Current Affairs - Sports

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli triumphed in the Men’s Doubles event at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy. They defeated Theo Arribage of France and Francisco Cabral of Portugal in the final. This victory was especially significant for Balaji, as it marked his first ATP Challenger Tour title, while Bollipalli secured his second, adding to his earlier win at the Almaty Open with Arjun Kadhe.

The 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024 was held at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim. Organized by the Sikkim Football Association, the tournament featured 16 teams, including four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia. North East United FC emerged as the champion, highlighting the significance of the event in promoting football in the region and fostering international sports relations.

India will host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in promoting this traditional Indian sport globally. The event, supported by the Indian Olympic Association and the Kho Kho Federation of India, will feature 24 teams from six continents, including both men's and women's categories. This historic tournament aims to elevate Kho Kho's international recognition, foster sportsmanship, and celebrate India's cultural heritage, potentially paving the way for its inclusion in the global sports calendar.

India demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance at the World Pickleball Championship, securing a total of 28 medals. This impressive haul includes 11 gold medals, showcasing the country's strength in the sport. The medals were won across various categories, including singles, mixed doubles, and veterans' events. Notable winners included Sonu Vishwakarma, Isha Lakhani, Vishal Jadhav, and Nitten Kirrtane, who all contributed to India's impressive medal tally. This achievement highlights India's growing presence and success in international pickleball competitions.

The Tata Steel Chess India Blitz tournament took place in Kolkata, where Magnus Carlsen dominated the competition, accumulating an unbeatable 13 points to claim the title. This victory marked Carlsen's second double win at the event, replicating his success in 2019. Indian players Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi delivered impressive performances, securing 3rd, 4th, and 5th places, respectively. The tournament showcased the skill and strategy of top chess players, solidifying India's reputation as a hub for international chess competitions.