Elena Rybakina wins Australian Open title with comeback over Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina captured the Australian Open women’s singles title in Melbourne, beating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes. The 26-year-old Kazakh, known for her composed demeanor, secured her second major crown and first at Melbourne Park after a 2022 Wimbledon triumph. Rybakina recovered after losing the second set and used precise serving and aggressive baseline play to control key moments late in the decider. The victory marked a rare reversal of the 2023 final outcome and underscored Rybakina’s continued ascent among tennis’s elite.
Final lasted 2h18m; score 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Rybakina’s second major title; first Australian Open crown.
Defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Prev. won 2022 Wimbledon; ongoing major contender.
Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano summits Mount Aconcagua in Argentina
Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, part of a 7-summit expedition. Standing at 22,831 feet, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. The achievement marks another milestone in Yano’s endurance journey and serves as inspiration for regional explorers. Arunachal Governor Lieutenant General K. T. Parnaik (Retd.) congratulated Yano and lauded her perseverance and preparation. The ascent highlights ongoing Indian participation in high-altitude expeditions and the expanding profile of Indian climbers on the global stage.
Showcases rising Indian presence in high-altitude exploration.
Haryana Thunders win Pro Wrestling League 2026 title in dramatic final
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 concluded with the Haryana Thunders clinching the championship after a dramatic final against the Delhi Dangal Warriors at Noida Indoor Stadium. With eight bouts completed, the teams were tied 4-4, and the title ride hinged on the women’s 62 kg clash. Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko produced a patient, masterful performance under pressure, securing a 5-4 victory and the championship for Haryana. The final was one of the most tightly contested in PWL history. Turan Bayramov of Delhi earned Player of the Tournament honors for seven wins in the 57 kg category, while Chandermohan of Punjab Royals topped the tournament in points.
Final was tied 4-4 after eight bouts.
Iryna Koliadenko sealed the win in the women’s 62 kg bout.
Haryana Thunders claimed the PWL 2026 title.
Turan Bayramov was Player of the Tournament (7–0 in 57 kg).
Chandermohan finished as the highest point scorer.
Feb 02, 2026
Indian Navy Hosts Second Half-Marathon in Delhi with Over 13,500 Participants
The Indian Navy organized its second half-marathon in New Delhi, drawing more than 13,500 participants. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event’s link to the Fit India Movement and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. The race promoted fitness and youth engagement, with participants from diverse backgrounds running through the capital’s landmarks. Organisers noted strong volunteer support and community involvement, underscoring the military’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles beyond defense duties.
Event: Indian Navy half-marathon in New Delhi.
Participants: over 13,500 people.
Theme: Fit India Movement; Viksit Bharat 2047.
Impact: youth engagement and promotion of fitness.
Carlos Alcaraz Wins Australian Open 2026, Completes Career Grand Slam
On 1 February 2026, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men's singles final to complete his career Grand Slam. At age 22, Alcaraz became the youngest man to achieve this milestone, surpassing previous records. Djokovic took the opening set 6-2, but Alcaraz rebounded to win 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, showcasing aggressive baseline play and endurance. The victory marks a historic chapter in tennis and signals the rise of a new era in the sport, with Alcaraz adding a landmark title to his growing collection of major championships.
Winner: Carlos Alcaraz; finalist: Novak Djokovic.
Date: 1 February 2026; score: 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Significance: career Grand Slam at age 22; youngest to do so.
Impact: marks shift in tennis leadership and generation change.
Devika Sihag Wins Maiden BWF Super 300 Title at Thailand Masters
Devika Sihag, a 20-year-old Indian shuttler from Haryana, won her maiden BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters in Bangkok. She defeated Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei in the women’s singles final, who retired with a hamstring injury while leading 21-8, 6-3. The victory marks a milestone in Sihag’s career and signals rising strength for Indian women on the international circuit. Her performance adds momentum to the growing success of Indian players in international badminton and could boost funding and development programs at the national level.
Player: Devika Sihag; age 20; from Haryana.
Title: maiden BWF Super 300 at Thailand Masters.
Final: opponent Goh Jin Wei retired due to injury; score 21-8, 6-3 when halted.
Significance: indicates rising strength of Indian women in badminton.
Feb 01, 2026
Mertens and Zhang win Australian Open 2026 women's doubles
Belgium's Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai of China captured the Australian Open 2026 women's doubles title, defeating Anna Danilina of Kazakhstan and Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia in the final. The fourth-seeded pair won in straight sets, 7-6(7-4), 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena. The victory marks their first Grand Slam doubles title together, achieved in just their seventh tournament as a team. Mertens, currently ranked world No. 6 in doubles, is poised to reclaim the No. 1 doubles ranking with this result, while Zhang remains among the sport's top doubles players.
Winners: Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai.
Final opponents: Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic.
Score: 7-6(7-4), 6-4.
Significance: first Grand Slam doubles title as a team; potential No. 1 ranking for Mertens.
Event: Australian Open 2026.
Jan 30, 2026
Australian Open 2026: Gadecki, Peers retain mixed doubles crown after 37 years
Hometown wildcards Olivia Gadecki and John Peers successfully defended their Australian Open mixed doubles title, becoming the first pair in 37 years to retain the crown. The Australian duo defeated France's Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, winning 4–6, 6–3, 10–8.
Gadecki and Peers became the first pair in 37 years to retain the AO mixed doubles title.
Entered the tournament as hometown wildcards.
Beat France's Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard in the final.
Final score: 4–6, 6–3, 10–8.
Match played at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.
Jan 29, 2026
Agra approves international indoor sports stadium project
Agra Development Authority gave in-principle approval for an international indoor sports stadium, citing Agra’s global tourism profile and rising local sports talent. The 151st ADA board meeting reviewed receipts and expenditures and discussed further projects including the Agra Inner Ring Road, a logistics park, and cultural venues. Officials highlighted the potential for sports talent development, tourism growth, and improved urban infrastructure. The project would require integrated planning, policy backing, and private participation to realize the stadium’s international standard infrastructure.
ADA approves international indoor stadium for Agra
Aligned with Agra’s tourism growth and sports talent
Board discussed finances and other infrastructure projects
Potential for private participation and policy backing
Aims to boost sports development and tourism
Two-year-old Jude Owens clinches two snooker world records
A Manchester-based toddler, Jude Owens, has earned two Guinness World Records for snooker trick shots. On 12 October last year, at age two years and 302 days, he achieved a pool bank shot and a double pot, becoming the youngest person to perform both. His father noticed the talent at home, and snooker soon became the child’s favorite pastime. The records place Jude among the youngest multiple record holders in Guinness history. The story has excited family and snooker communities who celebrate early talent and perseverance.
Toddler Jude Owens set two snooker records
Age: two years and 302 days (as of 12 Oct last year)
First: pool bank shot; second: double pot
Recognized as youngest to achieve both tricks
Parents and snooker community celebrate achievement