Current Affairs - Sports

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, making it the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East since Qatar hosted it in 2022. This decision marks a significant step for Saudi Arabia in the world of international sports. The 2034 World Cup will follow the 2026 edition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the 2030 tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

Japan won the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship on December 10, 2024, by defeating South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final. This victory marked Japan's second-ever championship title, with their first win dating back to 2004. The match, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, was significant as Japan broke South Korea’s seven-year winning streak in the tournament. Key players like Miyuki Nakayama and Yuki Tanaka played pivotal roles in Japan’s victory, ensuring their triumph in this historic final.

Bangladesh emerged victorious in the U19 Asia Cup Final against India by 59 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. Despite India's historical success in the tournament, they fell short of the 199-run target set by Bangladesh, leading to the latter successfully defending their title. This win highlighted Bangladesh's strong performance in the competition.

India will host the $2 million International Golf Series opener at the DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurugram, from January 30 to February 2, 2025. This event marks the first of 10 tournaments on the 2025 schedule, featuring top players from the LIV Golf League and Asian Tour. Launched in 2022, the International Series provides a pathway for exceptional performers to qualify for the prestigious LIV Golf League. This tournament highlights India's growing presence in the global golfing arena.

India will debut in the FIFA World Cup 2024, held in Riyadh from December 9-12. The country will be represented by players across console and mobile formats, including Chinmay Sahoo, Ibrahim Gulrez, Saksham Rattan, and Danial Shakeel Patel. The tournament uses advanced gaming platforms such as eFootball 2025 on PC and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, marking a significant step for India's growing esports landscape.