Sports Bulletin on January 20: Rishabh Pant named new LSG captain, Mohammed Shami trains with Team India in Kolkata

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Sports Bulletin on January 20: In today's sports roundup, Rishabh Pant takes the helm as the new captain of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, while debutant Nigeria made history at the Women's U19 World Cup by defeating New Zealand.

We also cover the latest in tennis, football, athletics, and more. Here's a look at the key highlights:

Rishabh Pant Appointed Lucknow Super Giants Captain for IPL 2025

Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named the captain of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025. Secured at the mega auction for a record ₹27 crore, Pant expressed his commitment to giving "200%" to help the team secure their maiden title. Team owner Sanjiv Goenka, while unveiling Pant as captain, highlighted the new energy and aspirations the franchise is bringing into the season. Pant shared his excitement for this new chapter, aiming to lead with confidence and create memorable moments on the field.

Debutant Nigeria Shock New Zealand in Historic U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Win

Debutant Nigeria pulled off a sensational two-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup match. Batting first, Nigeria posted 65-6, with Lilian Udeh and skipper Lucky Piety contributing 19 and 18 runs, respectively. In a 13-over chase, New Zealand managed only 57-5, with Udeh bowling a brilliant final over to seal the upset. This win marks Nigeria's historic debut as the first West African nation to qualify for a global cricket tournament and defeat an ICC full member.

Mohammed Shami Joins Team India Training Ahead of England T20Is

Mohammed Shami has begun training with Team India at Eden Gardens ahead of the five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Shami is set to spearhead the bowling attack. After recovering from ankle surgery that sidelined him for nearly a year, Shami made a successful return to domestic cricket, representing Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy.

Novak Djokovic Receives On-Air Apology Over "Insulting" Remarks at Australian Open

TV presenter Tony Jones issued an on-air apology to Novak Djokovic and Serbian fans after making "insulting and offensive comments" during the Australian Open. The controversy arose when Jones, live at Melbourne Park, mockingly sang about Djokovic being "overrated" and a "has-been." Djokovic, protesting the remarks, boycotted Channel Nine interviews until an apology was made. Jones clarified the comments were intended as banter but acknowledged they were misinterpreted, extending his apologies to Djokovic and Serbian supporters for any disrespect caused.

Neeraj Chopra Marries Himani Mor in Secret Shimla Ceremony

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra tied the knot with Himani Mor, a former tennis player and sports management graduate, in an intimate destination wedding in Shimla on January 16. The ceremony, attended by immediate family, was kept under wraps, with even close friends learning about it through social media. Neeraj’s uncle revealed the couple met in the U.S., and no dowry was taken, with only ₹1 accepted as a gesture. Himani, now pursuing advanced studies in sports management, participated in pre-wedding rituals at Neeraj’s village.

India Clinch Historic Double at Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup

India made history at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, by winning both men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The men’s team defeated Nepal 54-36, dominating with a commanding Turn 3 performance, while the women’s team triumphed 78-40, led by captain Priyanka Ingle's brilliance. Both teams remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, overcoming tough opposition, including Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Nepal.

Tejas Shirse Sets New National Record in 60m Hurdles at Luxembourg Meet

Tejas Shirse broke India’s 60m hurdles national record at the CMCM Luxembourg Indoor Meeting 2025, clocking 7.65 seconds in the heats to surpass Siddhanth Thingalaya’s 2017 mark of 7.70 seconds. The 22-year-old finished joint-fifth in the final, matching his record-setting time but narrowly missed the World Athletics Indoor Championships qualifying standard of 7.57 seconds by just 0.08 seconds. Shirse has shown consistent progress, previously breaking the national 110m hurdles record last year in Finland. The Luxembourg meet is part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour silver level events.

Madison Keys Upsets Elena Rybakina to Reach Australian Open Quarterfinals

Madison Keys defeated sixth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in the Australian Open fourth round to secure her spot in the quarterfinals. Keys, the 19th seed, recorded her third win over a top-10 player in 2025 and extended her winning streak to nine matches after clinching the Adelaide warm-up event. The 29-year-old American, a two-time Australian Open semifinalist, sealed victory with a decisive crosscourt forehand. Rybakina, a 2023 finalist, acknowledged missed opportunities, while Keys prepares to face Elina Svitolina next.

Real Madrid Back on Top of La Liga as Rivals Stumble

Real Madrid reclaimed the La Liga summit with a commanding 4-1 win over Las Palmas, led by Kylian Mbappe's brace. Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo also scored, while David Alaba returned after a year-long injury. Atletico Madrid's 15-game streak ended in a shock 1-0 loss to Leganes, with Antoine Griezmann missing a late penalty. Barcelona was held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe, and Athletic Club's 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo brought them level with Barca in points. Valencia climbed off the bottom, beating Real Sociedad 1-0.

Manchester United and Tottenham Struggles Continue as Forest Keep Title Dream Alive

Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, leaving them 24 points behind the leaders and 13th in the table. Brighton dominated, with goals from Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, and Georginio Rutter, while Bruno Fernandes’ penalty was United’s sole response. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s winless streak extended to six games after a 3-2 loss at Everton, with goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, and an own goal from Archie Gray sealing Spurs’ fate. Nottingham Forest, however, kept their title challenge alive with a 3-2 victory over Southampton, moving them level with second-placed Arsenal.