Current Affairs - Sports

Bodhana Sivanandan, a remarkable 10-year-old chess prodigy from Harrow, London, delivered an extraordinary performance at the UK Women’s Blitz Championship by defeating experienced adult players in eight consecutive games. Her success in the event elevated her into the ranks of the top 50 female blitz players worldwide, highlighting her exceptional skill and maturity at such a young age. She also holds the distinction of becoming the youngest ever Woman International Master (WIM) at the age of nine, further showcasing her rapid rise and immense potential within the global chess community.

Ahmedabad has secured the opportunity to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant achievement for India on the global sporting stage. The decision was finalised during the Commonwealth Sport’s General Assembly in Glasgow, where Ahmedabad’s bid surpassed that of Abuja, Nigeria. With most of the venues already prepared and funding secured, officials have expressed strong confidence in delivering a well-organised event. The Games are expected to feature 15 to 17 sports and will align with the centenary celebrations of the Commonwealth Games Movement. This hosting decision also strengthens India’s long-term ambition to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025 took place from 6 to 18 November 2025 in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The event, organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), featured 720 shooters from 70 National Olympic Committees competing in individual and team rifle and pistol events. India performed strongly, finishing third in the medal tally with 13 medals. Hosting the championship in Egypt highlighted the country’s role in facilitating major international shooting competitions and provided a platform for record-breaking performances by shooters from around the world. Egypt’s selection as the host also emphasised its infrastructure and capability in global sports events.

The Indian shooting team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Deaflympics, securing a total of 16 medals—7 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze. These achievements took place in Tokyo, where the athletes competed over ten days of intense events. The results highlighted India's growing strength in Deaflympics shooting disciplines, with standout performers like Mahit Sandhu contributing multiple medals. This medal haul also represented significant progress compared to the previous edition in Brazil, underlining improved preparation, better training systems, and the rising prominence of Indian shooters on the global stage.

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.