1972 Nixon visit to China — official United States visit to the People's Republic of China, leading to establishment of diplomatic relations

Handball at the 1972 Summer Olympics — overview of handball practiced at the 1972 Olympic Summer Games

Basketball at the 1972 Summer Olympics — Basketball events at the 1972 Summer Olympics

1972 Summer Olympics medal table

1972 AFC Asian Cup — international football competition

1972 Summer Olympics — Games of the XX Olympiad, in Munich, West Germany

Eurovision Song Contest 1972 — 17th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest

1972 African Cup of Nations — football tournament

1972–73 European Cup — 18th season of the UEFA club football tournament

1972 Formula One season — sports season

1972–73 UEFA Cup — 2nd season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA