SkiMo sprint to make Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026
Milano Cortina 2026 will host ski mountaineering's sprint race, the oldest winter sport’s Olympic debut in the Games. Organisers shortened the endurance race to fit the schedule, turning the challenging climb and descent into a high-speed dash for gold. Ski mountaineering, which originated as mountain soldiers’ training, involves uphill travel either on skis with special skins or on foot in steep sections. The sprint event tests speed and technique, offering a compact spectacle for spectators. The inclusion marks a milestone for winter sports in the Olympics and reflects evolving interests in mountain athletic disciplines. It will attract athletes from around the world and stimulate tourism in winter regions.
Ski mountaineering sprint makes Olympic debut in 2026 Games.
Event shortened to fit schedule for Milano Cortina.
Originated as mountain soldiers’ training; now a sport.
Sprint tests speed and technique in a compact format.
Expected to attract global athletes and boost winter tourism.
Yash Anil Rashiya wins Roll Ball World Cup gold for India
Yash Anil Rashiya, a 20-year-old Roll Ball athlete from Surat, has become a rising star after winning the gold at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai. Selected among 12 elite players to represent Team India, Rashiya played a key role in securing the World Cup title against international competition. His victory has boosted visibility for roll ball, a sport blending football and roller skating, on the global stage. The win underscores India’s growing strength in lesser-known sports and showcases youth talent from Gujarat’s sports ecosystem.
Yash Anil Rashiya wins gold at 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025.
Player from Surat, part of Team India’s elite squad.
Roll Ball combines football and roller skating.
Victory increases visibility of India in lesser-known sports.
Promotes Gujarat’s sports talent on the world stage.
Jan 23, 2026
KKR Appoints Dishant Yagnik as Fielding Coach Ahead of IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) appointed former wicketkeeper‑batter Dishant Yagnik as fielding coach for IPL 2026, aiming to strengthen squad discipline and performance on the field. Yagnik brings extensive domestic experience and a keen eye for fielding, which are expected to enhance team efficiency in catching, throwing, and overall athletic coordination. The move accompanies other preseason preparations as KKR seeks to improve both pace and spin balancing. The franchise announced the appointment on January 21, 2026, signaling its intent to bolster its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season.
Dishant Yagnik named KKR fielding coach for IPL 2026.
Focus on improved catching, throwing, and athletic discipline.
Part of broader preseason optimization.
3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament to Kick Off January 23 at AMTZ
The 3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament will be held from January 23 to 26, 2026 at AMTZ, Visakhapatnam. Organized by Wheeling Happiness Foundation and Indian Para Kabaddi Association, the event features 20 state teams, around 280 para‑athletes and 90 officials. The competition highlights high‑performance para kabaddi and broader disability inclusion in sport. Opening ceremonies coincide with Republic Day celebrations, and the event is expected to boost talent identification and the pathway from grassroots to elite competition. Organisers emphasize collaboration among sports bodies, policymakers, and the public to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament dates: Jan 23–26, 2026.
Venue: AMTZ, Visakhapatnam; 20 state teams.
Approximately 280 para‑athletes and 90 officials involved.
Focus on talent development and inclusive sport.
Jan 22, 2026
Amelia Valverde named coach of India’s senior women’s team
New Delhi, 22 January 2026 — Amelia Valverde was appointed coach of the Indian women’s national football team. The 39-year-old Spaniard brings international coaching experience, including leading Costa Rica at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and multiple league titles. Valverde’s appointment aims to drive India’s preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 and pursue a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. She described her coaching philosophy as building brave, competitive teams. Her appointment marks a notable step in India’s growing profile in women’s football, with expectations for tactical evolution and on-field performance improvement.
New coach: Amelia Valverde appointed as India’s senior women’s team head coach
Experience: Costa Rica national team coaching; World Cup history
Objectives: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualification; World Cup pursuit
Philosophy: Emphasizes bravery and competitiveness
Significance: Major milestone for women’s football in India
BCCI signs Rs 270 crore Gemini sponsorship for IPL 2026
Mumbai, 2026 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has secured a three-year sponsorship deal worth Rs 270 crore with Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The agreement marks continued interest from artificial intelligence brands in Indian cricket. Gemini joins other tech sponsors in the IPL ecosystem, while rival platform ChatGPT is already associated with the Women’s Premier League. The sponsorship aligns with IPL’s global appeal and visibility, complementing existing jersey deals, including a prior replacement of Dream11 due to regulatory actions. The arrangement underscores the commercial and technology-driven evolution of cricket in India.
Sponsorship value and duration: Rs 270 crore over 3 years
Sponsor: Gemini (Google AI platform)
Context: IPL 2026 branding and technology partnerships
Industry linkage: AI platforms increasing involvement in cricket
Related note: Dream11 jersey sponsor replaced last year
Jan 21, 2026
Vidarbha claim maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title
Vidarbha won their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy with a 38-run victory over Saurashtra, in a final played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Vidarbha posted 317 for 8, while Saurashtra were bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs. Atharva Taide anchored the chase with a 133-run partnership with Yash Rathod (54), after an initial cautious start. Yash Thakur led the bowling with four wickets, while Nachiket Bhute and Aman Mokhade contributed important breakthroughs. Dhruv Shorey missed the final due to injury. Prerak Mankad’s 88 and Chirag Jani’s 64 paced Saurashtra’s fight, but Vidarbha secured the title on the day.
Vidarbha wins maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Final score: Vidarbha 317/8; Saurashtra 279 all out.
Taide 133-run partnership with Rathod (54).
Yash Thakur four wickets; key plays from Mokhade and Bhute.
Shorey sidelined; Mankad 88 and Jani 64 for Saurashtra.
Jan 20, 2026
Mukesh Choudhary to lead Rajasthan in Santosh Trophy
Forward Mukesh Choudhary will captain Rajasthan in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship. The event runs from January 21 to February 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam. Rajasthan qualified for the final round after beating Maharashtra and Gujarat in the group stage. The team opens its campaign against Uttarakhand, with subsequent fixtures against Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland. The Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat stated the squad’s readiness for the competition, which showcases domestic football talent and serves as a platform for players to attract professional opportunities.
Mukesh Choudhary captains Rajasthan at Santosh Trophy
Tournament: Jan 21–Feb 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam
Rajasthan qualified after group wins over Maharashtra and Gujarat
Opening match vs Uttarakhand; other fixtures listed
Event promotes domestic football talent
Senegal defeat Morocco to win AFCON title
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1‑0 extra‑time victory over hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal after a tense match that saw a controversial Panenka penalty by Brahim Diaz misfired for Morocco. Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the shoot for a second title in three editions, following their 2022 triumph. The final was marked by spirited defense and late drama as Senegal claimed the continental championship, adding to their recent achievements on African football’s biggest stage.
Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 after extra time
Pape Gueye scored the winner; Diaz missed a late penalty
Edouard Mendy key saves for Senegal
Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions
Final featured dramatic late moments
Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh; many states compete
The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games began in Leh, Ladakh, with 21 states and union territories participating. About 1,000 participants, including 472 athletes, are competing in ice hockey and skating events. The events are hosted at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink and the Guphuk Frozen Pond, with figure skating introduced this year. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta visited venues to review arrangements and ensure smooth conduct. The games, part of the Khelo India framework since 2020, run until January 26, showcasing India’s winter sports talent and regional potential.
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