General Awareness

SPORTS - August 2018

Aug 2018

Jan 18, 2026

ITBP wins LG Cup Ice Hockey final in Kargil

The 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship concluded at Biamathang Ice Hockey Ground, Kargil, with ITBP defeating the Ladakh Scouts in a dramatic final decided in five minutes of extra time. The tournament also featured speed skating and an exhibition curling match between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta praised the sport’s role in Ladakh’s identity and announced ongoing efforts to develop winter sports infrastructure in the union territory.

Event: 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship
Winner: ITBP; Runner‑up: Ladakh Scouts
Final: decided in extra time
Other events: speed skating, curling exhibition
Officials: Lt. Gov Kavinder Gupta comments on winter sports development

Madras University tops All‑India Inter‑University Athletics 2025–26

Madras University emerged as overall champions at the All‑India Inter‑University Athletics Championship 2025–26, scoring 134 points. Mangalore University finished runners‑up with 109 points. The event, organised by Alva’s Education Foundation and hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, concluded on Friday, 16 January. Participants from multiple universities competed in track and field events across several disciplines. The win reflects stronger performance by Tamil Nadu institutions in national university sport competitions and adds to the state’s athletics profile ahead of upcoming inter‑university events.

Event: All‑India Inter‑University Athletics Championship 2025–26
Winner: Madras University (134 points)
Runner‑up: Mangalore University (109 points)
Host: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
Date: 16 January
Impact: Tamil Nadu’s prominence in national athletics

Jan 17, 2026

Mitchell Starc named ICC Player of the Month for December 2025

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025, following a stellar Ashes series against England. Starc took 31 wickets across three Tests and scored two half-centuries, earning praise for pace, accuracy, and leadership under pressure. He credited team support and hard work for his success. The award recognises consistency across bowling and batting contributions and reinforces Starc’s status as a leading all-rounder in major series. Australia’s coaching staff highlighted his fitness and mental strength throughout a demanding schedule.

Mitchell Starc named ICC Player of the Month for December 2025.
31 wickets and 2 half-centuries across the Ashes series.
Praise for pace, accuracy, leadership under pressure.
Award acknowledges consistency in bowling and batting.
Coaches credit Starc’s fitness and mental strength.

Dhoni named Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first international multi-stage professional road cycling race. The event runs from January 19 to 23, 2026 in Pune and is a UCI 2.2 category race across five days. Dhoni’s role is to raise the event’s profile and inspire youth participation in cycling. A total of 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries will compete on a 437‑kilometre course through the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range. The race is expected to boost India’s position on the global cycling map.

Dhoni appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026.
Event dates: January 19–23, 2026; five-day, UCI 2.2 category race.
437-km route across Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range; 171 riders from 29 teams.
Global participation from 35 countries; aims to raise cycling profile in India.
Ambassador role to promote sport, youth involvement, and sponsorship.

Jan 16, 2026

India-origin Dilpreet Bajwa to lead Canada in T20 World Cup

Dilpreet Bajwa, a 22-year-old India-born cricketer, has been named captain of Canada’s squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. Bajwa has played nine ODIs and 17 T20Is and will lead Canada in its second appearance at the tournament, which runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026, across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Canada is grouped with South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the UAE in Group D, with opening fixtures in Ahmedabad. Bajwa’s leadership, combined with a strong squad including Yuvraj Samra and others, could sharpen Canada’s performance on the global stage.

Dilpreet Bajwa named Canada’s T20 World Cup captain.
Canada in Group D with SA, NZ, Afghanistan, UAE; opening in Ahmedabad.
Bajwa has 9 ODIs and 17 T20Is; 22 years old.
Team features key players like Yuvraj Samra.
Competition runs Feb 7–Mar 8, 2026, in India/Sri Lanka.

India Open Badminton begins in New Delhi with PV Sindhu leading challenge

The India Open Badminton tournament began at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, with two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu among India’s top contenders. Sindhu, ranked 18th, returns from a tough 2025 season and injury layoff, aiming to regain form. Teammates Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma represent the women’s singles, while in doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand headline the women’s pair. India’s strong fold includes Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty in men’s singles, and the dynamic pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in men’s doubles. The Super 750 event offers players a chance to tune up for the World Tour season.

India Open begins in New Delhi; PV Sindhu leads challenge.
Sindhu returns after tough 2025 season and injury gap.
Women’s and men’s events feature top Indian players.
Doubles pairings include Jolly/Gopichand and Rankireddy/Shetty.
Competition serves as a lead-up to the World Tour.

Afghanistan cricket board caps foreign leagues for top players

The Afghanistan Cricket Board approved a reform allowing top players to participate in up to three foreign franchise leagues annually, alongside mandatory availability for domestic competitions. The policy aims to protect player fitness and mental well-being by managing workloads while maintaining national duties. Afghanistan plans to stage a revamped domestic competition and anticipates peak form during the Afghanistan Premier League slated for October 2026 in the United Arab Emirates. Stars such as Rashid Khan and others are affected by global league schedules, balancing international commitments with national team requirements.

Afghanistan caps players to three foreign leagues per year.
Mandatory availability for domestic competitions remains.
Policy aims to protect fitness and mental well-being.
Domestic reform includes a revamped Afghanistan Premier League (Oct 2026, UAE).
Affects star players with busy global league calendars.

Bangladesh cricket players threaten boycott over board politics

Bangladesh’s professional cricketers warned of halting all cricket activities unless Nazmul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finance committee, resigns. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) set a deadline tied to the Bangladesh Premier League schedule, escalating the dispute with management over governance issues. The stand reflects tensions within the country’s cricket administration and the potential impact on an upcoming international calendar. Officials have called for dialogue to resolve differences and avoid disruption to domestic and international fixtures, stressing a return to normalcy for players, fans, and sponsors.

CWAB threatens boycott if Nazmul Islam resigns.
Deadline linked to BPL schedule; governance dispute escalates.
Dispute could affect domestic and international fixtures.
Call for dialogue to resolve governance issues.
Tension reflects wider governance challenges in cricket.

Jan 15, 2026

Mitchell Starc reacts to Alyssa Healy retirement from international cricket

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed pride after batswoman Alyssa Healy announced her retirement from international cricket. Healy will miss the T20I leg of Australia’s upcoming series against India but will participate in the ODI series and the day-night Test at the WACA, where she will earn her 11th Test cap. Healy cited a desire to move on after feeling she had lost competitive edge and believed retirement is the right step. Starc shared a supportive message, posting a photo and caption that reflected his admiration for Healy’s career and influence as a leader in Australia’s women’s cricket team.

Alyssa Healy retires from international cricket
Retirement after a perceived loss of competitive edge
Misses T20I leg vs India; plays ODI and final Test at WACA
11th Test cap acknowledged at day-night Test
Mitchell Starc expresses pride and support

Aritra Roy completes solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua, 6,967.15 metres

Indian mountaineer Aritra Roy has completed a solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak outside Asia, at 6,967.15 metres above mean sea level. This achievement advances Roy’s Seven Summits challenge and follows his earlier Everest ascent. He reached the summit on 7 January 2026 at 2:00 pm local time after a grueling 44-kilometre trek through high-altitude terrain and extreme cold. Roy spent about 45 minutes at the summit before beginning the descent. The expedition was fully sponsored by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with HAL’s leadership praising the feat as a landmark in Indian mountaineering. The climb underscores Indian athletes’ growing presence in extreme environments.

Solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua completed
Height: 6,967.15 metres
Date and time of summit: 7 January 2026, 2:00 pm
Part of Seven Summits challenge; following Everest
HAL funded the expedition

Jan 14, 2026

SG Pipers clinch Women’s Hockey India League title

SG Pipers won the Women’s Hockey India League 2025–26 title, defeating Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The final delivered high drama, with early goals, tense exchanges, and a decisive shootout. Pipers goalkeeper Bansari Solanki starred with crucial saves, including a stoppage-time penalty stroke stop, while Navneet Kaur was named Player of the Tournament. Agustina Gorzelany of Bengal Tigers finished as top scorer. The victory earned the team ₹1.5 crore in prize money, capping a season defined by resilience and clutch performances.

SG Pipers win Women’s Hockey India League title
Final ended 1-1; decided on penalties
Bansari Solanki named Best Goalkeeper
Navneet Kaur Player of the Tournament
Prize money: ₹1.5 crore

Manchester United appoints Michael Carrick as head coach for season

Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as head coach through the season after Ruben Amorim’s departure. The former United midfielder has previously served as a player and interim coach, bringing experience from inside the club. Carrick’s appointment comes during a challenging period for the team, with stressing results under review. His leadership is expected to stabilise performances and implement a tactical approach aligned with the club’s long-term objectives. Fans await a resurgence in form as Carrick prepares to lead training and selection on match days while the club pursues positive results.

Michael Carrick appointed head coach until season end
Former player and interim coach previously associated with United
Appointment during a period of team performance challenges
Expectation of stabilised performances and tactical changes
Focus on lifting results for remaining fixtures

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