Current Affairs - Sports

Karnataka clinched their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title by defeating Vidarbha by 36 runs in the final held on January 19, 2025, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Anchored by key contributions from Ravichandran Smaran, who scored 101 runs, and a match-winning cameo by Abhinav Manohar with 79 runs, Karnataka posted a formidable total of 348/6. This victory adds to their previous titles in 2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, and 2019-20, cementing their status as one of the most successful teams in domestic cricket.

The men’s elite race at the 20th Mumbai Marathon 2025 was won by Berhane Tesfay, representing Eritrea. This marathon, held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and flagged off by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, showcased exceptional talent. Alongside Eritrea's victory in the men’s category, Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele triumphed in the women’s elite race. The event included categories for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens and also served as a qualifier for the World Athletics Championships, highlighting its global relevance.

India emerged victorious in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning their respective titles. The tournament took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The women’s team defeated Nepal 78–40, and the men’s team triumphed 54–36. This success was attributed to excellent teamwork and strategies, as highlighted by Captain Priyanka Ingle and coach Sumit Bhatia.

Anju Bobby George, a legendary long jumper, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission. She leads a diverse panel that includes prominent athletes like Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, Krishna Poonia, and others. This panel aims to provide a voice for athletes within AFI. The inclusion of Neeraj Chopra and other notable members signifies the representation of excellence across various disciplines in Indian athletics, with Anju Bobby George at the helm, reflecting her enduring influence in the field.

Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic and six-time world champion, has been appointed as the international event ambassador for the 20th Mumbai Marathon. Known for his unparalleled achievements in retaining 5000m and 10000m Olympic and World Championship titles, Farah brings global attention to this World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, which anticipates participation from 60,000 runners starting from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.