General Awareness

SPORTS - January 2026

Jan 2026

Jan 05, 2026

Meg Lanning named UP Warriorz captain for 2026 WPL

Meg Lanning, the celebrated former Australia captain, was named captain of the UP Warriorz ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. She was signed for Rs 1.9 crore at the 2026 WPL auction after previously guiding Delhi Capitals to three straight finals. Lanning, a multiple World Cup winner and marquee T20 player, brings leadership, experience, and global success to UP Warriorz. Her appointment signals the franchise's intent to strengthen on-field leadership and pursue championship glory in a competitive new season, as the WPL continues to grow into a premier women’s cricket competition.

Meg Lanning appointed UP Warriorz captain for 2026 WPL
Auction price: Rs 1.9 crore
Previously led Delhi Capitals to three finals
Lanning has multiple World Cup and T20 titles
Signals UP Warriorz’s push for title success

India's Sanjay Takale Makes History, Wins H3 Class at Dakar Rally 2026 Prologue

In a historic achievement for Indian motorsport, top driver Sanjay Takale delivered a standout performance in the Prologue Stage of the Dakar Rally 2026, finishing first in the high average speed Group H3 and 35th overall in the Cars category. The Prologue, which determines the starting order and does not count toward overall standings, saw Takale dominate the Dakar Classic Group H3, making him the first Indian to stand on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on Day 1.
The 2026 Dakar Rally is being held from January 3–17, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, starting and finishing in Yanbu.

Modi inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi via video conferencing. The eight-day event runs from January 4 to 11, 2026, with participation from more than 1,000 players across 58 teams representing states and institutions. The tournament underscores India's emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing talent at the national level. Officials anticipate high-quality matches that showcase skill and discipline while promoting volleyball across schools and clubs. Hosting the event in Varanasi also reinforces the city’s growing profile as a venue for major national sporting initiatives.

72nd National Volleyball Tournament inaugurated by PM Modi
Date: January 4–11, 2026
Participants: 1,000+ players, 58 teams
Focus: infrastructure, talent development in volleyball
Event highlights Varanasi as a national sports hub

Jan 04, 2026

Venus Williams to become oldest female player in Australian Open main draw at 45

Tennis star Venus Williams is set to become the oldest female player in the Australian Open main draw at age 45. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has received a wildcard entry for the tournament, which begins on January 18, 2026. Williams last competed outside the United States in 2023, marking a notable return to one of tennis' biggest stages. Her participation underscores longevity in sport and the ongoing competitiveness of veteran players. Williams has long been a leading figure in women’s tennis, with notable success in singles and doubles and a record of resilience against younger rivals. Her wildcard was approved by the Australian Tennis Federation.

Venus Williams to play Australian Open main draw at age 45
Wildcard entry for the tournament starting January 18, 2026
Last competed outside the U.S. in 2023
Milestone highlights longevity in sport and veteran competitiveness
Wildcard approved by the Australian Tennis Federation

India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 at Chennai Port

The 11th India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026 runs at Chennai Port from January 4 to 10. This is India’s longest-running international youth sailing regatta, featuring 117 registered sailors from 13 nations. Races span five elite youth classes under international keel and wind categories. The event promotes maritime sport development and provides young Indian sailors with exposure to high-level competition, training opportunities and potential pathways to senior national teams. The Chennai Port venue underscores India’s growing coastal sports infrastructure and commitment to nurturing sailing talent among the youth.

11th edition of India International Youth Sailing Championship 2026
Dates: January 4–10, at Chennai Port
117 sailors from 13 nations; five youth classes
Offers exposure, training and potential progression to national teams
Showcases India’s coastal sports infrastructure and talent

Jan 02, 2026

India Women’s Hockey End 2025 with Asia Cup Silver

India’s women’s hockey team finished 2025 with a silver medal at the Asia Cup, behind gold‑winning China. The result highlights progress in continental competition while exposing gaps against top global teams. The squad demonstrated resilience through the tournament, laying a foundation for Olympic preparation and future international fixtures. Analysts note that continued investment in coaching, facilities, and player development will be crucial to challenging the region’s best and securing podium finishes in upcoming events.

India women’s hockey team won silver at the Asia Cup 2025.
China won gold; India showed progress but faces stronger global teams.
result informs Olympic preparation and future international fixtures.

Amieyra Khoslla Wins Gold at National Climbing Championship

Fourteen-year-old Amieyra Khoslla won gold in the Youth Girls Under-17 category at the 29th National Sport Climbing Championship 2025 held in Bengaluru. Competing in the bouldering discipline, she topped four problem routes with a final score of 83.8 points. Her performance demonstrated exceptional strength, balance, and route‑reading ability under pressure. The achievement adds to India’s rising profile in competitive climbing and is seen as a sign of deeper youth development programs in sport sciences. Coaches emphasise practice, technique, and mental focus as keys to future international success.

Amieyra Khoslla, 14, won gold in Youth Girls U-17 at the 29th Championship.
Event held in Bengaluru; final score 83.8 in bouldering.
Showcases India’s rising talent in competitive climbing.
Positive indicators for youth sport development.

Sjoerd Marijne Returns as Head Coach of Indian Women's Hockey Team

Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne was in January 2026 reappointed as the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, marking his return to the set-up after guiding the side to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
He will be supported by Matias Vila as analytical coach.
Marijne's first big challenge as the chief coach is the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14.

Jan 01, 2026

2026 PDC World Darts Championship Held in London

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship 2026 is being staged at Alexandra Palace, London, from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The 33rd edition features a 128-player field for the first time, up from 96, with a total prize fund of five million pounds and the winner receiving one million pounds. The event is a major global showcase for darts, drawing players from around the world to compete across multiple sessions. Organisers emphasize increased participation, competitive depth, and entertainment value, highlighting the sport’s growing international profile.

Tournament dates: December 11, 2025 to January 3, 2026.
Venue: Alexandra Palace, London.
33rd edition with a 128-player field (expanded).
Total prize fund: £5,000,000; winner: £1,000,000.

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