General Awareness

SPORTS - August 2018

Aug 2018

Jan 08, 2026

Jinson Johnson announces retirement from running

Jinson Johnson, 34, a national record holder and Asian Games gold‑medallist, announced retirement from competitive running. Johnson won 1500 metres gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games with a time of 3:44.72 and set the national 800 metres record at 1:45.65 during 2018. He represented India at multiple major events, including the Commonwealth Games. Johnson’s retirement marks the end of a prominent period in Indian middle‑distance running, during which he contributed to India’s presence in global athletics and inspired young athletes to pursue distance running at high levels.

Jinson Johnson retires from professional running.
2018 Jakarta Asian Games 1500m gold (3:44.72).
Held national 800m record (1:45.65) in 2018.
Represented India at multiple major events.
Leaves behind a legacy for Indian middle‑distance running.

Dhoni merges 7Padel with PadelPark India to boost the sport

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has merged 7Padel MS Dhoni with PadelPark India, creating a unified national platform to scale padel in the country. The merger aims to accelerate court development, coaching, tournaments and community programmes, building a professional ecosystem for one of India’s fastest‑growing sports. The combined entity expects to expand participation, improve infrastructure and establish standardized coaching to groom future players. The partnership reflects Dhoni’s ongoing influence in Indian sport and aligns with broader efforts to diversify India’s sports portfolio and promote fitness across communities.

Dhoni merges 7Padel MS Dhoni with PadelPark India.
Goal: scale padel through courts, coaching and tournaments.
Aims to build a professional national ecosystem.
Expansion of participation and infrastructure.
Demonstrates Dhoni’s continued influence in Indian sport.

Anahat Singh wins silver at British Junior Open Women’s U‑19

Top‑seed Indian squash player Anahat Singh won silver in the women’s under‑19 final at the British Junior Open in Birmingham, England. She was defeated 9‑11, 11‑7, 3‑11, 9‑11 by France’s Lauren Baltayan in the final. Earlier, Anahat defeated Egypt’s Malika El Karaksy in the semifinals to reach the final. The centenary edition of the tournament ran from January 2 to 6, 2026, showcasing India’s rising strength in junior squash on the international stage. The result adds to India’s growing list of performances in global youth sport events.

Anahat Singh finalist in Women’s U‑19 at British Junior Open.
Lost final 9‑11, 11‑7, 3‑11, 9‑11 to Lauren Baltayan.
Semifinal win over Malika El Karaksy.
Centenary edition held Jan 2–6, 2026.
Continues India’s surge in junior squash.

Jan 07, 2026

69th National School Games commence in Ludhiana

The 69th National School Games began in Ludhiana with a torch-lighting ceremony at Guru Nanak Stadium. The event, organized by the Directorate of School Education under the School Games Federation of India, runs until January 11 and features competitions in Gatka, Judo, and Taekwondo. About 38 teams from states, union territories, and other organisations participate across three venues: BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar; Government Senior Secondary School, PAU; and the Open Air Theatre at PAU. The Games showcase young athletic talent and remind participants about sportsmanship and national-level competition.

69th National School Games started in Ludhiana
Gatka, Judo, Taekwondo events; Jan 11 conclusion
38 participating teams from various states/UTs
Three competition venues in Ludhiana
Promotes youth sports and national-level exposure

Arunachal to host World Series qualifier adventure race

Arunachal Pradesh announced it will host a World Series qualifier adventure race in November, placing the state within an international adventure racing circuit. Tourism and local government officials, including Pasang Dorjee Sona, highlighted the event as part of the state’s campaign Take a New Turn in Arunachal. The multi-day event will include navigation, mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and survival challenges through remote terrain. Organisers aim to attract global teams, boost sports tourism, and showcase Arunachal’s landscapes. The decision aligns with broader efforts to diversify tourism and present India’s northeast as an adventure sports destination.

World Series qualifier adventure race to be hosted in Arunachal Pradesh
Event planned for November; part of India’s adventure-sports push
Involves navigation, biking, trekking, kayaking, survival skills
Promotes tourism and regional development in the Northeast
Official remarks by Pasang Dorjee Sona supported campaign

Jan 06, 2026

Atiqa Mir becomes first Indian with top-five UAE karting finish

Atiqa Mir, aged 11, became the first Indian to secure a top-five finish in the IAME UAE Karting Championship, round seven, at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Competing in the junior S125 category after moving from the mini category, she finished fifth in a 35-driver field, four-tenths of a second behind the podium. Her result marks a historic milestone for Indian youth in international karting and demonstrates substantial talent and potential. The achievement highlights growing female participation in motorsports in India and could inspire broader development programs for young riders.

Atiqa Mir finished 5th in IAME UAE Karting Championship (round seven).
Age 11; competed in junior S125 after moving from mini category.
Finish was 4 tenths of a second from the podium.
First Indian to reach top-five in this championship.
Event held at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
Significant milestone for Indian youth and women in motorsport.

Bangladesh withdraws from India-hosted T20 World Cup matches

Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to participate in the T20 World Cup matches to be held in India, citing safety concerns for players amid tensions between the two nations. The board requested the ICC to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s scheduled matches to a venue outside India. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, was to run from February 7 to March 8 in 2026. Officials noted that security and player welfare were the primary considerations guiding the decision. The move impacts match logistics and could affect spectators and broadcasting plans across venues.

Bangladesh withdraws from India-hosted T20 World Cup.
Safety concerns cited by Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Request to ICC to relocate Bangladesh matches outside India.
Tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Security implications for venues and broadcasters.

Neeraj Chopra parts ways with JSW Sports, starts Vel Sports

Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra ended his association with JSW Sports in January 2026 and launched his own management firm, Vel Sports. The collaboration, active since 2016, helped shape Chopra’s career through the JSW Sports Excellence Program. The new venture signals a fresh phase focused on athlete management and strategic partnerships beyond his long-time sponsor. Chopra emphasized continuing to train at the highest level and seeking opportunities to inspire young athletes. The move could influence how Indian track and field stars engage with agencies, endorsements, and development programs in the coming years.

Neeraj Chopra ends partnership with JSW Sports in January 2026.
Launches Vel Sports, his own athlete management firm.
Partnership with JSW began in 2016 via the SEP program.
Move signals a shift toward independent management and partnerships.
Chopra aims to stay at elite training level and inspire youth.
Potential impact on Indian athletics’ athlete-management models.

Second Khelo India Beach Games underway in Diu

The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games began at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, on 5 January 2026, with over 2,100 athletes taking part in eight sports. The events are organized by the Sports Authority of India under the guidance of national sports federations. The six medal sports include Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming, while Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be non-medal events. The games run until 10 January and aim to promote mass participation, sport development, and regional unity, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase talent.

2nd Khelo India Beach Games began in Diu on 5 January 2026.
More than 2,100 athletes across eight sports participate.
Medal sports: Beach Soccer, Volleyball, Sepak Takraw, Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, Open Water Swimming.
Mallakhamb and Tug of War are non-medal events.
Organised by SASA with national federations; runs until 10 January.
Aims to promote participation and talent development.

Jan 05, 2026

Meg Lanning named UP Warriorz captain for 2026 WPL

Meg Lanning, the celebrated former Australia captain, was named captain of the UP Warriorz ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. She was signed for Rs 1.9 crore at the 2026 WPL auction after previously guiding Delhi Capitals to three straight finals. Lanning, a multiple World Cup winner and marquee T20 player, brings leadership, experience, and global success to UP Warriorz. Her appointment signals the franchise's intent to strengthen on-field leadership and pursue championship glory in a competitive new season, as the WPL continues to grow into a premier women’s cricket competition.

Meg Lanning appointed UP Warriorz captain for 2026 WPL
Auction price: Rs 1.9 crore
Previously led Delhi Capitals to three finals
Lanning has multiple World Cup and T20 titles
Signals UP Warriorz’s push for title success

India's Sanjay Takale Makes History, Wins H3 Class at Dakar Rally 2026 Prologue

In a historic achievement for Indian motorsport, top driver Sanjay Takale delivered a standout performance in the Prologue Stage of the Dakar Rally 2026, finishing first in the high average speed Group H3 and 35th overall in the Cars category. The Prologue, which determines the starting order and does not count toward overall standings, saw Takale dominate the Dakar Classic Group H3, making him the first Indian to stand on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on Day 1.
The 2026 Dakar Rally is being held from January 3–17, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, starting and finishing in Yanbu.

Modi inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi via video conferencing. The eight-day event runs from January 4 to 11, 2026, with participation from more than 1,000 players across 58 teams representing states and institutions. The tournament underscores India's emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing talent at the national level. Officials anticipate high-quality matches that showcase skill and discipline while promoting volleyball across schools and clubs. Hosting the event in Varanasi also reinforces the city’s growing profile as a venue for major national sporting initiatives.

72nd National Volleyball Tournament inaugurated by PM Modi
Date: January 4–11, 2026
Participants: 1,000+ players, 58 teams
Focus: infrastructure, talent development in volleyball
Event highlights Varanasi as a national sports hub

Jan 04, 2026

Venus Williams to become oldest female player in Australian Open main draw at 45

Tennis star Venus Williams is set to become the oldest female player in the Australian Open main draw at age 45. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has received a wildcard entry for the tournament, which begins on January 18, 2026. Williams last competed outside the United States in 2023, marking a notable return to one of tennis' biggest stages. Her participation underscores longevity in sport and the ongoing competitiveness of veteran players. Williams has long been a leading figure in women’s tennis, with notable success in singles and doubles and a record of resilience against younger rivals. Her wildcard was approved by the Australian Tennis Federation.

Venus Williams to play Australian Open main draw at age 45
Wildcard entry for the tournament starting January 18, 2026
Last competed outside the U.S. in 2023
Milestone highlights longevity in sport and veteran competitiveness
Wildcard approved by the Australian Tennis Federation

India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 at Chennai Port

The 11th India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 runs at Chennai Port from January 4 to 10. This is India’s longest-running international youth sailing regatta, featuring 117 registered sailors from 13 nations. Races span five elite youth classes under international keel and wind categories. The event promotes maritime sport development and provides young Indian sailors with exposure to high-level competition, training opportunities and potential pathways to senior national teams. The Chennai Port venue underscores India’s growing coastal sports infrastructure and commitment to nurturing sailing talent among the youth.

11th edition of India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026
Dates: January 4–10, at Chennai Port
117 sailors from 13 nations; five youth classes
Offers exposure, training and potential progression to national teams
Showcases India’s coastal sports infrastructure and talent

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