Correct Answer :   Vidya Pillai

Vidya Pillai secured Gold to clinch the title of World Champion in the  World 6 Red Women Snooker Championships in Dhoa, Qatar.

In the final, she defeated compatriot Anupama Ramachandran by 4-1 frames. Anupama Ramachandran settled for Silver. Vidya earlier defeated top seed Bai Yulu of China by 4-3 frames in semi-final round.

Earlier, India’s Pankaj Advani won the IBSF World Billiards Championship title in Doha. This is for 26th time that the Indian cueist is winning the title. He defeated fellow Indian cueist Sourav Kothari in the final.

Advani defeated Kothari 1000–416 in a rematch of last year’s title clash in Kuala Lumpur. He had won his first world title in this competition way back in 2005.

Meanwhile, the Women’s World Snooker Championship was claimed by China’s Bai Yulu. She beat Ng On-Yee of Hong Kong 4-0 in the final match. The third place medals went to the India’s Amy Kamani and Vidya Pillai..

Source : East coast Daily

Correct Answer :   Ujjwala

'Ujjwala'- a sparrow, was unveiled as the official mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023. The little sparrow is a symbol of the pride of Delhi and its uniqueness portrays determination and empathy.

Ujjwala, as the mascot of Khelo India – Para Games 2023, is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and the human spirit is unbreakable.

Among the attendees, former Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani Rampal, Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympian bronze medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian professional wrestler Sarita Mor along with Indian professional boxer Akhil Kumar were present.

The presence of star para athletes like Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil added to the special occasion.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of an inclusive sports ecosystem, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “On the occasion of the launch of the inaugural edition of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, I would like to congratulate everyone. It is because of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, that Khelo India has become a household name. It has become a movement and Khelo India was missing the Para Games for the last few years. From 2018 till date, we have had 11 Khelo India Games, we are delighted to add Para Games this year.”

The Union Minister also added that for the last four years, the budget for Khelo India was Rs 3,000 crores sanctioned by the Prime Minister of IndiaShri Narendra Modi and today, I am elated to announce that for the next five years, it has been increased to more than Rs 3300 crores..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Anahat Singh

Velavan Senthilkumar (Tamil Nadu) and Anahat Singh (Delhi) won their maiden men’s and women’s titles, respectively in the 79th National squash championships at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy (ISTA) here on Thursday (23rd Nov 2023).

The 15-year-old Anahat is the second youngest ever to have won the women’s title. Joshna Chinappa was 14 when she won the first of her 19 titles in 2000.

In the first match of the day, top seed Tanvi Khanna (Delhi), having seemingly picked up a right knee injury, unfortunately conceded the women’s final to Anahat.

In the second game, she seemingly slightly collided with Anahat and immediately went down clutching her right knee. Anahat was awarded the point and was up 6-4.

She walked out of the court, was tended to, and was given a three-minute recovery time. As she tried walking around a bit, apparently to get a sense of whether she would be able to continue, the official announced that she had only fifteen seconds left at which point she conceded the game. The official declared that Anahat had won the second game 11-4.

As the two-minute break between the games elapsed, Tanvi conceded the match.

It was misery for poor Tanvi, who had won the first game with a combination of her skill, opponent’s mistakes, and never-give-an-inch doggedness.

She played a delicate drop shot at the right corner to go 6-3 up before holding on to clinch the longest rally of the first game to lead 8-5. She clinched the opener 11-9.

In the men’s final, it was neck and neck in the first and third games. Velavan was up 10-9 when defending champion Abhay Singh (Tamil Nadu) saved a game point to draw level 10-10, but the former went on to claim the first game 12-10.

Though Abhay briefly retired with a physical discomfort in the second game, Velavan otherwise comfortably won it 11-3.

Velavan is to be commended for being nerveless in saving two game points from 8-10 down to make it 10-all in the third game and eventually clinch the match.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I played today. It was more of a mental battle than a physical battle. Mentally, I could keep pushing every single point. I’m really proud of that. More than physicality, I’m just glad I could push through mentally today,” said Velavan after the match.



RESULTS :

Men : Velavan Senthilkumar (TN) bt Abhay Singh (TN) 12-10, 11-3, 12-10;

Women : Anahat Singh (Del) bt Tanvi Khanna (Del) (retd.) 9-11, 11-4..


Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   South Africa

The ICC Board named a new host nation for the 15th edition of the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January.

The ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 in January will be held in South Africa after the ICC Board that met 21st Nov 2023 confirmed Sri Lanka would be replaced as hosts.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was recently suspended by the ICC for breaching its obligations as a Member, namely for failing to manage its affairs autonomously and without government interference.

It was revealed after the board meeting that Sri Lanka can continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events, however funding to SLC will be controlled by the ICC and as a result, the U19 event has been moved to the same country that hosted the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The upcoming World Cup marks the 15th edition of the U19 men's event, following the last tournament in the West Indies in 2022 where India clinched the title for the fifth time..

Source : Icc-Cricket

Correct Answer :   Virat Kohli

Indian star batter Virat Kohli has been awarded with the "player of the tournament" title in the ICC World Cup 2023 for his exemplary performance.

Kohli scored a total of 765 runs in 11 innings, the highest-ever runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the World Cup. He averaged at 95.62, and ended up with a strike rate of 90.3.

The former Indian skipper also added 6 fifties to his name, including the 63-ball half-century he struck today in the tournament's final.

This edition of the World Cup will also remain special for Kohli as the 35-year-old broke the record of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar by striking his 50th One-Day International (ODI) century. Earlier, Tendulkar held the record of most ODI centuries at 49.

Despite winning the player of the series award, Kohli appeared dejected as India fell short of winning the World Cup title.

In the high stake final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium 19th Nov 2023, Australia ended India's unbeaten streak in the tournament and scored a 6-wicket victory to lift the title. This marks the sixth time when Australia has won the ODI World Cup in cricket's history..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Australia

Australia lifted the ICC Men’s Cricket world cup 2023 defeating India by six wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad (19th Nov 2023).

Chasing a modest target of 241 runs, Australia completed the task in 43 overs for the loss of four wickets with a gritty century knock of Travis Head, after some initial setbacks. He made 137 and was declared Player of the Match.

Earlier, India managed to post 240 runs in the stipulated 50 overs. The highlight of the Indian innings was half centuries by Virat Kohli and K L Rahul. Rahul made 66 while Virat scored 54 runs. Skipper Rohit Sharma also made quick 47.

Virat Kohli was awarded with the "player of the tournament" title for his exemplary performance. He scored a total of 765 runs in 11 innings, the highest-ever runs scored by a batter in a single edition of the World Cup.

Mohammed Shami finished off as the leading wicket taker of the World Cup 2023. In seven matches, he scalped 24 wickets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Australia on their victory. In a social media post, Mr Modi said theirs was a commendable performance through the tournament, which culminated in triumph.

He also complimented Travis Head for his remarkable game. Mr Modi also praised Team India saying its talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. He said the team played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Mohammed Shami

India vs New Zealand, ICC World Cup 2023 1st semi-final : Team India pacer Mohammed Shami is dominating against New Zealand as he clinched 7 wickets to complete his 54 wickets in the ICC World Cup 2023.

The pacer has been great in the ICC World Cup 2023 and displayed that magic in the semi-final match against New Zealand as he dismissed the openers Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, skipper Kane Williamson, and Tom Latham.

With the seven wickets 15th Nov 2023, Mohammed Shami successfully became the fastest Indian bowler to clinch 50 wickets in the history of ICC World Cup as the pacer achieved the milestone during his 17th innings. Earlier, Mitchell Starc was holding this record in 19 innings.

The pacer struck on his first ball to dismiss Devon Conway and soon struck back to take out in-form Rachin Ravindra. Then started a long, tough phase for the Indian team as New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson played in an 181-run partnership with all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who also slammed his second century against India..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Rohit Sharma

Indian captain "Rohit Sharma" has left an indelible mark on cricket history by becoming the first player to hit 50 sixes in the World Cup.

Achieving this remarkable feat during the semifinal clash against New Zealand in Mumbai, the 36-year-old scored an impressive 47 runs from 29 balls, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record of 49 sixes in World Cups with a powerful pull shot off fast bowler Trent Boult.


Semifinal Showcase of Sharma’s Dominance :

Throughout the tournament, Sharma has displayed exceptional form, particularly in the semifinal against New Zealand. He aggressively took on the bowlers, laying the foundation for a robust start for the Men in Blue with a dazzling array of fours and sixes. Despite falling just three runs short of a half-century, Sharma’s innings featured a memorable six off pacer Trent Boult in the fifth over, consolidating his position as the leading six-hitter in World Cup history.

Setting New Records :

Beyond eclipsing Gayle’s overall record, Sharma set a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single edition of the World Cup, reaching his 27th six. This accomplishment surpassed Gayle’s 2019 record of 26 sixes.

Notably, Sharma had already exceeded Gayle’s record for the most sixes in international cricket during a match against Afghanistan earlier in the tournament. He hit four sixes, bringing his tournament total to an impressive 28.

Following Sharma, Glenn Maxwell holds the second position as the second-most prolific six-hitter in the current World Cup with 22 sixes..

Correct Answer :   Virat Kohli

In a historic moment at the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Virat Kohli, the Former Indian cricket captain, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first batter in the world to score 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries.

In doing so, he surpassed the iconic Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries, solidifying his place as the leading century-scorer in ODI cricket.


Virat Kohli 50th ODI Century :

* Virat Kohli’s extraordinary performance at the World Cup includes not only reaching the 50th century milestone but also surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single World Cup. Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s 673-run mark set during the 2003 World Cup, showcasing his consistency and dominance on the world stage.

* Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century was a special one as it coincided with his 35th birthday. On this occasion, he demonstrated his prowess by facing South Africa’s formidable bowling lineup with resilience, emphasizing his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches.


A Prolific Journey – Kohli’s Centuries :

Virat Kohli records journey to 50 ODI centuries has been marked by consistent excellence across various conditions and against formidable opponents. Here is a comprehensive list of Virat Kohli’s ODI centuries:

Correct Answer :   Diana Edulji

Former India women's cricket team captain Diana Edulji was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday (13th Nov 2023). With this, she became the first Indian woman cricketer to receive this honour.

Edulji has been a trailblazer in women's cricket and played a big role during her playing days as well as an administrator after retiring. In her 17-year long career, Edulji has played 20 Test matches and scored 1624 runs with 63 wickets. In ODIs, she has scored 775 runs and scalped 46 wickets in 34 matches.

To acknowledge her achievement, former pacer Jhulan Goswani paid rich tributes to Edulji. In an open letter following her inclusion into ICC Hall of Fame, Jhulan hailed the former India captain's contribution in lifting the stature of women's cricket in the country.

"It is an absolute honour for you, but also a very proud moment for women's cricket in our country and a proud moment for India as a whole, that you are being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. It is so well-deserved, you have been a pioneer for women's cricket in our country," Goswami wrote.

"Your contributions over the years have been immense. It is not too much to say that the game would not be where it is in India without all your efforts." The lanky former India pacer also regretted not playing along side Edulji during her illustrious career.

"From a personal perspective, one of the biggest regrets of my career was that I never got to play against you. Like many young cricketers in India, I had grown up reading about you in the record books. Women's cricket in India started in Mumbai in 1971 and you were there from the start," Jhulan wrote.

"We would read about your exploits, how you led the team and were so important to that side. As a player, your performances for the Indian cricket team in the 1970s and 1980s were legendary..

Source : Sports