Current Affairs - Sports

Bodhana Sivanandan has become England’s top-ranked female chess player, marking a historic achievement in her career. She surpassed four-time British Women's Champion Lan Yao and is currently the highest-rated female player across the United Kingdom. Her global standing has also improved significantly, as she is ranked among the top 100 female players by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Known for her exceptional talent at a young age, she has defeated experienced Grandmasters and secured a Woman Grandmaster norm, highlighting her rapid rise and potential in international chess.

Gurjant Singh, a prominent Indian athlete, retired from international hockey after a successful career spanning several years. Known for his speed and attacking skills, he played a key role in India’s achievements, including winning bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. He also contributed significantly to India’s victory in the 2016 Junior FIH World Cup and other major tournaments like the Asian Games and Asia Cup. Over his career, he played 130 matches and scored 33 goals. His outstanding contributions to hockey were recognised with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2021.

Ravichandran Ashwin made history by becoming the first Indian international cricketer to join Major League Cricket in the United States. At the age of 39, he continues to expand his professional career after retiring from international cricket in 2024 and concluding his IPL journey in 2025. With an impressive record of 765 wickets in 287 matches, Ashwin is one of India’s greatest spin bowlers. His signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season is expected to enhance the league’s global appeal and competitive quality, particularly by strengthening its spin bowling standards and attracting more international attention.

The International Olympic Committee has decided to implement a ban on transgender women and athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD) from competing in the female category starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision is based on scientific findings indicating performance advantages linked to male puberty. The policy introduces mandatory biological verification through SRY gene screening to ensure fairness in women’s sports. It will apply to all future Olympic Games and aims to maintain competitive balance while ensuring that athletes are treated with dignity and respect throughout the eligibility process.

Haryana secured the top position at the 24th National Para Athletics Championships by delivering an outstanding performance across multiple events. The state won a total of 95 medals, including 39 gold, 31 silver, and 25 bronze, showcasing dominance in both track and field competitions. Tamil Nadu followed as the runner-up, while Gujarat secured third place. Haryana’s success was also highlighted by individual achievements, such as Ankur Dhama winning gold in the men’s 5000m T11 event. The large-scale competition featured over 1,400 para-athletes from across India, emphasising inclusivity and sporting excellence.