"we aim to deliver a memorable and successful tournament"
As 2024 gets underway, India is set to witness a series of thrilling sporting events that will capture the attention of enthusiasts nationwide.
From cricket to motorsport and badminton, India is gearing up to host seven major sports events that promise to deliver excitement, fierce competition and moments that will etch themselves into the annals of sporting history.
In this article, we delve into the significant sporting spectacles that are poised to unfold across the country, showcasing India’s prowess as a dynamic and vibrant hub for diverse sporting disciplines.
Join us on a journey through the anticipation and fervour surrounding these sporting extravaganzas as we highlight the key moments that will define the sporting landscape in India throughout the year 2024.
Paris 2024 Hockey Qualifiers
Where: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Ranchi, Jharkhand is set to host FIH Hockey Olympics Qualifiers, taking place between January 13-19, 2024.
This distinguished event stands as one of the three global Olympics Qualifiers, with concurrent events in Muscat, Oman (Men’s) and Valencia, Spain (Women’s and Men’s).
Originally designated for China, the event underwent a venue shift to India at the request of Hockey India, following China Women’s direct qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking about the occasion, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said:
“The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi stand as a testament to India’s commitment to the sport and our relentless pursuit of excellence.
“We are immensely grateful for the support extended by the Jharkhand Government.
“Together, we aim to deliver a memorable and successful tournament, promoting the spirit of hockey and fostering international camaraderie.”
Secretary Sports Jharkhand, IAS, Manoj Kumar added:
“We are proud to be associated with the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, a momentous event that resonates with the spirit of sportsmanship.
“Jharkhand is honoured to host this prestigious tournament and welcomes players, officials, and fans alike.
“This collaboration with Hockey India underscores our commitment to encouraging sporting excellence and showcasing Jharkhand as a vibrant sporting destination.”
The sports event serves as a platform for the Indian women’s hockey team to compete for a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
India Open
Where: Delhi
As the Race to Paris 2024 enters its decisive phase, Indian badminton players are poised to accumulate crucial points for Olympic qualifications across various categories during the India Open 2024.
Taking place at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, the tournament is scheduled to run from January 16 to 21, 2024.
The India Open holds the distinction of being a BWF Super 750 event and serves as the second competition on the 2024 BWF World Tour following the Malaysia Masters.
However, the women’s singles and mixed doubles events will see no Indian representation.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will miss the tournament due to injury.
The India Open was upgraded to Super 750 category from Super 500 in 2023, meaning players can earn significantly higher ranking points in their quest for Olympic qualification.
World Junior Chess Championships
Where: Delhi
Taking place between June 1-14, 2024, the World Junior Chess Championships will see the best chess players under the age of 20 competing.
The event promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing not only the remarkable strategic prowess of the participating players but also unleashing a wave of intense and spirited competition.
As the chessboards come alive with moves that reflect the budding genius of these young minds, spectators can brace themselves for a riveting display of strategic brilliance.
It will also see the emergence of future chess champions on this prestigious platform.
Cricket
Where: Various
Cricket in 2024 will once again be action-packed, with matches taking place across the country.
The men’s and women’s Indian cricket teams will compete in multiple bilateral series at home and away, spanning across all three formats this year.
However, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will be the top priority for both cricket teams.
The men’s side will begin 2024 with three T20 matches against Afghanistan, taking place between January 11-17.
Other fixtures in 2024 include England and New Zealand.
For the women’s side, their series against Australia is currently underway.
In December 2024, they will play three one-day internationals and three T20 matches against the West Indies.
The 2024 IPL is also a massive part of the cricket calendar in India.
SAFF Athletics Championships
Where: Ranchi & Chennai
The year 2024 looks to be a thrilling one in athletics, especially for Indian athletes.
The athletics calendar unfolds a rich tapestry of competitions across diverse continents and esteemed championships.
Between April 12-14, Chennai will host the junior championships, bringing talented young athletes.
Then between October 4-6, Ranchi will play host to the senior championships.
MotoGP
Where: Greater Noida
The year 2023 was a historic milestone for motorsport in India as it saw the country’s inaugural MotoGP event.
It proved to be a resounding success and it is returning for 2024.
The event will take place from September 20-22 and will be the calendar’s 16th race, taking place before the Indonesian GP.
Marco Bezzecchi, Pedro Acosta and Jaume Masia were the winners of the three races at the Indian Grand Prix.
So, it will be interesting to see what unfolds at the 2024 Grand Prix now that the riders know their way around the track better.
Syed Modi India International
Where: Lucknow
The Syed Modi International Badminton Championships was introduced to the badminton circuit as a BWF Grand Prix event in 2009.
Ever since its inception, the tournament has been a regular fixture on the badminton calendar, taking place each year in Lucknow at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium.
The 2023 tournament saw Taiwan’s Chi Yu-jen win the men’s singles while the women’s singles winner was Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara.
India is the tournament’s most successful nation, winning 14 times.
The 2024 tournament takes place from November 26 to December 1.
The year 2024 is set to be a landmark period for sports enthusiasts in India, as the nation prepares to host sports events that embody the spirit of competition, dedication and athletic excellence.
From cricketing battles to the precision of badminton, and the high-speed thrills of motorsport, these events not only showcase the diversity of sporting disciplines but also serve as a testament to India’s growing prominence on the global sports stage.
As spectators eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama, each event promises to deliver unforgettable moments and narratives that will resonate with fans across the country.
The year ahead is not merely a calendar of sporting events but a testament to the power of sports in bringing communities together, fostering talent, and inspiring generations.
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