Current Affairs - Sports

Karnataka will host the inaugural AIFF U15 Women’s Youth League, with all matches scheduled at the Sporting Planet Sports Complex in Belagavi. The tournament is set to begin on October 15, 2026, and the final will be played on October 31, 2026. A total of 16 teams from across India will participate, divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals. Belgaum United Football Academy has been designated as the host team for this inaugural edition of the women’s youth football competition.

Savita Punia became the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player after reaching 321 international appearances and surpassing Vandana Katariya’s previous record of 320 caps. The goalkeeper achieved the milestone during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Savita made her senior international debut in 2009 and has represented India at three Olympics and two Asian Games, along with other major tournaments. Hockey India recognised her achievement with a ₹10 lakh reward. She had equalled Katariya’s record on September 20, 2026, during India’s 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Pawan Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s male flag-bearer at the Asian Games opening ceremony. Sehrawat is an Indian kabaddi player and was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. He is also a prominent player in the Pro Kabaddi League. The Indian Olympic Association cited technical reasons for the replacement of Toor. Shooter Manu Bhaker continued as the women’s flag-bearer alongside Sehrawat. Toor remained part of India’s athletics contingent and aimed for his third consecutive Asian Games gold medal in shot put.

Japan is hosting the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The opening ceremony is scheduled at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on September 19. The ceremony’s theme is “Harmonic Heart Beat,” reflecting the idea of unity and harmony among athletes from across Asia. The official mascot of the Games is HONOHON, while the official slogan is “Imagine One Asia.” India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony are Manu Bhaker in shooting and Pawan Sehrawat in kabaddi. The event marks another major international sporting occasion hosted by Japan.

Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won the men’s trap gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026 in Porpetto, Italy. The 15-year-old Indian shooter fired at 27 of 30 targets in the eight-shooter final to secure the gold medal. He finished one target ahead of Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio. Yugan had qualified sixth for the final with a score of 114/125 and entered the medal round through a shoot-off. His victory marked India’s first medal in the junior ISSF World Cup Shotgun held in Porpetto. The achievement highlights his strong performance at the international junior level.