Current Affairs - Sports

Aryna Sabalenka overcame adversity in the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open final, claiming her first major title after defeating Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3. Despite squandering nine match points, Sabalenka's resilience and determination propelled her to her first WTA and ATP final. Her victory marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her position in the top rankings as she prepares to compete in the upcoming US Open.

Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, commence their Premier League campaign against Chelsea. Guardiola will be absent for star midfielder Rodri, who returned from an injury. Despite this setback, Manchester City remains optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming season, with Guardiola highlighting the team's readiness and expressing satisfaction with the roster.

India's Davis Cup singles and doubles teams are set to face Sweden in an intense World Group I tie. Top player Sumit Nagal has rejoined the team after missing the Pakistan tie, while Ashutosh Singh has taken over as the new coach, following Rohit Rajpal's decision to captain the side. Despite Yuki Bhambri's top ranking as a doubles player, his absence from the squad has been notable. India's team, led by Rohit Rajpal, faces a tough match against Sweden's strong lineup, with the first singles and doubles matches scheduled for August 23 in Stockholm.

The Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has partnered with CONCACAF to promote football in North America, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The agreement aims to bolster CONCACAF's football programs and events, with an emphasis on youth development and women's football. The PIF's investments in various sports, including global football, tennis, and golf, underscore its commitment to sports and global partnerships. Despite controversies, such as its involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the PIF seeks to advance its sports portfolio and expand its influence in international sports.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification for exceeding weight limits at the Paris Olympics 2024 sparked controversy and led to her appeal for a shared silver medal. Phogat, competing in the 50kg Freestyle category, was disqualified for exceeding the 50kg weight limit. She received a 10% reduction in her score and was subsequently disqualified for the violation. Her appeal for a shared silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 following her 50kg freestyle disqualification for exceeding weight limits was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), citing no grounds for a change in the original decision. This incident underscores the strict regulations and potential impact of weight infractions on athletes' careers and raises concerns about the fairness of such rules in international sports competitions.