CRICKET
India's tour of South Africa (December 26 to January 23):
An engrossing Test series is currently underway, in which India have made a winning start. The three-match rubber will be followed by as many One Day International, in which India will get to see K L Rahul assume the leadership role for the first time after a hamstring injury ruled Rohit Sharma out.
One- day International, Delhi batter Shreyas Iyer would be leading the Indian Colts as they look to add a fifth title to the nation's kitty.
ICC Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand (March 4 to April 3): India would be a contender in the mega events, which was postponed for a year because of the pandemic.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia (October 16 to November 13):
Just a year after Australia were crowned world champions for the first time in this format, they would be defending the crown on home turf.
AFC Asian Women's Cup in India (January 20 to February 6):
It would be a huge step forward for women's football as the country hosts the premier regional tournament for the first time since 1979. The Indians have decent history to inspire themselves, as they have been runners-up twice in the event, in 1979 and 1983.
FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in India (October 11 to 30):
Another ground-breaking tournament for women's football in the country, which was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Spain is the defending champions and the Indians would be eyeing to produce some decent performances to raise the profile of the sport in the country.
FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18):
The first World Cup to be played in the Arab world is set to be a winter event, with Qatar's punishing summer making it impossible for matches to be held during the usual June-July window. Already under a cloud over allegations of corruption in the bidding process and working conditions of labor engaged for infrastructure development, it remains to be seen whether the quality of football alone would be able to ensure the focus remains on sport.
ATHLETICS
World Championships in Eugene, USA (July 15 to 24):
Another marquee competition that was postponed to this year because of the pandemic. Anuj Bobby George remains the only Indian medalist at this biggie with a 2003 long jump bronze. India would be hoping that Olympic gold-grabber Dheeraj Chopra's
Javelin would clinch another landmark medal at this year's world championships. FINA World Aquatics Championship in Fukuoka, Japan (May 1 to 29): The biennial event is an umbrella competition for swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, artistic swimming, and water polo.
ASIAN GAMES
The 2022 Asian Games will take place from September 10 to September 25, 2022, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China and there will be five co-host cities.
The multi-sporting event will feature 40 sports with a total of 61 disciplines, including Olympic sports like swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, fencing, football, hockey, judo, and much more.
India is a member of the South Asian Zone of the Olympic Council of Asia and one of the few, seven countries that have competed in all the editions of the Asian Games.
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