India's U20 football team secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers group match. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed the win, bringing India's total to six points. The team's qualification for the main tournament, potentially after 20 years, now hinges on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match.
Indian para archers have delivered a strong performance at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, assuring at least two medals in the Visually Impaired 1 category. World No. 1 Sheetal Devi topped the women's compound qualification, while Indian men's and women's teams secured top seeding, advancing directly to the semifinals. Several other Indian archers also progressed in individual and team events, highlighting the nation's growing prowess in para-archery.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.
Young Indian shuttler Mansi Singh secured a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 badminton tournament, losing to China's Xu Wen Jing in the women's singles final. This marks her second runner-up finish this year.
Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the China Masters Super 750 title, overcoming a strong Chinese pair in a thrilling comeback. This victory, their second of the 2026 season, provides a significant confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games, where they plan to play "all guns blazing." The duo attributed their success to a "mindfully aggressive" strategy and improved service.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu to win the China Masters Super 750, gaining a major boost ahead of the Asian Games gold defence.
Star Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured the China Masters Super 750 title after a thrilling three-game comeback victory against China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu. This marks their second title of the season and provides a significant confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff secured their spots in the fourth round of the U.S. Open, while Naomi Osaka overcame a tough challenge. However, several prominent American players, including Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova, experienced early exits, disappointing home fans at Flushing Meadows.
Naomi Osaka battled through an Achilles problem to beat Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 and reach the US Open fourth round.
Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the China Masters title, defeating China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in a hard-fought final. This marks their second title of the season, adding to their Singapore Open Super 750 victory.
Star Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the China Masters Super 750 title after a thrilling three-game comeback victory against China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu. This marks their second title of the season and provides a significant boost ahead of the Asian Games.
The Indian athletics team will undergo an acclimatisation camp at the University of Tsukuba near Tokyo before the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. This follows an MoU between SAI and the University. Athletes are also returning from Czech Republic for a training stint and an event in Bhubaneswar, though Neeraj Chopra will not participate. The Athletics Federation of India has already submitted a list of over 72 athletes for the Games to the Indian Olympic Association.
Haryana is set to host a grand felicitation ceremony on August 7 for its athletes who excelled at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will present cash awards totalling Rs 13.47 crore to 10 medal winners and 13 participating athletes, reinforcing the state's commitment to sports development and recognising international achievements.
Team India coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his team's character and mental toughness after securing a 1-0 Test series victory against Sri Lanka, while also singling out Sri Lankan batsman Sonal Dinusha for his 'exceptional performance' in forcing a draw in the second Test with an unbeaten 133.
Iga Swiatek expressed her preference for the more intimate Grandstand court over the boisterous Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. Other players like Alexander Zverev, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli also commented on the challenging noise levels and crowd interactions at Flushing Meadows, highlighting the unique atmosphere compared to other tour events.
The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.
Jamie Chadwick, a triple W Series champion, believes that increasing female participation at grassroots levels is crucial for women to reach the top echelons of motorsport. She highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments for young girls in karting and addresses the historical disparity, noting that it has been 50 years since a woman last raced in Formula One. Chadwick is confident that new initiatives will lead to a higher quality of female drivers in the coming years, despite the overall growth in talent across the sport.
The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a 3-3 draw against Japan in their second Pool A match of the Junior Asia Cup. India initially led 2-0, but Japan fought back to take a 3-2 lead in the final minute before India equalised with a penalty corner in the dying seconds.
The Indian women's junior hockey team secured a dominant 11-1 victory over Malaysia in their AHF Junior Asia Cup Elite Pool match, solidifying their top position in the points table. Seven different players contributed to the scoring spree, which included goals from field play, penalty corners, and penalty strokes. This win marks India's second consecutive victory in the tournament, following their 4-1 triumph against South Korea.
India's Yuki Bhambri and Anirudh Chandrasekar were eliminated from the US Open men's doubles after both suffered first-round defeats in New York. Bhambri, partnered with Michael Venus, lost in a close contest, while Chandrasekar and Ivan Liutarevich also went down fighting.
Top seed Alexander Zverev defeated Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 7-6(2) 6-2 to advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open. After a dip in form during the second set, Zverev regained control to secure his victory and set up a clash with Luciano Darderi.
Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Inter Miami since retiring from international duty, providing an assist in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. The match saw Miami take the lead twice through Casemiro and Luis Suarez, but Atlanta equalised both times, with Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo scoring. Messi, who is currently the joint top scorer in MLS, played despite recent personal loss.
Badminton legend Saina Nehwal has expressed her openness to entering electoral politics in the future, stating her desire to contribute to India's development and continue serving the nation beyond her sporting career.
American tennis player Iva Jovic defeated her close friend Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in a three-hour, three-set thriller at the U.S. Open. Jovic's victory secured her a spot in the fourth round, marking her best performance at the tournament to date.
Naomi Osaka, the 13th seed, secured a hard-fought victory over Elise Mertens at the US Open, winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to progress to the fourth round. Despite moments of frustration and a medical timeout, the two-time champion showcased her resilience to clinch the win.
Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, defeated Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 in the third round of the U.S. Open, securing her spot in the second week for the fifth consecutive year. Despite some struggles with her serve, Gauff maintained control and delivered 15 winners, showcasing her defensive skills and ability to change pace. She now awaits her next opponent, either Iva Jovic or Alexandra Eala.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally received the Commonwealth Games flag, symbolising the official commencement of preparations for Ahmedabad to host the global sporting event in 2030.
Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia has qualified for the season-ending TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, joining an elite 30-man field. Having previously competed in the event, Bhatia aims to leverage his experience and consistent performance, including a strong showing at the BMW Championship, to challenge top contenders like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy for the FedExCup title and a share of the USD 40 million purse.
France achieved a historic double victory at the World Championships, with Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue winning mixed doubles and Alex Lanier securing the men's singles title. This unprecedented success is attributed to decades of strategic investment in a national badminton system, including national and regional centres, coach education, and a focus on holistic player development, aiming to elevate France among traditional Asian powerhouses in the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.
Eleven-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir, fresh from her success in Greece, met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who pledged full support for her journey to Formula 1. Atiqa, the first Indian supported by F1 Academy, recently swept Round 2.2 of the Champions of the Future Academy championship.
Iga Swiatek secured her spot in the US Open fourth round after a challenging two-set victory over Marie Bouzkova. Despite a difficult season, Swiatek displayed resilience, winning two tie-breaks and setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Zheng Qinwen.
At 22, Ariha Pangambam from Manipur created history by winning the first ever individual gold for India in aerobic gymnastics at the Asian championships.
American tennis star Taylor Fritz was unexpectedly defeated by Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo in a five-set thriller during the third round of the U.S. Open, marking Fritz's earliest exit from his home major in four years. Cerundolo's improved play in the latter sets secured his first-ever spot in the U.S. Open fourth round.
The Global Chess League commenced with defending champions Alpine APL Pipers securing a 10-8 victory over Mumba Masters, spearheaded by Magnus Carlsen.
Manchester City secured a narrow 1-0 victory over promoted Coventry City in the Premier League, maintaining their perfect start to the season despite a significant spending spree. Other matches saw Crystal Palace claim their first win against Fulham, while Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Leeds, Brentford, and Sunderland all played out draws. Several teams, including Coventry and Fulham, remain without points after three games.
China's Zheng Qinwen achieved a remarkable comeback victory against American Madison Keys in the U.S. Open third round, recovering from a 5-0 deficit in the deciding set. This win marks a significant moment for Zheng, who has been battling a chronic right elbow injury and underwent surgery last year, forcing her to go through qualifying.
American 10th seed Amanda Anisimova was defeated by Austrian Anastasia Potapova in the third round of the U.S. Open. Potapova secured a 6-2, 7-5 victory, reaching the fourth round for the first time, while Anisimova struggled with unforced errors and failed to replicate her previous year's success.
Emami Group has officially concluded its role as an investor and manager in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all shares and voting rights back to the club. The group will, however, continue its association with East Bengal FC as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to Indian football. This transition follows a successful period for the club under Emami's ownership, marked by significant victories for both men's and women's teams.
French Formula One driver Pierre Gasly secured his first career pole position at the Italian Grand Prix, driving for Alpine. He upset favourites like George Russell and Max Verstappen with a stunning final lap, marking a significant achievement for both Gasly and his team at the historic Monza circuit.
