Current Affairs - Sports

Saurabh Chaudhary, a 22-year-old shooter from Uttar Pradesh, made an inspiring comeback by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 held in Lima, Peru. After being away from the national spotlight for over two years, his performance against a field of Olympic champions and seasoned competitors showcased not just skill but also mental toughness. This bronze was his first individual World Cup medal in more than two years, underlining his return to form and reestablishing him as a key figure in Indian shooting.

Shreyas Iyer was honoured with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2025 due to his exceptional performance during India’s victorious campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy. Scoring 243 runs across three crucial matches, Iyer consistently delivered under pressure, including a match-winning 48 in the final against New Zealand. His batting average of 57.33 and a composed strike rate of 77.47 highlighted his reliability and skill. He surpassed fellow nominees Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra to claim the title, marking another accolade for India following Shubman Gill’s win in February. His performance exemplified leadership and calm in high-stakes situations.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), in collaboration with key cricket boards such as the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia, has initiated a dedicated task force and support fund specifically to assist displaced women cricketers from Afghanistan. This initiative focuses on ensuring these athletes have continued access to professional coaching, top-tier training facilities, and mentorship opportunities, despite being uprooted from their home country. It aims to preserve their engagement with the sport and create a pathway for them to sustain their cricketing careers internationally, highlighting the global cricket community's commitment to inclusivity and support for affected athletes.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has been honoured with a knighthood in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport of cricket. This recognition came as part of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list. Anderson, who retired from Test cricket at the age of 42, boasts an impressive record of 704 wickets, making him England’s leading wicket-taker in Test history. Notably, he is the only sportsperson to be included in the honours list, underscoring the significance of his achievement and the respect he commands within the cricketing community.

Suruchi Inder Singh secured the gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 held in Argentina. Representing India, the young shooter from Haryana showcased exceptional skill by leading the qualification round with a score of 583. In a highly competitive final, she maintained her composure and shot her way to the top, finishing 2.7 points ahead of China’s Qian Wei. Her remarkable performance not only earned India its third gold medal in the tournament but also highlighted her rising status in the international shooting arena.