Current Affairs - Sports

Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda set a new half-marathon world record by completing the race in 56 minutes and 42 seconds in Barcelona. His achievement made him the first person to run the half-marathon in under 57 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 57:30 set by Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha. Kiplimo's record-breaking performance improved the previous time by 48 seconds, marking the largest improvement in the history of the event.

The Services team won the most medals in the 38th National Games, securing a total of 121 medals. Their medal tally included 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze. This impressive performance put them ahead of other states and teams, including Maharashtra and Haryana, in terms of overall medal count. Uttarakhand, the host state, finished in 7th place with 103 medals, including 24 golds. The Games showcased a wide range of athletic talent from across India, with athletes competing for honours in various categories.

Muskan Rana is from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), where she has made significant achievements in gymnastics. At the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, she won the gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics, furthering J&K's legacy in the sport. Muskan has also earned several accolades in national championships, including one gold, two silver, and one bronze. Her success continues the tradition of strong performances from J&K gymnasts, following the achievements of Bavleen Kaur.

The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027 as part of a 12-year agreement. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is organizing this event to tap into the growing popularity of Esports and attract younger audiences. Following the success of the Olympic Virtual Series, a six-member committee will be responsible for selecting the games that will be featured in this historic event. This marks a significant step in integrating Esports into the global sporting community under the Olympic framework.

Meghalaya has been chosen as the host for the 39th National Games, scheduled to take place in 2027. The National Games is India's premier multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from across the country to compete in various disciplines. The 2025 edition of the National Games, currently ongoing, features top-performing teams like the Services Sports Control Board, Maharashtra, and Karnataka leading the medal tally. Hosting the event in 2027 will provide Meghalaya with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and boost sports culture in the region.