ESPN India Daily Blog: January 18, 2025 Updates and Highlights

Today in the world of Indian sports, there are several exciting events taking place across different disciplines. In badminton, all eyes are on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty as they are the only Indians left in the semifinals of the India Open. In chess, newly crowned World Champion D Gukesh is back in action at the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, alongside other Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnandhaa.

In the Hockey India League (HIL), there is a double-header in Ranchi with Hyderabad Toofans taking on Tamil Nadu Dragons followed by Team Gonasika facing UP Rudras. In the Indian Super League (ISL), Hyderabad will host Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters will face NorthEast United in a Saturday double-header.

Meanwhile, the Kho Kho World Cup continues in New Delhi, with India making it to the semifinals in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Yesterday saw some thrilling action as PV Sindhu and Kiran George put up a fight in the quarterfinals of the India Open, while Delhi SG Pipers secured their first win in the WHIL. In the ISL, Jamshedpur climbed to second place with a draw against leaders Mohun Bagan. The National Sports Awards also took place, with D Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar receiving the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.

Stay tuned for more updates and results from the world of Indian sports.