Sports: December 2023 Current Affairs | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Indian Wrestler Pooja Dhanda Suspension

• Indian wrestler Pooja Dhanda, a highly accomplished athlete at the international level, has received a one-year suspension from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) due to her failure to provide accurate whereabouts information on three occasions.
• NADA, founded in 2005, serves as India's primary anti-doping organization tasked with conducting tests on athletes to uphold the principles of fair play and ensure compliance with the regulations set forth by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

About NADA:

Warner's Test Replacement Choice

• David Warner, the experienced Australian opener, has selected Marcus Harris to replace him at the top of the batting order following his decision to retire from Test cricket.
• During the current three-Test series against Pakistan, Warner confirmed that this would be his final appearance in the longest format of the game.
• While speculation abounds regarding the most suitable candidate to fill Warner's spot in red-ball cricket, Warner has endorsed the 31-year-old Harris.
• Warner believes that Harris, who has been part of the cricketing scene for an extended period, deserves the selectors' trust and support.
• Expressing his opinion, Warner stated, "It's a tough decision. Ultimately, it rests with the selectors. However, from my perspective, I believe the individual who has consistently put in hard work behind the scenes should be given the opportunity."
• Highlighting Harris's credentials, Warner emphasized his dedication and experience, pointing out his recent century and his consistent presence as the next in line for selection.
• Warner expressed confidence that if Harris is backed by the selectors, he will showcase his abilities on the field and deliver performances in line with his potential.

Women's Cricket: India's Historic Test Victory over Australia

• India achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever Test victory against Australia in women's cricket.
• The historic match took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 24, 2023.
• India clinched a convincing eight-wicket win in the one-off contest, showcasing their dominance.
• Having established a commanding 187-run lead in the first innings, India only required 75 runs to seal the victory.
• Australia was bowled out for 261 runs in the second innings, setting the stage for India's triumph.
• India successfully chased down the target shortly after lunch, losing just two wickets in the process.
• This victory marked India's first win over Australia in 11 Test matches since their inaugural encounter in the format back in 1977.

Sakshi Malik's Retirement Decision

• Background: Sakshi Malik, a celebrated Indian wrestler, won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• Retirement Cause: Sakshi Malik decided to retire in response to the recent change in leadership within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
• Protest Statement: Her retirement serves as a form of protest against the new leadership of the WFI.
• Impact: Malik's decision sheds light on the significance of leadership stability and its influence on athlete morale and participation.

Most Expensive Player in IPL 2024

• The highest bid in IPL history was secured by Mitchell Starc, an Australian fast bowler, who was acquired for a massive Rs 24.75 crore.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed Mitchell Starc based on his outstanding performance during the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.
• Pat Cummins, the Australian cricket team's captain and World Cup champion, was bought for Rs 20.50 crore, becoming the second most expensive player in IPL history.

About IPL:

• Founded: The Indian Premier League (IPL) was established in 2008 in India.
• Format: IPL follows the Twenty20 format, known for its fast-paced and exciting matches.
• Headquarters: The headquarters of IPL is located at Cricket Centre, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Amitabh Bachchan's Ownership of Mumbai Team in Indian Street Premier League

• Amitabh Bachchan has announced that he is the owner of the Mumbai team participating in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
• The ISPL is recognized as India's pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket championship that takes place inside a stadium.
• The inaugural edition of the tournament is scheduled to occur from March 2 to March 9 in Mumbai.

2023 ITF World Champions

• Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have been honored as the 2023 ITF World Champions by the International Tennis Federation.
• Novak Djokovic achieved a remarkable feat by securing his eighth ITF World Champion award, setting a new record in the process.
• Aryna Sabalenka, in a season marked by significant progress, clinched her first ITF World Champion title.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023

• In a remarkable turn of events at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Haryana achieved a historic victory in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, claiming their first-ever championship title.
• Haryana secured a 30-run win over Rajasthan in the final match to clinch the trophy.
• The triumph marked a significant milestone for Haryana's cricketing history, highlighting their prowess and determination in the tournament.

Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

• Legends Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes have made history by becoming the first Asian men to be honored with induction into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• This induction marks a significant milestone, adding India as the 28th nation to be represented in this esteemed institution.
• In addition to the two tennis icons, tennis journalist and historian Richard Evans will also be recognized with induction into the Hall of Fame.

Italy clinches Admiral’s Cup 2023 at Indian Naval Academy

• The 12th edition of the highly anticipated Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta concluded at Ettikulam Beach, INA, Ezhimala.
• A total of 20 countries took part in the Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2023.

About Italy:

• Capital: Rome
• Prime Minister: Giorgia Meloni
• President: Sergio Mattarella