Moscow theater hostage crisis — seizure of a crowded Dubrovka Theater in Russia that happened in 2002

2002 OFC Nations Cup — international football competition

2002–03 UEFA Cup — 32nd season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA

2002 African Cup of Nations — football tournament

2002 FIFA World Cup — 17th FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan

2002 Asian Games — 14th edition of the Asian Games

Eurovision Song Contest 2002 — 47th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest

2002 Formula One World Championship — sports season

2002 FIBA World Championship — 2002 edition of the FIBA World Championship

2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup — 2002 edition of the association football competition CONCACAF Gold Cup

2002 European Men's Handball Championship — 2002 edition of the European Men's Handball Championship