Current Affairs - Sports

Germany emerged as the champion of the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup held in Chennai and Madurai, India. They secured their eighth Junior Hockey World Cup title by defeating Spain 3–2 in a shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in regular time. The tournament highlighted Germany’s dominance in junior hockey, showcasing their strong defensive play and high-speed transitions. India claimed the bronze medal after a remarkable comeback against Argentina. This victory further solidifies Germany’s position as the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup.

India is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship in March 2026, marking a historic moment for the traditional Indian sport on the global stage. The event will be held from March 9 to March 14 and is expected to see participation from more than 24 nations across five continents, highlighting the sport’s expanding international appeal. The championship will feature 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, underlining a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity and competitive excellence in Kho Kho.

Mullanpur Stadium, officially known as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, became the venue where stadium stands were named after Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur. This honour recognized their extraordinary contributions to Indian cricket, spanning iconic World Cup performances and inspirational leadership. The inauguration took place ahead of an international T20 match, adding to the stadium’s significance as it hosted its first men’s international fixture. The tribute reflects Punjab’s growing sports culture and commitment to celebrating cricketing excellence while strengthening modern cricket infrastructure in the state.

Abdul Quadir Indori emerged as a standout performer for India at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 held in Dubai by securing two gold medals on the very first day of competition. He topped the podium in both the 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke events, underlining his versatility and competitive excellence in para-swimming. His achievement reflects the growing depth and quality of India’s youth para-sports ecosystem. Such performances not only boost India’s medal tally but also inspire young athletes with disabilities, showcasing the country’s increasing investment, training standards, and international competitiveness in para-sports.

Italy, through its Italian National Olympic Committee, entered into an MoU with the Indian Olympic Association to strengthen sports cooperation between the two nations. The partnership focuses on key areas such as athlete training, access to world-class infrastructure, and advancement in sports science. It also promotes sharing of expertise and enables mutual access to elite training facilities and high-performance centres for athletes, coaches, and specialists. This collaboration aims to enhance sporting excellence, support talent development, and build long-term strategic ties that benefit both countries across multiple sporting disciplines.