Sports Bulletin of January 17: From Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, and More Receiving Khel Ratna Award to Naomi Osaka Out of Australian Open with Injury

Add as a preferred source on Google

From Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, and more athletes receiving the Khel Ratna Award to Naomi Osaka retiring out of the Australian Open 2025 third round with an injury, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, Rohit Sharma, Naomi Osaka, and Real Madrid are dominating the proceedings on a busy Friday (January 17) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Manu Bhaker, Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, Praveen Kumar receive Khel Ratna

On January 17, 2025, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award upon four distinguished athletes: shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy D. Gukesh, Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar. This honor recognizes their exceptional performances and contributions to Indian sports on the international stage.

2. Rohit Sharma Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 With Intense White-Ball Training

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has intensified white-ball training at Reliance Corporate Park, Navi Mumbai, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Following a tough Test series, he is focused on regaining his rhythm with support from Hardik Pandya. Videos show him practicing powerful shots, including sixes against spinners. Rohit aims to bounce back in form, particularly with an eye on the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy. Selectors are expected to announce squads soon.

3. Jasprit Bumrah Recovering Well And May Be Fit in Time For Champions Trophy

Jasprit Bumrah is recovering well from his back injury and may be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He is set to start rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, where his progress will be closely monitored. A source stated, "Bumrah is eager to play the Champions Trophy," with scans indicating his injury might not be as severe as feared. The BCCI will decide his participation based on medical clearance.

4. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant named in Delhi Ranji Trophy Team, to Play as Per Availability

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been named in the Delhi squad for the Ranji Trophy. However, the Ayush Badoni team is likely to miss Kohli for their upcoming match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain. Reports indicate he received an injection for pain management, and his availability is uncertain. A source stated, "There is a possibility of him skipping the first game." Kohli's absence could impact Delhi's Elite Group D standings, with selectors closely monitoring his recovery ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

5. BCCI Guidelines For Players: New Disciplinary 10-Point Rules And Policy Issued For Team India

The BCCI has issued a strict 10-point disciplinary policy for Team India players to ensure professionalism and team cohesion. Key measures include mandatory domestic cricket participation, restrictions on personal staff during tours, and standardized travel and baggage protocols. Players are discouraged from separate travel with families, and family visits during tours require prior approval. This comes after recent team performance concerns, aiming to enhance unity and discipline.

6. Sanju Samson May Miss Out on Champions Trophy Spot After Decision to Skip Vijay Hazare Trophy

Sanju Samson's Champions Trophy 2025 chances are in jeopardy after skipping the Vijay Hazare Trophy and its preparatory camp, a move against BCCI's domestic participation guidelines. While he is part of India's T20I squad, his absence has raised concerns. A BCCI source said, "Selectors need a valid reason; otherwise, he may not be considered for ODIs." Samson faces competition from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the Champions Trophy squad.

7. ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tour Concludes With Thrilling New Zealand Leg

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour concluded its New Zealand leg, creating excitement with stops at iconic locations like Hamilton Gardens and Auckland's Eden Park. Cricket stars Craig McMillan, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra engaged fans, furthering anticipation for the tournament. Hosted in Pakistan and the UAE, the event promises intense cricket action from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The tour now heads to England, the 2017 Champions Trophy host.

8. Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Delayed Due to Fog

The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan was delayed due to dense fog, which reduced visibility and pushed the toss to after 1:30 PM IST. Despite floodlights being activated, play could not begin on time. Fog delays are unusual in cricket, and conditions were closely monitored. The weather forecast predicts clearer conditions for the following days, ensuring uninterrupted play.

9. Real Madrid Reach Copa del Rey Quarter-finals

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a thrilling 5-2 extra-time victory over Celta Vigo. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring, followed by Vinícius Júnior. Celta equalized late in regular time, forcing extra play. In extra time, Endrick scored twice, and Federico Valverde added another, securing the win. Manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the fans' frustration, viewing the boos as a motivational wake-up call.

10. Naomi Osaka Quits Mid-match in Australian Open third round With Injury

Naomi Osaka retired from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury. After losing the first set in a tiebreak, Osaka withdrew, marking her first retirement in 28 Grand Slam singles appearances. She had previously dealt with similar injuries, including a withdrawal from the Auckland final earlier this year. Osaka expressed hope to recover in time for upcoming tournaments in March.