Athletics is a powerful tool in developing countries. It can be used as a political tool and to gain national pride. The Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano said, “[T]he athlete who represents the nation marches away to gain glory on distant battlefields.” If the warrior returns defeated, he becomes a fallen Angel.

The Conversation’s political sport investigates how football, cricket, and rugby are reshaping the world from the Caribbean to Kosovo.

Can Caribbean cricket get its (political) groove back?

Trinidad’s semi-professional cricket has lost its shine. Tom Hodgkinson/Flickr, CC BY-SA, CC BY-SA

Cricket in the Caribbean, once associated with anticolonialism and a dream of wealth and fame for young men, has evolved into a career choice for those with dreams. Could this be the reason for West Indies’ recent shocking losses in cricket? Adnan Hossain

Hope and Deception in the Rugby Industry

The story is about a young Wallisian trying to succeed in France’s rugby world. 3 B Productions

Sport migrations are part of a broader migratory context. In some cultures, such as the Pacific Islands or in South America, men’s adulthood is not complete until they travel abroad. Rugby is a great way to do this. Niko Bernier

African Athletes’ Views on doping

The young footballers are willing to move anywhere at any cost. Uros Kovac, Author provided, Author provided

What does the concept of “cheating” or “performance enhancement” really mean to young West African footballers who see the supernatural as a force that can be used to achieve athletic success? Uros Kovac

Football is more than just a sport in Kosovo — it’s also a diplomatic victory

Fans of Kosovo cheer their team as they take on Finland in a football match played in September 2016. Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva/Reuters

Football has been a major factor in Kosovo’s struggle to achieve international recognition as a state. Loic Tregoures