Current Affairs - Sports

Real Madrid was ranked as the world’s most valuable football club in the Brand Finance Football 50–2025 report, with a brand value of €1.921 billion and an impressive brand strength score of 94.9. This marked the fourth consecutive year that the Spanish giants retained their top position, reflecting their dominance both on and off the field. The club’s success was driven by its record 15th UEFA Champions League title, massive global fanbase, merchandising strength, and strategic sponsorships. Real Madrid’s consistent brand growth highlights its unmatched influence in global football and its ability to maintain commercial and sporting excellence simultaneously.

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival is being hosted at the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar. The festival features a vibrant logo showcasing a Shikara against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and pine trees, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty. Its mascot, the Himalayan Kingfisher, reflects the theme of water and nature. More than 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are participating in events such as rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs, this festival highlights Srinagar’s potential as a hub for water sports.

Haryana showcased its dominance in the 4th Sub Junior (U-15) National Boxing Championships by clinching the overall team titles in both the boys' and girls' categories. In the boys’ section, Haryana achieved 4 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze medals, securing the top spot. The girls’ team outperformed with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze, totaling 57 points to claim their crown. This victory highlights Haryana’s strong grassroots boxing culture and commitment to nurturing young talent. The state has a longstanding tradition of producing champion boxers, and these results further cement its position as a powerhouse in Indian boxing.

India, through the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has officially approved a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This move is strategically significant as it would bring the event back to India exactly 20 years after New Delhi hosted the Games in 2010. Hosting in 2030 would highlight India’s ability to organise large-scale global sporting events, boost sports infrastructure, and enhance youth participation in athletics. Additionally, it would serve as an important step in India’s broader vision of sports diplomacy, promoting international cooperation, tourism, and regional development while reaffirming its place on the global sporting stage.

India’s U-20 women’s football team secured qualification for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after a long gap of 20 years. They achieved this milestone by defeating Myanmar 1–0 in Yangon, with the decisive goal coming from Pooja’s first-half header. This qualification is significant as it marks a major achievement in Indian women’s football, demonstrating the team’s growth and determination. The tournament will feature 12 teams, including the host nation Thailand, who qualify automatically, and 11 other teams that made it through the qualifiers.