General Awareness

SPORTS - October 2024

Oct 2024

May 16, 2026

Sahdev Yadav elected SAWF President in May 2026

Sahdev Yadav was elected President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation at an Ahmedabad meeting on 14–15 May 2026, in a unanimous ballot. He already heads the Indian Weightlifting Federation and serves as Treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association; he also holds roles with the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation and the Asian Weightlifting Federation. Analysts view his election as a strategic move to strengthen India’s leadership in regional sports governance and to promote greater collaboration among South Asian nations. The decision marks a notable milestone for India in regional sports administration.

Election date: 14–15 May 2026; result: unanimous.
Position: SAWF President; also IWLF President and IOA Treasurer.
Other roles: Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, AWF leadership roles.
Impact: Strengthens India’s regional sports governance.
Context: Part of broader Indian influence in South Asian sports.

May 14, 2026

Nitin Menon remains only Indian on ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 2026-27

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on 12 May 2026 that Nitin Menon remains the only Indian official on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2026-27 international season. The ICC retained the existing Elite Panel after a routine review by the Umpire Selection Panel. Menon joined the Elite Panel in 2020 and has officiated across formats in high-pressure environments. Javagal Srinath also retained his position as the lone Indian on the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta praised consistency and high standards in officiating in the accompanying release.

Nitin Menon remains the sole Indian on the Elite Panel of Umpires (2026-27).
Panel retained after Umpire Selection Panel review.
Menon joined the Elite Panel in 2020.
Javagal Srinath remains the lone Indian on the Elite Panel of Match Referees.
ICC cites consistency and high standards.

Frederic Soyez appointed Hockey India Junior men’s chief coach

Hockey India named Frederic Soyez, a French coach, as the Junior men’s chief coach, succeeding P. R. Sreejesh whose tenure ended after 17 months following the expiry of his contract. Soyez, 48, previously served as High Performance Director for France Hockey. He earned 196 caps for France and scored 195 goals, and has coached France and Spain across three Olympics (Spain 2016 and 2020; France 2024). He was involved with France’s silver at the 2013 Junior World Cup and bronze in 2021. His appointment comes after India’s bronze at the recent Junior World Cup, reflecting Hockey India’s focus on youth development and high performance.

New coach: Frederic Soyez named Junior men’s chief coach.
Predecessor: Sreejesh’s tenure ended after contract expiry.
Experience: Former High Performance Director for France Hockey; 196 France caps, 195 goals.
Olympic history: Coached France and Spain in three Olympics (2016, 2020, 2024).
Achievements: Involved in France’s 2013 Junior World Cup silver and 2021 bronze.

May 13, 2026

India to Host 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar

The 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 13 to 17 May 2026, marking India’s first host nation participation in 44 years. About 180 athletes from 28 countries are expected, with India, China, and Sri Lanka fielding the largest squads (16 lifters each). Chinese Taipei will send 15 competitors. India's team includes Bindyarani Devi, Ajith Narayana, Nirupama Devi, Lovepreet Singh, and Bedabarat Bharali. Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will miss the event due to injury. The championships also serve as a key qualifier for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Event dates: 13–17 May 2026 in Gandhinagar
Approximately 180 athletes from 28 countries
India, China, Sri Lanka have the largest squads (16 each)
Mirabai Chanu out due to injury
Serves as qualifier for Commonwealth and Asian Games

Rahul Dravid named owner of Dublin Guardians in ETPL

Cricket legend Rahul Dravid was announced on 12 May 2026 as the owner of the Dublin Guardians, the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The ETPL is ICC-sanctioned and designed as a multi-country league spanning Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, with six city-based franchises: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Dravid leads an Indian consortium to operate the Dublin franchise, as the league plans its 2026 launch and a season running through August and September. This marks Dravid’s first major foray into franchise ownership and aligns with ETPL’s goal of expanding cricket in Europe and creating development pathways. ([etplofficial.com](https://www.etplofficial.com/news/dublin-has-dravid-rahul-dravid-announced-as-owner-of-dublin-guardians?utm_source=openai))

Owner announced: Rahul Dravid for Dublin Guardians
League: European T20 Premier League (ETPL), ICC‑sanctioned
Six teams across Europe: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, Amsterdam
Launch window: 2026 with matches in August–September
Significance: Dravid’s first major franchise ownership venture

May 11, 2026

Barcelona win La Liga after defeating Real Madrid in El Clasico 2-0

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in the El Clasico on 10 May 2026 to clinch the La Liga title. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres scored in the first half to give Barcelona the win under coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona moved 14 points clear of second‑placed Madrid with three matches remaining. The Clasico win effectively decided the championship that day, a rare instance of a Clasico determining the title. The report notes Real Madrid as a record 36‑time La Liga champion, though they finished trophyless this season. Madrid had been involved in disruption after a head injury to Fede Valverde following a training‑ground incident with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Barcelona won 2-0 in the Clasico to clinch La Liga.
Scorers: Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres (first half).
Barça led Madrid by 14 points with three games left.
Real Madrid is described as a 36‑time champion in the report.

May 09, 2026

India to participate in inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

India has signed a participation agreement with FIFA for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for 21 September to 6 October 2026. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accepted the invitation and awaits further tournament details. The competition will feature a two-division format, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 and Hong Kong hosting Division 2. Fourteen teams are expected, including invited nations such as China and Hong Kong. Prize money for Division 1 winners is US$1 million, Division 2 winners US$300,000, and a guaranteed participation fee of US$125,000 for all 14 teams. The tournament will fall within FIFA’s international windows.

Event: Inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 21–Oct 6, 2026)
Format: Two divisions; 14 teams total
Hosts: Indonesia (Division 1), Hong Kong (Division 2)
India's role: AIFF participation confirmed
Prize: US$1 million (Div 1), US$300,000 (Div 2)
Note: All teams receive US$125,000 participation fee

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