General Awareness

SPORTS - November 2015

Nov 2015

Feb 19, 2026

6th National Rafting Championship kicks off in Shibnote, Doda

The 6th National Rafting Championship, titled The Ultimate River Battle, kicks off today at Shibnote in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, on the Chenab River. The event brings top rafting teams from across the country to showcase skills, endurance and teamwork in challenging rapids. Organisers expect strong entry lists and audience interest, highlighting adventure tourism potential in the region and promoting eco-tourism. The river setting offers dramatic scenery and tough competition, testing navigation and safety practices. The championship provides a platform for athletes and fans while drawing attention to Doda as a growing destination for water sports.

Event: 6th National Rafting Championship.
Location: Shibnote, Doda on Chenab River.
Dates: kicks off today (date specified in context).
Aims: promote adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
Highlights skills, endurance, safety practices.

Feb 18, 2026

Smriti Mandhana Named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025

Smriti Mandhana was named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 at a New Delhi ceremony on 16 February 2026. The award recognizes her pivotal role in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph. Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh also won Emerging Player of the Year for her performance at the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Mandhana, 29, is currently touring Australia with the national team and thanked fans in a video message, describing 2025 as a landmark year for Indian women’s cricket. The BBC accolade adds to Mandhana’s growing list of international honours. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))

Mandhana wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Award linked to 2025 Women’s World Cup victory
Divya Deshmukh wins Emerging Player of the Year
Mandhana on tour in Australia with India
2025 a milestone year for Indian women’s cricket

Paras Dogra Reaches 10,000 Ranji Runs in Semi‑Final

Jammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra became the fastest player to reach 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, achieving the milestone in 147 innings during the semi‑final against Bengal. He scored 58 in the match, surpassing Wasim Jaffer’s previous record of 196 innings. The feat came in J&K’s first Ranji Trophy semi‑final appearance, marking a historic moment for the state and for Indian domestic cricket. The record underscores Dogra’s consistency and longevity in India’s premier domestic competition. ([biospectrumindia.com](https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/16/27153/23rd-edition-of-bioasia-to-take-place-on-17-18-feb-2026-in-hyderabad.html?utm_source=openai))

Dogra reaches 10,000 Ranji runs
Fastest to 10,000 in 147 innings
Semi‑final vs Bengal
First Ranji semi for Jammu & Kashmir
Significant milestone in domestic cricket

Feb 17, 2026

Magnus Carlsen Wins Inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship

Magnus Carlsen secured the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship title, held in Weissenhaus, Germany, from 13 to 15 February 2026. The Norwegian grandmaster defeated Fabiano Caruana in the four-game final with a 2.5–1.5 scoreline. A decisive turnaround in game three, hailed by analysts as a near-loss converted to victory, sealed the crown. The Freestyle format combines traditional chess with rapid and blitz elements, broadening competitive formats for the sport. Carlsen’s triumph adds another milestone to his career, reinforcing his status as a dominant figure in contemporary chess and expanding the sport’s global appeal.

Event: 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship.
Location: Weissenhaus, Germany; dates: 13–15 February 2026.
Final score: Carlsen 2.5, Caruana 1.5.
Notable moment: game three turnaround.
Significance: first official Freestyle World Championship.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Wins Brazil’s First Winter Olympic Medal in Giant Slalom

Brazil achieved a historic milestone at Milano Cortina 2026 when Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the giant slalom, finishing in 2 minutes 25 seconds and defeating defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds. The 25-year-old skier secured Brazil’s first Winter Games medal, sending a hopeful signal for winter sports development in South America. The Stelvio course presented typical alpine conditions of snow and fog, challenging competitors. Odermatt’s strong showing highlighted the competitive field. Braathen’s breakthrough is expected to inspire greater participation and investment in alpine skiing across Brazil and neighboring nations, with federations planning ongoing development programs.

Event: Milano Cortina 2026, giant slalom.
Winner: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (Brazil); time 2:25.0.
Defeated Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds.
Brazil’s first Winter Olympic medal.
Implications for winter sports growth in South America.

Klaebo Leads Norway to Relay Gold, Secures 9th Winter Olympic Medal

Milano Cortina 2026 saw Norway’s Johannes Klaebo win the men’s 4×7.5 km relay on 15 February 2026, claiming his record ninth Winter Olympic medal. The Norwegian team finished ahead of France and Italy in Tesero, Italy. Klaebo, 29, described the victory as a “perfect way” to break the Olympic record and celebrate with teammates. This relay success adds to Klaebo’s many medals at these Games, reinforcing his status as the most decorated Winter Olympic athlete in history. The performance underscores Norway’s strength in cross‑country skiing during the Milano Cortina edition.

Event: men’s 4×7.5 km relay, 15 February 2026.
Winner: Norway; runners-up: France, Italy.
Klaebo’s ninth Winter Olympic medal; 29 years old.
Described as the “perfect way” to break the Olympic record.
Solidifies Klaebo’s status as the most decorated Winter Olympic athlete.

Feb 16, 2026

Pramod Bhagat Wins Fourth Consecutive SL3 Gold at BWF Para World Championships

India’s Pramod Bhagat won the men’s SL3 gold at the BWF Para World Championships, defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final. The 37-year-old athlete claimed his fourth consecutive singles gold at the world championships and his sixth SL3 world title, making him the most decorated singles champion in world championship history across the sport. The victory also places Bhagat ahead of Lin Dan’s five singles world titles in able-bodied badminton, underscoring India’s strength in para-badminton on the global stage.

Bhagat won SL3 gold; final score 21-12, 21-18
Fourth consecutive singles gold at world championships
Sixth SL3 world title; most decorated singles champion
Surpasses Lin Dan’s five titles in able-bodied badminton
Boosts India’s standing in para-badminton

Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: India Wins Hammer Throw Medals

At the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, Indian athletes performed well in athletics. Kishorakumar Chandira Mogan won gold in the men’s Hammer Throw 30+ category with 37.92 metres, while Mohammad Ansar earned bronze. Earlier attempts measured 35.94 and 36.97 metres, with two no-marks affecting the series. The event showcased veteran Indian athletes competing internationally and contributing to India’s medal tally while inspiring senior athletes at home.

Gold for Kishorakumar Chandira Mogan in Hammer Throw 30+
Bronze for Mohammad Ansar
Best throw 37.92 metres; earlier 35.94 and 36.97
Two no-marks in the series
Strong international showing by Indian veterans

Feb 15, 2026

Francesca Lollobrigida Triumphs with Second Gold at Winter Olympics 2026

Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida claimed her second gold at the Milano Winter Olympics 2026 in the 5000 metres, following her 3000 metres victory on her 35th birthday five days earlier. The 5000m gold, timed at 6:46.17, solidified Lollobrigida’s status as a prominent figure in speed skating. Her back-to-back victories come at a venue that highlighted Italy’s strength in winter sports. The double title adds a significant milestone to both the athlete’s career and Italy’s medal tally, underscoring the competitive field of the Games and the narrative of perseverance and peak performance at an elite level.

Lollobrigida wins 5000m gold in Milano 2026
Earlier won 3000m gold on her 35th birthday
Time: 6:46.17 in 5000m final
Marks second Olympic gold within the Games
Boosts Italy’s standing in Winter Olympics

Shikhar Dhawan Named Brand Ambassador for Delhi Khel Mahakumbh

Former India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, an initiative of the Directorate of Education and Sports, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The event aims to strengthen grassroots sports participation and talent identification across the capital. Dhawan, widely recognised for leadership and mentoring, will accompany the festival’s outreach while continuing his work with youth through Da One Sports. The release emphasises his ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and shaping India’s sporting aspirations beyond his playing career. The Mahakumbh seeks inclusive participation and broader access to sports for all communities.

Dhawan appointed as brand ambassador for Delhi Khel Mahakumbh
Inaugural edition organized by Delhi Directorate of Education and Sports
Aims to strengthen grassroots participation and talent ID
Dhawan’s leadership and mentoring role highlighted
Dhawan associated with Da One Sports

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