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National and International Sports updates,  Important for Competitive Exams.

Pakistan’s Boycott and U-turn on India T20 World Cup 2026 Match

February 10, 2026 — In a dramatic twist, Pakistan has reversed its earlier decision to boycott the high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India. The match, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, will now go ahead as planned after days of uncertainty and controversy.

📅 Timeline of the Controversy

  • Early February 2026: Pakistan announced it would boycott the India fixture, citing political tensions and security concerns.
  • February 9, 2026 (Evening): The Government of Pakistan issued a directive allowing the national team to play against India, marking a complete U-turn.
  • February 10, 2026: ICC confirmed the match, stating that the reversal saved “crores in losses” and preserved the integrity of the tournament.

⚖️ Reasons Behind the U-turn

  • ICC Pressure: The ICC warned of financial penalties and reputational damage if Pakistan persisted with the boycott.
  • Financial Stakes: The India–Pakistan clash is the most commercially valuable fixture in cricket, with massive broadcast and sponsorship revenues at risk.
  • Diplomatic Appeals: Boards from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE urged Pakistan to reconsider, citing past solidarity during Pakistan’s cricket isolation.
  • Fan Expectations: Millions of fans worldwide demanded the marquee match not be cancelled.

Tejaswin Shankar Wins Gold at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026

India concluded its campaign at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 in Tianjin, China, with an impressive haul of five medals, finishing sixth in the overall medal standings.

The highlight for India came from Tejaswin Shankar, who delivered a stellar performance to win gold in the Men’s Heptathlon on 8 February 2026—India’s only gold medal at the championships. Shankar scored 5,993 points, setting a new national indoor record and bettering his previous mark of 5,650 points achieved in the USA in 2021.

India strengthened its tally on the final day with three more medals. Pooja claimed silver in the high jump, Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured silver in the shot put, and Ancy Sojan won bronze in the long jump.

The championships were dominated by host nation China, which topped the medal table with a massive 34 medals, including 10 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze, underlining their strong presence in indoor athletics.

India Wins the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026

India’s U-19 cricket team has once again stamped its dominance on the world stage, clinching the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe on 6 February 2026. This marks India’s record-extending sixth title, further solidifying their status as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.

📌 Match Highlights (Final: India vs England)

  • Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
  • Result: India defeated England by 100 runs
  • India’s Innings:
    • Total: 411/9 (50 overs)
    • Star Performer: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 175 runs off 80 balls (15 fours, 15 sixes)
    • Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed a steady half-century.
    • Late fireworks from Kanishk Chouhan pushed India past 400.
  • England’s Chase:
    • Total: 311 all out (40.2 overs)
    • Key Resistance: Caleb Falconer scored 115 runs.
    • India’s bowlers shared wickets, with Deepesh Devendran among the standout performers.

🌍 Significance of the Victory

  • Record: India now has 6 U-19 World Cup titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022, 2026).
  • Youth Talent Pipeline: Players like Sooryavanshi and Mhatre are being hailed as future stars for the senior team.
  • Global Impact: India’s dominance highlights the depth of its cricketing structure and grassroots development.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won Women’s Premier League 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2026, defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a thrilling final at Vadodara on 5 Feb 2026. Smriti Mandhana’s blistering 87 and Georgia Voll’s 79 powered RCB to chase down a record 204-run target, sealing their dominance in women’s cricket.

RCB’s Historic Triumph in WPL 2026

The Final Showdown

  • Venue: BCA Stadium, Vadodara
  • Match Result: RCB beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets.
  • Target: Delhi Capitals set a formidable 204-run target.
  • Chase: RCB successfully chased it down, marking the highest run chase in WPL final history.

Star Performances

  • Smriti Mandhana (Captain):
    • Scored 87 runs off 41 balls.
    • Played a captain’s knock, leading from the front.
  • Georgia Voll:
    • Contributed 79 runs, complementing Mandhana in a record-breaking partnership.
  • Partnership: Mandhana and Voll stitched together a 165-run stand, dismantling Delhi’s bowling attack.

Delhi Capitals’ Continued Heartbreak

  • Fourth Consecutive Final Loss: DC have now lost finals in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
  • Despite consistent performances through the league stages, they remain without a WPL title.
  • Captain Jemimah Rodrigues expressed disappointment but vowed to keep fighting for the elusive trophy.

RCB’s Journey to Glory

  • Second Title: RCB previously won the WPL in 2024, also against Delhi Capitals.
  • Consistency: Their women’s side has become a powerhouse, mirroring the men’s team’s IPL success in 2025.
  • Legacy Building: With Mandhana at the helm, RCB are establishing themselves as the most dominant franchise in WPL history.

Haryana Thunders win Pro Wrestling League 2026

Haryana Thunders were crowned champions of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 after a thrilling final against Delhi Dangal Warriors at the Noida Indoor Stadium on 1 February 2026. With the contest tied 4–4 after eight bouts, the title was decided in the final women’s 62 kg bout, where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko displayed remarkable composure and technical superiority to secure a dramatic 5–4 victory for Haryana.

Turan Bayramov (Delhi Dangal Warriors) was named Player of the Tournament for winning all 7 of his bouts in the men’s 57 kg category with 59 points, while Chandermohan (Punjab Royals) emerged as the highest point scorer overall. In the final, Neha Sangwan (Haryana Thunders) won Player of the Match, Ronak (Delhi Dangal Warriors) was adjudged Fighter of the Match, and Akshay Dhere (Haryana Thunders) claimed Impact Player of the Match, bringing a dramatic and memorable PWL 2026 season to a fitting close.

Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in Group C for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in Group C of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka beginning February 7. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta notified member boards through an official letter, explaining that Bangladesh’s request to shift its scheduled matches out of India violated ICC policies. With no acceptable alternative, Scotland was invited to participate, and a formal communication was also sent to Cricket Scotland.

The ICC had previously given Bangladesh time to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the need to uphold the integrity of the World Cup. With the change finalized, Scotland will now face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before heading to Mumbai to play Nepal on February 17.

Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Inaugurated in Leh, Ladakh

The Sixth Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 began on 20 January 2026 at NDS Stadium, Leh, inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta. The event marks another milestone in Ladakh’s rise as a premier winter sports hub.

A total of 21 States and Union Territories are participating, with 1,000 participants, including 472 athletes, competing in ice sports such as ice hockey and skating. The games are being held across three venues in Leh: NDS Stadium, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, and Gupuk Pond.

The opening ceremony showcased Ladakh’s cultural heritage, with performances by local artists. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated Ladakh for successfully hosting the event, which also saw the presence of senior civil and police officials.

For the first time, Figure Skating, an Olympic sport, has been introduced at the Winter Games.

Women’s Premier League 2026 Begins in Navi Mumbai & Vadodara

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, the 4th edition of India’s top women’s T20 cricket league, is being held from January 9 to February 5, 2026, across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. The tournament features five teams—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz—with revamped squads following a mega auction in November 2025.

The season opened with a star-studded ceremony featuring Jacqueline Fernandez, Honey Singh, and Harnaaz Sandhu. On the field, the opening match saw RCB defeat defending champions Mumbai Indians in a last-ball thriller, driven by South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who currently holds both the Orange and Purple Caps.

A total of 22 matches will be played in a round-robin + playoffs format. WPL 2026 carries added importance after India’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup victory, giving further momentum to women’s cricket. The league hosts top global stars along with India’s best talent, boosting visibility and fan engagement through Star Sports and JioCinema.

Sjoerd Marijne Appointed Chief Coach of Indian Women’s Hockey Team

On 2 January 2025, Sjoerd Marijne has been appointed as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, as announced by Hockey India. The experienced Dutch coach previously guided the Indian women’s team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, marking only their second Olympic appearance in over 36 years and their best-ever performance at the Games.

Marijne’s first major assignment in his new role will be the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from 8 to 14 March. These qualifiers are crucial for India’s bid to secure a place in the upcoming Women’s Hockey World Cup. He is set to arrive in India on 14 January, ahead of the National Coaching Camp, which will commence on 19 January at SAI, Bengaluru.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for facilitating the timely appointment. The move is aimed at ensuring optimal preparation and continuity as the Indian women’s hockey team gears up for key international competitions.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025

On 26 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 14-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his exceptional achievements in domestic and U-19 cricket. The ceremony recognised outstanding children across fields such as sports, bravery, social service, environment, art & culture, and science & technology.

Vaibhav has quickly risen as one of India’s most exciting young talents, breaking multiple records. He became the youngest centurion in List A cricket, smashing 190 off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and surpassing AB de Villiers’ record for fastest 150. He also became the youngest batter to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and holds the highest U-19 Asia Cup score by an Indian (171).

Internationally, he scored a century against Australia U-19 and hit 144 off 42 balls for India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with a 32-ball hundred making him the youngest male cricketer to score a century at senior representative level.

In the IPL, he debuted for Rajasthan Royals at 14 years and 23 days, becoming the youngest player in tournament history. Nine days later, he became the youngest IPL centurion, scoring a stunning 35-ball hundred, the fastest by an Indian in IPL history.

Vaibhav’s achievements have earned him national recognition, marking him as one of India’s brightest future prospects in cricket.

Hardik Singh Nominated for Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna; National Sports Awards 2025

Two-time Olympic medallist and Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has been nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour. The nominations for the National Sports Awards 2025 were finalised on 24 December 2025 by a selection panel comprising IOA vice-president Gagan Narang, former hockey player MM Somaya, and former badminton player Aparna Popat.

Hardik Singh was an integral member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it up with another Olympic medal at Paris 2024, making him a two-time Olympic medallist.

The panel also recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award, including yogasana athlete Aarti Pal. Other notable nominees include rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh, gymnast Pranati Nayak, and the women’s badminton pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. The awards are conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and presented by the President of India.

India Announces Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from 7 February to 8 March 2026.

Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain of the Indian team. Shubman Gill has been removed from the vice-captaincy and dropped from the squad due to fitness and form concerns. Axar Patel returns as vice-captain, strengthening the leadership group.

The squad sees the return of Ishan Kishan as a second wicketkeeper-batter. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are set to open the innings, while Rinku Singh makes a comeback, adding depth to the middle order alongside Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel.

In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The spin department features Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

India Wins Maiden Squash World Cup 2025 – Creates Sporting History

India created history by winning its maiden Squash World Cup title in December 2025, defeating top-seeded Hong Kong 3–0 in the final held at Chennai. With this victory, India became the first Asian nation to lift the prestigious mixed-team Squash World Cup trophy.

The final, played on 14 December 2025 at the Express Avenue Mall, saw a dominant all-round performance by the Indian team. Joshna Chinappa’s experience, Abhay Singh’s composure, Anahat Singh’s fearless play, and Velavan Senthilkumar’s consistency were key to India’s unbeaten run in the tournament. Entering as the second seed, India did not drop a single tie throughout the competition, upgrading its bronze medal from 2023 to gold.

The victory is a major milestone for Indian sports and significantly boosts the country’s profile in squash ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025: A Historic Moment for Indian Football

Lionel Messi’s “GOAT India Tour 2025” was a landmark event for Indian football, held from 13 to 15 December 2025 across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The three-day visit generated massive fan enthusiasm and placed India firmly on the global football map. Messi was accompanied by fellow football stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, adding to the excitement and international attention.

The tour began in Kolkata, widely regarded as India’s football capital, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome Messi, reflecting the city’s deep football culture. In Hyderabad, the focus shifted to grassroots football, with fan interactions and youth-oriented activities highlighting the sport’s growing popularity among young Indians. Mumbai witnessed one of the most memorable moments of the tour when Messi met Sachin Tendulkar and exchanged jerseys with Sunil Chhetri, symbolizing unity between cricket and football—India’s two major sporting passions. The overwhelming crowd response in Mumbai underlined Messi’s unmatched global appeal.

The tour concluded in New Delhi, where Messi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giving the visit a strong diplomatic and cultural dimension. Overall, the GOAT India Tour 2025 was more than a fan event; it promoted football, inspired young athletes, strengthened cultural exchange, and showcased India as an emerging hub for global sports engagement.

Germany Wins 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup; India Secures Bronze

Germany won the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in Chennai on 10 December 2025, defeating Spain 3–2 in a shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, securing their eighth title. Justus Warweg scored for Germany, while Nicolas Mustaros equalised for Spain before the match went to penalties.

India claimed their first-ever bronze medal in the Junior World Cup with a brilliant 4–2 comeback win against Argentina, scoring four goals in eleven minutes through Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Shardanand Tiwari, and Anmol Ekka.

FIFA World Cup 2026: First-Ever Tri-Nation Tournament with 48 Teams

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition in history, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across 16 cities. For the first time, the tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format, divided into 12 groups of four teams, with 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage.

The opening match will be played at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, while the final is scheduled at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey. Argentina, the 2022 champions, will defend their title. The tournament marks the first tri-nation hosting, making it the most inclusive and geographically diverse World Cup ever.

Arjun Erigaisi Wins Jerusalem Masters 2025 Title

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi won the Jerusalem Masters 2025 chess title on 3 December 2025 after defeating former World Champion Viswanathan Anand in an all-Indian final. The championship was decided through a blitz tie-break, following drawn rapid games.

En route to the title, Arjun defeated Russian Grandmaster Peter Svidler in the semifinals, while Anand advanced to the final after beating reigning World Blitz Champion Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Armand Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Named World Athletes of the Year 2025

Sweden’s pole vault champion Armand Duplantis and American sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone were honored as the World Athletes of the Year 2025.

Armand Duplantis

  • Broke the men’s pole vault world record four times in 2025.
  • Remained undefeated in all 16 competitions, winning both indoor and outdoor world titles.
  • Became the first male pole vaulter in modern athletics to go unbeaten in one event for two consecutive years.
  • Also awarded Men’s Field Athlete of the Year.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

  • Won the women’s 400m title in Tokyo with a record time of 47.78 seconds, breaking a 42-year-old world record.
  • Became the first athlete ever to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles.
  • Also named the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year.

Other honours included:

Out-of-stadium athletes of the year:

  • María Pérez (Spain) – Racewalking
  • Sebastian Sawe (Kenya) – Long-distance running

Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya)

Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Nicola Olyslagers (Australia)

Rising Stars 2025:

  • Edmund Serem (Kenya)
  • Zhang Jiale (China)

India to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad chosen as the venue. The decision was ratified on 26 November 2025 during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, marking the centenary edition of the Games.

Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations approved India’s bid, which builds on plans laid for Glasgow 2026. The announcement ceremony featured a cultural performance showcasing Gujarat’s heritage.

Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare described this as a new chapter for the Commonwealth movement, highlighting India’s scale, cultural strength, and enthusiasm for sports. PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, emphasized the responsibility and opportunity to strengthen global sporting collaboration.

The tentative sports list includes 15–17 disciplines, featuring Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Netball, Boxing, and their Para events. India may propose up to two additional sports, with options under consideration including Cricket (T20), Badminton, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting, and others.

The Commonwealth Games began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and the last edition in 2022 (Birmingham) was topped by Australia, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.

Q. Where will the 2030 Commonwealth Games be hosted?
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Ahmedabad
D. Chennai

Answer: ✅ C. Ahmedabad

T20 World Cup 2026 Begins 7 February in India & Sri Lanka

The ICC has released the schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will start on 7 February 2026. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament for the second time.
A major highlight is the India vs Pakistan match, scheduled for 15 February at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. All of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka.

Former T20 World Cup–winning captain Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the tournament.

A total of 20 teams will compete, divided into four groups of five each.
India is placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia and the USA.

India Wins Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025

On 24 November 2025, the Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team won the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final with a score of 35–28 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

With this win, India claimed its second consecutive World Cup title and remained undefeated throughout the tournament, marking a significant achievement in women’s sports.

Lakshya Sen Wins Australian Open 2025 Men’s Singles

On 23 November 2025, India’s Lakshya Sen clinched the Australian Open 2025 (BWF Super 500) Men’s Singles title in Sydney, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in just 38 minutes. This is his first BWF World Tour title of the year and his first Super 500 win since 2023, marking a strong comeback season.

Key Highlights

  • Event: Sathio Australian Open 2025, BWF Super 500, Sydney
  • Final Result: Lakshya Sen (World Rank 14) beat Yushi Tanaka (World Rank 26)
  • Score: 21-15, 21-11 | Duration: 38 minutes
  • Career Milestone: 6th BWF World Tour title

India Shines with 9 Gold Medals at World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida

India finished their debut World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 campaign in Greater Noida with an impressive nine gold medals on the final day (20 Nov 2025).

Indian women boxers dominated with a historic sweep of seven gold medals.

  • Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg) defeated Wu Shih Yi (Taipei).
  • Nikhat Zareen (51 kg) beat Xuan Yi Guo (Taipei).
  • Parveen Hooda (60 kg) defeated Ayaka Taguchi (Japan).
  • Arundhati Choudhary (70 kg) beat Aziza Zokirova (Uzbekistan).
  • Preeti Pawar (54 kg) beat Sirine Charaabi (Italy).
  • Minakshi Hooda (48 kg) beat Farzona Fozilova (Uzbekistan).
  • Nupur Sheoran (80+ kg) beat Oltinoy Sotimboeva (Uzbekistan).

In the men’s section, Sachin Siwach (60 kg) and Hitesh Gulia (70 kg) won gold medals, defeating opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan respectively.

Indian men also secured four silver medals through Ankush Panghal (80 kg), Abhinash Jamwal (65 kg), Pawan Bartwal (55 kg), and Jadumani Singh (50 kg).

Curaçao Becomes Smallest Nation Ever to Qualify for FIFA World Cup

Curaçao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of just 156,000, made history by becoming the smallest country ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on 18 November 2025.

  • The team secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 0–0 draw against Jamaica in the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers.
  • Coached by Dick Advocaat, Curaçao topped its group with an unbeaten record.
  • This marks Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup appearance, made possible under the expanded 48-team format.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Kushal Dalal Wins Men’s Compound Gold at GT Open Indoor World Series 2025

Indian archer Kushal Dalal won his first major indoor title by clinching the Men’s Compound gold at the GT Open Indoor World Series 2025 in Strassen, Luxembourg on November 16, 2025. The 20-year-old delivered a standout performance, defeating World Champion Nicolas Gerard in the semifinals and edging past former world No. 1 Stephan Hansen in a dramatic double shoot-off final.

His victory adds to a strong year that already includes two Asia Cup golds. India also celebrated a bronze medal by Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru in the U-21 event, underscoring the nation’s growing strength in compound archery. Dalal’s triumph boosts his world ranking and positions him as a rising star on the global archery stage.

World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, from November 16–20 in Greater Noida

The World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, held from November 16–20 in Greater Noida, India, brought together over 130 top-ranked boxers from 18 countries for the season’s grand finale. India fielded a strong 20-member team, featuring world champions and Olympians, and made an impressive start with all four boxers on Day 1 winning their quarterfinals to secure at least bronze medals.

The event included athletes from powerhouse nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Cuba, and featured three Olympic medallists. A vibrant opening ceremony, global broadcasts, and smooth organization highlighted India’s capability as a major international sports host. The successful 2025 edition set a promising benchmark for future World Boxing Cup seasons.

Cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Cricket will make a historic comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, returning to the Games after 128 years. The T20 format has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with matches to be held at Fairplex, Pomona, California.

The event will feature six men’s and six women’s national teams, totaling around 180 athletes from 12 nations. The women’s T20 final is scheduled for July 20, 2028, and the men’s final for July 29, 2028, during the LA28 Olympics, which run from July 14 to July 30, 2028, across 49 venues.

This marks only the second time cricket will appear in the Olympics since 1900, highlighting its growing global reach and popularity, especially in cricket-loving nations like India, Australia, England, and the Caribbean.

India Celebrates 100 Years of Hockey Glory (1925–2025)

India marked a century of hockey excellence in November 2025 with nationwide celebrations honoring the sport’s legendary players and rich legacy. The grand centenary gala at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, attended by top dignitaries and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, featured cultural performances, felicitation of hockey greats, and an exhibition match.

The event celebrated India’s journey from its 1925 beginnings to an era of eight Olympic golds, led by icons like Dhyan Chand, and recent successes such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze.

Hockey India organized 1,400 matches across 550 districts, engaging over 36,000 players, symbolizing unity and revival. The centenary underscored India’s renewed commitment to hockey through investment, infrastructure, and youth participation — a step toward reclaiming its global dominance.

Q. The centenary celebration marking 100 years of Indian hockey was held in which year?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Answer: B) 2025

India Women Create History, Win 2025 ODI World Cup

India created history by winning their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on 2 November 2025.

Batting first after a rain delay, India scored 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s 58. Despite being on course for a 350+ total, disciplined bowling from Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) restricted them under 300.

In reply, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt led with a valiant 101, but her dismissal in the 42nd over ended their hopes as they were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

Deepti Sharma starred with the ball too, taking 5 wickets for 39 runs, completing a superb all-round performance.

India Enters Women’s World Cup Final 2025 After Beating Australia

On 30 October 2025, India scripted history by chasing down 339 runs — the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history — to defeat Australia by five wickets in the second semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Jemimah Rodrigues was the star of the match, scoring a match-winning unbeaten 127 and sharing a 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89) to guide India to victory with nine balls to spare.

Batting first, Australia posted 338 all out, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 (93 balls) and contributions from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner (63). However, India’s disciplined bowling and steady chase turned the tide.

Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls)
Historic Milestone: Highest-ever successful chase (339) in Women’s ODI history
Final: India 🇮🇳 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 on Sunday

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