1. PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal Named Flag Bearers for Paris 2024 Olympics
Tags: Sports
PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal have been confirmed as India’s flag bearers for the Paris Olympics 2024.
An Overview of the News
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to maintain the tradition of selecting two flag bearers, as seen in Tokyo 2020.
PV Sindhu - Female Flag Bearer
PV Sindhu, a standout in badminton, has been selected as India’s female flag bearer.
She holds a silver medal from Rio 2016 and a bronze from Tokyo 2020, becoming the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals.
Sharath Kamal - Male Flag Bearer
Sharath Kamal, a veteran table tennis player and Padma Shri awardee, will represent India as the male flag bearer.
His achievements include 13 Commonwealth Games medals and participation in four Olympic Games from 2004 to 2020.
Role of Flag Bearers:
Flag bearers assume the leadership of their country’s delegation during the opening ceremony parade.
They proudly showcase the national flag, embodying pride for the entire nation.
Their appointment serves as an inspiration to younger athletes and underscores the achievements of the country’s sporting heroes.
Flag bearers represent their nation in international media coverage during the opening ceremony, carrying diplomatic significance.
Indian Olympic Association
President: P. T. Usha
Founded: 1927.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
2. Gautam Gambhir Appointed as Head Coach of Team India (Senior Men)
Tags: Sports Person in news
Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the Head Coach of Team India (Senior Men).
An Overview of the News
The Cricket Advisory Committee (Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik) unanimously recommended his appointment.
Gambhir will take charge starting from the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka on July 27, 2024.
Background
Previous Head Coach: Rahul Dravid's term ended after the ICC T20 World Cup, 2024.
Application Process: The BCCI invited applications for the position on May 13, 2024, to appoint Dravid’s successor.
Rahul Dravid’s Tenure Highlights
Under Dravid's guidance, Team India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024.
The team finished as runners-up in the ICC 50-over World Cup, 2023, hosted in India.
Team India was also the runners-up in the ICC World Test Championship, 2023, hosted in England.
The team showcased dominance in bilateral series at home.
Gautam Gambhir’s Profile
Gambhir is a former Indian opener with significant contributions to Indian cricket.
He played crucial roles in India’s victories in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
As captain, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
In 2024, he served as a mentor for KKR, helping them secure their third IPL title.
Skills: He is known for his exceptional batting prowess and strategic acumen.
Responsibilities as Head Coach
Gambhir will oversee the development and performance of the Indian cricket team.
He aims to cultivate a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork.
Nurturing young talent will be a key focus.
He will prepare the team for future challenges on the global stage.
3. Avinash Sable Sets New National Record in 3000m Steeplechase At Paris Diamond League In France
Tags: Sports
Avinash Sable broke the Indian national record in the men’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:09.91 at the Paris Diamond League 2024 on July 7, 2024.
An Overview of the News
He secured sixth place in the highly competitive men’s 3000m steeplechase event at Charlety Stadium.
India's former national record of 8:11.20 was set by Avinash Sable when he won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham two years ago.
Results and Competitors
Abrham Sime of Ethiopia finished first with a personal best time of 8:02.36.
Amos Serem from Kenya also clocked 8:02.36 but finished second in a photo finish.
Abraham Kibiwot, who won bronze at the 2023 World Championships, took third place with a time of 8:06.70.
Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui of Tunisia, the national record holder, finished fourth with a time of 8:09.41.
Geordie Beamish from New Zealand, the indoor world champion in the 1500m, finished fifth with a time of 8:09.64.
Season Highlights for Avinash Sable
Earlier this year, Avinash Sable placed second at the Portland Track Festival with a time of 8:21.85 and first at India’s inter-state competition in Panchkula with a time of 8:31.75.
He is gearing up to represent India in the 3000m steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kishore Jena's Performance in Javelin Throw
Kishore Jena finished eighth in the javelin throw event at the Paris Diamond League 2024 with a best throw of 78.10m.
Diamond League Overview
The Paris Diamond League is part of the annual series organized by World Athletics, serving as the eighth leg of the 2024 series.
The finals of the Diamond League 2024 are scheduled to be held in Brussels, Belgium in September, where athletes accumulate points and compete for the Diamond League trophy.
4. Abhay Singh Clinches Men’s and Mixed Doubles Titles at Asian Squash Championships
Tags: Sports
Abhay Singh, representing India, won both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles titles at the Asian Doubles Squash Championships in Johor, Malaysia.
An Overview of the News
Men’s Doubles Title:
Abhay Singh, paired with Velavan Senthilkumar, clinched the men’s doubles title.
They defeated Malaysia’s Ong Sai Hung and Syafiq Kamal with scores of 11-4, 11-5 in the final.
Mixed Doubles Title:
Abhay Singh partnered with Joshna Chinappa to win the mixed doubles title.
They triumphed over Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing and Tang Ming Hong 11-8, 10-11, 11-5 in a closely contested final.
Semi-Final Wins:
In the men’s doubles semi-final, Abhay and Velavan defeated Japan’s Tomotaka Endo and Naoki Hayashi 11-9, 11-2.
Abhay and Joshna secured their place in the mixed doubles final by beating Hong Kong’s Cheng Nga Ching and Lai Cheuk Nam Matthew 11-8, 11-10 in the semi-finals.
5. Dhruv Sitwala Wins 2024 Asian Billiards Championship Title
Tags: Sports
Dhruv Sitwala triumphed over Pankaj Advani in the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship final held in Riyadh.
An Overview of the News
The match concluded with Dhruv Sitwala winning 5 frames to Pankaj Advani's 2.
Pankaj Advani, aiming for a hat-trick of titles, fell short in the final against his compatriot Dhruv Sitwala.
Match Summary: Dhruv vs. Advani
Start: Dhruv begins strong with 103 points; Advani starts scoreless.
Mid-game: Advani improves with 36 points, Dhruv maintains dominance with 100 points.
Turning point: Advani scores 101 points in the third round; Dhruv struggles with 2 points.
Advani's surge: Advani scores 100 points in the fourth round; Dhruv scores 11 points.
Closing stages: Dhruv scores 100 points in round five; Advani scores 64 points.
Final rounds: Dhruv scores 101 and 100 points; Advani scores 23 and 0 points.
About Pankaj Advani
Pankaj Advani, born on July 24, 1985, is an Indian billiards and snooker player.
He holds a remarkable 27 IBSF world championship titles.
In billiards, he has won 18 world titles, including 17 IBSF World Billiards Championships.
In snooker, he has won the IBSF World Snooker Championship three times.
He also has victories in the IBSF World Six-Red Championship twice.
Advani holds the record for the most IBSF world championships.
He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2004.
In 2006, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
Advani was honored with the Padma Shri in 2009.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018.
6. Viswanathan Anand Wins 10th Leon Masters Title
Tags: Sports Person in news
Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the 15th World Chess Champion, has won the 37th edition of the Magistral Tournament "Ciudad de León" (Leon Masters).
An Overview of the News
Anand defeated Grand Master (GM) Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain (3-1) in the Finals.
The tournament took place from 27th June to 1st July 2024 in León, Spain.
This victory marks Anand's 10th Leon Masters title.
Achievements
10th Leon Masters Title: Previous triumphs in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2016
India's First Chess Grand Master: Achieved in 1988
5-time World Champion: Titles won in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012
Honours and Awards
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: First recipient in 1991-92, India's highest sports award
Padma Vibhushan Award: First sportsperson to receive this honor in 2007
7. India tops U-23 Asian Wrestling Championships in Jordan
Tags: Sports
India emerged as the top-performing nation at the Under 23 Asian Wrestling Championship 2024 in Amman, Jordan.
An Overview of the News
Indian wrestlers secured a total of eight medals in freestyle wrestling: four gold, two silver, and two bronze.
This achievement marks India's best-ever performance at the prestigious event, with Kazakhstanand Kyrgyzstan securing second and third places respectively.
Indian Medal Tally
Gold Medalists:
Abhimanyu (70 kg)
Jointy Kumar (92 kg)
Sahil Jaglan (97 kg)
Anirudh Kumar (125 kg)
Silver Medalists:
Rohit (65 kg)
Jaideep (74 kg)
Bronze Medalists:
Shubham (57 kg)
Amit (79 kg)
About Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships 2024
Location: Amman, Jordan
Dates: June 22-24, 2024
Medal Tally: 11 medals in total
Gold Medals: Dipanshi (46 kg), Muskan (53 kg), Rajnita (61 kg), Mansi Lather (69 kg)
Silver Medals: Raja Bala (40 kg), Samarth Gajanan Mhakave (55 kg)
Bronze Medals: Akash (65 kg), Sachin Kumar (71 kg), Bikash Kacchap (48 kg), Tushar Tukaram Patil (60 kg), Ronak (110 kg)
India at U23 & U17 Asian Wrestling Championships 2023:
Medals: India clinched 44 medals - 13 gold, 13 silver, and 18 bronze.
Participants: 60 Indian wrestlers competed across men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and men’s Greco-Roman categories.
Event Details: Held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from June 10 to 18, 2023.
Categories: Each age group (U23 & U17) featured 10 weight divisions in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.
8. India Wins ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024
Tags: Sports
India ended their 11-year wait for a global trophy as Rohit Sharma led Team India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024.
An Overview of the News
India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval on June 29.
Match Highlights
India’s Innings:
Opted to bat first, India scored 176 for 7 in 20 overs.
Virat Kohli scored 76 runs.
Axar Patel contributed 47 runs.
This is the highest score by any team in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
South Africa’s Innings:
Chasing a target of 177, South Africa managed 169 runs for 8 wickets.
Heinrich Klaasen scored 52 runs.
Hardik Pandya took three wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets each.
Awards and Recognitions
Player of the Match:
Virat Kohli for his innings of 76 runs.
Player of the Tournament:
Jasprit Bumrah for picking up 15 wickets in eight games with an economy rate below six.
Milestones and Retirements
India’s Achievements:
This is India’s second T20 World Cup victory, the first being in 2007.
It is also the first global trophy since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.
Retirements:
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after the win.
Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the triumph.
Rohit Sharma announced his retirement during the post-match press conference.
9. Indian Table Tennis Stars Shine with 9 Medals at WTT Contender Lagos 2024
Tags: Sports
Indian contingents secured a total of 9 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze) at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender Lagos 2024, held from June 19th to 23rd at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Lagos, Nigeria.
An Overview of the News
Sreeja Akula of India achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2024 WTT Women's Singles title.
She defeated China's Yijie Ding in the finals, becoming the first Indian player to claim a Women's Singles title in the WTT Contender.
Germany's Dimitrij Ovtcharov emerged victorious in the Men's Singles category, securing his second WTT Series Singles title by defeating compatriot Ricardo Walther in the finals.
Winners & Runners-up at WTT Contender Lagos 2024:
Women's Singles:
Champion (Gold): Sreeja Akula (India)
Runner-up (Silver): Yijie Ding (China)
Men's Singles:
Champion (Gold): Dimitrij Ovtcharov (Germany)
Runner-up (Silver): Ricardo Walther (Germany)
Women's Doubles:
Champions (Gold): Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath (India)
Runners-up (Silver): Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale (India)
Men's Doubles:
Champions (Gold): Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar (India)
Runners-up (Silver): Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke (Nigeria)
Noteworthy Achievements:
Sreeja Akula made history as the first Indian player to clinch the Women's Singles title at a WTT Contender event.
Dimitrij Ovtcharov added another WTT Series Singles title to his resume with this victory.
Highlights of Indian Medal Winners at the WTT Contender Event
Women's Singles: Ayhika Mukherjee and Suthirtha Mukherjee earned bronze medals after losing in the semifinals.
Women's Doubles: Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath claimed the gold medal by defeating Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale in the finals. Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale secured the silver medal.
Women's Singles Rankings: Sreeja Akula climbed 19 spots to become India's highest-ranked player, reaching World No. 24.
Men's Doubles: Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar won the gold medal by defeating the Nigerian pair of Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke. They became the first Indian men's pair to win a WTT Contender title.
Mixed Doubles: Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar, along with Manush Shah and Diya Chitale, secured bronze medals after losing in the semifinals.
10. Max Verstappen Secures Third Consecutive Victory at 2024 Spanish Grand Prix
Tags: Sports
Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull, clinched victory at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix on 23 June at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Barcelona, Spain.
An Overview of the News
This win marks Verstappen's third consecutive title at the Spanish GP and his fourth overall at this track, having previously triumphed in 2016, 2022, and 2023.
Lando Norris of McLaren secured the second position, while Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes finished third in the race.
Podium Finish:
Max Verstappen - Red Bull (25 points)
Lando Norris - McLaren (19 points)
Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes (15 points)
Key Performances:
Lando Norris is the only driver to score points in all 10 races of the 2024 season.
Lewis Hamilton achieved his first podium finish of the 2024 season.
Championship Standings:
Max Verstappen leads with 219 points, followed by Lando Norris (150 points) and Charles Leclerc (148 points).
Norris secures his first 2nd position in the drivers' championship.
Other Notable Points:
Verstappen's 7th win of the season and 61st career win.
Verstappen and Norris have finished 1-2 in 5 out of the last 6 races.
