ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025 Cairo, Egypt

Introduction

• Held from 6 to 18 November 2025 in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.
• Organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
• Featured competitions in both individual and team rifle and pistol events.
• Drew participation from 720 shooters representing 70 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), attracting top marksmen and women from across the world.

Why in news?

• India secured 13 medals and finished third overall, behind China and South Korea.
• The championship witnessed record-breaking performances alongside broad international participation.

Background

• The ISSF was established in 1907 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany, governing rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines.
• The first ISSF World Shooting Championships were held in Lyon, France in 1897, originally featuring rifle events.
• The last combined ISSF World Championship across all three categories took place in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2023.
• Rifle and pistol events have since been organised as a separate championship, with the inaugural edition in 2022, also in Cairo, Egypt.

Significance

• India’s showing marked a significant rise in its stature in global shooting competitions.
• Gold medallists: Samrat Rana (Men’s 10m Air Pistol), Ravinder Singh (Men’s 50m Standard Pistol), and the Men’s 10m Air Pistol Team.
• Silver medallists included: Anish Bhanwala (Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol; 28 hits in the final; first Indian individual pistol shooter to win a medal in an Olympic event at the ISSF World Championships), Gurpreet Singh (25m Centre Fire Pistol), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (50m Rifle 3 Positions), Esha Singh (Women’s 10m Air Pistol), and others from team and mixed events involving shooters like Samrat Rana.
• Bronze medallists: Esha Singh (individual 10m air pistol), Elavenil Valarivan (10m Air Rifle), Varun Tomar (10m Air Pistol), and the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team.

Facts/General knowledge

• China topped the medal table with 21 medals, including 12 golds; South Korea followed with 14 medals, including 7 golds; Switzerland and Norway finished fourth and fifth.
• World records at the event:
• Germany’s Jacob Hoffman set a new mark in the Men’s Target Sprint.
• Poland’s Tomasz Bartnik equalled the Men’s 300m Rifle 3 Positions world record.
• China’s Yao Qianxun won the first gold of the event while setting a new Women’s 50m Pistol world record.
• The Chinese Men’s 50m Rifle Prone Team set a new world record with a combined score of 1881.3.

Lakshya Sen wins 2025 Australian Open Super 500

Introduction

• Lakshya Sen captured the 2025 Australian Open Super 500 title, marking a triumphant return to form.
• The victory followed a year of close finishes, showcasing renewed consistency and control.

Why in news?

• He secured his first title of 2025 and his third Super 500 crown in the final.
• The win came after a runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Open earlier in the year, underscoring his resurgence.

Background

• Sen’s route featured demanding quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Ayush Shetty and Chou Tien Chen, testing his stamina and shot selection.
• The final was comparatively straightforward, with Sen maintaining control through tactical simplicity, clean execution, and calm demeanour under pressure.
• Opponent Yushi Tanaka, a “domestic giant” in Japan, struggled with accuracy and consistency, conceding momentum through unforced errors.
• Post-match, Sen’s fingers-in-ears gesture reflected months of focus, training, setbacks, and recovery since his Paris Olympics disappointment in 2024.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Delivers a major morale boost and reasserts his standing among elite players.
• Supports his world ranking prospects, aiding seedings and selection for key 2026 events, including the Thomas Cup and Asian Games qualifiers.
• Although too late for 2025 BWF World Tour Finals qualification, it brings a successful end to his 2025 campaign and sets the tone for a strong comeback season.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event and venue: Australian Open Super 500, Sydney (2025).
• Ranking at the time: World No. 14.
• Final score and duration: 21–15, 21–11 in 38 minutes.
• Match flow: Led throughout; Tanaka narrowed the gap to 15–13 in the first game; at 17–15, a run of errors—especially on drop shots—proved decisive.

Rohit Sharma appointed ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Introduction

• Rohit Sharma has been named the official tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
• The prestigious event will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Why in news?

• The official announcement of his selection as tournament ambassador recognises his excellence and legacy in T20 cricket.
• It underscores his stature as one of the game’s most influential modern leaders and match-winners.

Background

• Two-time T20 World Cup winner: part of India’s victorious campaigns in 2007 and 2024.
• Captaincy legacy: led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024.
• T20I record: 4,231 runs at an average of 32.01 and a strike rate of 140.89.
• 2007 World Cup highlights: scored 50* against South Africa and 30* in the final versus Pakistan, contributing to India’s title.
• 2024 World Cup highlights: as captain, top-scored for India with 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, including standout knocks against Australia and England.
• Widely respected for calm leadership and consistent match-winning capabilities.

Significance

• As tournament ambassador, he will promote the 2026 edition through campaigns and fan engagement initiatives.
• His presence is expected to boost public excitement in the host nations.
• He serves as a role model for aspiring cricketers.
• The appointment highlights India’s leadership role in global cricket.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
• Host nations: India and Sri Lanka.
• Dates: 7 February to 8 March 2026.

India’s landmark performance at the 24th Asian Archery Championships 2025

Introduction

• At the 24th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, India finished as the top nation with a record 10 medals, including six golds, marking its best-ever haul at the event.

Why in news?

A decisive power shift in Asian archery, with India breaking South Korea’s long-held dominance in recurve disciplines.

• Individual recurve golds by Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara underscored the breakthrough.

Background

• South Korea had dominated recurve in Asia for over two decades; a 12-year winning streak in men’s team recurve was ended this year.
• India’s rise reflects systematic training, improved facilities, greater competition exposure, and initiatives such as the Archery Premier League, which provided high-pressure match experience.
• Domestic training programmes have deepened the talent pool, enabling strong performances across categories.

Significance

• Establishes India as a rising superpower in Asian archery with all-round strength in recurve and compound.
• Demonstrates depth of talent, evidenced by an Indian 1–2 in men’s recurve and decisive team results.
• Underscores the value of investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots development, and competitive platforms.
• Inspires a new generation, symbolising national ambition and unity.

Facts/General knowledge

• Medal tally: 6 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze; total 10; India topped the table.
• Individual recurve: Women: Ankita Bhakat beat Olympic silver medallist Nam Suhyeon (Korea) 7–3 in the final; earlier won a semifinal shoot-off against Deepika Kumari.

• Men: Dhiraj Bommadevara defeated compatriot Rahul 6–2 for gold, delivering a 1–2 Indian finish.
• Sangeeta won women’s recurve bronze, overcoming Deepika Kumari in a shoot-off.
• Team recurve: Women’s team featuring Bhakat took gold, defeating Korea in a dramatic final.

• Team compound: Women’s team (Deepshikha, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep) beat Korea 236–234 for gold.

• Mixed team (Abhishek Verma, Deepshikha) beat Bangladesh for gold.
• Men’s team won silver after a close contest with Kazakhstan.

India’s Women Win Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Again

Introduction

• India’s women’s kabaddi team won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, defeating Chinese Taipei 35–28 in the final held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• The successful title defence cemented India’s status as a global kabaddi powerhouse.

Why in news?

• India clinched its second consecutive Women’s Kabaddi World Cup title.
• The final in Dhaka concluded with a 35–28 victory over Chinese Taipei.

Background

• Final approach: Tight defensive setup and calculated raids established a half-time lead.

• Increased offensive momentum after the break disrupted Chinese Taipei’s rhythm.
• Maintained control across all phases to secure a composed 35–28 win.
• Route to the final: Dominant semi-final against Iran, winning 33–21 with early all-outs and tactical pressure.

• Leadership and performers: Captain Ritu Negi and Vice-Captain Pushpa Rana led with clarity.

• Pushpa’s swift raids and strong defence balanced the team’s gameplay.
• All-round impact from Champa Thakur, Bhawna Thakur, and Sakshi Sharma.
• Sanju Devi, a 23-year-old raider from Chhattisgarh, emerged as the breakout performer and tournament standout.
• Coaching and strategy: Head Coach Tejaswi and Assistant Coach Priyanka implemented a methodical game plan.

• Prepared raiding combinations, defensive formations, and effective substitutions underpinned back-to-back titles.

Significance

• Confirms India’s supremacy in women’s kabaddi through consecutive World Cup triumphs.
• Reflects depth in talent and leadership with a standout young raider elevating performance.
• Underscores the role of structured coaching and tactical planning in consistent championship success.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event: Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025.
• Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Final: India 35–28 Chinese Taipei.
• Semi-final: India 33–21 Iran.
• Achievement: Second consecutive Women’s Kabaddi World Cup title.
• Team leadership: Captain – Ritu Negi; Vice-Captain – Pushpa Rana.
• Star performer: Sanju Devi from Chhattisgarh.
• Coaching: Head Coach – Tejaswi; Assistant Coach – Priyanka.

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 (Goa)

Introduction

• The 11th edition of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess World Cup was held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa, from 31 October to 27 November 2025.

Why in news?

• India hosted the FIDE World Cup again after 23 years.
• Uzbekistan’s 19-year-old Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov became the youngest ever FIDE World Cup champion in 2025, defeating China’s Wei Yi in a rapid tiebreak after two drawn classical games.
• The trophy was officially renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup in honour of India’s five-time World Chess Champion.
• On 31 October 2025, FIDE, the All India Chess Federation (AICF), and KIIT University signed a landmark MoU in Goa (2025–2026) to promote chess as a tool for education, social inclusion, and personal development in India, Asia, and globally.

Background

• Format: Eight-round, single-elimination knockout tournament.
• Participation: 206 players from 82 countries.
• India’s contingent: 24 key players, including World Champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi.
• Opening ceremony dignitaries: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (MYAS), Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and AICF President Nitin Narang.

Significance

• The event served as a qualification pathway to the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
• Renaming the trophy as the Viswanathan Anand Cup recognises Anand’s outstanding contributions to global chess.
• The FIDE–AICF–KIIT MoU seeks to advance chess for education, social inclusion, and personal development across India, Asia, and worldwide.

Facts/General knowledge

• Prize fund: USD 2 million; first place USD 120,000; second USD 85,000; third USD 60,000; fourth USD 50,000.
• Medal winners: Gold and Trophy: Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan)

• Silver: Wei Yi (China)
• Bronze: Andrey Esipenko (Russia)
• Trophy design: Brass and gold-plated peacock symbolising precision, elegance, and passion for chess.
• Upcoming chess events: Candidates Tournament 2026: Pegeia near Paphos, Cyprus, 28 March to 16 April; features three qualifiers from the FIDE World Cup 2025—Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Andrey Esipenko.
• FIDE Rapid & Blitz 2025: Doha, Qatar, 26 to 30 December 2025.