General Awareness

SPORTS - September 2024

Sep 2024

Jan 10, 2026

New Zealand names squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Santner to lead

New Zealand announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Mitchell Santner continuing as captain. The team is placed in Group D alongside Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan. The Black Caps will open their campaign on February 8 against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The squad blends experienced players with emerging talents as New Zealand seeks a successful campaign on Indian and Sri Lankan soil during the co-hosted event.

15-member squad announced; Santner as captain
Group D: Canada, South Africa, UAE, Afghanistan
Openers on February 8 vs Afghanistan in Chennai
Combo of experienced and young players

Jan 09, 2026

Australia shatters 134-year Ashes batting record at Sydney

Australia produced a historic batting display on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Steve Smith finished not out on 129, while Travis Head contributed 163 earlier in the innings. Australia reached 529 for 7 in their first innings, taking a 134-run lead over England, who were bowled out for 384. The visitors compiled seven partnerships of 50 or more, a feat unmatched in 134 years of Ashes history since India did so at The Oval in 2007 under Rahul Dravid. The record underscores Australia’s batting depth and dominance in the match.

Smith 129* and Head 163 highlighted Australia’s innings
Australia 529/7; lead of 134 over England (384)
Seven 50+ partnerships, a historic Ashes feat
134-year record last matched by India in 2007
Significant momentum for Australia in the series

Jan 08, 2026

Jinson Johnson announces retirement from running

Jinson Johnson, 34, a national record holder and Asian Games gold‑medallist, announced retirement from competitive running. Johnson won 1500 metres gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games with a time of 3:44.72 and set the national 800 metres record at 1:45.65 during 2018. He represented India at multiple major events, including the Commonwealth Games. Johnson’s retirement marks the end of a prominent period in Indian middle‑distance running, during which he contributed to India’s presence in global athletics and inspired young athletes to pursue distance running at high levels.

Jinson Johnson retires from professional running.
2018 Jakarta Asian Games 1500m gold (3:44.72).
Held national 800m record (1:45.65) in 2018.
Represented India at multiple major events.
Leaves behind a legacy for Indian middle‑distance running.

Dhoni merges 7Padel with PadelPark India to boost the sport

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has merged 7Padel MS Dhoni with PadelPark India, creating a unified national platform to scale padel in the country. The merger aims to accelerate court development, coaching, tournaments and community programmes, building a professional ecosystem for one of India’s fastest‑growing sports. The combined entity expects to expand participation, improve infrastructure and establish standardized coaching to groom future players. The partnership reflects Dhoni’s ongoing influence in Indian sport and aligns with broader efforts to diversify India’s sports portfolio and promote fitness across communities.

Dhoni merges 7Padel MS Dhoni with PadelPark India.
Goal: scale padel through courts, coaching and tournaments.
Aims to build a professional national ecosystem.
Expansion of participation and infrastructure.
Demonstrates Dhoni’s continued influence in Indian sport.

Anahat Singh wins silver at British Junior Open Women’s U‑19

Top‑seed Indian squash player Anahat Singh won silver in the women’s under‑19 final at the British Junior Open in Birmingham, England. She was defeated 9‑11, 11‑7, 3‑11, 9‑11 by France’s Lauren Baltayan in the final. Earlier, Anahat defeated Egypt’s Malika El Karaksy in the semifinals to reach the final. The centenary edition of the tournament ran from January 2 to 6, 2026, showcasing India’s rising strength in junior squash on the international stage. The result adds to India’s growing list of performances in global youth sport events.

Anahat Singh finalist in Women’s U‑19 at British Junior Open.
Lost final 9‑11, 11‑7, 3‑11, 9‑11 to Lauren Baltayan.
Semifinal win over Malika El Karaksy.
Centenary edition held Jan 2–6, 2026.
Continues India’s surge in junior squash.

Jan 07, 2026

69th National School Games commence in Ludhiana

The 69th National School Games began in Ludhiana with a torch-lighting ceremony at Guru Nanak Stadium. The event, organized by the Directorate of School Education under the School Games Federation of India, runs until January 11 and features competitions in Gatka, Judo, and Taekwondo. About 38 teams from states, union territories, and other organisations participate across three venues: BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar; Government Senior Secondary School, PAU; and the Open Air Theatre at PAU. The Games showcase young athletic talent and remind participants about sportsmanship and national-level competition.

69th National School Games started in Ludhiana
Gatka, Judo, Taekwondo events; Jan 11 conclusion
38 participating teams from various states/UTs
Three competition venues in Ludhiana
Promotes youth sports and national-level exposure

Arunachal to host World Series qualifier adventure race

Arunachal Pradesh announced it will host a World Series qualifier adventure race in November, placing the state within an international adventure racing circuit. Tourism and local government officials, including Pasang Dorjee Sona, highlighted the event as part of the state’s campaign Take a New Turn in Arunachal. The multi-day event will include navigation, mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and survival challenges through remote terrain. Organisers aim to attract global teams, boost sports tourism, and showcase Arunachal’s landscapes. The decision aligns with broader efforts to diversify tourism and present India’s northeast as an adventure sports destination.

World Series qualifier adventure race to be hosted in Arunachal Pradesh
Event planned for November; part of India’s adventure-sports push
Involves navigation, biking, trekking, kayaking, survival skills
Promotes tourism and regional development in the Northeast
Official remarks by Pasang Dorjee Sona supported campaign

Jan 06, 2026

Atiqa Mir becomes first Indian with top-five UAE karting finish

Atiqa Mir, aged 11, became the first Indian to secure a top-five finish in the IAME UAE Karting Championship, round seven, at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Competing in the junior S125 category after moving from the mini category, she finished fifth in a 35-driver field, four-tenths of a second behind the podium. Her result marks a historic milestone for Indian youth in international karting and demonstrates substantial talent and potential. The achievement highlights growing female participation in motorsports in India and could inspire broader development programs for young riders.

Atiqa Mir finished 5th in IAME UAE Karting Championship (round seven).
Age 11; competed in junior S125 after moving from mini category.
Finish was 4 tenths of a second from the podium.
First Indian to reach top-five in this championship.
Event held at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
Significant milestone for Indian youth and women in motorsport.

Bangladesh withdraws from India-hosted T20 World Cup matches

Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to participate in the T20 World Cup matches to be held in India, citing safety concerns for players amid tensions between the two nations. The board requested the ICC to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s scheduled matches to a venue outside India. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, was to run from February 7 to March 8 in 2026. Officials noted that security and player welfare were the primary considerations guiding the decision. The move impacts match logistics and could affect spectators and broadcasting plans across venues.

Bangladesh withdraws from India-hosted T20 World Cup.
Safety concerns cited by Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Request to ICC to relocate Bangladesh matches outside India.
Tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Security implications for venues and broadcasters.

Neeraj Chopra parts ways with JSW Sports, starts Vel Sports

Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra ended his association with JSW Sports in January 2026 and launched his own management firm, Vel Sports. The collaboration, active since 2016, helped shape Chopra’s career through the JSW Sports Excellence Program. The new venture signals a fresh phase focused on athlete management and strategic partnerships beyond his long-time sponsor. Chopra emphasized continuing to train at the highest level and seeking opportunities to inspire young athletes. The move could influence how Indian track and field stars engage with agencies, endorsements, and development programs in the coming years.

Neeraj Chopra ends partnership with JSW Sports in January 2026.
Launches Vel Sports, his own athlete management firm.
Partnership with JSW began in 2016 via the SEP program.
Move signals a shift toward independent management and partnerships.
Chopra aims to stay at elite training level and inspire youth.
Potential impact on Indian athletics’ athlete-management models.

Second Khelo India Beach Games underway in Diu

The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games began at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, on 5 January 2026, with over 2,100 athletes taking part in eight sports. The events are organized by the Sports Authority of India under the guidance of national sports federations. The six medal sports include Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming, while Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be non-medal events. The games run until 10 January and aim to promote mass participation, sport development, and regional unity, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase talent.

2nd Khelo India Beach Games began in Diu on 5 January 2026.
More than 2,100 athletes across eight sports participate.
Medal sports: Beach Soccer, Volleyball, Sepak Takraw, Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, Open Water Swimming.
Mallakhamb and Tug of War are non-medal events.
Organised by SASA with national federations; runs until 10 January.
Aims to promote participation and talent development.

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