Current Affairs - Sports

India’s women’s kabaddi team won the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, defeating Chinese Taipei 35–28 in the final held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This victory marked India’s second consecutive World Cup title, reinforcing its dominance in international women’s kabaddi. The team combined disciplined defence, calculated raids, and effective coaching strategies to maintain control throughout the match. Key contributions came from captain Ritu Negi, vice-captain Pushpa Rana, and standout raider Sanju Devi, whose performance in the final earned widespread recognition. The triumph reflects India’s consistent preparation, tactical execution, and emergence as a global powerhouse in women’s kabaddi.

Anahat Singh secured the women’s title at the Indian Open squash tournament after a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Joshna Chinappa in the final. At just 17 years old, she is India’s top-ranked women’s squash player and entered the tournament as the top seed, demonstrating her rising stature in the sport. Her journey to the title included a challenging semi-final win against Irish third seed Hannah Craig. The final match highlighted her determination, skill, and composure under pressure, establishing her as one of the most promising young athletes in Indian squash.

Lakshya Sen emerged victorious at the 2025 Australian Open Super 500 in Sydney, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in straight games, 21-15, 21-11. This marked his first title of the year and his third career Super 500 win. Ranked World No. 14, Sen dominated the final with tactical precision and composure, closing the match in just 38 minutes. His journey to the title included challenging quarterfinal and semifinal matches, but he maintained focus and capitalised on his opponent’s errors in the final. This victory boosts his ranking, enhances morale, and sets a strong foundation for upcoming international tournaments.

India secured a landmark achievement by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The team showcased exceptional skill and determination, successfully chasing Nepal’s target of 115 runs in just 12 overs and winning by seven wickets. This historic victory highlights India’s growing prominence in inclusive and disability sports, reinforcing its commitment to promoting equal opportunities for athletes with visual impairments. The triumph also sets a strong foundation for future international competitions, increased visibility for blind women’s cricket, and expanded support systems such as infrastructure, tournaments, and sponsorships that can further elevate the sport globally.

Roger Federer is the individual scheduled for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026. He is celebrated globally for his extraordinary tennis career, marked by 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 tour-level titles, and unmatched consistency that kept him at World No. 1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks. His influence extends beyond statistics, as he helped shape a golden era of tennis alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, inspiring millions with his elegance, sportsmanship, and longevity. His induction honours his profound impact on the sport and his enduring legacy as one of tennis’s greatest champions.