Current Affairs - Sports

B Sumeeth Reddy, a key figure in India’s badminton doubles circuit, announced his retirement from professional badminton. His decision is to fully dedicate himself to coaching. Known for his successful career in both men’s and mixed doubles, Reddy was part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning squad and has had a distinguished career, including wins at international tournaments and participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics. His transition from playing to coaching marks the next chapter of his journey.

Brisbane’s iconic Gabba stadium will be demolished following the 2032 Olympics, making way for a new 60,000-capacity venue at Victoria Park. This new stadium is designed to cater to cricket and other sports, ensuring the continued prominence of cricket in Queensland. The redevelopment is part of a broader infrastructure growth initiative ahead of the 2032 Olympics, supported by Cricket Australia and local sports bodies. The move reflects Brisbane’s commitment to enhancing its sports facilities for future events and long-term use.

Dr. P.T. Usha inaugurated the National Maritime Games 2025 in Navi Mumbai, where she delivered a motivational message focusing on sportsmanship, unity, and integrity. The event, which featured over 20 sports, was designed to promote fitness and sportsmanship. Key figures from both the maritime and sports sectors were present, and Dr Usha also inaugurated the Swimming and Table Tennis events at Thakur International Sports Complex, showcasing her active involvement in promoting sports at the national level.

The book ‘March of Glory’ was launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India's historic victory in the 1975 Hockey World Cup. It details the journey of the Indian hockey team, including key matches, player quotes, and over 250 rare photographs, documenting their path to glory in Kuala Lumpur. The launch event was attended by various hockey legends and enthusiasts, with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey emphasizing the importance of the book in preserving the rich history of Indian hockey for future generations.

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the host nations (United States, Canada, and Mexico). This achievement was secured with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on March 20, 2025, at Saitama Stadium. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo in the second half helped Japan secure its spot in the tournament, marking its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Coach Hajime Moriyasu emphasized the need for further improvement, while Bahrain's coach praised Japan's strength and predicted a strong performance in the World Cup.