The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted visas to the Indian players and support staff for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group 1 playoff tie scheduled for February 3-4 in Islamabad. The decision marks the first time an Indian tennis team will travel to Pakistan for a Davis Cup tie since 1964. Initially seeking a neutral venue, the All India Tennis Association's appeal was rejected, prompting them to pursue permission from the sports ministry. World No. 463 Ramkumar Ramanathan will lead the Indian contingent, which comprises doubles specialists for the crucial tie on grass courts.            

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a candid assessment of his team's loss against England in the first Test match in Hyderabad, stating, "We failed as a team." Despite India's dominance for much of the game, a stellar performance by England's Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley proved decisive. Reflecting on the defeat, Sharma pointed out the team's batting shortcomings in the crucial fourth innings, lamenting, "We didn't bat well enough." He stressed the importance of bravery and resilience, expressing disappointment at not extending the match to the fifth day. England's victory, taking a 1-0 series lead, highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian team.

In a remarkable display of resilience, Jannik Sinner clinched his maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open after overcoming Daniil Medvedev in a gripping five-set final. Trailing by two sets initially, Sinner defied the odds, rallying to secure a 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory. At 22 years old, Sinner becomes the youngest Australian Open winner since Novak Djokovic in 2008 and only the third Italian man to claim a grand slam title. Medvedev, plagued by fatigue, succumbed to Sinner's relentless onslaught, faltering in his bid for a second grand slam triumph.

In the first Test match of the series, England clinched victory over India by 28 runs, securing a 1-0 lead. Debutant spinner Tom Hartley impressed with a remarkable 7-wicket haul, restricting India to 202 all out. England set a target of 231 runs, powered by Ollie Pope's stunning 196 in their second innings. Despite efforts from Rohit Sharma and the Indian team, they fell short in the chase. Pope's heroic performance and Hartley's impactful debut spin proved decisive in England's triumph, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the series.          

Aryna Sabalenka secured back-to-back Australian Open titles with a commanding straight-sets triumph over Qinwen Zheng in Melbourne. The world No. 2 displayed sheer dominance throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set en route to victory. Sabalenka's relentless performance in the final showcased her powerful serve and forehand, overwhelming the 12th seed Zheng. This victory marks Sabalenka's second grand slam title and solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in the women's game. With remarkable consistency at grand slams and newfound mental resilience, Sabalenka's potential for further success in the year ahead appears limitless.

England's Ollie Pope showcased resilience with a century, guiding England to 316-6 at stumps on Day 3 of the IND vs ENG 1st Test. Pope's unbeaten 148, supported by Ben Foakes and Rehan Ahmed, propelled England to a lead of 126 runs after India's first innings total of 436. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed two wickets each for India. Pope's marathon knock, featuring 17 boundaries, anchored England's recovery from 163-5. India's spin attack posed challenges, but Pope's solid performance steered England's resurgence. The match remains finely poised as England aims to build on their lead on Day 4.    

Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna, partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, etched his name in history books by clinching the Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles title. Defeating Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in a thrilling final, Bopanna, at 43, became the oldest grand slam winner. Displaying remarkable skill and composure, the duo weathered an early storm from their opponents, securing victory with a hard-fought 6-7(0), 7-5 win. This marks Bopanna's second grand slam triumph, adding to his 2017 French Open mixed doubles crown with Gabriela Dabrowski.

World No 1 Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking defeat in the Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner, ending his 33-game winning streak in the tournament. Djokovic, visibly surprised by his own performance, cited 54 unforced errors and described it as "one of my worst slam matches." Sinner, seizing the opportunity, played flawlessly to secure victory in four sets. Djokovic, reflecting on a subpar tournament, expressed uncertainty about returning to his peak form but dismissed it as the "beginning of the end." This unexpected exit marks Djokovic's first-ever loss in the Australian Open semi-finals, reshaping the tennis landscape.              

Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, set to become the new world No. 1 in doubles, reached his first Australian Open final alongside partner Matthew Ebden. The duo triumphed over Zhang Zhizhen and Tomas Machac in a gripping semifinal clash, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(10-7). Bopanna, eyeing his maiden Grand Slam men's doubles title at 43, faces the Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final. If victorious, Bopanna will make history as the oldest man to win a Slam doubles title. The experienced duo also aims to become the oldest world No. 1 doubles pair.

Boxing icon Mary Kom refutes retirement reports, clarifying she was misquoted. The six-time world champion dismisses rumors triggered by age limits for elite-level boxing. Kom, emphasizing her hunger for sports achievements, assures she'll personally announce retirement when the time comes. Her earlier statement, made at a school event, highlighted her ongoing focus on fitness. The Olympic medalist, debunking false claims, continues to inspire with her dedication. Mary Kom's illustrious career includes a historic gold at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics.