Sports

 

National and International Sports updates,  Important for Competitive Exams.

Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel

On 22 October 2025, Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army during a ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

Mr. Singh praised Neeraj as a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and excellence, inspiring both the sporting community and the Armed Forces.

Neeraj joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar, later rising to Subedar Major. His accolades include the Arjuna Award (2018), Khel Ratna (2021), Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Padma Shri (2022), following his historic Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal.

India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa

India will host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 at Resort Rio, Arpora (Goa) from October 31 to November 17, marking the tournament’s return to India after 23 years. The event will feature elite players from 82 countries, including Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh D, and Faustino Oro.

Inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the tournament’s logo and anthem celebrate Goan culture and India’s chess heritage. Conducted in a knockout format, the World Cup aims to boost tourism, sports infrastructure, and reinforce India’s growing prominence in global chess. The pleasant Goan climate and scenic venue make it an ideal international sporting destination.

Mohun Bagan Wins 125th IFA Shield After Thrilling Penalty Shootout

Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched the 125th Indian Football Association (IFA) Shield by defeating East Bengal FC 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in a thrilling Kolkata Derby final at Salt Lake Stadium on October 18, 2025.

  • Goals: Hamid Ahadad (East Bengal, 36’) and Lalengmawia Ralte “Apuia” (Mohun Bagan, 45’).
  • Result: Mohun Bagan won on penalties (5–4), securing their 21st IFA Shield title and first since 2003.

🏅 About the IFA Shield:
Founded in 1893, the IFA Shield is the fourth-oldest football tournament in the world (after the FA Cup, Scottish Cup, and Durand Cup). The 2025 edition marked its return after a three-year gap, last held in 2021, when Real Kashmir FC were champions.

India Beats Malaysia 2-1 to Reach Sultan of Johor Cup Final

On 17 October 2025, India defeated Malaysia 2-1 in the final pool match of the Sultan of Johor Cup Men’s Hockey in Johor, Malaysia. The first quarter ended 0-0. Gurjot Singh scored for India in the 22nd minute to give a 1-0 lead at half-time. Malaysia equalized in the 43rd minute through Naaveenesh Panicker. Five minutes later, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha converted a penalty corner to secure India’s win.

With this victory, India entered the final and will face Australia.

Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

On October 15, 2025, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with final approval due on November 26, 2025, in Glasgow.

Backed by the Government of India, Gujarat, and the Commonwealth Games Association of India, the bid highlights Ahmedabad’s world-class infrastructure like the Narendra Modi Stadium. The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games and be India’s second time hosting after 2010.

The event will boost India’s global sporting image, tourism, and development, reflecting initiatives like Khelo India. India’s bid won over Nigeria, and leaders called it a proud moment for the nation.

India Wins Bronze at BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025

On 10 October 2025, the Indian junior badminton team secured a historic bronze medal in the Mixed Team event at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships, held in Guwahati, Assam. This marks India’s first-ever podium finish in this category.

India defeated South Korea in the quarterfinals and put up a strong fight against Indonesia in the semifinals before settling for bronze. Strategic player changes and standout performances from athletes like Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu contributed to the team’s success.

Shubman Gill Appointed as India’s New ODI Captain

On 4 October 2025, Shubman Gill was officially appointed as India’s new ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. This will be Gill’s first ODI series as captain, after previously leading India in Test and T20I formats.

So far, Gill has played 55 ODIs, scoring 2,775 runs with eight centuries, marking him as one of India’s most promising young leaders.

India’s ODI Squad vs Australia (October 2025)

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India’s Record-Breaking Triumph at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

India achieved its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, held for the first time in India at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The Indian team won a record 22 medals6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze, surpassing the previous record of 17 medals from 2024 (Kobe, Japan).

Top performances included Sumit Antil’s gold in javelin throw (71.37 m), Shailesh Kumar’s gold and Asian record in high jump T63, and Simran Sharma’s sprint double (gold in 100m T12, silver in 200m T12). Other notable medalists were Preeti Pal, Rinku Hooda, Sandip Sanjay Sargar, Nishad Kumar, Soman Rana, and Ekta Bhyan.

India hosted its largest-ever contingent of 73 athletes (54 men and 19 women). Government programs like TOPS and Khelo India played a vital role, with 37 medalists emerging from them. The nation also achieved a top-10 finish in the overall medal tally, marking a new era in Indian para sports and strengthening India’s bid to host future global events, including the Paralympic Games.

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins on 30 September 2025 with India facing Sri Lanka at Guwahati. This is the 13th edition of the tournament, featuring 8 teams — Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

A total of 28 league matches will be played in a round-robin format across four venues in India and one in Colombo. The high-profile India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for 5 October in Colombo.

The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals. Australia, with seven titles, are the most successful team, followed by England (four) and New Zealand (one). India aims to win their first ICC title.

India Wins Asia Cup Title 2025

On 29 September 2025, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to win their record ninth Asia Cup title. Chasing 147, Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls anchored India’s innings after an early collapse at 20/3. Key partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube sealed the win with two balls to spare.

India maintained a perfect record against Pakistan in the tournament, beating them thrice (group stage, Super Four, and final). Pakistan, despite a strong opening stand, were bowled out for 146.

Apollo Tyres Becomes Lead Sponsor of BCCI Team India

On 16 September 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 2.5-year partnership with Apollo Tyres as the new lead sponsor of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, replacing Dream11. The deal, running until March 2028, will feature the Apollo Tyres logo on Team India jerseys across all formats.

This is Apollo Tyres’ first entry into Indian cricket, marking a strategic move to align with the nation’s most popular sport. BCCI officials hailed the partnership as a reflection of Indian cricket’s global brand value, while Apollo Tyres called it a matter of national pride and a boost to consumer trust.

Minakshi Hooda, Jaismine Lamboria Clinch Gold at World Boxing Championships 2025

On 14 September 2025, Minakshi Hooda (48 kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg) won gold medals at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England.

  • Minakshi defeated Nazym Kyzaibay.
  • Jaismine outclassed Julia Szeremeta, Paris Olympics silver medallist.

With these wins, they joined the elite group of Indian world champions like Mary Kom, Nikhat Zareen, Sarita Devi, Lovlina Borgohain, and others.

👉 India finished with four medals, its best-ever tally in an overseas edition of the tournament.

Asia Cup 2025: India Defeats Pakistan by 7 Wickets in Dubai

Asia Cup 2025 (14 September, Dubai): India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in a Group A clash. Pakistan, restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs, saw a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi (33 off 16)* after early blows by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel dominated the middle overs.

Chasing, India reached 131/3 in 15.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) providing a quick start and Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 37)* guiding the innings. SKY sealed victory with a six, earning India a comfortable win. Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match.

17th Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi from September 9–28

The 17th Asia Cup (T20I format) is being held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE from September 9–28, 2025. Originally India had hosting rights, but political tensions with Pakistan shifted the event to the UAE.

  • Teams (8):
    • Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
    • Group B: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong
  • Matches: 19 total; most start at 6:30 PM UAE time.

India, the defending champions, are chasing their 9th Asia Cup title. The tournament is also a prelude to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the UAE’s role as a global cricket hub.

India Beat Oman to Clinch Bronze in CAFA Nations Cup 2025

On 8 Sept 2025, India’s football team defeated Oman 3-2 on penalties at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan to claim third place in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved three spot-kicks, while Chhangte, Bheke, and Jithin MS converted their penalties to seal the win.

This was India’s first-ever victory over Oman in 31 years. Under new head coach Khalid Jamil, the team displayed resilience throughout the tournament, registering a win over Tajikistan and a draw against Afghanistan before clinching the historic bronze.

India Wins 2025 Men’s Asia Cup Hockey in Rajgir

On 7 September 2025, India’s Men’s Hockey Team defeated South Korea 4–1 in the final of the Hero Asia Cup 2025 at the Rajgir Sports Complex, Bihar. Goal scorers included Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh (2), and Amit Rohidas. This marks India’s 4th Asia Cup title (after 2003, 2007, 2017).

With this victory, India secured qualification for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup (Netherlands & Belgium). Hockey India announced ₹3 lakh prize money per player and ₹1.5 lakh for support staff.

Carlos Alcaraz Wins 2nd U.S. Open Title, Reclaims World No. 1

On 7 Sept 2025, Carlos Alcaraz won his second U.S. Open men’s singles title, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 22-year-old Spaniard reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking and secured his 6th Grand Slam, becoming the first player since 1978 to win multiple majors on all three surfaces before turning 23.

Alcaraz dominated with 42 winners, 10 aces, and zero double faults, while Sinner, the 2024 champion, struggled to keep pace. This win extended Alcaraz’s head-to-head lead over Sinner to 10-5, cementing his status as tennis’s leading young star.

Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad (25 Aug 2025).

  • Total Lift: 193 kg (Snatch 84kg + Clean & Jerk 109kg)
  • Records: New Commonwealth Championship records in snatch, clean & jerk, and total
  • Impact: Secured direct qualification for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

NorthEast United FC Retains Durand Cup Title

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) retained the Durand Cup title with a 6–1 win over debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) on 23 August 2025 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

  • NEUFC became the first team in 34 years to defend the Durand Cup, a feat last achieved by East Bengal (1989–1991).
  • Six different NEUFC players scored, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie contributing 3 assists and a stoppage-time penalty.
  • DHFC’s lone goal came via Jobby Justin (68’, deflected header).

Kajal Dochak clinches gold in U-20 World Wrestling Championships

On 22 August 2025, India’s Kajal Dochak clinched gold in the 72kg category, defeating China’s Yuqi Liu 8-6. Saarika (53kg) and Shruti (50kg) earned bronze medals, while Suraj bagged bronze in the men’s Greco-Roman 60kg category.

On 21 August 2025, Reena (55kg) and Priya Malik (76kg) won silver medals after tough final losses.

India’s Medal Tally so far: 9 medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze).

BCCI announces India’s Squad for Asia Cup T20 (UAE, 2025)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 on 19 August 2025. The tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28, 2025.

India, the defending champions, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain, marking his return to the T20 format.

Devika Sihag Wins International Challenge Title at Malaysia Open 2025

On 17 August 2025, Indian shuttler Devika Sihag (20 years) won the women’s singles title at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 in Ipoh.

She defeated compatriot Isharani Baruah (5th seed) with scores 15-7, 15-12.

The tournament was held under BWF’s experimental 3×15 scoring system (games to 15 instead of 21).

Vincent Keymer Wins Chennai Grand Masters 2025

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025, held from August 7–15, marked the third edition of India’s premier classical chess tournament. Organized by MGD1 and sponsored by Quantbox, the event featured two elite round-robin sections—Masters and Challengers—with 10 players each, battling across nine rounds for a total prize pool of ₹1 Crore.

Masters Section Highlights

  • Champion: Vincent Keymer (Germany)
    • Clinched the title with a round to spare
    • Final score: 7/9
    • Earned ₹25 Lakhs and 24.5 FIDE Circuit points
  • Runner-ups (Joint Second – 5 points):
    • Arjun Erigaisi – third consecutive runner-up finish
    • Karthikeyan Murali
    • Anish Giri

India Bids to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 14 August 2025 approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. India will submit its final proposal by 31 August 2025. The Games will mark 100 years since the first edition in 1930 and 20 years since India last hosted (Delhi, 2010).

India has proposed Ahmedabad as the lead host city, with Delhi and Bhubaneswar as alternatives. Plans include new sports complexes like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, and the inclusion of kabaddi, kho kho, shooting, wrestling, and archery.

With Canada withdrawing its bid, India’s chances have increased. The host country will be announced by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in November 2025 at Glasgow. The bid also supports India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Namrata Batra Becomes First Indian to Enter Wushu Final at World Games 2025

On 11 August 2025, Namrata Batra became the first Indian to reach the women’s 52 kg Wushu final at the World Games in Chengdu, China, defeating Philippines’ Krizan Faith Collado 2-0.

This assured India’s first-ever World Games medal in Wushu, with at least a silver guaranteed. She will face Mengyue Chen of China in the final.

Earlier, Rishabh Yadav secured India’s first individual medal at the 2025 Games with bronze in men’s compound archery. Batra recently won gold at the Moscow Star International Wushu Championship ahead of the Games.

India Beat England by 6 Runs in Final Test, Series Ends 2–2

On 4 August 2025, India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, London, leveling the five-match series 2–2.

Chasing 374, England was bowled out for 367, with Mohammed Siraj starring for India by taking 9 wickets in the match, including 5 in the second innings. He was named Player of the Match.

India had scored 396 in their second innings, after trailing in the first. Shubman Gill (India) and Harry Brook (England) were named Players of the Series.

Durand Cup: Asia’s Oldest Football Tournament

Durand Cup 2025: from July 23 – August 23, 2025.

📜 Historical Legacy

  • Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia and the fifth oldest in the world.
  • Originally started as an Army Cup for British Indian Army troops, it later opened up to civilian teams, becoming a prestigious event in Indian football.
  • Named after Sir Mortimer Durand, the then Foreign Secretary of British India.

📍 Format & Participation

  • The tournament features 24 teams, including top clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and armed forces teams.
  • Teams are divided into six groups, with group winners and two best runners-up advancing to the knockout stage.
  • Matches are hosted across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and Imphal.

Divya Deshmukh Creates History: Wins FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025

On 28 July 2025, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final held in Baku.

  • The classical games ended in draws, leading to rapid tie-breaks.
  • Divya won the final 1.5–0.5, capitalizing on Humpy’s errors under time pressure.
  • With this win, she became India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster.
  • Divya was the underdog, ranked No. 18 in classical and No. 22 in rapid chess, while Humpy was World No. 5 in classical and a two-time World Rapid Champion.
  • Divya had also won the 2024 World Junior Championship and helped India win gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

Divya Deshmukh Creates Becomes First Indian to Reach FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Final

India’s Divya Deshmukh defeated China’s Tan Zhongyi in Game 2 of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 semifinal on 23 July in Batumi, Georgia, securing a 1.5–0.5 victory and a place in the final. With this win, the 19-year-old not only became the first Indian to reach the final of the Women’s World Cup but also secured her first Grandmaster norm and a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

She will face the winner of the other semifinal between Koneru Humpy (India) and Lei Tingjie (China), which is heading into tiebreaks after two drawn classical games.

The FIDE Women’s World Cup is a key event in the World Championship cycle, offering three spots for the Candidates Tournament.

India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27

India will host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27, marking its second time after Hyderabad in 2002.

  • 206 players will compete in a knockout format.
  • Top 3 finishers qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
  • Indian stars like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi expected to participate.
  • Follows India’s historic double gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
  • Host city to be announced; New Delhi and Goa are in contention.
Scroll to Top