitated by sports drinks, it is hoped that adequate preventative measures can be put in place. Thus, supporting the athletes towards better oral health and performance.

Classification of athletes with disorders of mental and physical development

The article reveals the problematic issues of selecting athletes with mental and physical disabilities to participate in official all-Ukrainian and international Paralympic sports competitions. It has been established that the solution to this problem prompts the study of the peculiarities of the classification of athletes with mental and physical disabilities in order to allow them to compete. It has been proven that one of the best means of strengthening mental and physical health is physical education. For people with disabilities, this is an adaptive sport, which is aimed at the formation of athletic skills in people with mental disabilities and their achievement of high results in various types of sports. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the classification of athletes with mental and physical disabilities according to the existing international rules for specific types of sports. The minimum classification standard for admission to competitions in athletics, table tennis and swimming for athletes with mental and physical disabilities has been developed, intended for national application level during the all-Ukrainian qualifying and final competitions, All-Ukrainian Spartakiade among children with disabilities “Believe in yourself”, Ukrainian table tennis championships and cups in accordance with the Virtus guidelines. The minimum classification standard takes into account the specifics of the procedure of psychological classification of athletes with mental and physical disabilities which is carried out on the basis of current documents and Virtus recommendations. The minimum classification standard allows to algorithmize the classification procedure of athletes with mental and physical disabilities taking into account its crucial importance for determining the right to participate in competitions.

How Countries Compete for Success in Elite Sport: A Systematic Review

The ‘Global Sporting Arms Race’ is the term that describes the competition among different countries to succeed in international sports competitions. The development of that peaceful competition determines two outputs: an increase in soft power at the international level and a promotion of the national identity and social impact. It means increasing the level of influence that the countries obtain internationally as a cornerstone of the concept of a sporting nation with a proud and healthy population. In order to explain the factors involved in the success of a sports system at the elite level, a systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA protocol in the databases Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The findings of the study show that the factors that determine success at the international level have received increased attention, as shown by the number of publications since 2010. The results indicate the following research factors: (1) it was observed that most researchers tend to carry out comprehensive analyses with a holistic perspective, while the UK, Australia, Canada, and Spain carry out segmented analyses; (2) Olympic sports—especially athletics—were the most analysed; while in non-Olympic sports, those with social influence predominate in countries, such as netball; (3) the analysis of meso and micro factors is preferred over macro factors; (4) quantitative studies are preferred through the analysis of primary sources, such as official reports; and (5) the economic variable is the most common input, with medals reached at the elite level being the most used output to check the correlation or significativity of the results.

THE PHENOMENON OF AFRICAN RUNNERS

The advantage of athletes representing the "black" continent is obvious in track and field running competitions, especially in middle-distance, long-distance and marathon running. A quarter of a century has passed since African runners created an "atmosphere of invincibility" at international sports competitions. In many scientific studies, attempts to identify the phenomenon of the results of African runners in running competitions at various distances have been made. The purpose of the study is to identify the dominance of the strongest middle-distance and long-distance runners and marathon runners from African countries over runners from other regions of the world. The research results have reveal that the participation of runners of both sexes in all endurance competitions in all regions over the world has the following picture in percentages: a) men: Africa - 55.16, Europe - 19.66, North America - 13.38, Asia - 6.8, Central and South America - 1.44, Australia and Oceania - 3.56; b) Women: Africa - 35.2, Europe - 25.3, North America - 21.48, Asia - 12.92, Central and South America - 1.58, Australia and Oceania - 3.52.

Dilemma of Competitive Equality: Transgender vs Cisgender Athletes in Women's International Sports Competition

This research aims to solve the human rights issue of the participation of transgender female athletes in international sports competitions in the women's division. The existence of transgender female athletes yields two perspectives: inclusivity as a human right for transgender female athletes and unfair competition for cisgender female athletes. This issue occurs due to the physiological advantages possessed by a transgender female athlete from the high level of testosterone they have, which creates unfairness in sports competition for cisgender female athletes, and the policies of international sports organizations that exclude the participation of transgender female athletes who have experienced puberty to take part in international sports competitions. Several controversial cases have sparked debate in the international community, such as the Tiffany Newel case in the running competition and the Lia Thomas case in the swimming competition; both are female transgender athletes who won sports competitions in the women's division. Although a transgender individual already has inherent human rights regulated through international law, these rights could not be a basis that overrides the rights and freedoms of other people. In this case, the right to equal and safe competition for cisgender women. The solution to this problem is to develop an 'open category' which aims to ensure the participation of all world athletes in sports competitions regardless of gender or gender identity.

Footballing journeys: migration, citizenship and national identity

ABSTRACT Sport, in particular football, can provide a useful means through which to explore the related issues of migration and national identity. Sports stars migrate from one country to another often mirroring patterns of more widespread migration from periphery to core. Such movements are influenced by a range of factors. In an increasingly commercialised and globalised sport, the exploration of footballers’ roots and the routes they take feeds into a consideration of issues of place identity and belonging. In international sporting competition, competitors don the national colours, sing the anthem and “fly the flag”, and in doing so become the embodiment of the wider imagined community. Traditionally those who compete for countries have usually been born and raised there or have lived there for sizeable periods of their lives. In recent years, however, the selection by international sports teams of competitors born in other countries has become increasingly common. The use of these footballing examples provides insights into migration, diaspora, citizenship, globalisation, and the multi-layered and contingent nature of national identity. Sport can offer a useful means of illuminating these various geographic themes and socio-spatial processes, thereby rendering them more accessible and interesting to students.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE "UNIFEHT" UNIVERSITY STADIUM DURING THE MILITARY AGGRESSION IN THE CITY OF KHARKIV

The issue of reconstruction of the destroyed stadium "Unifecht" of Kharkiv National University named after V.N. Karazin in the city of Kharkiv during the military aggression by Russia is the subject of research of this article. Unifekht Stadium was the training base of Olympic fencing champions, it was here that world champion Dmytro Karyuchenko, multiple champion of Ukraine Maksym Hvorost, and world champion Olena Voronina mastered the art of rapier. The article examines the proposal of a draft project for the restoration of the "Unifecht" stadium, carried out by the project organization "Institute "Kharkivproekt" on a charitable basis. "Kharkivproekt" Institute has experience in preparing Ukrainian stadiums for international sports competitions. During the Euro-2012 European Football Championship games in Ukraine and Poland, this organization carried out the reconstruction project of the "Metalist" stadium in Kharkiv. Such experience helps to introduce new functional changes and take into account modern requirements during the reconstruction of the destroyed stadium. European requirements and domestic legislation, norms of design and construction of sports facilities are taken into account, factors affecting the complex reconstruction of the stadium are considered. The article describes the work experience and proposals of Ukrainian architects regarding the restoration of a destroyed object under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. Keywords: sports facilities, multifunctional stadium, reconstruction.

Features of the legal status of sports federations in Ukraine

Introduction. Sport is an autonomous system that includes a huge array of various public sports organizations connected by complex relationships, the central place among which is occupied by sports federations. The purpose of the paper is to determine the specifics of the legal status and areas of activity of sports federations in Ukraine. Results. Results. The Law of Ukraine "On Physical Culture and Sports" provides for the delegation of powers for the development of the relevant sport, organization and holding of official international and all-Ukrainian sports competitions on the territory of Ukraine, etc. to public associations of physical culture and sports orientation. At the same time, it is difficult to talk about the complete autonomy of sports federations, since the sports federation, among other things, ensures cooperation with the structural units of local state administrations and local self-government bodies regarding the development of the respective sport; agrees with the Ministry, relevant local bodies of executive power and local self-government bodies on the issue of holding international sports competitions on the territory of Ukraine; implements and demands the same implementation from its members of the decisions of the Ministry, relevant contracts with local executive bodies in the field of physical culture and sports; submits a report on the use of budget funds in case of financial support from the state budget to a sports federation for the development of a sport, organization and holding of sports events; is obliged to submit a report to the Ministry on the state of implementation of the cooperation agreement, etc. every year. The peculiarity of the legal status of sports federations in various sports is that they can be created only as non-commercial organizations. At the same time, sports federations can independently or through legal entities created by them carry out entrepreneurial activities, if such activities are not their main activity and correspond to the purpose for which they were created and contribute to its achievement. Conclusion. The legal status of sports federations is hybrid. On the one hand, they are accountable to the central body of executive power - the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and on the other hand, they are autonomous and independently determine the directions of their activities, including: organization and holding of competitions; approval of internal documents and their implementation; implementation of the system of certification of clubs, coaches and other specialists in the field of sports; establishment of institutions, enterprises and organizations to achieve their statutory goals and objectives, participation in civil-law relations, acquisition of property and non-property rights; determination of the mechanism for resolving sports disputes.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ В ОБЛАСТИ ФИЗИЧЕСКОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ И СПОРТА (НА ПРИМЕРЕ САМАРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

Recently, in the Russian Federation, all sports activities have been under the scrutiny of both the state authorities and the public. This is due to the sporting successes of our national teams in various sports, the increased interest in the sports field in connection with the holding of international sports competitions in our country, as well as the priority importance of physical culture and sports for the health of the nation and the integration of society. It is possible to distinguish the relationship between the development of this area with the health of society, as well as the economy of the state. In recent years, the sphere of physical culture and sports has begun to play an important role in the implementation of socio-economic and investment policy on the territory of the Russian Federation.

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGING AT INTERNATIONAL SPORT COMPETITIONS: DOES THE DISCOURSE AGAINST KIMI GA YO AFFECT THE JAPANESE YOUTHS?

This paper aims to discuss the view of Japanese youths on the discourse against Kimi ga Yo, especially in the setting of international sport competitions. It is a qualitative-research that uses the open model survey technique to obtain the primary data from the Japanese youths aged 20 to 22. The result of this paper shows that the discourse against Kimi ga Yo does not implicate towards the youths’ view in the present days of Japan. It also highlights the youths’ ignorance on the literal meaning of the lyrics and their emphasis on the function of Kimi ga Yo as a national anthem.
 Keywords: Kimi ga Yo, critical discourse analysis, Japanese youths

REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS AND SIGNIFICANT SPORTS BUILDINGS IN UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the review of international sports competitions. The article is devoted the research of the peculiarities of the formation and functioning of sports facilities in Ukraine. The conceptual apparatus of the research has been studied. It was determined that modern sports complexes are a set of sports facilities of universal purpose, the construction of which is carried out according to a single project documentation. It has been established that they are large-scale structures, which are distinguished by originality and non-standard constructions and forms, in which complex design, technical and engineering solutions are implemented. The complex also includes outdoor playgrounds, athletics playgrounds, and outdoor water sports objects. Such buildings and complexes are intended for holding various sports events. An analysis of the domestic experience of the formation of sports buildings and complexes in the urban environment was carried out. The main international sports competitions are considered. The coverage of the main sports events and the analysis of the formation of significant sports facilities in Ukraine made it possible to determine that the modern stage is characterized by the active implementation of multi-functionality and transformation methods, universality and saturation of sports facilities with engineering infrastructure and high-tech elements. The peculiarities and directions of the formation of sports objects in Ukraine are revealed. Specificity, methods of formation of modern sports complexes are determined. Based on the analysis of the formation of domestic sports objects, the main modern requirements for their improvement have been determined. A number of modern requirements for improving the methods of operating sports facilities and complexes and increasing the efficiency of their use have been determined. The algorithm of the conceptual approach to the improvement of sports facilities and complexes in the structure of the urban environment is revealed. Keywords: architecture, sports competitions, sports objects, urban environment.

Current issues of the implementation of the right to protect state symbols in sports activities

This article is devoted to current problems of protecting the right of the state to use state symbols (anthem, flag) within the framework of international sports and other events. The subject of the research is to consider the right to perform the national anthem, display the national flag and other symbols through the prism of the state’s intellectual property. The current position of the Russian Federation on the international sports and political arena raises the question for the legal community of the need for legislative regulation of the state's intellectual property rights to state symbols. The authors analyzed the current positions of international organizations in the field of sports regarding the participation of athletes from the Russian Federation in international sports events. The subject of the study is also international legal acts related to the holding of international sporting events and regulations of international sports organizations and federations (IOC, FIFA, UEFA). The legal system, both at the national and international levels, should be structured in such a way that international sports organizations do not have the right to ban the performance of the national anthem and the using of the national flag by a country participating in international sports competitions, because such a ban is a violation of the state's right to identity. The bans imposed by foreign organizations and judicial institutions on the Russian Federation as sanctions are presented by the international community as a compromise for the admission of Russian athletes to participate in international sports competitions in a neutral status, however, from a legal point of view, this approach requires reconsideration. The authors proposed amendments to a number of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation: the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.

Motor racing and sports tourism in the interwar period: the case of the Romanian Royal Automobile Club

Members of the Romanian elites encouraged various leisure and sporting activities from the late nineteenth century but most notably from the turn of the twentieth century onwards and during the post-WWI period. Some even become sportsmen and sportswomen recognized both nationally and internationally. Their participation in national and international sporting competitions (e.g. equestrian sports, motorsport, tennis, bobsleigh, sledging, skiing, ice-skating, ice-hockey, boxing, rugby and football) expanded to its highest level in the interwar period. Many intriguing and compelling aspects of the history of sport in south-east Europe in this period remain to be explored, and this article aims to show how the Romanian Royal Automobile Club (R.R.A.C.) promoted motor racing and sports tourism during a period of great changes for Romanian society. Moreover, the club fulfilled a significant public service role, unusual for a sports association, assisting the Romanian state in its process of nation building, elite integration and economic advancement.

Analysis of the results of the speech of the football team "Mercury" in modern conditions

The article presents the results of the analysis of the features of the features of the competitive activity of the football team "Mercury" of the University in modern conditions. For the team, the tasks of the sports season are often solved, depending on the level of football matches: improvement of tactical structures of the game, level of physical and functional preparation, technique of specialized movements, interactions between players, tactics of conducting a competitive match, determination of the main team structure, development of a strategy for participation in the next match. The features of competitive activity depend on the amount of physical activity and the complex impact on the expression of physical skills; it is possible to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the physical preparation of football players. The effectiveness of psychological training of football players provides a good game, positive interaction in competitive activities. The team of higher education students worthily represents our country at national and international sports competitions of different levels and at sports student forums. Always focused on the team play, on the result and with their small victories they bring closer to the most significant victory of the whole Ukraine. The analysis of the peculiarities of competitive activity showed that there is a necessity always determines the main directions of the training process, which allows adjusting the management system of sports training of the football team "Mercury". The football team at the university in modern conditions is provided with all the important conditions for performing in competitions.

Legal regulation of sports in Ukraine: globalization challenges

The article is devoted to the analysis of globalization challenges in the field of legal regulation of sports in Ukr aine.Legal regulation in the field of sports has a complex nature and concerns many complex aspects, is modified and improved in accordance with the information environment and global сhallenges of today. It was established that sport is a uniquephenomenon that requires two-level legal regulation: national and global. International sports law can be applied by national bodies, federations and courts. The legal regulation of national and international sports competitions has become extremely complex and has entered a new era that creates a fertile ground for the creation and development of a broader legaljurisprudence with potentially wide impact and application. Evolving sports law has a significant impact on the development of international and domestic law, forms a body of substantive legal doctrine ripe for analysis from a comparative lawperspective, and has important implications for global dispute resolution.Physical activity and sport have been proven to be essential for improving health and well-being in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.Three key aspects of global challenges in the field of legal regulation of sports are singled out: the transformation of the legal understanding of sports law, which occurs in connection with the emergence of new types of sports activities, whichmust be regulated; the rapid commercialization of sports threatens to hinder the primary purpose of sports activities, so the sports sector develops rules that try to maintain a competitive balance between participants; the formation of human somatic rights into a complex field, which leads to a change in ideology, where the human body is an axiological property and external factors, including the legal policy of the state, must treat bodily rights with dignity.

A draw for Flemish nationalism: Institutional change and stability in the Belgian sport system

AbstractThis article combines insights from historical institutionalism with the literature on ideational policy change to explain why Belgian sport institutions like the national football team appear as outliers in the story of the country's unidirectional move towards a decentralised federal state. It shows how Flemish nationalist ideas drove the asymmetrical decentralisation of the originally unitary Belgian sport system. On one hand, mechanisms of gradual institutional change led to the complete decentralisation of public sport policy. The Flemish government consequently has the authority and means to generate symbols and policies that boost Flemish identity through sport, while no comprehensive policies can be developed at the federal level for instrumentalising sport to build Belgian identity. On the other hand, mechanisms of institutional stability including vested interests, strong veto players and Flemings' dislike of secessionism prevent the full decentralisation of the Belgian non‐governmental sport governing bodies. This implies that Belgium continues to be represented in international sport competitions as a nation and that sport can thus also be employed to create and sustain Belgian alongside Flemish identity. Sport therefore contributes to sustaining the Flemings' dual Flemish‐Belgian identity, which ultimately stands in the way of a fully autonomous Flemish state.