Badminton: Indian Shuttlers Dominate Odisha Masters 2025
India celebrated a successful conclusion to the Odisha Masters 2025 badminton tournament held in Cuttack, with homegrown talent securing both the women's and men's singles titles on December 14, 2025. Top seed Unnati Hooda clinched the women's singles trophy by defeating compatriot Isharani Baruah in a composed performance. This victory marks Hooda's third BWF Super 100 title and is expected to propel her into the top 25 of the BWF World Rankings.
In the men's singles final, Kiran George emerged victorious after a hard-fought three-game battle against Indonesia's Muhamad Yusuf. India is also preparing to send a strong contingent, including former world champion PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, to the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Qingdao, China, scheduled for February 3-8, 2026, where the women's team will defend its title.
Squash: India Crowned Champions at SDAT Squash World Cup 2025
In a proud moment for Indian squash, the national team secured the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 title on home ground in Chennai, triumphing over top seeds Hong Kong, China, in the final on December 14, 2025. This marks India's third consecutive time hosting the prestigious mixed-team event at the SDAT Stadium, solidifying its reputation as a significant hub for international squash.
Key performances in the final included Joshna Chinappa's victory over Ka Yi Lee and Abhay Singh's dominant win against Alex Lau, contributing to India's comprehensive win.
Chess: Global League Kicks Off in Mumbai, Young Prodigy Sets Record
The third season of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League commenced in Mumbai on December 14, 2025, bringing together elite players from around the world, including Indian World Champion D. Gukesh and veteran Viswanathan Anand. The opening day saw the Triveni Continental Kings, led by GM Alireza Firouzja, secure a victory against Alpine SG Pipers.
In other chess news, three-year-old Indian prodigy Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha has made history by becoming the youngest player globally to earn an official FIDE rating.
Football: Lionel Messi's India Tour Sees Fan Chaos in Kolkata
Lionel Messi's much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour' in India took a chaotic turn in Kolkata on December 14, 2025. Spectators at Salt Lake Stadium reportedly vandalized parts of the venue and stormed the pitch after Messi departed earlier than expected. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified that it was not involved in the organization, planning, or execution of this "private event." Messi is scheduled to continue his tour with a visit to New Delhi.
Other Notable Mentions
Chandigarh University achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first university in India to win the Khelo India University Games for two consecutive years, securing the overall championship in the 2025 edition in Rajasthan with a record 42 gold medals and 67 medals in total. Additionally, the World Kabaddi Federation announced a new policy for 2025, stating that international referees will no longer be required for major tournaments, with a focus on utilizing local officiating.