Reading iafrica.com Travel Editor Richard Holmes' 'Bucket List' article last week got me thinking: When I am lying on my deathbed, my impressive will and testament the subject of greedy, bickering in-laws, what sporting events will I most regret not attending?

As any sports fan worth his salt knows, some tournaments such as the Ashes transcend mere contests like the SuperSport Series, while there are opponents ? think the Leopards versus Boland ? and there are rivals, say any South African sports team against Australia?

Below are my top five sports tournaments/clashes to get to before I kick the bucket?

US Open - Flushing Meadows:

I think most people would say Wimbledon, but there is something about New York that just draws me in. The US Open is like the rock star of the Grand Slams ? it's loud, it's brash, it finishes in the early hours of the morning and it's probably a little too glam? but you still can't ignore the talent on display.

India vs Pakistan ? Eden Gardens:

The biggest rivalry in cricket ? if not sport ? India-Pakistan matches are always going to be a hotbed of manic support, but at Eden Gardens it is notched up to another level. Relations between the two countries mean they don't get to play in India as much as they used to, which only makes it more important to get there while I still can? best I remember my Sachin shirt.

The Super Bowl:

Say what you want about the Americans. They're loud, obnoxious and don't really know much outside of their own border, but jeez they know how to showcase sport! The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of the US sporting calendar and even if your team is losing, you know the half-time show will be worth the cost of a ticket.

Tour de France:

I have followed the Tour de France since I was a kid, when my mom ? a huge fan despite never getting on a bike ? introduced me to the cycling sage, Phil Liggett, as the peloton wound its way through some of the most incredible scenery known to man. Whether I am waiting for a winner at the top of Mont Venoux or watching the biggest names in cycling cruise around the Champs-Elysees, sipping champagne and taking in the sights, as long as I get to see it, with my mom in tow, I will be happy.

The Olympic Games:

It's the pinnacle of sports, coming only once every four years, and unless it is being hosted in Afghanistan, Iraq, or any other warzone, I intend to witness it up close because once you put aside all the marketing, branding and hyperbole, this is what sports was intended to be? it's also where it all began. There is no other single gathering of athletes that comes close to the Games. Where else can an amateur hockey player from South Africa mingle with the likes of Roger Federer? Make no mistake, the Olympics is top of my list, and hey, if it happens to be held in New York, Greece or Italy, that's a bonus.