Current Affairs - Sports

Manolo Marquez was appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on July 20. Marquez, a Spaniard with extensive coaching experience in India and abroad, has previously transformed Hyderabad FC into ISL champions and led FC Goa to significant achievements. His track record of developing young Indian players and his success in the Indian Super League (ISL) make him an ideal choice for the national team head coach position.

Nuno Borges, a Portuguese professional tennis player, won his first ATP Tour title by defeating Rafael Nadal at the Nordea Open in Bastad. Borges showcased a strong performance, breaking Nadal's serve five times and maintaining consistency throughout the match. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 42 on July 22, 2024.

Kush Maini, an Indian driver, achieved his first-ever Formula 2 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Richard Verschoor was disqualified for a technical infringement. Maini's victory, which came as a result of Verschoor's car not meeting the minimum thickness requirement for the plank, marked his fifth podium of the season and positioned him eighth in the championship standings. This significant win not only highlights Maini’s competitive performance throughout the season but also brings pride to India in the international motorsport arena.

Argentina secured its second straight Copa America championship by defeating Colombia 1-0 in a thrilling match that extended into extra time. Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute, securing Argentina's victory despite Lionel Messi suffering an injury earlier in the game. The win marked a significant achievement for Argentina, showcasing their resilience and determination in overcoming tough competition in the tournament.

Lallianzuala Chhangte, a winger for Mumbai City FC, won the AIFF Men's Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season. This marks his second consecutive win, making him one of only five players to receive the award multiple times. His outstanding performance included scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions, being the highest-scoring Indian in the Indian Super League (ISL), and scoring against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2024.