Current Affairs - Sports

India celebrated a century of hockey excellence at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi, marking 100 years of remarkable achievements in the sport. The event was jointly organized by the Sports Authority of India and Hockey India, with participation from Union ministers, the FIH President, and legendary hockey players. Highlights included the launch of a commemorative book and a special exhibition showcasing India’s rich hockey legacy. The celebration also featured a friendly match where the Sports Ministry XI triumphed over the Hockey India XI 3–1, symbolizing India’s enduring passion and success in hockey.

Jannik Sinner, the 24-year-old Italian tennis player, clinched his maiden Rolex Paris Masters title by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final. This victory marked his fifth ATP Masters 1000 crown and his return to the World No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings. Sinner’s achievement also extended his impressive streak to 26 consecutive indoor match wins. Notably, he became the first player since Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 to win a Masters title without dropping a single set, underscoring his consistency and dominance on indoor courts.

Rohan Bopanna, one of India’s greatest tennis players, retired in 2025 after a distinguished two-decade-long career. Known for his powerful serves and exceptional doubles play, Bopanna achieved historic milestones, including winning two Grand Slam titles — the 2017 French Open mixed doubles and the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles. He became the oldest player to reach World No. 1 in doubles at age 43. His famous partnership with Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, dubbed the “Indo-Pak Express,” symbolised sportsmanship and unity. Bopanna’s legacy extends beyond trophies, as he inspired future Indian tennis players through perseverance and excellence on the global stage.

India won their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. India posted a strong total of 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, including a fifty and five wickets. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt scored a valiant 101, but India’s bowlers sealed the victory. This triumph marked India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, making it a historic achievement for Indian cricket and a defining moment for women’s sports in the country.

The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 trophy has been renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup to honour India’s legendary chess grandmaster and five-time World Champion. This decision celebrates Anand’s immense contributions to global chess and his role in inspiring generations of Indian players. Known as the “Tiger of Madras,” Anand’s achievements transformed chess into a mainstream sport in India. The renaming was announced during a ceremony in Goa, attended by key dignitaries, including the FIDE President and Indian officials. The tribute marks a proud recognition of Anand’s lasting legacy in the international chess community.