Current Affairs - Sports

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, has been relocated to the UAE due to ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and subsequent travel advisories from several countries. Despite the move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board will retain hosting rights, and the ICC acknowledged the efforts of both Bangladesh and the support from the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The matches will now take place in Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE.

India's wrestling team achieved success at the U17 World Championship, with three female wrestlers advancing to the semifinals and Greco-Roman wrestler Ronak Dahiya earning a bronze medal. Aditi Kumari reached the 43kg semifinal in Greco-Roman, Neha made it to the 57kg semifinal in freestyle, and Pulkit advanced to the 65kg semifinal in Greco-Roman. Ronak Dahiya ranked No. 2 in the world, won the bronze in Greco-Roman, defeating Turkey's Emrullah Capkan.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia have signed a partnership to launch the first Olympic ESports Games. This partnership, aimed at promoting ESports globally, comes after the Olympics Executive Board proposed the ESports Games in 2023. Abhishek Issar, a prominent figure in the esports industry, highlights the potential impact of this partnership and the growth in esports viewership in India, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in elevating esports to Olympic status. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand sports participation and hosting of international events, marking a significant step in bridging the gap between traditional sports and the digital gaming arena.

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) appointed Satya Prakash Sangwan as the Chef de Mission (CMD) for the Indian team in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Sangwan, with 10 years of service and a background as Vice-President of PCI, will lead 84 para-athletes from India, ensuring their support and success on the global stage. His multifaceted role will be crucial for overseeing the national delegation's operations, inspiration, and logistical coordination. Sangwan's extensive para-sports experience underscores his suitability for this critical position, marking a significant step in promoting and advancing India's representation in the Paralympics.

Lewis Hamilton, the 39-year-old Mercedes Formula One driver, discussed his retirement plans, indicating no immediate intentions to retire despite being the second-oldest on the grid. Hamilton's resurgent 2023 performance, marked by his win at the Italian Grand Prix and his return to the front of the standings, underscores his continued relevance in the sport. While acknowledging advice from peers to prolong his tenure in F1, Hamilton emphasized his commitment to enjoying the sport fully and maximizing his career.