1. 132nd Durand Cup tournament organized in Kolkata
Tags: Sports News
The "Trophy Tour" of the 132nd edition of Durand Cup, India's oldest football tournament, was flagged off on 30 June 2023 at a function held at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt.
Important Points:-
- It was flagged off by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary and President of All India Football Federation (AIFF) Kalyan Choubey.
- This tournament will be organized from 03 August to 03 September 2023 in Kolkata, Guwahati, Kokrajhar and Shillong. While its final will be held in Kolkata on September 3.
Foreign teams in Durand Cup:
- 24 teams including teams from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh will participate in the 132nd edition of the tournament.
- Foreign teams are participating in the tournament after a gap of 27 years. The tournament is open to all club teams.
- It is organized by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
- Basically the tournament has always been a symbol of excellence, sportsmanship and high point of competitiveness in the field of sports.
Durand Cup Tournament:
- The Durand Cup, the world's third oldest and Asia's oldest football tournament, was first held in the year 1888 at Dagshai (Himachal Pradesh).
- It was named after Mortimer Durand, who was then the Foreign Secretary in charge of India.
- The tournament was initially held for British soldiers, but was later opened to civilians.
- Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are the most successful teams in the history of the Durand Cup having won it sixteen times.
2. India won the title by defeating Iran in the Asian Kabaddi Championship
Tags: Sports Sports News
India emerged victorious in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 held in Busan, Korea on 30th June defeating Iran with a score of 42-32.
An overview of the news
This victory marks India's eighth title out of nine editions of the championship, highlighting their dominance in the sport.
Pawan Sehrawat, the captain of the Indian team, played a crucial role by securing a super 10, leading the team to success.
In the earlier league stage of the tournament, India showcased their prowess by defeating Hong Kong with a comprehensive scoreline of 64-20.
Six teams, including India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, participated in the championship.
India finished the league stage undefeated, winning all five matches and securing the top position in the points table.
Iran, having only lost to India during the league stage, secured the second position and advanced to the final.
The Indian kabaddi teams will now focus on the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled from September 23 to October 8, where they will face a tough challenge from defending champions Iran, who defeated India in the semi-finals in Jakarta in 2018.
3. TOPS clears Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia training in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary
Tags: Sports Sports News
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given its approval to wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for their training proposals under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
An overview of the news
The proposals were submitted by the wrestlers to the Ministry and the TOPS team, and they were cleared within 24 hours of the request.
Bajrang Punia, an Olympic medalist, will participate in a 36-day training camp in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Vinesh Phogat, a medalist in world championships, will first undergo a week of training in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, followed by an 18-day training camp in Hungary.
Vinesh Phogat will be accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat, and Coach Sudesh during her training sessions.
Bajrang Punia will be accompanied by Coach Sujeet Maan, Physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender, and Strength and Conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
It was created in July 2014 under the auspices of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying and preparing potential medal prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The idea of the scheme is to look to the future and fund a developmental group of athletes who have the potential to bring medals to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.
4. Kolkata Team Emerges Victorious in Historic Dubai Women's Kabaddi Final
Tags: Sports Sports News
Dubai created history by hosting the world's first International Women's Kabaddi Final which saw the Punjab Panthers vs Uma Kolkata contest on 28 June.
An overview of the news
The match concluded with Uma Kolkata emerging as champions and securing a grand prize of ₹10,000,000.
All the matches were held at the 'Shabab Al-Ahli' sports club in Dubai. Matches were played from 16 June to 27 June.
The Punjab team showcased commendable skills and secured the second position, receiving a prize of ₹5,000,000.
The tournament spanned 12 days and witnessed the participation of eight teams representing different states in India.
The Women's Kabaddi League played a crucial role in successfully organizing the event and bringing it to fruition.
This historic tournament provided a global platform for women Kabaddi players from India to showcase their skills and talent.
The participating teams represented different Indian states, including the Delhi Dynamites, Gujarat Angels, Great Marathas, Haryana Hustlers, Punjab Panthers, Rajasthan Riders, Uma Kolkata, and Bengaluru Hawks.
5. India end Special Olympics World Games campaign with whopping 202 medals
Tags: Sports Sports News
The 194-member Indian team ended its campaign on a high note in the Special Olympics after bagging a whopping 202 medals in the tournament. The Special Olympics were played in Berlin across nine days from June 17 to June 25.
An overview of the news
India bagged 76 gold, 75 silver and 51 bronze medals in this global multi-sport event.
The Indian contingent comprised 198 athletes and unified partners, along with 57 coaches, who competed across 16 different sports, representing the nation with passion and dedication.
The Indian athletes concluded their exceptional performance at the Special Olympics with a remarkable tally of six medals in track events on the final day.
Aanchal Goyal and Ravimathi Arumugam secured gold medals in the 400m race, while Saket Kundu achieved a silver medal in mini javelin and a bronze in the Level B 400m race, showcasing their talent.
About Special Olympics World Games
The Special Olympics was established in the year 1968, marking its foundation and initiation of its impactful work.
The primary mission of the Special Olympics is to offer comprehensive sports training and athletic competition throughout the year.
This includes a diverse range of Olympic-style sports specifically designed for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The organization aims to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities continuous opportunities to enhance their physical fitness, demonstrate bravery, experience happiness, and actively engage in the sharing of talents, skills, and friendships.
It seeks to promote the acceptance, respect, and integration of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
6. Adani Group founder Gautam Adani launches "Jeetenge Hum" campaign
Tags: Sports News
The "Jeetenge Hum" campaign was launched during the foundation day celebrations of Adani Group, on the occasion of Gautam Adani's 61st birthday.
An Overview of the News
The Indian cricket team that won the 1983 World Cup was felicitated in this event.
The campaign aims to boost morale ahead of the upcoming ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023.
The "Jeetenge Hum" campaign serves as a platform for national pride and support for the Indian cricket team.
The campaign encourages fans to believe in the team's ability to emerge victorious at the World Cup.
About "Jeetenge Hum" campaign
The campaign commemorates the 40th anniversary of India's historic victory in 1983.
The campaign encourages Indian cricket fans to unite and unite in support of Team India.
The campaign uses the hashtag #JeetengeHum on Twitter and Instagram to show support for the team.
The campaign draws inspiration from the Adani Group's ethos of "Kar Ke Dikhaya, Kar Ke Dikhayenge".
It epitomizes an indomitable spirit of achievement, both in cricket and business.
7. Indian women's doubles pair of Sutirtha and Ayhika clinches WTT Contender tournament title in Tunis
Tags: Sports Sports News
Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee, theIndian women's doubles pair, emerged victorious in the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender tournament held in Tunis on 25th June.
An overview of the news
In the final, they defeated the Japanese duo of Miyuu Kihara and Miwa Harimoto with a score of 3-1 (11-5, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11) in a challenging match.
This win makes Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee the first Indians to secure a Contender title in the current year.
Prior to reaching the final, the Indian pair faced a tough last-four battle against the Korean duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihi, which they won 3-2 (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9).
On the other hand, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Manika Batra and G Sathiyan, as well as the men's doubles duo of Manav Vikash Thakkar and Manush Utpalbhai Shah, were unable to progress to the finals as they lost their respective semifinal matches.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo receives Guinness World Record award
Tags: Person in news Sports News
Portugal's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has made another big record. Ronaldo has become the first football player in history to play 200 international matches.
An overview of the news
The 38-year-old Ronaldo set this record as soon as he was named in the playing XI against Iceland in the 2024 Euro Cup qualifying match.
The Guinness World Records team honored Ronaldo for this record before the match.
In the match held in Iceland's capital Reykjavik, Ronaldo scored a goal in the 89th minute and gave the team a 1–0 victory over Iceland.
With this win, Portugal have retained the top spot in Group J with wins from all four matches they have played so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal on 20 August 2003.
Now even after almost 20 years, this player is not only playing matches but is also playing an important role in helping his team win.
Ronaldo also holds the record for most international goals with 123 goals.
Player with most international matches
Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa is in second place in terms of playing most international matches, who has played a total of 196 matches so far.
Malaysia's Soh Chin Ain is third with 195 matches.
Lionel Messi of Argentina is joint 11th with 175 matches.
Team India captain Sunil Chhetri tops the list playing 137 international matches for India.
9. Union Minister Anurag Thakur flagged off "Bharat in Paris" campaign
Tags: Sports Sports News
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the campaign with a short marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on 23 June.
An overview of the news
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has launched the "Bharat in Paris" campaign to create awareness and promote sports across India ahead of the Paris Olympics games.
The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
It was created in July 2014 under the auspices of the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying and preparing potential medal prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The idea of the scheme is to look to the future and fund a developmental group of athletes who have the potential to bring medals to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 andLos Angeles in 2028.
10. Bhavani Devi creates history by winning India's first medal in Asian Fencing Championships
Tags: Sports News
Bhavani Devi won the bronze medal in the women's sabre event at the Asian Fencing Championships held in Wuxi, China.
An Overview of the News
Bhavani lost her semi-final match against Uzbekistan's Zainab Daybekova with a score of 14-15.
In the quarterfinals, Bhavani defeated defending world champion Misaki Emura of Japan by a score of 15-10.
Bhavani registered his first win against a Japanese swordsman.
Bhavani's next challenge will be the World Championships to be held in Milan from July 22 to 30.
Asian Fencing Championships:
It is organized by the Asian Fencing Confederation for the Asia-Oceania zone.
The first championships were held in Tehran in 1973 but faced limited activity in the continent.
The tournament resumed in 1989 and has been held annually since 2007.
It is an important event for swordsmen in the Asia-Oceania region to showcase their skills.
About China
Capital - Beijing
President - Xi Jinping
Premier - Li Qiang
Congress Chairman - Zhao Leji
