General Awareness

SPORTS - June 2023

Jun 2023

Jan 20, 2026

Mukesh Choudhary to lead Rajasthan in Santosh Trophy

Forward Mukesh Choudhary will captain Rajasthan in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship. The event runs from January 21 to February 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam. Rajasthan qualified for the final round after beating Maharashtra and Gujarat in the group stage. The team opens its campaign against Uttarakhand, with subsequent fixtures against Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland. The Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat stated the squad’s readiness for the competition, which showcases domestic football talent and serves as a platform for players to attract professional opportunities.

Mukesh Choudhary captains Rajasthan at Santosh Trophy
Tournament: Jan 21–Feb 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam
Rajasthan qualified after group wins over Maharashtra and Gujarat
Opening match vs Uttarakhand; other fixtures listed
Event promotes domestic football talent

Senegal defeat Morocco to win AFCON title

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1‑0 extra‑time victory over hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal after a tense match that saw a controversial Panenka penalty by Brahim Diaz misfired for Morocco. Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the shoot for a second title in three editions, following their 2022 triumph. The final was marked by spirited defense and late drama as Senegal claimed the continental championship, adding to their recent achievements on African football’s biggest stage.

Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 after extra time
Pape Gueye scored the winner; Diaz missed a late penalty
Edouard Mendy key saves for Senegal
Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions
Final featured dramatic late moments

Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh; many states compete

The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games began in Leh, Ladakh, with 21 states and union territories participating. About 1,000 participants, including 472 athletes, are competing in ice hockey and skating events. The events are hosted at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink and the Guphuk Frozen Pond, with figure skating introduced this year. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta visited venues to review arrangements and ensure smooth conduct. The games, part of the Khelo India framework since 2020, run until January 26, showcasing India’s winter sports talent and regional potential.

Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh
21 states/UTs participate; 1,000 participants
Events: hockey and skating; figure skating added
Venues: NDS Ice Hockey Rink, Guphuk Frozen Pond
LG Kavinder Gupta inspected arrangements

Jan 19, 2026

Vijender Singh Appointed to Asian Boxing Council

Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh has been appointed a member of the Asian Boxing Council. The Olympic medallist transitions from athlete to sports administrator, bringing nearly twenty years of experience at the highest levels of competition. The appointment enhances India s leadership presence in regional boxing governance and may influence policy, events, and development programs across Asia. Singh s work aims to expand opportunities for boxers, strengthen coaching networks, and improve competitive platforms at continental events. The move reflects India s growing role in international sports administration beyond competing as an athlete.

Person: Vijender Singh
Position: Asian Boxing Council member
Background: Olympic boxing medallist
Impact: increased India leadership in regional boxing
Potential areas: development programs, coaching networks

Pune Grand Tour 2026 Opens as India Hosts Elite Cyclists

Pune hosts the Pune Grand Tour 2026, a landmark UCI Continental road race classified as a 2.2 event. The race features 164 riders from 28 teams representing 35 countries, the largest turnout for a UCI 2.2 event. The field includes substantial Asian representation and a Prologue time trial to determine Stage 1 starting positions. The event provides crucial ranking points toward LA 2028 qualification and signals India s growing status in professional cycling. One team Morocco Sidi Ali withdrew, but the competition remains highly competitive with a global peloton.

Date: 19 January 2026
Event: UCI Continental 2.2 race
Participants: 164 riders, 28 teams, 35 countries
Benefit: Olympic qualification points for LA 2028
Note: Sidi Ali withdrew

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.

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