Staying updated with January 2026 Sports Current Affairs is essential for competitive exam aspirants, sports enthusiasts, and general knowledge learners. This month witnessed major international tournaments, record-breaking performances, championship victories, and important sports appointments across cricket, football, tennis, athletics, and other global events.
In this article, we provide a month-wise, exam-oriented compilation of the latest sports current affairs of January 2026, covering key winners, venues, rankings, awards, and significant announcements. The content is carefully structured to help candidates preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, and other competitive exams.
Each update is presented in a concise, factual, and reliable format to ensure clarity and accuracy — helping you revise quickly and boost your sports GK preparation efficiently.
Bookmark this page for regular updates and structured monthly current affairs coverage.
Tournaments & Championships
- Khelo India Beach Games 2026: The 2nd edition was organized at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, with a dolphin mascot named “Pearl”. Karnataka clinched the overall championship.
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: Vidarbha won its first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title in the 33rd edition (2025–26) of the tournament.
- National Volleyball Tournament: The Prime Minister inaugurated the 72nd edition in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, featuring mascots named Nandu and Neera.
- Khelo MP Youth Games: The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated the state’s own “Olympics” in Bhopal with the official slogan “Madhya Pradesh Ki Jai – Hum Sabki Vijay”.
- FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship: The first official edition of this championship is scheduled to be held in Germany.
- Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers: Hockey India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to host the qualifiers in its capital city.
- Australian Open: Organisers announced a record prize money pool of AUD 111.5 million, with the men’s and women’s singles winners receiving AUD 2.79 million each.
Sports Administration & Committees
- National Sports Governance Act, 2025: Partially came into effect on January 1, 2026, paving the way for a three-member National Sports Board (NSB) and a Tribunal to handle sporting disputes.
- National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB): A task force led by Pullela Gopichand called for the establishment of the NCAB to set national standards and accredit coaching institutions.
- National Olympic Academy (NOA): The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reactivated the NOA and named P.T. Usha as its President.
- International Relations Committee: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports advised all recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs) to create Committees on International Relations (to align India’s sports engagements with global standards) and Make in India in Sports.
Ambassadors & Milestones
- Bajaj Pune Grand Tour: Former cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was named the ambassador for this event, which is India’s first international multi-stage professional road cycling race.
- Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM 2025): Andre De Grasse was named the international event ambassador for the 21st edition of the marathon.
- New Chess Grandmaster: Aaryan Varshney became the 92nd Indian to earn the title of chess Grandmaster.
Obituaries in Sports
- Suresh Kalmadi: Former president of the Asian Athletics Association (2000–2013) passed away.
- Manoj Kothari: A pioneering figure in the sport of Billiards passed away.
