Current Affairs - Sports

Ashmita Chaliha won the women's singles title at the Korea Masters 2026 after defeating China's Han Qian Xi in the final on August 9, 2026. She secured the victory with a scoreline of 14-21, 21-14, 21-14, making a strong comeback after losing the opening game. Chaliha is a trainee at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE), a specialised training facility for elite Indian athletes under the Sports Authority of India. The Korea Masters is part of the professional badminton circuit held in South Korea. The Badminton World Federation (BWF), established in 1934, is the international governing body for badminton.

Suraj Kumar Chand became the first Indian to win the gold medal in the men’s individual category at the FISU World University Squash Championship. He achieved this historic feat on August 6, 2026, in Mumbai by defeating Hungary’s Benedek Takacs in a thrilling five-game final. Suraj, a student of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, showcased remarkable composure and resilience throughout the tournament. His victory was especially significant as the championship was held at his home institution. Earlier, he had won bronze medals at the 2024 World University Championships and the HCL PSA Indian Tour event in Chennai in 2026.

India finished fourth in the overall medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland. The country secured a total of 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Although this was fewer than the 61 medals won at Birmingham 2022, the Glasgow Games featured fewer sports and medal events. India performed better in comparable sports, highlighting the country's growing competitiveness. Standout achievements included Gulveer Singh winning two medals, India's dominance in boxing with seven gold medals, and the nation's first-ever Commonwealth Games judo golds. The closing ceremony also marked the official handover of the Games to Ahmedabad for the 2030 edition.

Ahmedabad officially became the host city of the 2030 Commonwealth Games after receiving the Commonwealth Games Flag and Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The handover marked the beginning of preparations for hosting the centenary edition of the Games in 2030. India will host the Commonwealth Games for the second time after previously organising them in New Delhi in 2010, becoming only the second country after Australia to host the event twice. The ceremony also featured a grand Indian cultural showcase highlighting the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," India's sporting achievements, musical collaborations, and performances by renowned artists, symbolising friendship, unity, and the transition of the Games to India.

Asmita Dey created history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She achieved the milestone by defeating Canada's Heidi Quach in the women's 48 kg final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after a hard-fought Golden Score contest. Before this achievement, India had won only silver and bronze medals in Commonwealth Games judo, with no gold medal. Asmita's remarkable consistency, tactical discipline, and composure throughout the tournament marked a historic breakthrough for Indian judo and inspired a new generation of athletes in the sport.