Sports - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Babar Azam

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has become the fastest batter to notch 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. Babar achieved this feat during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (21st Feb 2024).

Babar scored 72 runs off 51 deliveries to reach the milestone in 271 innings. The star Pakistan batter surpassed the previous record held by West Indies’ Chris Gayle (285 innings). Virat Kohli claims the third spot on this elite list of batters having breached the 10,000 run-mark in 299 T20 innings. Despite Babar’s brilliance with the bat, Peshawar conceded a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Karachi.

“I’m happy with my personal form though, happy to have got past 10,000 career runs,” Babar Azam said after the match.

Former Pakistan skipper and Karachi all-rounder Shoaib Malik also lavished immense praise on Babar for setting the new record. “Big congrats to him, we all know that he is very consistent and I wish him all the luck. Keep playing like this and win games for Pakistan, that’s all I can say,” Shoaib said..

Source : First Post

Correct Answer :   India

Shah Alam, Malaysia, the Indian women's badminton team etched their names into history by clinching a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024.

Indian women's team performed brilliantly and won the gold medal in the Badminton Asia Team Championship 2024. This is the first time that India won a gold medal in the women's event. Earlier, the men's team had won bronze medals in the 2016 and 2020 editions. PV Sindhu, Trisa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Kharab gave India the lead by winning their respective matches.

In an unforgettable showdown at Shah Alam, Malaysia, the Indian women’s badminton team etched their names into history by clinching a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024. This victory marks a groundbreaking moment in India’s badminton journey, as the team emerged victorious against Thailand with a thrilling 3-2 scoreline. The finale saw 17-year-old Anmol Kharb deliver a stellar performance in the decisive match, securing India’s maiden continental triumph.

India’s Maiden Continental Triumph :

This victory represents a significant leap from India’s previous achievements in the continental competition, notably improving upon the men’s team’s bronze medals in 2016 and 2020. It underscores India’s rising stature in Asian badminton and establishes a new standard for the nation’s participation in future competitions.

The Path to Glory :

The foundation of India’s success was laid by PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and the world’s No. 11, who triumphed over Thailand’s Supanida Katethong. Sindhu’s victory was pivotal, setting a positive tone for the team. Following suit, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand clinched a crucial win against their higher-ranked Thai opponents, demonstrating the depth and resilience within India’s badminton ranks.

Despite Thailand’s attempt at a comeback in the subsequent matches, Anmol Kharb’s outstanding performance in the final match ensured the gold medal for India. Kharb’s victory against a significantly higher-ranked opponent highlighted her maturity and talent, crucial for clinching the title.

Anmol Kharb: The Rising Star :

Anmol Kharb’s journey to this point has been remarkable, with significant victories over higher-ranked opponents from China and Japan in the tournament’s earlier stages. Her fearless performance and ability to thrive under pressure have marked her as a promising talent for the future of Indian badminton.

Implications for Paris 2024 :

The Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 not only provided a prestigious title but also offered valuable ranking points contributing to the Race to Paris 2024. The tournament also served as a qualifier for the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024, with the semi-finalists securing their spots in the tournament. This victory is a testament to India’s growing dominance in the sport and positions the team as strong contenders for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

India’s historic win at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 is a monumental achievement that promises to inspire a new generation of badminton players in the country. As the nation celebrates this unparalleled success, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and aiming for greater heights in the international badminton arena.

Correct Answer :   Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma went past the sixes tally of former India skipper MS Dhoni during the opening day of the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday (15th Feb 2024).

He went past the mark with his second six of the innings, and surpassed Dhoni’s tally of 78 maximums in Test cricket. Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag holds the record for most sixes in Tests by an Indian, with 91 hits.

Rohit is also the most prolific six-hitter in international cricket, with a combined tally of 590 maximums across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He is the leading six-hitter in T20Is, with 190 sixes in 143 innings, and is third on the list in one-day cricket, with 323 maximums in 254 innings.

The overall record for most sixes in Tests is held by current England captain Ben Stokes, who has hit a whopping 128 maximums in 179 innings. He is followed by Brendon McCullum (107 sixes in 176 innings) and Adam Gilchrist (100 sixes in 137 innings).

MOST SIXES BY INDIANS IN TESTS

* Virender Sehwag - 91 sixes in 180 innings
* Rohit Sharma - 79 sixes in 97 innings
* MS Dhoni - 78 sixes in 90 innings
* Sachin Tendulkar - 69 sixes in 329 innings
* Kapil Dev - 61 sixes in 184 innings.

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   12 Years

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) have imposed significant suspensions on two athletes for anti-doping rule violations. These decisions highlight the unwavering commitment of sporting authorities to maintain fairness, integrity, and a level playing field in athletics.

Rachna Kumari’s 12-Year Suspension :

Hammer thrower Rachna Kumari faces a 12-year suspension for her second anti-doping rule violation, marking a severe penalty that reflects the seriousness with which doping offenses are treated. Kumari tested positive for multiple anabolic androgenic steroids in samples collected both out of competition in Patiala on September 24 and during the National Games on November 1 last year. This suspension comes after Kumari had already served a four-year ban from 2015 to 2019 for a prior doping offense. Her latest suspension commenced on November 24, putting her athletic career on hold and serving as a stern warning to others in the sport.

Nirmala Sheoran’s Eight-Year Ban :

Quarter-miler Nirmala Sheoran, another athlete with a history of doping violations, has been handed an eight-year suspension by NADA for her second offence. Sheoran reportedly tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids and testosterone, substances known to enhance performance unlawfully. Following a four-year suspension in 2018, this additional penalty significantly impacts Sheoran’s career, sidelining her from competition and emphasizing the consequences of repeated doping violations.

The Path Forward :

These decisions by the AIU and NADA are pivotal in the ongoing efforts to eradicate doping from athletics. By imposing long-term suspensions on athletes who violate anti-doping rules, the authorities send a clear message about their zero-tolerance policy towards doping. It is crucial for athletes, coaches, and support personnel to adhere to the principles of clean sport, ensuring that competition remains fair and untainted by the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Correct Answer :   Shamar Joseph

International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for January 2024. West Indies’ Shamar Joseph and Ireland’s Amy Hunter have been bestowed with this honour, marking their remarkable contributions to their respective teams in the past month.

Shamar Joseph: A Sensational Debut

Shamar Joseph’s ascent to cricketing stardom was nothing short of a fairytale. Making his debut for the West Indies during their Test series against Australia, Joseph not only made a memorable entrance but also left an indelible mark with his performance. Claiming the wicket of Steve Smith with his very first ball in international cricket, he set the tone for what was to come.

In Adelaide, Joseph’s first Test outing saw him taking five wickets, including those of cricketing stalwarts Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. However, it was his spell in the second Test in Brisbane that cemented his place in cricketing folklore. With a line-up that boasted of aggression and precision, Joseph took seven wickets for 68 runs, leading the West Indies to a historic draw against Australia by narrowly defending a total of 216. This performance not only earned him the Player of the Series award but also the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, making him the first West Indian to achieve this feat since its inception in 2021.

Amy Hunter: Rising Star of Ireland

Amy Hunter, on the other hand, has been lighting up the women’s cricket stage with her explosive batting. Her performances in Ireland’s T20I series victory over Zimbabwe were nothing short of spectacular. Starting with a subdued ODI series, Hunter quickly shifted gears in the T20Is, showcasing her batting prowess with scores that included a stunning 101 not out off 66 balls in the first match, followed by 77 and 42 in subsequent games.

With a strike rate of 144.73 across the T20I series, Hunter not only helped Ireland secure a series win but also etched her name as the first Irish player to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award since Arlene Kelly in August 2023.

Correct Answer :   Australia

Australia U19 win the U19 World Cup 2024 Final by 79 runs. With the massive win over India, Australia has secured its fourth World Cup title in U-19 cricket. Australia added to their triumphs in 2002, 2010, and 2020. Their consistent performance throughout the tournament showcased their depth and talent, making them deserving champions. India, aiming for a record-extending sixth title, was left heartbroken but can hold their heads high for a commendable campaign.

U19 World Cup 2024 Australia vs India Final Score :

* AUSU19 253/7 (50)
* INDU19 174 (43.5)

* Venue : Willowmoore Park, Benoni

U19 World Cup 2024, Awards :

* Kwena Maphaka named U19 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament
* Player of the Match: Mahli Beardman

U19 World Cup 2024 Final, Key Takeaways :

* Australia’s strong batting performance, spearheaded by Harjas Singh and Oliver Peake, laid the foundation for their victory.
* India’s bowling attack lacked penetration, failing to restrict the flow of runs consistently.
* The Indian batting line-up faltered under pressure, unable to chase down the imposing target.
* This win marks Australia’s dominance in the U19 World Cup, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in youth cricket.

The U19 World Cup 2024 final provided a fitting culmination to a thrilling tournament. It showcased the future stars of cricket and emphasized the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and pressure handling. Congratulations to Australia for their well-deserved win, and to India for their spirited performance.

Correct Answer :   Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka etched his name in Sri Lankan cricket history, by becoming the first-ever player to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the nation. His unbeaten knock of 210 runs against Afghanistan was a masterclass in batting, shattering records and propelling Sri Lanka to a massive victory.

A Double Dose of History :

First Double Century : Nissanka’s 210 is the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan batsman in ODIs, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya’s 189 from 2000.
Fastest Double Century : He reached the double ton in just 136 balls, making it the third fastest in men’s ODIs.

Powerhouse Batting :

Boundary Bonanza : Nissanka smashed a record 128 runs in boundaries, the most for any Sri Lankan in ODIs.
Third Highest Team Total : Sri Lanka’s score of 381/3 is the third highest in their ODI history.

A Match of High Scores :

Record Aggregate : The combined score of 720 runs in the match is the highest for an ODI hosted by Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan’s Highest : Afghanistan’s 339/6 is their highest ODI total and the highest run-chase score in Sri Lanka.

Nabi & Omarzai’s Heroics :

Record Sixth-Wicket Stand : Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 242-run partnership is the second highest for the sixth wicket or lower in ODIs.
Highest Losing Partnership : Their stand is also the highest partnership by a losing team in ODIs.

Correct Answer :   England

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his first international test century in the second test match being played against England.

The second match of the five-match Test series between India and England is being played in Visakhapatnam. With victory in the first Test match, England is ahead 1-0 in the series.   

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his purple patch in Test cricket with a sublime century against England at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Jaiswal brought his maiden Test century in India with a six off Tom Hartley’s delivery.

The southpaw missed out on a well-deserved ton in the first innings of the Hyderabad Test but he showed great discipline in Vizag to register a triple-digit score.

Jaiswal held his ground strong in the first session and showed respect to the good deliveries but completed his half-century at the brink of lunch break.

He shared a 40-run stand with skipper Rohit Sharma who once again failed to put up a big score and was dismissed on 14.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal didn’t take any risks in the first session. He lost another batting partner before the Lunch break as Shubman Gill’s rough patch in red-ball cricket continued.

Jaiswal joined fellow Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer and stitched a 90-run stand for the third wicket to rebuild the Indian innings.

The southpaw played with an aggressive approach after crossing the 80-run mark and starting dealing in boundaries as he smashed his century with a magnificent six over long-on.

He scored 11 fours and three sixes en route to his second Test hundred.

The 22-year-old also registered his name in an elusive list comprised of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri

Indian players scoring Test 100s both home & away before turning 23 :

* Ravi Shastri

* Sachin Tendulkar

* Vinod Kambli

* Yashasvi Jaiswal

India expectedly decided to bat first on a flat surface and made three changes to their playing eleven, bringing in debutant Rajat Patidar, Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar for K L Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj respectively..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Divyansh Singh Panwar

Divyansh Singh Panwar shot a world record 253.7 in the final to clinch the air rifle gold in the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday (8th Jan 2024).

* It was the fourth World Cup gold for the 21-year-old Divyansh following the ones he had won in Munich, Beijing and Delhi since 2019.

* The former world no. 1, Olympian Divyansh qualified in style by topping the field with 632.4. He beat Danilo Sollazzo of Italy by 1.9 points for the gold. The earlier world record of 253.3 for the men’s final was achieved by Sheng LIhao of China in the Asian Games last year in Hangzhou. Sheng’s qualification world record stays at 637.9.

* Interestingly, the women’s world record for air rifle is better at 254.0 in the name of another Chinese, Han Jiayu, recorded during the World Cup in Baku last year.

* Arjun Babuta also made the final but finished sixth.

* India was on top of the medals table with two gold and two silver medals. Spain was second with one gold and one silver, ahead of Kazakhstan, Britain, Greece and Korea.

The results :

10m air rifle: Men: 1. Divyansh Singh Panwar 253.7 (WR) 632.4; 2. Danilo Dennis Sollazzo (Ita) 251.8 (631.3); 3. Lazar Kovacevic (Srb) 230.6 (630.7); 6. Arjun Babuta 166.1 (630.7); 11. Rudrankksh Patil 629.3. RPO: Sandeep Singh 630.4; Kiran Jadhav 628.8..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Mandeep Jangra

Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra clinched the US-based National Boxing Association's intercontinental super featherweight title with a victory over American Gerardo Esquivel in Toppenish City, Washington, on January 29, 2024.

Despite being undefeated in his professional career, the 30-year-old, trained by former Olympic silver-medallist Roy Jones Jr., transitioned from his previous 75kg weight class to vie for this title on January 26.

"This victory is not just mine but of every person who has supported me throughout the journey. My coaches, family, fans, etc. stood with me. I dedicate this title to my country. I will try to continue achieving similar respect and titles for the country in the future also," Jangra said in a media release.

Before his victory over Esquivel, Jangra, who commenced his professional boxing career in 2021, secured knockout victories in four out of his six fights. Additionally, Jangra achieved success in the amateur circuit, clinching a silver medal in the 2014 Glasgow edition of the Commonwealth Games. The National Boxing Association (NBA) serves as a Florida-based governing body for professional boxing matches.

Mandeep hails from Kharian in Haryana's Sirsa district.

He represented India in the same category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he secured the silver medal. In recognition of his achievements, he was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2015.

Jangra is under the mentorship of Indian boxer Akhil Kumar and receives support from the Anglian Medal Hunt Company. Following his third professional bout, he was enlisted to be coached by Roy Jones Jr.

Apart from his Arjuna Award and silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Jangra has attained several notable accomplishments. These include a silver medal at the 2013 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games..

Source : The Sports Tak