The inaugural 'Neeraj Chopra Classic', a marquee javelin throw event named after India's Olympic champion, will now be held in Bengaluru instead of Panchkula, owing to some technical issues raised by World Athletics.
The event is a World Athletics Category A competition and is scheduled for May 24 at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium—the same stadium where Chopra practiced during the early days of his career.
Chopra confirmed that after World Athletics officials raised some technical issues (such as lighting not up to the 600-lux standard, open field layout, and other concerns), the event has now been shifted to the Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Bengaluru.
Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana Named Wisden's Leading Cricketers in the World
In the 2024 edition of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, which was released on April 22, Jasprit Bumrah, India's fast bowler who plays across all formats, was named the Leading Men's Cricketer in the World.
Bumrah capped his performances in 2024 by becoming the first Test bowler in history to claim 200 wickets at an average of less than 20.
India opener batter Smriti Mandhana completed an Indian double by being named Wisden's Leading Women's Cricketer in the World. In 2024, Mandhana scored 1659 runs in all formats, setting a new record for the most runs by a woman in a calendar year of international cricket.
She also scored four ODI hundreds, which was another milestone. In a ten-wicket victory against South Africa in June, she capped her achievements with a second Test century, 149.
West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was named as the Leading T20 Player in the World. In 2024, Pooran made 464 runs in 21 matches at an average of 25.77 and a strike rate of 142.33.
Smriti Mandhana Launches Cricket Academy in Dubai with Don Bhagawati
Indian cricket icon Smriti Mandhana joined hands with renowned UK-based coach Don Bhagawati to officially launch the City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha-a state-of-the-art cricket development center now established in Dubai. The launch was announced by Cricket Predicta. Designed as a high-performance hub for boys and girls across all age groups, the academy combines Don's two decades of elite coaching experience with Smriti's contemporary insights from the international arena. Don's wife, a former England cricketer, also brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the mentoring process, making this academy a complete ecosystem for young cricketers.
Apr 21, 2025
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Inaugurates National Wrestling Championship in Kota
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla inaugurated the National Wrestling Championship in Kota, Rajasthan.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Sanjay Singh, was also present at the event.
The event was held from April 20 to 22, 2025.
Anahat Singh, Veer Chotrani Qualify for Squash World Championships 2025
Indian squash players Veer Chotrani and Anahat Singh qualified for the PSA World Championships after winning their respective finals at the World Championships Qualifying Event (Asia) in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.
The 2025 World Championships scheduled in Chicago, USA from May 9 to 17, 2025.
Apr 20, 2025
Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam declares Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League open in Gurugram
Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam inaugurated the first edition of Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) at the Gurugram University.
The League will run for 13 days, with the final schedule for April 30 at the Multipurpose hall of the Gurugram University.
Men's Teams: Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.
Women's Teams: Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles.
Apr 19, 2025
The 12th Edition of the National Race Walking Competition
Two-time Olympian and national record holder Priyanka Goswami is looking ahead to dominate women's 20km event at the 12th edition of the Indian Open Race Walking competition at Sukhna Lake in Changdigarh.
India Wrap up Asian U18 Athletics Championships with 11 Medals
Team India finished the Asian U18 Athletics Championships 2025 with a total of 11 medals (one gold, five silver and five bronze) as the tournament concluded in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Himanshu bagged India's solitary gold medal at the continental meet after winning the boys' javelin throw event.
This was also India's first-ever gold medal in boys' javelin throw at the Asian U18 Athletics Championships.
Apr 18, 2025
Suruchi, Saurabh Pair Strike Gold as a Team in Lima
The pair of Suruchi and Saurabh Chaudhary struck gold at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Lima, Peru, winning the 10m air pistol mixed team title 17-9 over the Chinese pairing of Yao Qianxun and Hu Kai. It was the teenager Suruchi's third ISSF World Cup gold and Saurabh's ninth.
Union Minister inaugurated Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU)
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi. This initiative marks a significant advancement in India's anti-doping efforts, aligning the country with international standards and reinforcing its commitment to fair, clean, and ethical sports practices.
The APMU will enable longitudinal tracking of athletes' biological markers under the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system, making it possible to detect doping patterns without directly identifying banned substances. This also positions India as a supportive leader for the Global South, offering expertise and resources to neighbouring countries.