Current Affairs - Sports

Harinder Singh Sodhi, known as 'Billy' in the polo community, was a distinguished former Indian polo player who passed away at the age of 86. He was a recipient of the Arjuna Award and reached a career handicap of plus-five, a significant achievement in the sport of polo. His contributions and skills earned him a prominent place in Indian sports history, particularly within the polo community, where he is fondly remembered for his impact on the game.

The 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament was inaugurated in Ladakh by Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, at the newly constructed Polo Stadium at Goshan, Drass. This event marked a significant milestone for the region, showcasing the traditional sport of horse polo and emphasizing youth development and sports infrastructure in Ladakh. The tournament highlighted the cultural importance of horse polo in Ladakh, promoting coordination, teamwork, and the bond between the player and the horse. The region's administration also undertook initiatives to empower women and promote sports with deep cultural roots.

The Indian Olympic Association has taken the first formal step towards hosting the Olympics in India by submitting a 'Letter of Intent' to the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission. The proposed year for hosting the Games is 2036, which is expected to bring significant economic growth, social progress, and empowerment to India's youth. This move demonstrates India's ambition to host a mega global event, showcasing its capabilities and potential. Hosting the Olympics in 2036 would be a historic milestone for India, promoting sports development and national pride.

The inaugural U19 World Boxing Championships, organized by World Boxing, took place in Colorado, USA, at the Pueblo Convention Center from October 25 to November 5, 2024. This international event brought together talented young boxers from around the world, with India delivering an impressive performance, securing 17 medals, including three gold medals won by Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan. The championships provided a platform for emerging boxers to showcase their skills and demonstrate their potential for future success in the sport.

Atanu Das's bronze medal win at the Swiss Open Indoor Archery marks a significant achievement for Indian archery. Held in Switzerland, the competition saw Das defeat local favourite Thomas Rufer 6-4 in the Recurve Men's Bronze match. Das's victory demonstrates India's growing presence in international archery. Although he fell short against France's Romain Fichet in the semifinals, Das's bronze medal finish alongside Italy's Alessandro Paoli's gold and Fichet's silver underscores the intense competition in the sport. This win sets the stage for India's archers to make a strong showing in the upcoming 2025 season.