Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the latest sports news, inspired by the “Sports Dugout” episode aired on Doordarshan Sports. This daily digest covers key highlights from Indian and international arenas, including thrilling wins, award nominations, and off-field developments. Let’s dive into the action-packed day!
Indian Sports Take Center Stage
In the Indian Women’s League (IWL), East Bengal and NorthEast Institute of Technology and Football Academy (NITA FA) secured impressive victories, showcasing the growing prowess of women’s football in the country. East Bengal’s win adds to their strong season, while NITA FA continues to build momentum with tactical brilliance on the pitch.
The Senior Badminton Nationals saw young talents shine brightly. Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma both registered convincing wins, advancing in the tournament and highlighting India’s depth in badminton. These performances come as a boost ahead of international competitions in 2026.
On the awards front, hockey star Hardik Singh emerged as a potential sole nominee for the prestigious Khel Ratna award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. However, reports indicate no Khel Ratna will be awarded in 2025 overall, and notably, no cricketers have been recommended for the Arjuna Award this year. This has sparked discussions on the selection criteria and the evolving landscape of Indian sports honors.
In a positive development for sports development, BI WORLDWIDE India has extended its partnership with the GoSports Foundation, deepening their commitment to nurturing Indian athletic talent across disciplines. This collaboration aims to provide better resources and support for emerging athletes.
Football coaching in India received a lift as two women coaches completed the AFC A Diploma under FIFA’s Women’s Development Program, paving the way for more professional opportunities in women’s football.
Unfortunately, the day also brought somber news from cricket: Indian pacer Yash Dayal was denied bail in an alleged rape case, casting a shadow over his career and prompting calls for stricter conduct guidelines in sports.
FC Goa’s campaign in the AFC Champions League 2 concluded on a tough note, but the team is optimistic about future seasons, focusing on domestic leagues to rebuild.
International Highlights
Shifting to global action, the NFL saw Aaron Rodgers deliver another stellar performance, guiding the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 16. His leadership has been instrumental in the team’s recent winning streak.
In college football, the Hawaii Bowl featured an exciting matchup between Hawaii (9-4) and California (7-6) at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, drawing attention to holiday bowl games.
NBA buzz centered around the 2025 Christmas Day games, with analysts noting they’ve lost some of their traditional excitement due to scheduling and team form. Meanwhile, college basketball power rankings updated with Kentucky re-entering the top 25, and Rodney Brown Jr. leading Loyola Marymount to a win over Morgan State with 23 points.
In soccer, Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze advocated for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to receive the same respect as the World Cup, highlighting the tournament’s significance.
MLB’s Oakland Athletics are on the rise with a young core, but questions linger about their spending as they prepare for a move to Las Vegas from Sacramento.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up December 24, 2025, the sports world reflects on a year of transformation in India, with policy reforms and global pushes enhancing the ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates, including the debut of Vaishnavi Sharma in India’s cricket series against Sri Lanka.
For daily sports insights, check out Doordarshan Sports and follow their social channels. What was your favorite highlight from today? Share in the comments!
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