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.

Virat Kohli clinched the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023, marking a remarkable run in the ICC World Cup, where he emerged as the top run-scorer. Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins secured the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for his outstanding contributions to Test cricket. Kohli's 1377 runs, a record-breaking half-century spree, and three centuries in the World Cup showcased his exceptional form. In other categories, Usman Khawaja was named the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year, and Suryakumar Yadav received the Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year. The awards recognize outstanding performances across formats in the 2023 cricket season.

In the 1st Test, India finishes Day 1 at 119/1 in 23 overs, chasing England's 246. Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive 76*, accompanied by Shubman Gill's 14*, steers India. Rohit Sharma's early exit at 24 to Jack Leach poses a challenge. Earlier, England's first innings witnessed Ben Stokes's gritty 70, countered by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's three wickets each. Stokes' dismissal marked England's 246 in 64.3 overs. Jaiswal's dynamic half-century and positive intent redefine India's response, setting the stage for a gripping Day 2 battle.

Shoaib Bashir finally gets India visa, set to join England squad this weekend. The ECB confirms resolution, but criticism continues from England over the delay. Captain Ben Stokes expresses frustration, with calls to postpone the series. Bashir's visa saga sparks broader discussions on fair treatment for citizens of Pakistani heritage. The Indian government remains silent on the matter. Stokes hopeful for Bashir's swift arrival, while former cricketer David Lloyd demands a series postponement. The visa complexities shed light on challenges faced by players with Pakistani roots.

England's spinner Shoaib Bashir faces disappointment as visa issues sideline him from the opening Test against India. The 20-year-old, born in Surrey with Pakistani roots, returned home to resolve the matter after a delay in his visa application. Despite hopes for assistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bashir is compelled to return to London for the correct paperwork. England captain Ben Stokes expresses frustration, stating, "I'm devastated for him." With Bashir out, England turns to Rehan Ahmad, Jack Leach, and uncapped Tom Hartley to face India's spin lineup in the series opener in Hyderabad.