Sports

 

National and International Sports updates,  Important for Competitive Exams.

India Triumphs at Kabaddi World Cup 2025

On March 23, 2025, India made history by winning both the Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup titles at Wolverhampton, England.

  • The Indian Men’s Team secured a thrilling victory against England with a score of 44-41.
  • The Indian Women’s Team dominated England with a commanding 57-34 win.

This tournament was special as it was the first Kabaddi World Cup held outside Asia, with matches across cities like Birmingham, Coventry, and Walsall.

With this remarkable double victory, India has once again showcased its kabaddi supremacy, following its previous wins in the 2019 World Cup in Malaysia.

Indian Premier League 2025 Begins: What’s New in the 18th Edition?

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on 22nd March 2025 with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens at 7:30 PM IST.

The opening ceremony will feature dazzling performances by Disha Patani, Shreya Ghoshal, and Karan Aujla. With 10 teams competing in 74 matches until the final on 25th May, fans can expect non-stop cricketing action!

📌 Key Updates for IPL 2025:

  • Saliva Ban Lifted: Bowlers can now shine the ball using saliva.
  • Ball Change Rule: Teams can request a ball change after the 10th over due to dew.
  • New Code of Conduct: A demerit points system with suspension risks will be enforced.
  • Expanded DRS: Height-based no-ball and wide-ball reviews are now available.

Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad : India Bids to Host

India has officially submitted its expression of interest to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2030. This significant step marks India’s growing presence on the global sports stage.

🌟 Why Ahmedabad?

  • The city has showcased its organizational capabilities through events like the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and major concerts.
  • World-class infrastructure and vibrant local support make Ahmedabad a prime choice.

👤 Led by PT Usha

  • Commonwealth Games Association of India President PT Usha confirmed the bid, which has been acknowledged by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

📈 Strengthening India’s Sports Ambitions

  • Hosting the 2030 Games would bolster India’s position in global sports management.
  • The bid also complements India’s larger vision of securing the 2036 Olympic Games.

🚀 With other potential hosts like Singapore and Malaysia stepping back, Ahmedabad is emerging as a strong contender.

Japan Secures Spot in 2026 FIFA World Cup!

On March 20, 2025, Japan became the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. Goals by Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win, marking Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance since 1998.

With this win, Japan has claimed one of the two automatic qualification spots from Group C in the Asian qualifiers, with three matches still remaining. The expanded 48-team format will see the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sending at least eight teams to the tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Other Teams to Watch

  • Australia is in a strong position in Group C.
  • Iran leads Group A, followed by Uzbekistan and the UAE.
  • South Korea tops Group B, with Iraq and Jordan trailing.

🚀 The qualification process continues until June 2025, leading to a fourth round and an inter-confederation play-off offering one more Asian nation a final shot at qualifying.

ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup in Patna: March 20–25

Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar inaugurated ISTAF “Sepak Takraw 2025” World Cup in Patna on March 20, 2025. The tournament, organized by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), is taking place at the Pataliputra Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Kankarbagh. This six-day event, running from March 20 to March 25, 2025, has brought together teams from 20 countries, including India, Thailand, Singapore, and others.

Highlights of the Event

  • 150 Matches: The tournament features a total of 150 matches across various categories, including quad, regular, doubles, and mixed doubles.
  • India’s Performance: The Indian women’s team has already made a strong start, defeating China and Iran in the quad matches.
  • Global Participation: Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and Brazil are showcasing their talent in this unique sport.

About Sepak Takraw

Sepak Takraw, often referred to as “kick volleyball,” is a dynamic sport with roots in Southeast Asia. Players use their feet, head, knees, and chest to hit a rattan or synthetic ball over a net. The game has gained international recognition, especially after being included in the Asian Games.

International Olympic Committee recommends inclusion of boxing in Los Angeles 2028 Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board has recommended the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, ending uncertainty over the sport’s Olympic future. The recommendation will be voted on at an IOC session in Greece this week, with approval expected.

In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of IOC recognition due to governance and financial issues, leading to the creation of World Boxing, which now has over 80 national federations. The IOC has stated that only athletes from federations affiliated with World Boxing by the start of the 2028 qualification events will be eligible to compete.

The IOC had previously run boxing at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 after suspending the IBA in 2019. The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) also remains banned due to its recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions. However, Russia may return to the Olympics if it complies with the Olympic Charter.

Mumbai Indians Win Their Second Women’s Premier League Title

The Mumbai Indians have won their second Women’s Premier League title! In an exciting final, they beat the Delhi Capitals by 8 runs on 16 March 2025 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Key highlights:

  • Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a scintillating 66 off 44 balls, anchoring Mumbai’s innings to a competitive 149/7.
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased her all-round brilliance, contributing 30 runs and taking 3 crucial wickets.
  • Despite a valiant effort by Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26 balls), the Delhi Capitals fell short, finishing at 141/9.

Kabaddi World Cup 2025 begin on 17 March 2025 in England

The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will begin on 17 March 2025 in England. The Indian Men’s team will start their campaign against Italy in Wolverhampton at 5:30 PM IST.

The tournament will last seven days, featuring over 60 matches in Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton (West Midlands, UK).

  • The Men’s competition has 10 teams, divided into Group A and Group B. India is in Group B with Italy, Scotland, Wales, and China.
  • The Women’s competition has six teams, divided into Group D and Group E. India is in Group D with Wales and Poland.

This is the second edition of the World Kabaddi-hosted Kabaddi World Cup. In the 2019 inaugural edition (Malaysia), India won both the men’s and women’s titles.

This is also the first time the tournament is hosted outside Asia. Notably, this event is different from the IKF Kabaddi World Cup, which has always been held in India.

World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi from March 11

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the world of para-athletics. Hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India, from March 11 to 13, this event marks India’s first major international para-athletics competition.

A total of 283 para-athletes from 20 countries will compete in 90 athletics events, making it one of the largest para-athletics events ever hosted by India. The Indian contingent, led by Paralympic gold medallists Praveen Kumar, Navdeep Singh, and Dharambir, will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil.

The Grand Prix serves as a preparatory tournament for the World Para Athletics Championships later this year, adding an extra layer of significance to the competition. Notable international athletes, including Australia’s three-time Paralympic champion Vanessa Low and Brazil’s speedsters Joeferson Marinho and Bartolomeu Chaves, will also be participating.

Team India wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Team India created history by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for a record third time after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 9 March 2025.

Chasing 252, India reached the target with an over to spare. Rohit Sharma (76) and Shubman Gill (31) provided a strong start with a 105-run partnership. Later contributions from Shreyas Iyer (48), Axar Patel (29), and Hardik Pandya (18) helped secure victory. Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning shot, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34.

For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (51 not out off 39 balls) were key contributors as they posted 251/7 in 50 overs. Indian spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each, while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in.

Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match, while Rachin Ravindra won Player of the Series. This victory marked India’s second ICC trophy in two years, following their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024.

Indian Grandmaster A Chithambaram clinches Prague Masters 2025 Chess title

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram clinched the Prague Masters 2025 Chess title on March 7, 2025. Chithambaram finished the tournament with six points.

He settled for a draw against Turkey’s Ediz Gurel in the final round. Chithambaram’s title win was confirmed after Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri defeated India’s R. Praggnanandhaa in the last round.

Chithambaram secured the championship and finished a full point ahead of the rest of the field. R. Praggnanandhaa ended his campaign with five points out of nine after his loss to Giri. With this victory, Grandmaster Arvind broke into the world’s top 15.

Pranav Venkatesh Wins FIDE World Junior Championship 2025

The chess world witnessed a historic moment on March 7, 2025, as 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh claimed the FIDE World Junior Championship 2025 title in Montenegro.

With this outstanding victory, Pranav became the fourth Indian player to win the prestigious World Junior title, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, Pentala Harikrishna, and Abhijeet Gupta.

Khelo India Para Games 2025 in New Delhi from March 20th to 27th

The Khelo India Para Games 2025 is set to take place in New Delhi from March 20th to 27th. This prestigious event will witness the participation of approximately 1,230 para-athletes, including champions from the 2024 Paris Paralympics and the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games will feature six sports: para archery, para athletics, para badminton, para powerlifting, para shooting, and para table tennis. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host events for para athletics, para archery, and para powerlifting, while the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex will stage para badminton and para table tennis competitions. The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range will be the venue for para shooting events.

Top para-athletes, including gold medalists Harvinder Singh (archery), Dharambir (club throw), and Praveen Kumar (high jump), will compete in the games. This event aims to provide a strong platform for para-athletes to showcase their talent and inspire millions with their resilience.

India Storms into Champions Trophy Final After Beating Australia

Dubai, March 4, 2025 – India secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final after a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at Dubai International Stadium.

Australia Posts 264 in a Competitive Battle

Batting first, Australia posted a total of 264 all out, led by strong performances from skipper Steve Smith and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, both scoring crucial half-centuries. Given Dubai’s tendency to produce low-scoring matches in this tournament, their total was considered competitive.

Virat Kohli Anchors India’s Chase

Chasing 265, Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock of 84, guiding India’s innings before falling short of finishing the match. KL Rahul ensured India’s victory with an unbeaten 42-run cameo, helping the team reach the target with 11 balls to spare.

India Awaits the Final Battle

With this win, India advances to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 2025. The grand finale will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Dubai.

Krishna Jayasankar becomes first Indian woman to cross 16m in indoor shot put

Indian shot putter Krishna Jayasankar made history at the 2025 Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 2, 2025, by becoming the first Indian woman to surpass the 16-metre mark in indoor shot put. She achieved a record-breaking throw of 16.03 metres, surpassing the previous Indian indoor record of 15.54 metres, set by Poornarao Rane at the 2023 American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships.

A Stunning Comeback to Win Bronze

Initially placed fourth, Krishna delivered her best performance in the final round, securing the bronze medal.

  • Gold: Mya Lesnar (USA)
  • Silver: Gabby Morns (USA)
  • Bronze: Krishna Jayasankar (India)

This victory marks a significant milestone in Indian athletics, showcasing Krishna’s immense potential on the international stage.

Breaking Records and Setting New Milestones

Krishna’s previous best indoor shot put throw was 15.03 metres, recorded just last month at the same venue. While her new record is a major achievement, India’s overall women’s shot put record remains 18.41 metres, set by Abha Khatua at the 2024 Federation Cup.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025: March 9-12 in Gulmarg

The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 are set to take place from March 9 to 12 in the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. This event, initially scheduled for February, was postponed due to insufficient snowfall but is now ready to welcome athletes and spectators alike.

The Games will feature four major snow sports: Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, Snowboarding, and Nordic Skiing. With over 300 athletes from across the country participating, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and sportsmanship.

The Khelo India Winter Games aim to promote winter sports in India by providing athletes with a competitive platform in one of the country’s premier snow destinations. The event will also include cultural programs, night skiing demonstrations, fireworks, and a laser show, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.

India Defeats New Zealand by 44 Runs in ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

On March 2, 2025, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This win solidifies India’s dominance as they head into the semifinals.

Match Summary: India vs. New Zealand

India’s Batting Performance
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first. The Men in Blue set a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs.

  • Shreyas Iyer was the top scorer with 79 runs.
  • Hardik Pandya contributed 45 runs to strengthen India’s innings.
  • Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets.

New Zealand’s Chase and India’s Bowling Brilliance
Chasing 250 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs.

  • Kane Williamson was the top scorer for the Kiwis with 81 runs.
  • Varun Chakravarthy delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5 wickets.
  • Kuldeep Yadav claimed 2 wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja took 1 wicket each.

Player of the Match
Varun Chakravarthy was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.

Semifinal Implications & Kohli’s Milestone

  • Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals from Group A.
  • The winner of this match will face Australia in the semifinals, while the loser will take on South Africa.
  • This match is historic for Virat Kohli, who is playing his 300th ODI today.

Key Highlights of the Match

✔ India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in a thrilling ODI clash.
Varun Chakravarthy’s 5-wicket haul dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup.
Shreyas Iyer’s 79-run knock played a crucial role in India’s total.
Virat Kohli achieves a career milestone with his 300th ODI appearance.
✔ India tops Group A and is set to face Australia in the semifinals.

India defeats Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Group A match on 23 Feb 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing Pakistan’s 242-run target, India reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten century and Shreyas Iyer contributing 56.

Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya took two. Axar Patel excelled in fielding with two run-outs and a sharp catch. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) were the top scorers.

Kohli also set a new record for most catches in ODIs by an Indian, surpassing Mohammed Azharuddin with 158 catches. India, led by Rohit Sharma, is now close to securing a semi-final spot, while Pakistan faces a must-win situation.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant become Indian Super League (ISL) Football winners 

In the Indian Super League (ISL) Football, Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the League Winners after their 1-nil victory over Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on 23 Feb 2025. The Mariners became the first team in the ISL to successfully defend their title of league winners. They moved to 52 points, gaining an unassailable lead over second-placed FC Goa. Dimitrios Petratos scored the only goal of the match for The Mariners in the added time and eventually sealed the game.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India that has rapidly gained popularity since its inception in 2014. The league features some of the best football talent from India and around the world, making it a thrilling competition for football enthusiasts. The ISL operates on a franchise model, with teams representing various cities across India. The league has played a significant role in elevating the standard of football in the country and has contributed to the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

Pankaj Advani Clinches 14th Asian Snooker Gold in Doha

Indian cue sports legend Pankaj Advani has once again showcased his brilliance on the international stage by clinching his 14th gold medal at the Asian Snooker Championship on 20 February, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. This remarkable achievement comes just days after his triumph at the National Snooker Championship in Indore, further cementing his status as India’s premier cueist.

In the final match, Advani faced tough competition from Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh, a former champion. Despite Sarkhosh’s strong start, Advani demonstrated his renowned composure and tactical brilliance, delivering decisive breaks of 93 and 66 to take control of the match and secure the title with confidence.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 from March 22 to May 25

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to take place from March 22 to May 25, 2025. This highly anticipated cricket tournament will feature ten teams competing in 74 matches across 13 venues. The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Key highlights of the IPL 2025 include:

  • Double-Headers: The tournament will include 12 double-headers, with afternoon games starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening games at 07:30 PM IST.
  • Playoff Venues: The playoffs will be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata, with Hyderabad hosting Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, and Kolkata hosting Qualifier 2.
  • Final Venue: The grand finale will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 25, 2025.

The IPL continues to be a major sporting event in India, attracting top cricketing talent from around the world and providing fans with high-quality entertainment and thrilling matches.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Postponed Due to Lack of Snow in Gulmarg

The second and final leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for February 22, 2025 has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. Events in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding will be rescheduled once weather conditions improve.

The first leg took place in Ladakh (Jan 23-27) at NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond, featuring ice hockey and ice skating. A total of 19 teams are competing across six disciplines, with Ladakh leading the medal tally (4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze).

Gulveer Singh Breaks 17-Year-Old National Record in Indoor 3000m

India’s Gulveer Singh set a new National Record in the Men’s Indoor 3000 meters at the David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston, clocking 7 minutes 38.26 seconds. He broke Surendra Singh’s 17-year-old record by 11 seconds and secured the silver medal. Romain Legendre won gold, while Morgan Beadlescomb took bronze.

Gulveer Singh now holds three National Records in the outdoor 5000m, outdoor 10000m, and indoor 3000m.

Services Team Tops Medal Tally as 38th National Games

The 38th National Games concluded with a grand ceremony held at the International Sports Stadium in Golapar, Haldwani, on February 14, 2025. The event was graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha officially declared the conclusion of the Games.

Top Teams: The Services team topped the medal tally with 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze medals. Maharashtra and Haryana followed with 54 gold and 48 gold medals respectively.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives: The Games implemented eco-friendly practices, including planting trees in honor of the athletes.

Future Host: The National Games torch will now pass to Meghalaya, where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma plans to promote sports across Northeast states.

Recognition: Uttarakhand’s sports infrastructure development was praised, and the state’s athletes were congratulated for their achievements.

Cristiano Ronaldo Ranked as the World’s Highest-Paid Athlete in 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2024 with a total income of $260 million, according to sports industry news site Sportico. He retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, earning $215 million in wages from Saudi club Al-Nassr and $45 million from endorsements.

The top five highest-paid athletes are:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million)
  2. Stephen Curry ($153.8 million)
  3. Tyson Fury ($147 million)
  4. Lionel Messi ($135 million)
  5. LeBron James ($133.2 million)

The top 100 athletes collectively earned $6.2 billion, with $4.8 billion from salaries/prizes and $1.4 billion from endorsements. However, no female athlete made the list.

The highest-earning female athlete, Coco Gauff, earned $30.4 million, falling short of the 100th-ranked athlete, NFL quarterback Daniel Jones ($37.5 million).

Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new National Games record (84.39m) to win gold in Javelin Throw

The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand (12 Feb 2025) saw record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines.

  • Javelin Throw: Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new meet record (84.39m) to win gold.
  • 5000m Race: Uttarakhand’s Ankita Dhyani won gold in the women’s event.
  • Water Sports: Services dominated, winning gold in K-2 500m and C-2 500m.
  • High Jump: Pooja (Haryana) set a new National Games record (1.84m), qualifying for the Asian Championships.
  • 400m Hurdles: Ruchit Mori (Gujarat) won gold (50.97s); Vithya Ramraj (Tamil Nadu) won the women’s event but lost in the 4x400m relay due to a baton drop, allowing Kerala to win gold.
  • 5000m Race (Men): Sawan Barwal (Himachal Pradesh) set a new meet record (13:45.93s) and qualified for the Asian Championships.
  • Fencing: Haryana won gold in the men’s foil event.
  • Hockey: Haryana’s women’s team defeated Jharkhand 2-1 to enter the final against Madhya Pradesh.

With finals approaching, the competition remains intense, with athletes achieving remarkable feats.

India Clean-Sweep England 3-0 in Men’s Cricket ODI Series

India delivered a dominant performance to clean-sweep England 3-0 in the ODI series. The final match, held in Ahmedabad on February 12, 2025, saw India defeat England by 142 runs.

Shubman Gill was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant 112 off 104 balls, his seventh ODI century. Gill’s innings, along with Virat Kohli’s 52 and Shreyas Iyer’s 78, helped India post a formidable 356 runs in 50 overs.

England struggled in their chase, being bowled out for 214 in 34.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each. This victory marked India’s second-largest win in terms of runs in ODIs against England.

First-Ever Olympic Esports Games to be Held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year deal signed with Saudi Arabia in 2023.

The IOC has been exploring Esports for years, aiming to attract a younger audience as interest in traditional sports declines. After launching the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 as a test, the IOC formalized its commitment by partnering with Saudi Arabia for the Olympic Esports Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed that there is now a clear roadmap for the Games, with preparations beginning in 2025. A six-member committee will decide which Esports titles will be included in the competition.

Saudi Arabia has made major investments in global sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf. However, critics accuse the country of “sportswashing” to distract from human rights concerns, a claim that Saudi Arabia denies.

India retained U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup Title

Trisha Gongadi put out a sparkling all-round performance as a dominant India retained their U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup title with a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the summit clash at the Bayuemas Oval on 2 Feb 2025.

A stellar bowling performance, with the spinners taking nine wickets – three of which went to Trisha – along with fielders stepping up nicely, helped Niki Prasad-led India bowl out South Africa for 82 on a slow pitch.

In the chase, Trisha made 44 not out off 33 balls while Sanika Chalke slammed an unbeaten 26 off 22 deliveries to help India complete the chase in 11.2 overs. This victory marks India’s second successive triumph in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, showing their dominance at this level as they also became the first side to win the title without losing any game.

Brief Scores:

  • South Africa 82 all out (Mieke van Voorst 23, Fay Cowling 15; Trisha Gongadi 3-15, Parunika Sisodia 2-6)
  • India 84/1 in 11.2 overs (Trisha Gongadi 44 not out, Sanika Chalke 26 not out; Kayla Reyneke 1-14)

India won by nine wickets.

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins Tata Steel Masters 2025

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa clinched the prestigious Tata Steel Masters 2025 title by defeating World Champion D. Gukesh in a thrilling tiebreaker on 2 Feb 2025 at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. This victory makes him the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006 to claim the prestigious title.

The event ended dramatically, with both Gukesh and Pragg tied at 8.5 points after 13 rounds. In the tiebreak, Gukesh won the first of two blitz games and needed only a draw in the second to secure the title. However, Pragg staged a stunning comeback, winning both blitz games to clinch the championship.

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