General Awareness

SPORTS - September 2024

Sep 2024

Feb 25, 2026

Khelo India Winter Games: J&K hosts sixth edition with rising female participation

Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the sixth Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, marking notable growth in female participation and national-level winter sports talent. The four-day event features around 400 athletes competing in snow disciplines such as ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is slated to flag off the games, with state sport councils coordinating the activities. The event follows the Ladakh leg earlier in January and aligns with India's winter sports development strategy. It underscores broader efforts to deepen participation and infrastructure for winter athletics in the region.

6th Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, JK.
Around 400 athletes across multiple states and disciplines.
Notable rise in female participation in winter sports.
Lt. Governor to flag off the event; four-day schedule.
Part of India’s broader winter sports development plan.

Feb 23, 2026

Vaishnavi Adkar Reaches Historic W100 Singles Final in Bengaluru

Twenty-one-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar from Pune reached the W100 singles final at the ITF Women’s Open in Bengaluru. Entering as a wildcard and ranked World No. 690, she defeated several higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She faced Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel and finished runner-up, 6-0, 6-1. The performance earned 65 WTA ranking points and $8,147 in prize money, lifting her live ranking by more than 200 places to around No. 466. The result marks an important milestone for Indian women’s tennis and highlights the growth of young players on the international circuit.

Adkar is 21 years old from Pune; wildcard entrant.
Reached W100 Bengaluru final; ranking 690 at start.
Lost final to Hanne Vandewinkel 6-0, 6-1.
Earned 65 WTA points and $8,147 prize money.
Live ranking rose to about No. 466.

Feb 22, 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes Most-Capped Women's International Cricketer

On 20 February 2026, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur created history by becoming the most-capped player in women's international cricket. The milestone occurred during the second Twenty20 International against Australia in Canberra, as Kaur earned her 356th international appearance. She surpassed Suzie Bates of New Zealand, who previously held the record with 355 matches. The achievement adds to Harmanpreet's standing as one of the sport's greats, reflecting more than a decade of top-level performances in ODIs and T20Is. Kaur's leadership for India remains a central factor as the team continues to compete at the highest level across formats. Her prolific career includes decisive innings and captaincy in major series against Australia, England, and South Africa.

356th international appearance for Harmanpreet Kaur
Surpasses Suzie Bates' record of 355 matches
Occurred during the 2nd T20I vs Australia in Canberra
Strengthens her legacy as a leading figure in women's cricket
Reflects sustained performance across ODIs and T20Is

Feb 20, 2026

Ranji Trophy Final to be Held in Hubballi After Venue Shift

The Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir is set to be played in Hubballi from 24 February 2026, after the KSCA decided to relocate the match due to safety upgrades at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. J&K had booked their place in the final by beating Bengal by six wickets in Kalyani, while Karnataka had advanced after securing a large first-innings lead against Uttarakhand. Hubballi’s KSCA Stadium will host the title clash, marking a new phase for the competition's venue strategy and allowing the season to proceed with infrastructure improvements underway.

Final moved to Hubballi from Bengaluru for safety upgrades.
J&K beat Bengal in the semifinal; Karnataka advanced to final.
Final scheduled to start on 24 February 2026 in Hubballi.
Reflects ongoing infrastructure upgrades affecting venues.

J&K Reach Ranji Trophy Final After 66-Year Wait

Jammu and Kashmir scripted a historic chapter in Indian domestic cricket by reaching the Ranji Trophy final for the first time, ending a 66-year wait. They defeated Bengal by six wickets in a tense semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. After Bengal posted a modest total, J&K’s innings began shakily but Abdul Samad, who had earlier contributed 82 in the first innings, anchored the chase with a patient, fearless approach. Vanshaj Sharma then sealed the win with a towering straight six, guiding J&K to victory in 34.4 overs. The result marks a landmark moment for J&K cricket and signals a rising trend for the region in Indian domestic cricket.

J&K defeat Bengal by six wickets in Kalyani to reach Ranji final.
Abdul Samad scored 82 in the first innings and contributed in the chase.
Vanshaj Sharma hit a decisive straight six to seal the win.
Target for Bengal was 126; J&K chased in 34.4 overs.
Marks the first Ranji final appearance for J&K in 66 years.
Indicates rising cricket development in the Union Territory.

IPC Lifts Russian Paralympics Ban for Milano-Cortina 2026

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has reversed some restrictions, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. The IPC announced limited quota allocations across three disciplines, including Para-alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, and Para-snowboard, with both male and female athletes eligible for participation and medal ceremonies. The decision marks a significant step away from the 2022 restrictions and signals a broader trend toward inclusive participation in global events, while balancing security concerns and the integrity of competition.

IPC allows limited representation for Russia and Belarus at Milano-Cortina 2026.
Quota allocations cover three disciplines across genders.
Full national recognition including flags and anthems for medal ceremonies.
Represents a reversal of earlier restrictions.

Feb 19, 2026

6th National Rafting Championship kicks off in Shibnote, Doda

The 6th National Rafting Championship, titled The Ultimate River Battle, kicks off today at Shibnote in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, on the Chenab River. The event brings top rafting teams from across the country to showcase skills, endurance and teamwork in challenging rapids. Organisers expect strong entry lists and audience interest, highlighting adventure tourism potential in the region and promoting eco-tourism. The river setting offers dramatic scenery and tough competition, testing navigation and safety practices. The championship provides a platform for athletes and fans while drawing attention to Doda as a growing destination for water sports.

Event: 6th National Rafting Championship.
Location: Shibnote, Doda on Chenab River.
Dates: kicks off today (date specified in context).
Aims: promote adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
Highlights skills, endurance, safety practices.

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