Centripetal refers to forces or factors that unite or bring people together. In the context of sports, it means an event that tends to unify countries in their support for a common team or athlete.
Related terms
Nationalism: A strong sense of loyalty and pride towards one's own nation.
Cultural diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs, practices, and customs from one society to another.
Supranational organization: An organization formed by multiple nations working together for a common purpose, such as the European Union.