February 28 - England opened their hockey World Cup campaign with a stunning 3-2 win over tournament favourites Australia in New Delhi today.

" Elsewhere in Pool B, Spain beat South Africa 4-2 in the opening game of the tournament.

February 23 - Madrid will bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 or 2024 after losing out in the race to hold both the 2012 and 2016 Games, the city's Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon (pictured), said today.

The Spanish capital is the largest city in Europe never to have hosted the Olympics, an event that Spain

By Duncan Mackay in Vancouver February 23 - The Bundesliga, the world's most popular football league, is to back Munich's bid to host the 2018 Olympics and Paralympics, it was announced at a special ceremony here tonight.

world with an average attendance of 42,115, putting it ahead of competitions in England, Spain

Michael Butcher is a freelance sports journalist who has lived and worked in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain

February 14 - England's hockey players are determined to embark on a successful World Cup campaign despite lingering concerns over security arrangements in New Delhi.

" The world's four top-ranked nations - Germany, Australia, Spain and Netherlands - have dominated

England would likely have to beat Australia or Spain to achieve that.

swimmer Stephanie Millward (pictured), who has today left for a three-week altitude training trip to Spain

to maintain that progress in 2010, which is why she has left for the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain

swimmer Stephanie Millward (pictured), who has today left for a three-week altitude training trip to Spain

to maintain that progress in 2010, which is why she has left for the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain

By Duncan Mackay January 18 - Intellectual disability (ID) athletes still face several challenges before they return to the Paralympics at London 2012, they have been warned by the group's leading official.

help classify athletes with an ID to ensure there can be no repeat of the fiasco like that of Spain

January 16 - Britain have today been drawn alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Macedonia and Ukraine in Group B of the EuroBasket 2011 qualifiers.

we were drawn in the group of death at the Europeans and yes, it was tough, but particularly against Spain

By Tom Degun January 11 - Chris Finch (pictured), Britain's head coach, has predicted that if his team featuring Chicago Bull’s superstar Luol Deng can be successful at the London 2012 Olympic Games, then basketball will become one of the most popular sports in the country.

He said "At the European Championships last year, we had an extremely tough group with Spain, Serbia

and Slovenia as Spain and Serbia contested the final but we were competitive in every game and we learnt

spot at the 2010 Hopman Cup in Perth as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 in a thrilling final by Spain

fantastic win as he was beaten 6-1 4-6 3-6 by Robredo in his first singles loss of the tournament as Spain

Spain then upped a gear and went on to eventually triumphed 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.

However, the day belonged to Spain and the win is third Hopman Cup success in the 22-year history of

Spain is now equal with the Slovak Republic as the second most successful Cup nation behind the USA who

By Tom Degun January 8 - British pair Andy Murray and Laura Robson (pictured) have continued their impressive Hyundai Hopman Cup run in Perth after beating Russia to claim a place in tomorrow's final.

mixed doubles to claim a 2-1 win to finish top of Group B and set up a final against Group A winners Spain

" On Britain’s chances against third seeds Spain, Murray said: "It will be a tough

match as he [Tommy Robredo of Spain] has played great here.

January 4 - Britain's Pops Mensah-Bonsu (pictured), who is expected to leave Toronto Raptors in the next few days when his short-term contract comes to an end, has been linked with a move to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow after Spanish giants Real Madrid turned down the opportunity to sign him.

Representatives of the 26-year-old Londoner had reportedly contacted Real Madrid about a return to Spain

By Duncan Mackay January 2 - Pakistan will be provided with extra security for next month's World Cup in New Delhi in case they are targeted by extremists, the head of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has claimed.

India and Pakistan have been drawn together in Pool B of the World Cup alongside Australia, Spain

By Duncan Mackay January 2 - Pakistan will be provided with extra security for next month's World Cup in New Delhi in case they are targeted by extremists, the head of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has claimed.

India and Pakistan have been drawn together in Pool B of the World Cup alongside Australia, Spain