Current Affairs - Sports

Aaryan Varshney, a 21-year-old chess player from Delhi, became India’s 92nd Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia. He achieved the milestone with a round to spare, demonstrating remarkable consistency and composure against international competition. This achievement marks him as the eighth Grandmaster from Delhi and reflects the city’s growing contribution to Indian chess. Varshney’s success highlights India’s expanding presence in global chess, supported by structured training, grassroots programs, and international tournament exposure that develop young players into elite-level Grandmasters.

The India Open Badminton Super 750 tournament commenced at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, a major sporting venue located in New Delhi. The event marked an important return for several Indian shuttlers, including PV Sindhu, who led the national campaign after recovering from injury. Alongside her, emerging players and experienced athletes competed across singles and doubles categories. The tournament also served as crucial preparation for the upcoming BWF World Championships, which are scheduled to be held at the same venue, making New Delhi a central hub for international badminton during this period.

Alyssa Healy announced her decision to retire from all formats of international cricket following the home series against India scheduled for February–March 2026. One of the most influential wicketkeeper-batters in women’s cricket, she enjoyed a distinguished career marked by aggressive batting, record-breaking dismissals, and leadership success. Healy captained Australia after Meg Lanning’s retirement and led the team through several major tournaments. Her career includes multiple ICC World Cup victories across ODI and T20 formats, individual awards, and a lasting impact on redefining the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in modern women’s cricket.

The 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Tournament commenced at the Biamathang rink in Kargil, marking an important sporting event in the Ladakh region. The opening match featured Drass Warriors competing against the Indian Army team. The tournament includes participation from ten men’s teams and five women’s teams drawn from different parts of Ladakh, highlighting the growing popularity of ice hockey in the region. Organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, the event is also being live-streamed through Akashvani Kargil’s YouTube channel, ensuring wider public engagement and visibility.

The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated in Varanasi, marking an important milestone in India’s domestic sports calendar. Hosted at the Dr. Sampoorna­nand Sports Stadium, the event brought together more than 1,000 players representing 58 teams from various states and institutions across the country. Scheduled from January 4 to January 11, the tournament reflects broader efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage athletic excellence. The selection of Varanasi as the host city also supports initiatives to develop it into a prominent national sports hub.