Current Affairs - Sports

Jannik Sinner made history by defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-3 in the Shanghai Masters final, securing his seventh title of the year. This impressive victory marked Sinner's third consecutive win over Djokovic, levelling their head-to-head series at 4-4. Sinner's remarkable performance has earned him a milestone, becoming the first player since Andy Murray in 2016 to win more than six titles in a calendar year. With 65 wins this season, Sinner solidifies his position among the world's top tennis players.

The Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee secured a historic bronze medal in the Women's Doubles category, achieving India's first-ever medal in the event. The Indian duo lost to Japan's Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara in the semi-finals. Kazakhstan hosted the prestigious championships, providing a platform for top Asian players to compete. The event showcased exceptional talent and determination in the sport.

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has recognized India's growing influence and infrastructure in shooting sports by awarding the country the hosting rights for the 2025 Junior World Cup. This prestigious event underscores India's rising prominence in the international shooting community. With a strong team of 23 shooters, India is poised to make a significant impact in the Junior World Cup Final. Hosting the event will further boost India's reputation as a hub for shooting sports, providing opportunities for young talent to shine on the global stage.

Mumbai has been chosen to host the World Pickleball Championship Series, marking India's debut in hosting this prestigious event. The championship, organized by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), will bring together approximately 650 players from 6-7 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore. The event will take place from November 12-17, 2024, and is expected to promote pickleball's growing popularity in India. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo and Pickleball Global's founder Jan Papi are key figures behind this initiative.

The 12th Sultan of Johor Cup is taking place in Malaysia, where the 18-member Indian junior men's hockey team, led by Amir Ali, will compete under the guidance of newly appointed head coach PR Sreejesh. This tournament is significant as it serves as a preparatory event for the team ahead of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat. The Indian team will face various opponents, including Japan, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the host nation, Malaysia, as they aim to secure a spot in the finals scheduled for October 26.