Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.
The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to return to its traditional home-and-away format for an extended eight-month season from October 2026 to May 2027.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director-General Anant Kumar highlighted the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders in the Indian sports ecosystem to reduce doping incidents. He made these remarks during a National Roundtable on Doping Prevention in Sports, which discussed various factors contributing to doping and strategies for prevention.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence in the Indian contingent's performance at the upcoming Asian Para Games in Japan. He highlighted the team's focused training, stress-free environment, and recent successes, while also outlining long-term plans for the 2028 and 2032 Paralympics and addressing grassroots development challenges.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has received a reduced one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine at an ATP Tour event in Mallorca. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the ban, which was lessened after Kyrgios entered a treatment program. He admitted to social cocaine use before the event, and will forfeit prize money and ranking points from Mallorca.
Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale highlights the growing respect and "fear factor" Indian shooters command internationally due to their consistent performances. He expresses confidence in the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games, despite some notable absences, and discusses challenges like range maintenance.
Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.
Indian track and field athletes, including Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary, are using a specialised 'smart track' at SAI NCOE Bengaluru to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Indian rally champions Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah are set to compete in their second WRC3 event of the season, Rally del Paraguay. This marks their first gravel rally in the championship, following previous appearances in the Canary Islands and Rome, as they continue to gain international experience.
The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned Rs 35.46 lakh for overseas training stints for Paralympic medallists Ajeet Singh (javelin) and Pranav Soorma (club throw) to prepare them for the upcoming Asian Para-Games in Japan. Both athletes, part of the TOPS core group, will train in Germany and Czechia respectively, with Pranav also participating in multiple championships.
Indian steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable details his arduous journey back to fitness after an ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which forced him to miss the Commonwealth Games. Despite a challenging recovery period filled with self-doubt, Sable has trained intensely at high-altitude facilities and the SAI Smart Track, expressing strong confidence in retaining his Asian Games 3000m steeplechase gold in 2026. He is set to compete in his first steeplechase event in a year, affirming his readiness for the upcoming continental challenge.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav is preparing for the Asian Games, aiming to surpass her personal best of 199kg. She plans to leverage her CWG experience despite facing tough international competition from powerhouses like China and South Korea. Yadav also acknowledges the upcoming domestic challenge from Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi in the 53kg category but remains confident and inspired by Chanu.
JK Tyre has announced its sponsorship of 11-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir, a move that reinforces the company's commitment to fostering young motorsport talent in India and supporting women's participation in the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz's bow-and-arrow celebration at the US Open after his victory over Jaime Faria sparked widespread curiosity. The Spanish tennis star revealed the unique gesture was a special request from his two younger brothers, Sergio and Jaime, highlighting his role as a family-oriented role model and adding a personal touch to his Grand Slam performance.
Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have surpassed 6 million, with organizers planning the next public sale for 2027, featuring new sports like flag football and squash, and the return of cricket.
Harry Kane has been named Germany's Footballer of the Year, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious award. The Bayern Munich star expressed his delight at the recognition, which follows a stellar 2025-26 season where he also secured the European Golden Shoe and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.
Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has joined other former cricketers in calling for proper medical treatment and humane conditions for jailed former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
India's U20 football team secured a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a 20-year hiatus, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed their spot as one of the best runners-up, with the main tournament scheduled for 2027 in China.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a spectacular equaliser on his Everton debut in the dying moments of the game, securing a 2-2 draw against Manchester United after Benjamin Sesko had put United ahead late on.
A made-in-China humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, has shattered Usain Bolt's 100-metre sprint world record, completing the distance in 8.64 seconds compared to Bolt's 9.58 seconds. While a significant technological advancement, experts note the robot's running style differs greatly from humans, highlighting both its strengths in speed and areas where it still lags, such as decision-making and perception.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a strict anti-doping advisory after several Indian wrestlers, including two Asian Games selections, were implicated in doping and whereabouts violations. The cases, involving substances like Mephentermine and Stanozolol, have led to exclusions from major competitions and highlight a lack of awareness among athletes regarding anti-doping rules and personal responsibility.
International table tennis player Swastika Ghosh, a Commonwealth gold medallist, was felicitated by the University of Mumbai for her role in India's gold-winning campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. She has also been selected for the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award and the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships.
Indian boxers are undergoing intensive training at a multinational camp in Patiala, featuring international medallists, before heading to Japan for a final preparatory stint ahead of the Asian Games. The team aims to build on its strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, despite anticipating tougher competition from boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the upcoming continental event.
Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, seeded 17th, commenced her US Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana. Returning to Flushing Meadows with increased attention and expectations, Eala aims for a deeper run after a breakthrough season and her first WTA title.
Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory under new manager Andoni Iraola, defeating promoted Ipswich Town 2-0. Alexander Isak scored both goals within the opening nine minutes, assisted by Cody Gakpo. The win moves Liverpool to fifth in the table, while Ipswich remains in 13th. New signing Bradley Barcola also made his debut.
Multiple Asian Games medallist rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey expresses confidence in the Indian contingent's performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Having secured two silvers and a bronze previously, Chouksey is focused on achieving gold and highlights the rigorous preparation, including intense training and psychological support, to ensure India's success against strong competitors like China.
Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. has launched Quest India 2026, marking the official introduction of 3x3 basketball to the country. This fast-paced, urban Olympic sport, backed by BFI and FIBA, will feature its inaugural event in September 2026, blending elite competition with street culture.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has labelled his 10-match ban, imposed by FIFA following an altercation with Spanish players after the World Cup final, as 'excessive' and believes it can be reduced upon appeal.
Rudrankksh Patil embraces pressure ahead of Asian Games 2026, saying it helps him stay focused as he targets strong performances in two events.
World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Gerard Pique has become a strategic shareholder in the Global Chess League franchise American Gambits. Pique, known for his illustrious football career, expressed his long-standing fascination with chess and his ambition to elevate the sport's global appeal. The fourth edition of the Global Chess League, featuring top grandmasters, is scheduled for September 3-13.
Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.
Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for the right fee if they can strengthen midfield first, while City remain keen despite missing Chelsea's deadline.
International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.
Dev Ruparelia and Ishita Negi clinched the boys' and girls' singles titles, respectively, at the India Junior International Badminton Grand Prix in Pune. Indian pair Pavan and Punith Suresh also secured the boys' doubles crown, showcasing strong performances from young Indian shuttlers.
The world motorsport body FIA has strongly endorsed 11-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir, highlighting her as a rising star redefining the future of the sport. Atiqa, the first Indian backed by the F1 Academy, has achieved significant success in European karting series, including a pole position and top-10 finishes in FIA European Championship rounds.
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has moved the Delhi High Court challenging two show-cause notices issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.
