Shailesh Kumar wins gold in World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 (New Delhi)
Shailesh Kumar, Indian para athlete, won a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held in New Delhi, competing in the men’s high jump T63. He cleared 1.84 metres, below his personal best of 1.91 metres. The victory signals the start of his competitive season. Kumar spoke of managing knee pain after his World Para Athletics Championships triumph last year, and his training plan has been adjusted to restart competition safely. The event showcased India’s rising para-athletics talent and highlighted the need for continued medical and training support for athletes returning from injury.
Shailesh Kumar won gold in men’s high jump T63 at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026.
Clearance: 1.84 metres; personal best stands at 1.91 metres.
Knee pain after last year’s World Championships influenced training plans.
Event marks the start of his competitive season; emphasis on rehab and progression.
Must-know last 48 hours: GCWAS begins in New Delhi (12–14 March 2026); World Kidney Day observed in India on 12 March 2026.
Vijay Dahiya named Gujarat Titans assistant coach for IPL 2026
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya has been appointed as assistant coach of the Gujarat Titans ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Dahiya brings extensive experience from international cricket and domestic coaching, including his time with Delhi. His role will involve mentoring batsmen and supporting the head coach with squad strategy during the tournament. The appointment adds depth to the Titans’ coaching staff as preparations for IPL 2026 intensify. The IPL season is eagerly awaited by fans and franchise teams across India, with competitive cricket resuming in early 2026.
Vijay Dahiya appointed as Gujarat Titans assistant coach for IPL 2026.
Dahiya’s background includes 19 ODIs, 2 Tests for India and Delhi domestic cricket.
Role includes mentoring batsmen and supporting overall squad strategy.
IPL 2026 preparations are underway across franchises.
Must-know last 48 hours: 11 March 2026 National Conference on Women Elected Representatives; 12 March 2026 World Kidney Day.
Shailesh Kumar Secures Gold at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in New Delhi
Shailesh Kumar won gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in New Delhi, competing in the men’s high jump T63 category. He cleared 1.84 metres, a mark short of his personal best 1.91 metres, but the performance signaled the start of his competitive season. Kumar has been dealing with pain in his left knee since last year’s World Para Athletics Championships, and his training plan has been carefully adjusted to restart competition safely. The victory adds to India’s medal tally and demonstrates his ongoing comeback as he aims for major international events later this year. The event drew strong domestic participation and media attention.
Shailesh Kumar won gold in the T63 high jump at the Grand Prix.
Height cleared: 1.84 metres; personal best is 1.91 metres.
Kumar is restarting his competitive season after a knee issue.
Event held in New Delhi as part of the para athletics circuit.
India added to its medal tally; signals ongoing comeback.
The event drew significant domestic attention.
SJFI National Convention 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi, March 13–16
New Delhi will host the SJFI National Convention 2026 from 13 to 16 March, marking the return of the annual gathering after 23 years. The Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI), organized by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA), will celebrate the Golden Jubilee edition and bring together sports media professionals, policymakers, and athletes. The event aims to review coverage standards, discuss evolving media technologies, and recognise contributions of journalists in sports. Delegates will participate in workshops, seminars, and award ceremonies, strengthening ethical reporting and credibility in Indian sports journalism. The convention will feature keynote addresses by leading coaches, athletes, and media experts, and will be held in the national capital as part of ongoing efforts to boost sports storytelling.
Atiqa Mir Becomes India’s First Podium Finisher in European COTFA Leg
Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir has created history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium in the European leg of the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) karting series. The 11-year-old finished third in the final of the opening round, marking the biggest success since moving from the mini to the junior category. Atiqa is the first Indian supported by the Formula 1 Academy, underscoring her talent and the backing of a renowned program. Throughout the weekend, she displayed consistency and speed, also recording the fastest lap in the final, boosting India's profile in international motorsport. Her achievement has inspired many young athletes across the country.
Achievement: first Indian podium in European COTFA leg
Age: 11 years old; competed in opening round final and finished third
Support: backed by Formula 1 Academy
Impact: strengthens India’s presence in international motorsport
Mar 11, 2026
Anant Rana Completes Full Ironman New Zealand in Taupo
Anant Rana from Sonari, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, completed the Full Ironman New Zealand in Taupo in 11 hours and 50 minutes, marking a historic feat for an Indian athlete. The 33‑year‑old, associated with the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, swam 3.8 kilometres, cycled 180 kilometres, and ran a 42‑kilometre marathon, finishing within the 17‑hour limit. He completed the swimming in 1 hour 28 minutes, cycling in 6 hours 19 minutes, and the marathon in 3 hours 46 minutes. Rana’s achievement highlights endurance sport progress in India and inspires aspiring athletes across the country.
Anant Rana completes Ironman New Zealand in 11h 50m.
Swam 3.8 km, cycled 180 km, ran 42 km within 17 hours.
33-year-old from Sonari, Jharkhand; linked with Tata Steel Adventure Foundation.
Sets a national benchmark for endurance sports in India.
Mar 10, 2026
Gary Kirsten appointed head coach of Sri Lanka men’s cricket team from April 15
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men’s team, effective from 15 April 2026. Kirsten previously coached India from 2008 to 2011 and led South Africa from 2011 to 2013. He guided India to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup title and helped South Africa reach top rankings across formats. In Sri Lanka, he is expected to oversee coaching strategies, player development, and team performance ahead of international tournaments. His international coaching record and experience in diverse conditions are highly regarded by the cricketing community.
New role: Head coach of Sri Lanka men’s team
Effective date: 15 April 2026
Past roles: India coach (2008–2011); South Africa coach (2011–2013)
Notable achievement: India won 2011 World Cup
Expectation: strategic planning and player development
Mar 09, 2026
Lin Chun-yi wins All England Open badminton title, defeats Lakshya Sen in straight games
Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei defeated India's Lakshya Sen in the men’s singles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, winning 21-15, 22-20. Lin moved ahead early in the opening game and held off Lakshya’s comeback to take the first game. In the second, Lakshya surged with renewed energy and led at times, but Lin recovered to clinch the match. Lin’s victory came after he defeated world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi finals, while Lakshya had earlier beaten Canada’s Victor Lai. The tournament also featured upsets including Shi Yuqi in the opening round and Anders Antonsen losing early.
Lin Chun-yi defeated Lakshya Sen 21-15, 22-20 in the final
Semifinals: Lin beat Kunlavut Vitidsarn; Lakshya beat Victor Lai
Top seed Shi Yuqi exited in the first round; Anders Antonsen also upset early
All England Open held in Birmingham, England
Event impact on players’ world rankings and form
India win T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil, beat New Zealand by 96 runs
India clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs on 9 March 2026. The win made India the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups and the first to lift the trophy on home soil, achieving a third championship. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling with four wickets, while Axar Patel claimed three. Sanju Samson finished top scorer with 321 runs in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament, while Bumrah earned Player of the Final for 4/15 in four overs. The innings featured a 255/5 total, powered by fast starts and aggressive middle overs.
Date of final: 9 March 2026, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
India won by 96 runs against New Zealand
Bumrah: 4 wickets in the final; Axar Patel: 3 wickets
Sanju Samson: Player of the Tournament with 321 runs
Bumrah: Player of the Final (4/15)
Mar 08, 2026
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 Scheduled for 25 March–6 April in Chhattisgarh
The government announced the 2026 Khelo India Tribal Games will be hosted in Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 6 April 2026. The event aims to identify and nurture sporting talent from tribal communities, with competitions across multiple disciplines and parallel activities to encourage youth participation and physical education. Organisers emphasise inclusivity and wider engagement with local communities, while government bodies link the event to broader sport development and youth empowerment goals. The games are expected to attract participants from across states and offer national recognition and medals.
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 scheduled for 25 March–6 April.
Hosted in Chhattisgarh to showcase tribal sporting talent.
Multi-discipline events with parallel youth activities.
Aligns with national sport development and empowerment goals.
Promotes inclusive participation across states.
Jasprit Bumrah Reaches 500 International Wickets During T20 World Cup Semifinal
Jasprit Bumrah became the eighth Indian bowler to reach 500 international wickets during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He took the crucial first scalp of the match, delivering the breakthrough ball in the fifth over. Debuting in 2016, Bumrah’s milestone places him among India’s most successful fast bowlers across formats. His contribution helped India secure a narrow victory and advance to the final stages of the tournament. The landmark highlights a decade of consistent performance and leadership in India’s pace attack.
Bumrah reached 500 international wickets in T20 World Cup semifinal.
Opponent: England, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
milestone achieved with opening ball of his spell in the fifth over.
Debut year: 2016; now among India’s elite bowlers.
India won the semifinal and progressed in the tournament.