Indian sports wrap, December 16: India to host first-ever UCI 2.2 cycling event in Bajaj Pune Grand Tour next month
Bringing you the major updates, scores, and results of Indians from the world of sports on Tuesday.
CYCLING
India to host first-ever UCI 2.2 cycling event in Bajaj Pune Grand Tour next month
A historic moment awaits India’s cycling landscape as the country is set to host the first-ever UCI 2.2 Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, a continental men’s team elite road race from January 19 to 23 in Pune district.
The tour will kick-start the international cycling calendar with a four-stage, multi-day challenge.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is a four-day, four-stage 437-km continental team men’s road race, expected to witness over 150 professional international cyclists from 26 countries in action.
The race is being organised by the Government of Maharashtra and Pune District Administration, along with the Cycling Federation of India.
– PTI
TENNIS
Sumit Nagal to lead India’s challenge at the milestone 10th edition of Bengaluru Open
The Bengaluru Open is set to return for its landmark 10th edition, scheduled to take place from 5 to 11 January 2026 at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru. A flagship event on the ATP Challenger Tour, the tournament continues to grow in stature as one of India’s most prominent international tennis competitions.
Bengaluru Open continues to be an integral part of the ATP Challenger Tour. Upgraded in 2025 from an ATP Challenger 100 to a Challenger 125 event, the tournament now offers a total prize purse of over USD 225,000 drawing top players from around the world. The elevated status has ensured a strong and competitive field, reinforcing its position as a key fixture on the global tennis calendar.
– Team Sportstar
ATHLETICS
India to send 57-member national arts team to 1st Youth Delphic Games of SCO member states
The International Pythian Council (IPC) on Tuesday announced that a 57-member Indian delegation will represent the country at the first Youth Delphic Games of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.
Scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from March 23 to 28, the event marks a paradigm shift in global cultural diplomacy. For the first time in Indian history, a structured national team of artists will represent India in an international competition under the banner of the Modern Pythian Games.
Following the model of major sporting events like the Olympics, this 57-member contingent has been curated to compete for national glory across specific categories.
This participation is the direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the International Pythian Council and the International Delphic Committee, symbolising a new era of cooperation in the global creative economy.
The diverse 57-member delegation will showcase India’s rich heritage and modern creativity across a spectrum of competitive and festival categories, including piano, folk singing, and pop singing, fine arts and folk dance, DJ competitions, folk instruments, and arts and crafts.
– PTI
Published on Dec 16, 2025