Notes:
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal has been named the Rising Star of the Year among women by the United World Wrestling (UWW). Competing in the 53 kg category, the 19-year-old has had an exceptional season, overshadowing senior wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the same weight class. Panghal began her season by winning a silver medal in the Asian Championships, defeating the undefeated Japanese wrestler Akari Fujimani. She then defended her U20 world champion title in Jordan and made a memorable debut in the senior world wrestling championships in Serbia, where she won a bronze medal and secured the Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India in the women’s 53 kg category. The UWW’s recognition of Panghal as the Rising Star of the Year highlights her emergence as a dominant force in women’s wrestling on the global stage. Panghal’s achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and showcase the growing prowess of Indian women in the sport.

Notes:
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were named the 2023 ITF World Champions by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The pair were recognized for their performances at the year’s Grand Slam events, where they were the only singles players to reach at least the semifinals at all four tournaments.

Notes:
In December 2023, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a domestic cricket tournament in India, concluded with Haryana defeating Rajasthan in the final at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Stadium. This victory marked Haryana’s first title and their debut final appearance in the competition, which began in the 1993-94 season. Tamil Nadu holds the record for the most titles, having won the trophy five times.

Notes:
The National Sports Awards 2023, as declared by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, are scheduled to be conferred by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, 2024. Among the recipients, badminton players Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty and Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj will be honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023. Additionally, 26 players are set to receive the Arjuna Award this year.

Notes:
The NBA has commemorated the inaugural World Basketball Day, a global initiative established by the United Nations on August 23 during the FIBA World Cup. This day, marking the anniversary of Dr. James Naismith’s introduction of basketball at the Springfield YMCA in 1891, will be observed annually on December 21.

Notes:
Indian hockey team midfielder, Hardik Singh, clinched the prestigious title of Men’s FIH Player of the Year at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023.
Dutch player Xan de Waard emerged victorious as the Women’s FIH Player of the Year. Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, secured the title of the Best Goalkeeper of the Year. This marks her third consecutive win in this category, reflecting her consistent excellence between the goalposts.

Notes:
The 6th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games is scheduled from January 19 to 31, 2024. The previous 5 editions of the Youth Games have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula and Bhopal. The upcoming edition will take place in four cities of Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

Notes:
In Chennai Grand Masters 2023 tournament, Indian chess prodigy, Dommaraju Gukesh clinched the title by holding compatriot Pentala Harikrishna for a draw. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi secured the second spot.

Notes:
The 6th Khelo India Youth Games will be held from 19 to 31 January 2024 in Tamilnadu. It will be organised in Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore. For the first time, Squash will be included in these games.

Notes:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced the recipients of the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for the year 2023. Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, and Odisha Mining Corporate Limited have been chosen for this prestigious award. Jain University is being recognized for its efforts in the identification and nurturing of budding and young talent, while Odisha Mining Corporate Limited is being awarded for its encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility activities. These awards, an integral part of India’s National Sports Awards, aim to acknowledge and honor significant contributions in the field of sports promotion and development.