Atiqa Mir becomes first Indian podium finisher in European COTFA karting
Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir, aged 11, made history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium in the European leg of the Champions of the Future Academy, COTFA, karting series. She finished third in the final of the opening round, a milestone since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian athlete supported by the F1 Academy, underscoring her rising talent. Throughout the weekend she delivered strong pace and also posted the fastest lap in the final. Her achievement highlights Indian motorsport talent on the European junior racing stage.
Age: 11; event: COTFA European leg opening round final
Result: Finished 3rd; fastest lap in final
Milestone: First Indian podium in COTFA Europe
Support: First Indian backed by F1 Academy
Significance: Signals rising Indian talent in international motorsport
SJFI National Convention 2026 to be held in New Delhi from March 13 to 16
The Sports Journalists Federation of India, SJFI, will hold its National Convention 2026 in New Delhi from 13 to 16 March, returning to the capital after 23 years. The Delhi Sports Journalist Association, DSJA, is organising the event to celebrate SJFI’s Golden Jubilee. More than 250 sports journalists and key stakeholders are expected to participate. The four-day programme includes a Grand Sports Conclave, inter-zonal tournaments and extensive networking opportunities. Senior government representatives, Olympic icons and industry leaders will attend, with sessions on sports governance and media practices. The edition marks a milestone in the federation’s history and future planning.
Dates: 13–16 March 2026; venue: New Delhi
Significance: SJFI Golden Jubilee; return to Delhi after 23 years
Participants: 250+ sports journalists and stakeholders
Key components: Grand Sports Conclave; inter-zonal tournaments
Organisers: Delhi Sports Journalist Association
Mar 03, 2026
Alyssa Healy retires after 158 in final ODI for Australia
Australian captain Alyssa Healy delivered a spectacular 158 off 98 balls in Hobart, guiding Australia to 409/7 and a 185-run victory over India. The innings capped a fearless, high-impact career as Healy retires from all forms of cricket after this match. India were bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs, concluding a memorable farewell for a world-class batter. Healy’s aggressive top-order approach and consistency defined her ODI tenure, influencing how teams build their middle-order strategies. Her farewell was celebrated by teammates and fans as a defining moment in women’s cricket for Australia.
Healy scored 158 off 98 balls in Hobart.
Australia posted 409/7; defeated India by 185 runs.
This was Healy’s final ODI; retiring from all formats.
India dismissed for 224 in 45.1 overs.
Healy’s impact shaped modern women’s ODI batting.
Mar 02, 2026
Jammu & Kashmir win Ranji Trophy 2025-26 in maiden final; Karnataka defeated
Jammu and Kashmir claimed the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title in their maiden final appearance, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka at KSCA Cricket Stadium, Hubballi. J&K posted an first-innings 584 and led by Paras Dogra sealed a 291-run advantage, showcasing a standout performance. The victory, witnessed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the stands, made J&K the 10th side to win the trophy in its debut final in 92 years. The win is celebrated as a historic moment for cricket in the state and a sign of growing talent from northern India.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final held at KSCA Hubballi
Jammu & Kashmir defeated Karnataka by 291 runs on first innings lead
Paras Dogra captained J&K; Omar Abdullah attended the match
J&K becomes 10th team to win Ranji in debut final
Historic achievement for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir
Ravi Shastri stand named at Wankhede after former India captain; gates also memorialised
Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium will honour Ravi Shastri by naming a Level 1 Stand after him. The Mumbai Cricket Association approved the decision during its Apex Council meeting held on 27 February 2026. In addition, three gates will be named after Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji to recognise their contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket. The Ravi Shastri Stand commemorates his roles as a player, captain, coach and commentator for India. The honour follows MCA’s tradition of celebrating cricket legends on the city’s premier ground, reinforcing Mumbai’s rich cricket heritage at the venue.
Indian Navy organises half-marathon in Delhi with 13,500+ participants
The Indian Navy organised a second edition of a Delhi half-marathon, drawing more than 13,500 runners from across the national capital region. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event’s link to the Fit India Movement and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The race aimed to promote fitness, community involvement and national service, with participants ranging from civilians to defence personnel. Organisers noted the event’s emphasis on health, discipline and social cohesion, aligning with national goals for public wellness.
Event: Indian Navy Delhi Half-Marathon, second edition
Participants: 13,500+ from Delhi NCR
Theme: Fit India Movement, Viksit Bharat 2047
Organizer: Indian Navy
Message: promotes fitness and national service
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Djokovic to complete career Grand Slam at Australian Open 2026
In a landmark men’s singles final on 1 February 2026, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to complete the career Grand Slam. At 22 years old, Alcaraz became the youngest man to achieve this feat, signaling a transition in the sport as Djokovic’s era continues to influence the game. Djokovic took the opening set 6–2, but Alcaraz answered with strong baseline play and tactical poise, sealing the match 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5. The victory marked a defining moment in contemporary tennis history.
Event: Australian Open 2026 final
Winner: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Date: 1 February 2026
Achievement: career Grand Slam, youngest man to do so
Significance: marks transition in global tennis
Feb 28, 2026
Etcheverry wins maiden ATP title at Rio Open
Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina won his maiden ATP Tour title at the Rio Open in Brazil, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final. The 26-year-old claimed his first ATP 500 crown and notched his 100th tour-level win during the event, underscoring a rising ascendancy on the circuit. Rain delays forced the semi-final and final to be played on the same day, testing his endurance. Etcheverry had previously been runner-up in three finals, making this breakthrough a major milestone for his career and potential ranking climb.
Etcheverry claimed his first ATP Tour title
Defeated Alejandro Tabilo in the Rio Open final
Won the ATP 500 title and 100th tour-level win
Rain caused semi-final and final to be played on same day
Career milestone may boost rankings and confidence
26-year-old Argentine player
Feb 27, 2026
Tomas Martin Etcheverry wins maiden ATP title at Rio Open
Argentine tennis player Tomas Martin Etcheverry won his first ATP Tour title at the Rio Open in Brazil, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final. The 26‑year‑old achieved his maiden ATP 500 trophy after three prior runner‑ups. Rain delays earlier in the day forced Etcheverry to play both his semi‑final and final on the same day, testing his stamina. During the tournament he also registered his 100th tour‑level win, underscoring his rising trajectory on the professional circuit and signaling potential for continued success on clay in future seasons.
Etcheverry won his first ATP Tour title at the Rio Open, defeating Alejandro Tabilo in the final.
Final score: 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4.
He played both semi‑final and final on the same day due to rain delays.
This win marked his first ATP 500 trophy and 100th tour‑level win.
The victory signals a rising phase in Etcheverry’s clay‑court career.