Current Affairs - Sports

Novak Djokovic, a tennis legend from Serbia, clinched his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men's singles final, held at Roland Garros. This victory is particularly significant as it not only marks his first Olympic gold in his fifth appearance but also adds to his collection of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Furthermore, Djokovic's win enabled him to join an elite group of players who have achieved the Career Golden Slam, and at 37, he became the oldest man to win singles gold since tennis rejoined the Olympics in 1988.

Lieutenant Colonel Kabilan Sai Ashok, a serving Indian Army Officer, achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest Olympic referee from India in boxing at the Paris Olympics 2024. His role as a referee highlights his commitment to the principles of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship. This accomplishment not only underscores his personal dedication but also brings pride to the Indian Army and the nation, showcasing the expertise of Indian officials in the international sports arena.

Swapnil Kusale won the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris Olympics. His performance was marked by a total of 451.4 points, securing him the third spot on the podium. This achievement contributed to India's medal tally in shooting, showcasing Kusale's precision and skill in the sport. His success in this event follows India's tradition of strong performances in shooting at the Olympics, reinforcing the nation's growing prominence in the discipline.

Mohsin Naqvi, the current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to become the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year. This leadership change adheres to the ACC’s rotation policy, ensuring diverse representation from member nations. Naqvi's candidacy was discussed and favourably considered at a recent ACC meeting, and his confirmation is anticipated during a meeting later this year. This transition follows Jay Shah’s tenure, who is the current ACC president and received a one-year extension in January 2024 for his third consecutive term.

Manika Batra made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the pre-quarterfinals of an Olympic singles event, achieving this milestone by defeating France's Prithika Pavade. Batra, ranked world number 24 in ITTF (as of May 2024), has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to Indian sports, receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award in 2020.