January 1, 1972
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 Nixon visit to China — official United States visit to the People's Republic of China, leading to establishment of diplomatic relations
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