Samurai Japan, led by baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, and the Hanshin Tigers ended lengthy championship droughts this year, while sumo saw the emergence of a new force and Spain won its first Women¡¯s World Cup.

Here are a few of the highlights from a year of sweet sports victories and more.

The Olympic rings in Sapporo¡¯s Odori Park. The Hokkaido capital had explored the possibility of hosting the Winter Games in 2034 after dropping its bid for 2030 amid a sweeping Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal, but with the IOC shortlisting other candidates, the city may be in for a long wait to host again.
The Olympic rings in Sapporo¡¯s Odori Park. The Hokkaido capital had explored the possibility of hosting the Winter Games in 2034 after dropping its bid for 2030 amid a sweeping Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal, but with the IOC shortlisting other candidates, the city may be in for a long wait to host again. | Daniel Traylor

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a game in August. Ohtani¡¯s prowess on the mound and in the batter¡¯s box earned him a second AL MVP award.
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a game in August. Ohtani¡¯s prowess on the mound and in the batter¡¯s box earned him a second AL MVP award. | Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports / via Reuters

Kirishima (left) battles Daieisho during the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on Nov. 24. Kirishima¡¯s emergence as a force highlighted a transition year in sumo as the sport searches for its next star.
Kirishima (left) battles Daieisho during the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on Nov. 24. Kirishima¡¯s emergence as a force highlighted a transition year in sumo as the sport searches for its next star. | Jiji

South Africa¡¯s Siya Kolisi during the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand on Oct. 28. The Springboks won their second straight title.
South Africa¡¯s Siya Kolisi during the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand on Oct. 28. The Springboks won their second straight title. | Reuters

Team Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Women's World Cup over England on Aug. 20 in Sydney. The title was a first for Spain. Nadeshiko Japan, meanwhile, lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals despite the efforts of Hinata Miyazawa, who won the Golden Boot after scoring a tournament-high five goals.
Team Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Women¡¯s World Cup over England on Aug. 20 in Sydney. The title was a first for Spain. Nadeshiko Japan, meanwhile, lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals despite the efforts of Hinata Miyazawa, who won the Golden Boot after scoring a tournament-high five goals. | Reuters

Tokyo police raid the dormitory of the Nihon University football team in the capital¡¯s Nakano Ward on Aug. 3. Several players from the team were involved in a drug scandal, leading to the storied club¡¯s disbandment later in the year.
Tokyo police raid the dormitory of the Nihon University football team in the capital¡¯s Nakano Ward on Aug. 3. Several players from the team were involved in a drug scandal, leading to the storied club¡¯s disbandment later in the year. | Jiji

Shingo Kunieda during a news conference on Feb. 7. Kunieda announced his retirement from wheelchair tennis in January after a career that included a record 28 major singles titles and four Paralympic gold medals.
Shingo Kunieda during a news conference on Feb. 7. Kunieda announced his retirement from wheelchair tennis in January after a career that included a record 28 major singles titles and four Paralympic gold medals. | Jiji