World champion D Gukesh is 'crumbling under the weight of expectations' and needs to 'shut out the noise' to regain his form ahead of his title defence, said American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Nakamura also revealed that the 2028 Chess Olympiad could potentially be his last tournament featuring 'true classical' chess.
Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.
India commenced its campaign at the Asian Relay Championships in Shaoxing, China, by securing two medals on the opening day. The mixed 4x100m team earned a bronze, while the mixed 4x400m team clinched a silver medal, showcasing a strong performance by Indian athletes.
India's Harjinder Kaur won a silver medal in the women's 69kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games, setting new Games records in both snatch and clean and jerk. Her performance contributed to India's growing medal tally in weightlifting, despite Canada's Charlotte Simoneau taking gold with an even more dominant display.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa suffered a defeat against Germany's Vincent Keymer in the Sinquefield Cup, part of the Grand Chess Tour, causing him to slip to joint fourth spot. Meanwhile, Wesley So of the United States emerged as the sole leader after a significant victory over Fabiano Caruana.
The Asian Junior Chess Championships will host 157 players from 10 countries in Mumbai from August 16-26. The tournament, featuring Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats, offers Grandmaster and International Master norms to winners and showcases top U20 talent, including leading Indian and international players.
Indian squash player Sanya Vats secured a runner-up finish at the Ballarat Open squash tournament in Victoria, Australia, losing to local favourite Sarah Cardwell in the women's final.
Shillong Lajong FC secured their place in the Durand Cup quarter-finals by topping Group E after a 3-3 draw with Langsning FC, while East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC also advanced as the best second-placed teams.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in a difficult situation regarding India's participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and a proposed friendly against Brazil, as both events clash on October 3. FIFA regulations prohibit fielding an understrength team in a sanctioned competition, forcing the AIFF to seek clarification from FIFA on its plan for separate squads.
India's compound archers, under new coach Dave Cousins, have shown a significant turnaround at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. The women's team has advanced to the gold medal match, while the men's team narrowly missed out on a bronze. This performance marks a strong return to form after a challenging season.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'terahvin' rituals of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Dignitaries paid their respects to the Padma Shri recipient, who passed away on June 11 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a celebrated pistol shooter and coach, was instrumental in guiding Manu Bhaker to Olympic success.
Sharmila Dhankar, overcoming polio and an abusive marriage, made history by winning India's first para-athletics gold medal in 20 years at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her compatriot Shilpa Shyla also secured a bronze after a protest. Dhankar's inspiring journey from Haryana to international success, supported by her family and second husband, highlights her remarkable resilience and dedication to para-athletics.
India's Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a crucial victory against Dutchman Jorden Van Foreest in the fourth round of the Sinquefield Cup.
India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October. This decision, confirmed by AIFF, means India will miss facing Southeast Asian teams in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, opting instead for a more challenging opponent to improve its international standing.
Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has advised the current national team to manage World Cup pressure by trusting their preparation and enjoying the occasion. He expressed optimism about India's chances, aiming for a top-four finish in the upcoming FIH World Cup.
The Indian junior women's hockey team concluded a seven-match exposure tour of the UK, securing three wins and four losses against various international teams. This tour served as crucial preparation for the upcoming Under-21 Asia Cup in China, providing valuable experience and insights into areas for improvement.
The draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, which mandates penal action against violators and calls for AI-based bone assessments to accurately determine an athlete's age, is set to become a policy soon with the sports ministry planning to send it for cabinet approval next week.
The International Olympic Committee mourns the death of veteran Indian sports administrator Randhir Singh, recognising his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement.
India's Yamini Mourya had to settle for the women's 57kg judo silver medal after a valiant fight against England's vastly experienced Acelya Toprak, ending India's bid for a third gold in the discipline at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday.
Indian para-athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit, fresh off winning the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal in the men's T47 100m with a Games record, dedicated his triumph to his coach Vaijanath Kale on Guru Purnima, crediting him for spotting his talent and transforming his career.
India's Harjinder Kaur won a silver medal in the women's 69kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games, setting new Games records in both snatch and clean and jerk. Her exceptional performance contributed to India's strong showing in weightlifting, which now boasts seven medals. However, fellow Indian debutant Nirupama Devi had a forgettable outing, failing to register a total in the 63kg category.
The controversy within Hockey India over the change in the Indian teams' jersey colour has intensified, with President Dilip Tirkey demanding documents from Director General Commander RK Srivastava. The issue, coupled with unaddressed harassment complaints, has led to the Secretary General seeking an emergency Executive Board meeting, highlighting significant internal strife ahead of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup.
India's top 400m runners, including Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi and Jay Kumar, view the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as a more challenging competition than the Asian Games. They believe the higher standard of competition, especially from Australia and England, will serve as an ideal proving ground to improve their performance and achieve personal bests ahead of the continental showpiece.
India's top 400m runners, including Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi and Jay Kumar, view the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as a more challenging competition than the Asian Games. They believe the higher standard of competition, especially from Australia and England, will serve as an ideal proving ground to improve their performance and achieve personal bests ahead of the continental showpiece.
Indian para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled out of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to a classification issue. His entry, initially accepted, was later rejected by organisers after a validation process by World Para Athletics, citing his R-2025 class status as ineligible for the G2026 competition.
The recent Hockey Jharkhand elections have been embroiled in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation made by former India women's captain Asunta Lakra against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an inquiry panel to investigate these serious claims, while Bhola Nath Singh denies all allegations.
Indian-American golfer Sahith Theegala and Indian-origin player Aaron Rai have both successfully qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs after their performances at the Wyndham Championship. Theegala finished tied 49th, securing his spot at No. 44 in the standings, while Rai finished tied 29th, placing him at No. 35.
The seventh edition of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) tournament is set to begin in Panaji, featuring top Indian and international players. Indian paddlers like Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, and Diya Chitale view the tournament as crucial preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, aiming to build momentum and gain competitive experience. The league also introduces an AI-powered review system.
The second edition of the Coal India Open golf tournament is set to begin in Kolkata, featuring a strong field of leading Indian and international professionals competing for a prize purse of Rs 1 crore. Defending champion Angad Cheema and other notable golfers will participate at the Tollygunge Club.
Indian squash players Om Semwal, Sandhesh Ravikumar, and Rathika Seelan have successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the PSA Singapore Challenger Squash tournament after winning their respective second-round matches.
Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, along with Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, have successfully qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, ensuring a full Indian contingent in the medal round.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured an easy draw against American Samuel Sevian in the first round of the Sinquefield Cup, while top seed Fabiano Caruana emerged as the early leader with a victory over Jorden Van Foreest.
Indian golf veteran Jeev Milkha Singh secured a creditable tied 7th position at the 2026 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in Aberdeen, finishing two-under for the week. South African Darren Fichardt won the tournament, while another Indian golfer, Jyoti Randhawa, missed the cut.
Former India women's hockey team captain Asunta Lakra has challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denied all allegations as 'false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory' and is seeking full disclosure of documents before providing a detailed reply.
Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.
Ashish Yadav secured a silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships, marking India's first medal at the event. His throw of 74.09m placed him second, following South Africa's Jan-Hendrik Heymans who won gold. Yadav is now the second Indian to win silver in this event, after Neeraj Chopra.
Indian bridge players Sagnik Roy and Sayantan Kushari secured a gold medal in the Under-31 Pairs category at the 9th World Youth Transnational Championships held in Hefei, China, outperforming 34 other pairs.
India's recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma lost 3-5 to Italy in the bronze medal match at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid, despite holding a 3-1 lead. This marks a disappointing end for Dhiraj, while Kirti still has a chance for an individual medal.
Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Pa has won the 6th La Plagne Open International Chess Tournament with an unbeaten performance.
Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has won her first BWF World Tour title, defeating China's Han Qian Xi in the women's singles final of the Korea Masters Super 300 tournament.
