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National and International Sports updates,  Important for Competitive Exams.

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

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 medals — 6 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.

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