General Awareness

SPORTS - January 2025

Jan 2025

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.

Jan 15, 2026

Mitchell Starc reacts to Alyssa Healy retirement from international cricket

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed pride after batswoman Alyssa Healy announced her retirement from international cricket. Healy will miss the T20I leg of Australia’s upcoming series against India but will participate in the ODI series and the day-night Test at the WACA, where she will earn her 11th Test cap. Healy cited a desire to move on after feeling she had lost competitive edge and believed retirement is the right step. Starc shared a supportive message, posting a photo and caption that reflected his admiration for Healy’s career and influence as a leader in Australia’s women’s cricket team.

Alyssa Healy retires from international cricket
Retirement after a perceived loss of competitive edge
Misses T20I leg vs India; plays ODI and final Test at WACA
11th Test cap acknowledged at day-night Test
Mitchell Starc expresses pride and support

Aritra Roy completes solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua, 6,967.15 metres

Indian mountaineer Aritra Roy has completed a solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak outside Asia, at 6,967.15 metres above mean sea level. This achievement advances Roy’s Seven Summits challenge and follows his earlier Everest ascent. He reached the summit on 7 January 2026 at 2:00 pm local time after a grueling 44-kilometre trek through high-altitude terrain and extreme cold. Roy spent about 45 minutes at the summit before beginning the descent. The expedition was fully sponsored by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with HAL’s leadership praising the feat as a landmark in Indian mountaineering. The climb underscores Indian athletes’ growing presence in extreme environments.

Solo ascent of Mount Aconcagua completed
Height: 6,967.15 metres
Date and time of summit: 7 January 2026, 2:00 pm
Part of Seven Summits challenge; following Everest
HAL funded the expedition

Jan 14, 2026

SG Pipers clinch Women’s Hockey India League title

SG Pipers won the Women’s Hockey India League 2025–26 title, defeating Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The final delivered high drama, with early goals, tense exchanges, and a decisive shootout. Pipers goalkeeper Bansari Solanki starred with crucial saves, including a stoppage-time penalty stroke stop, while Navneet Kaur was named Player of the Tournament. Agustina Gorzelany of Bengal Tigers finished as top scorer. The victory earned the team ₹1.5 crore in prize money, capping a season defined by resilience and clutch performances.

SG Pipers win Women’s Hockey India League title
Final ended 1-1; decided on penalties
Bansari Solanki named Best Goalkeeper
Navneet Kaur Player of the Tournament
Prize money: ₹1.5 crore

Manchester United appoints Michael Carrick as head coach for season

Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as head coach through the season after Ruben Amorim’s departure. The former United midfielder has previously served as a player and interim coach, bringing experience from inside the club. Carrick’s appointment comes during a challenging period for the team, with stressing results under review. His leadership is expected to stabilise performances and implement a tactical approach aligned with the club’s long-term objectives. Fans await a resurgence in form as Carrick prepares to lead training and selection on match days while the club pursues positive results.

Michael Carrick appointed head coach until season end
Former player and interim coach previously associated with United
Appointment during a period of team performance challenges
Expectation of stabilised performances and tactical changes
Focus on lifting results for remaining fixtures

Jan 13, 2026

Poland wins United Cup debut after tight ties with Switzerland

Poland won the United Cup title in its debut edition, edging Switzerland in a tight final. World number two Iga Swiatek opened with a strong singles win for Poland, but Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic responded with resilience. Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz then levelled the tie with a three-set victory against Stan Wawrinka, and the decisive mixed doubles pairing Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski sealed the title 2-1. The event in Sydney showcased new mixed-team formats and rising nations in tennis. Poland earned its first United Cup trophy in the competition’s early history.

United Cup final: Poland defeats Switzerland 2-1.
Iga Swiatek won an early singles for Poland.
Hubert Hurkacz beat Stan Wawrinka in a three-set match.
Decisive mixed doubles: Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski won.
Event held in Sydney; marks new mixed-team format.

India Open 2026: world-class badminton returns to New Delhi this week

The India Open 2026, a Badminton World Federation Super 750 event, runs from 13 to 18 January 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi. Top players including PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Lakshya Sen are expected to compete. The tournament marks a prominent start to the year for Indian badminton, offering significant ranking points and prize money. Organisers expect large crowds as the event continues to grow in prestige and competition level. This edition is seen as a key indicator for India’s position on the global badminton stage in 2026.

India Open 2026 runs 13–18 January in New Delhi.
Event is BWF Super 750; top players expected: Sindhu, Rankireddy, Shetty, Sen.
Significant ranking points and prize money on offer.
Major test for India’s badminton profile in 2026.
Large anticipated spectator turnout.

Barcelona edges Real Madrid 3-2 in heated Spanish Super Cup final

In a dramatic Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2. Raphinha scored twice to give Barcelona the lead before halftime, and the match swung with a late flurry of goals. Real Madrid fought back through determined play, but Barcelona maintained control to seal the win at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The final featured multiple quick exchanges and a high-intensity finish, drawing praise for its attacking tempo. The result adds to Barcelona’s recent trophy haul and fuels expectations for the remainder of the season.

Spanish Super Cup final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid.
Raphinha scored twice for Barcelona.
Match held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
High-intensity, late-phase drama defined the finale.
Impactful win amid a strong season for Barcelona.

Jan 12, 2026

National Basketball Championship: Indian Railways clinch twin titles

The National Basketball Championship concluded with Indian Railways securing two titles, marking a dominant performance. In the women’s final, Railways defeated Kerala 75–66 to win their eighth consecutive crown and 41st overall. The results underscore Railways’ long-running success in Indian basketball and reflect depth in the organization’s women’s squad. The tournament showcased rising talent from different states and highlighted ongoing improvements in domestic basketball infrastructure and competition formats. Organisers lauded players and support staff for a competitive event that contributes to the sport’s development at the national level.

Railways win two titles at the National Basketball Championship 2026.
Women’s final: Railways beat Kerala 75–66; eighth consecutive title.
Railways’ 41st overall championship highlighted dominance in women’s basketball.
Tournament showcased homegrown talent and competitive formats.
Event praised for contributing to national basketball development.

Aryna Sabalenka wins Brisbane International again ahead of Australian Open

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Marta Kostyuk to claim her third Brisbane International title in a 79-minute final, finishing with a 6-4, 6-3 scoreline. The victory strengthens Sabalenka’s preparation for the Australian Open, establishing her as a leading favourite for the year’s first major. Kostyuk battled hard, but Sabalenka’s strength and consistency dictated the match. The Brisbane title adds to Sabalenka’s growing list of hard-court successes and provides momentum as players transition from warm-up events to Grand Slams.

Aryna Sabalenka defeats Marta Kostyuk to win Brisbane International 2026.
Final lasted 79 minutes; score 6-4, 6-3.
This is Sabalenka’s third Brisbane title.
Victory boosts Sabalenka’s momentum ahead of the Australian Open.
Kostyuk fought hard but could not overcome Sabalenka’s form.

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