Dutee Chand qualified Rio Olympics (H2)
Noted sprinter from India Dutee Chand qualified for the Rio Olympics on 25th June 2016. She qualified for women’s 100 meter games. Consequently, she clocked 11.30 secs beating qualification marks 11.32 secs. She is an athlete from Orissa state. She is the second Indian women who qualified for this event. PT Usha qualified the 1980 Olympics. Most noteworthy, Dutee is also first woman from India to qualify after the introduction of qualification rounds for Olympics.
Lionel Messi takes retirement from International Football
Barcelona star Lionel Messi took retirement from International football on 26th June 2016. This announcement came almost hours after the loss of Argentina to Chile during the Copa America finals. Messi, who is 29 years old, started his international debut in football in 2005. Furthermore, he is the all-time highest scorer from Argentina. From 113 matches, he scored 55 goals. Additionally, Messi is the 1st player who won 3 EGSs (European Golden Shoes).
Chile wins 2016 CAF (Copa America Football) tournament
Chile won the 2016 CAF (Copa America Football) tournament on 26th June 2016. In the final match, Chile defeated Argentina by 4-2 during the penalties shootout. The match was played at the MetLife Stadium. This was Chile’s 2nd American title after 2015. Apart from the Copa Award, various other awards were recognized for both teams and individuals. Alexis Sanchez from Chile received the Golden Ball award. Similarly, Eduardo Vargas from Chile won the Golden Boot award. Also, Claudio Bravo from Chile grabbed the Golden Glove trophy. Additionally, Argentina received the Fair Play trophy. Copa America was previously known as SAFC (South American Football Championships).
Nico Rosberg wins 2016 Formula-1 Europe Grand Prix
On 19th June 2016, Nico Rosberg won the 2016 Formula-1 Europe Grand Prix. He is a Mercedes driver from Germany who defeated Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari Driver) from Germany during the final round to win the title. This was Nico’s 2nd career Grand Championship win and 1st European win. His first career trophy was the 2016 Russian Grand Slam. Overall he has 19 titles under his kitty since 2006. The Formula-1 event was launched during mid-1980 and was a regular event from 1999 to 2012.
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win 1st French Open title
On 5th June 2016, Novak Djokovic grabbed the French Open award. Novak, who is currently the number one tennis player of the world, defeated Andy Murray of Britain to clinch the title. Novak has won this French open for the first time and overall he has 12 big titles in his kitty so far. Out of the 12 titles, he has 6 Grand Slams from Australian Open, two US Open titles and three Wimbledon Open titles. In terms of number of titles, he is behind just three stars namely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal as well as Pete Sampras.
Saina Nehwal wins the AOSS (Australian Open Super Series) Badminton trophy
On 12th June 2016, Ace shuttler from India Saina Nehwal grabbed the AOSS (Australian Open Super Series) Badminton trophy in women’s category. The event took place in Sydney. Saina defeated Sun Yu from China in the final round to lift the trophy. The award prize that Saina won for this trophy was US Dollars 56250. This was Saina’s 2nd AOT (Australian Open Title); the first one was won by her in 2014. Apart from the above prize money, Saina will also be receiving Rupees 10 lakhs as reward money from the BAI (Badminton Association of India) for winning this Super Series Tournament
USA grabs FINA Women WPWL (Water Polo World League) Super Final
On 12th June 2016, the Senior National Women’s Team of USA grabbed the FINA Women WPWL (Water Polo World League) Super Final trophy. USA defeated Spain by 13-7 during the final match that took place in Shanghai (China). This is USA’s third straight victory at the FINA and tenth overall. The third position was won by Australia by defeating China 11-3. FINA is an international Water Polo League and the event is organized annually. First continental tournaments are being played from which finalists for the Super Final League emerge. FINA was established in 1908.
Lewis Hamilton grabs 2016 CGP (Canada Grand Prix) of Formula-1
On 12th June 2016, Mercedes Driver from Britain grabbed the Formula-1 CGP (Canada Grand Prix) Trophy. He defeated Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari Driver during the final round that was held at Montreal, Canada. This was Hamilton’s 5th career win and second consecutive. His previous records include wins in 2015, 2012, 2010 and 2007. He has won the Formula-1 World Championships three times in 2015, 2014 and 2008. This year, Hamilton also won the MGP (Monaco Grand Prix) on 29th May 2016. He is also the most successful Formula-1 driver from Britain.
IOD (International Olympic Day) observed (H2)
IOD (International Olympic Day) was observed on 23rd June. This occasion saw over 160 sports organizations and NOCs (National Olympic Committees) organizing series of functions. The aim is spreading Olympic values, encouraging people to take part in games and be healthy. Furthermore, this day is observed for promoting higher people participation in sports. The day was first observed in 1948. IOD has 3 most noteworthy pillars- learn, discover and move. These 3 pillars can be seen deployed across Olympic cultural, educational and sports activities.
Rio 2016 unveils Official slogan of Olympic & Paralympic Games for Rio 2016 unveiled
On 14th June 2016, the organizing committee for Rio 2016 unveiled official slogan of Olympic & Paralympic Games. The slogan, ‘A New World’, was launched by IOC (International Olympic Committee) Thomas Bach during a ceremony at the Olympic Park (Barra da Tijuca), Brazil. Apart from the slogan, the IOC also launched designs for the bronze, silver and gold medals for 2888 position that will be chased by 10000 athletes. This new slogan will be front & center message to be transmitted across the globe during the lead up as well as during 2016 Games.
Australia wins HHCT (Hero Hockey Champions Trophy) 2016
On 18th June 2016, Australia grabbed the HHCT (Hero Hockey Champions Trophy) 2016 that took place at the LVHT (Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis) Centre at London, England. During the final round, Australia defeated India by 1-0 during shoot-out after the game got over with 0-0 score. This was Australia’s 14th Champion Trophy victory. The third and fourth position was earned by Germany and Great Britain respectively. Belgium and Korea earned 5th and 6th spot respectively. Best player of the game was given to Tobias Hauke from Germany. George Pinner from Great Britain grabbed the Best Goalkeeper award. Top scorer of the tournament was Marco Miltkau from Germany.
BCCI selects Anil Kumble as ICT Head Coach
On 22nd June 2016 Anil Kumble was selected as the ICT (Indian Cricket Team) Head Coach. Kumble will be holding the position for 1 year. Kumble is one of the finest spinners from India. His first assignment as Head Coach will be upcoming West Indies Series. India will be playing 4 Test Matches. The decision for head coach was taken during a BCCI committee meeting at Dharamshala. The committee comprised of VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly as well as Sanjay Jagdale (Chief Co-ordinator). BCCI advertised for this position during May 2016. Out of the 57 people who applied, Anil Kumble was selected.
India wins Silver at AWC (Archery World Cup) in Antalya
On 19th June the mixed-curve team from India, Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari grabbed silver at AWC (Archery World Cup) that took place at Antalya, Turkey. The team from India was defeated by South Korea 1.5 that took place at the KB (Konyaalti Beach) Park. The team that won South Korea included Ku Bonchan and Choi Misun. Indian team reached the final round after beating Guendalina Sartori and Mauro Nespoli by 5-1 in semi-finals.
India defeated Zimbabwe in the 3-match T20 by 2-1
On 22nd June 2016, India defeated Zimbabwe to clinch the 3-match T20 series. India won the series by 2-1. The third match in Harare was close, where India won by a three-run margin. In the final match, India batted first and scored 138 for the loss of six wickets. However, India came back in the 2nd innings and limited Zimbabwe for 135 in 20 overs. In the first match, India lost by 2 runs. The second and third match was won by India. “Man of the Series” was bowler from India, Barinder Sran.