Current Affairs - Sports

Raahul VS became India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster after an impressive performance at the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship 2025, where he clinched the title with a round to spare. His victory highlights India’s continued dominance and depth in global chess. Raahul had earlier achieved his International Master title in 2021 and demonstrated consistent progress toward the GM title through his exceptional tournament performances. This accomplishment follows recent successes by Illamparthi AR and S Rohith Krishna, showcasing a strong new generation of Indian chess players achieving international recognition and strengthening India’s position as a powerhouse in the chess world.

India celebrated a century of hockey excellence at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi, marking 100 years of remarkable achievements in the sport. The event was jointly organized by the Sports Authority of India and Hockey India, with participation from Union ministers, the FIH President, and legendary hockey players. Highlights included the launch of a commemorative book and a special exhibition showcasing India’s rich hockey legacy. The celebration also featured a friendly match where the Sports Ministry XI triumphed over the Hockey India XI 3–1, symbolizing India’s enduring passion and success in hockey.

Jannik Sinner, the 24-year-old Italian tennis player, clinched his maiden Rolex Paris Masters title by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final. This victory marked his fifth ATP Masters 1000 crown and his return to the World No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings. Sinner’s achievement also extended his impressive streak to 26 consecutive indoor match wins. Notably, he became the first player since Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 to win a Masters title without dropping a single set, underscoring his consistency and dominance on indoor courts.

Rohan Bopanna, one of India’s greatest tennis players, retired in 2025 after a distinguished two-decade-long career. Known for his powerful serves and exceptional doubles play, Bopanna achieved historic milestones, including winning two Grand Slam titles — the 2017 French Open mixed doubles and the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles. He became the oldest player to reach World No. 1 in doubles at age 43. His famous partnership with Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, dubbed the “Indo-Pak Express,” symbolised sportsmanship and unity. Bopanna’s legacy extends beyond trophies, as he inspired future Indian tennis players through perseverance and excellence on the global stage.

India won their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. India posted a strong total of 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, including a fifty and five wickets. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt scored a valiant 101, but India’s bowlers sealed the victory. This triumph marked India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, making it a historic achievement for Indian cricket and a defining moment for women’s sports in the country.