58th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 kicks off at IIT Madras
The 58th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 began at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, running from 14 to 21 December 2025. IIT Madras hosts the event with IIT Hyderabad and IIT Tirupati as co-hosts. The opening ceremony featured Indian international cricketer Sai Sudharsan as Chief Guest, while Muin Bek Hafeez and Sridharan Sriram served as Guests of Honour. Athletes from all IITs compete across multiple sports during a week-long programme. The meet showcases emerging young talent and fosters national sports camaraderie among engineering institutes.
Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 held at IIT Madras (Dec 14–21).
Co-hosts: IIT Hyderabad and IIT Tirupati.
Opening ceremony: Sai Sudharsan as Chief Guest.
Guests of Honour: Sridharan Sriram and Muin Bek Hafeez.
Event promotes talent and inter-institute competition.
FIFA Best Awards 2025 announced in Doha
FIFA announced the Best Awards 2025 in Doha, recognizing global football excellence. Ousmane Dembélé was named The Best men’s player for 2025, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed The Best women’s player. Sarina Wiegman received The Best women’s coach, and Hannah Hampton was named The Best goalkeeper. Luis Enrique was named The Best men’s coach. The ceremony also presented the Puskás Award and the Marta Award to standout performers. The event celebrated performances across the year, highlighting the depth of talent in both men’s and women’s football and the impact of coaches and keepers.
Dembélé named The Best men’s player 2025.
Bonmatí named The Best women’s player 2025.
Wiegman: The Best women’s coach; Hampton: Best GK.
Luis Enrique: The Best men’s coach.
Puskás and Marta awards announced alongside main honours.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma become joint top uncapped IPL 2026 buys
In the IPL 2026 auction, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma emerged as the joint most expensive uncapped players, both valued at Rs 14.20 crore. Veer, a 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, rose to prominence through performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Sharma, an all-rounder from a different Indian state, attracted interest from major franchises. The auction underscored the growing importance of domestic talent in shaping franchise strategies and financial planning for the league. Teams emphasized potential for immediate impact and long-term development of young players.
Both players fetched Rs 14.20 crore each in IPL 2026 auction.
Prashant Veer: 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from UP.
Gained prominence via Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performances.
Kartik Sharma: joint top uncapped buy with Veer.
Highlights the value of domestic talent in IPL economics.
Australian Paralympic long jumper Nicholas Hum passes away at 32
Australian Paralympic long jumper Nicholas Hum died at the age of 32, sending shockwaves through the athletics world. A Paralympic bronze medallist and long-time representative of Australia, Hum passed away in December 2025, a little more than a year after retiring from elite competition. Competing in the T20 classification, he represented Australia across more than a decade at the highest level. Hum made his international debut at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch and later competed in three Paralympic Games and five World Para Athletics Championships. His final appearance occurred at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Nicholas Hum died at age 32 in December 2025.
Paralympic bronze medallist and long jumper for Australia.
Competed in T20 classification; active for over a decade.
International debut: 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships.
Participated in three Paralympic Games; last at Paris 2024.
Dec 16, 2025
MRF Tyres Wins 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Teams Title
MRF Tyres, based in Chennai, secured the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Teams Title, signaling a major milestone in Indian motorsport. The award, presented at the FIA Awards Gala, recognises MRF Tyres’ engineering prowess and competitive performance across the season. The victory strengthens India’s profile in global rally technology and could attract further sponsorship and collaborations with European teams. The achievement reinforces MRF’s role as a leading Indian firm competing against well-established European and Japanese tire manufacturers on the international stage.
MRF Tyres wins 2025 ERC Teams Title at FIA Awards Gala.
Boosts India’s presence in international motorsport technology.
Could attract more sponsorships and collaborations.
Positions MRF among top global tire producers.
Netherlands Claim FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Title
The Netherlands clinched its third consecutive title at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final in Santiago, Chile. The Dutch team converted a first-half penalty corner and a second goal from open play to seal the victory, extending their record to six world titles in this event's history. The win underscores the Netherlands’ dominance in women's under-21 hockey and showcased rising talent from participating nations, reinforcing the country’s strong pipeline for women’s field hockey.
Netherlands win third successive title in Santiago, Chile (FIH Junior World Cup).
Final: Netherlands goals included a penalty corner and open play strike.
Sixth world title for the Netherlands in this event.
Highlights depth of talent in Dutch women’s hockey.
John Cena Retires from WWE After 20-Year Career
WWE icon John Cena has announced his retirement from in-ring competition after a two-decade career, culminating in December 2025. Cena first appeared on WWE programming in 2002 and went on to win the world championship 17 times, a record among many peers. His on-screen persona combined charisma with a strong work ethic, earning global recognition. In retirement, Cena is expected to focus on acting, philanthropy, and expanding his brand beyond wrestling. Cena’s departure marks the end of an era for WWE and its fans as new generations rise.
John Cena retires from in-ring competition in December 2025.
Entered WWE in 2002 and won 17 world titles.
Retirement plans include acting and philanthropy.
Significant moment for WWE and its fan base.
Shafali Verma Named Player of the Month for November 2025
Shafali Verma has been named the ICC Player of the Month for November 2025 after a stellar performance in the Women’s World Cup final. Verma scored 87 off 78 balls and shared a century partnership with Smriti Mandhana, contributing to India’s 298/7 and a 52-run win over South Africa. The 21-year-old’s display reinforced India’s batting strength and her leadership within the lineup. The accolade adds to India’s rising profile in women’s cricket and could motivate upcoming players to pursue excellence at international events.
Shafali Verma named ICC Player of the Month (November 2025).
Key 87 off 78 in Women’s World Cup final; 104-run opening stand with Mandhana.
India posted 298/7 and won by 52 runs.
Supports India’s growing status in women’s cricket.
Dec 15, 2025
India wins maiden Squash World Cup title in Chennai
India clinched its maiden Squash World Cup title, defeating Hong Kong 3‑0 in the final at Express Avenue Mall, Chennai. This marked the first time an Asian country won the World Cup, surpassing the country’s previous bronze in 2023. The triumph is seen as a milestone for Indian squash, which is preparing for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. The victory is expected to boost popularity, funding, and grassroots development of squash across India, potentially expanding pathways for young players into international competition.
India wins first Squash World Cup; 3‑0 vs Hong Kong
Event held in Chennai; Express Avenue Mall venue
Olympic prospects for Indian squash; 2028 LA
Odisha Masters Badminton: Hooda and George win singles titles
At the Odisha Masters 2025, Unnati Hooda won the women’s singles title and Kiran George captured the men’s singles. Hooda defeated Isharani Baruah 21‑17, 21‑10 in about 30 minutes. George beat Indonesia’s Muhamad Yusuf in a tight three‑set final, 21‑14, 15‑21, 21‑16, after an hour on court. The Super 100 event in Cuttack showcased rising talent in Indian badminton, with top seeds delivering strong performances for hosts. The results bolster India’s prospects ahead of upcoming domestic and international circuits.
Meets Odisha Masters 2025: Hooda and George win
Women’s: Unnati Hooda; Men’s: Kiran George
Notable finals and competitive matches
U-19 Asia Cup 2025 schedule announced; tournament underway in UAE
The U-19 Asia Cup Schedule 2025 was released, with the competition running from December 12 to 21, 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. Eight Asian teams compete in two groups, Group A and Group B. India U19 opens against UAE U19, while defending champions Bangladesh U19 face a challenging group including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup marks the 12th edition of the event, a platform for young players to showcase talent ahead of senior competitions. Matches are hosted at the ICC Academy Ground and Sevens Stadium.
U-19 Asia Cup 2025: Dec 12–21 in UAE
Eight teams in two groups; India opens vs UAE
Bangladesh as defending champions
Dec 14, 2025
Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur Honoured with Stadium Stands at Mullanpur Stadium
Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur received a prestigious honour in December 2025, when stadium stands were named after them at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
The stands were inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, ahead of the second T20I between India and South Africa, marking a proud moment for Indian cricket and Punjab's sporting fraternity.
Hockey: Hyderabad Named as Host of World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Featuring Indian women's Team
After Indian women's hockey team missed out on automatic qualification at the Asia Cup this year for the 2026 World Cup, they will get to play at come in that last-chance event to make the cut for the marquee tournament in Belgium and Netherlands next year (2026). On December 11 the international hockey governing body FIH announced that Hyderabad, Telangana will host the women's World Cup qualifier event from March 8 to 14 next year (2026).
The event will feature England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria apart from India.
Dec 13, 2025
Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship 2026 to be hosted by India
India has been approved to host the first Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship in March 2026, with the event scheduled from 9 to 14 March 2026. More than 24 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate, featuring 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams. Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, gains global attention through this championship, highlighting cultural heritage and competitive sport. Organizers say the event will help expand Kho Kho's international footprint and promote youth engagement in traditional games. The championship is part of the Commonwealth's broader sports outreach across member nations in multiple continents.
First Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship to be hosted by India (9–14 March 2026).
Over 24 Commonwealth nations expected; 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams.
Event emphasizes cultural heritage and sport development.
Aims to broaden Kho Kho's international reach and youth engagement.