A summary of Friday's action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers.
A night before the historic final against South Africa, the Indian women's team captain received a special phone call and it was none other than the history maker himself.
D Gukesh did not last long against Fabiano Caruana in a must-win tie with the American winning in a mere 18 moves.
Monday will be the anniversary of Ferrari's last Formula One victory and Leclerc, who was on provisional pole until Norris put in a storming late lap, said it would mean a lot to win.
The FIDE World Cup will be held at a resort in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025, offering a total prize fund of US$2 million.
Window for fast marathons closing because of climate change, report finds
Hikaru Nakamura stunned world champion D Gukesh as India were whitewashed 0-5 by USA in the first Checkmate, an evening of chess presented as a live arena spectacle in Arlington, USA.
'I'm really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team.'
After winning the ODI World Cup title by beating South Africa in the final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Harmanpreet's advice to budding youngsters is: "Never stop dreaming. You never know where your destiny will take you."
'I'm proud to represent India and Asia at this level'
The teenager, who attempted to break into the Pakistan dressing room balcony after breaching the security barriers at the Gaddafi stadium in a bid to meet with his hero Babar Azam, has been released from custody by the police after a reprimand.
India hosts the event from a position of unprecedented strength with a string of titles under its belt.
From hitting the winning runs against Australia in the semifinal to taking the catch of in-form South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the title clash, Amanjot played her part in India's winning campaign.
India opener Smriti Mandhana said she was still struggling to process the magnitude of her team's achievement, calling it "unreal" after India claimed their maiden Women's World Cup title.
Abhay, 27, a multiple Asian Games medallist, will next play in a PSA Bronze event in New York from October 5.
Rishabh Pant's return to competitive cricket after a three-month injury-enforced hiatus will be the primary focal point of India A's four-day match against South Africa A.
Harmanpreet before WC final: Know how it feels to lose, looking toward to experience winning
Jemimah Rodrigues produced a sensational knock that included 14 fours as India pulled off the biggest successful chase in women's ODI history with nine balls to spare.
Massive chance for series win in India, SA better-placed with spin resources: Bavuma
India's Bhavtegh Singh Gill remained in contention for a finals berth at the ISSF World Championship for Shotgun after completing the second day of men's skeet qualification with a total of 97 hits in Athens on Saturday.
Nepal made history on Saturday, shocking the West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20 International of the three-match series between the countries in Sharjah. It is their first-ever victory over a Full Member across formats.
Mukesh Nelavalli won the men's 25m pistol gold, while Tejaswani Singh clinched silver in the women's category in the same event
'I see an unjust personal attack by some players, probably due to sheer jealousy.'
The Women in Blue did more than just win a trophy -- they proved that hard work, and believing in themselves, can turn failure into success.
All India Police boxer Minakshi pulled off a stunning upset, defeating World champion Nitu Ghanghas of Haryana in the 48kg semi-final of the 8th Elite Women's National Boxing Championship.
Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) and the seasoned Pooja Rani (80kg) signed off with silver and bronze medals respectively in non-Olympic weight categories.
Abhishek Sharma waged a lone battle with an entertaining 68 from 37 balls in the second T20I against Australia at MCG on Friday.
When Kasturi Rajamurty won a gold medal in powerlifting at the WPPL World Cup in Russia, she sure had come a long way. From a life of penury to constantly being short of funds to fuel her passion, she had finally triumphed, and how.
Pat Cummins captured the sentiment perfectly, calling this potentially the 'last chance' for fans Down Under to witness these legends in action. With both stalwarts set to be 39 and 40 respectively by the 2027 World Cup, every appearance carries added significance. Ro-Ko have been the heartbeat of Indian cricket for over 15 years. Their return brings an emotional lift to the team and raises expectations for the series against the world champions.
Norris last led the standings in April, a gap of 189 days, and had not won a race since Hungary in early August. Sunday was his sixth victory of the season, one less than Piastri, and career 10th.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded Velkumar for his efforts.
Rising Indian shuttler Anmol Kharb's impressive run at the Arctic Open Super 500 badminton tournament ended with a straight-game loss to three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in Vantaa, Finland, on Saturday.
With eight points on offer to the winner of Saturday's 100km race, he and Norris -- 22 points behind Piastri -- both have a good chance to reduce the gap to the Australian who was three tenths slower than his teammate.
'It's a dream that I have achieved.'
Mirabai Chanu (48kg) clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in the 48kg category in Forde, Norway.
Japan staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat five-times world champions Brazil 3-2 in a friendly at a sold-out Tokyo Stadium on Tuesday.
Dutchwoman Femke Bol announced on Friday that she is switching from the 400 metres hurdles to the 800m and will start competing in her new event next year.
India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fell agonisingly short of a final berth, going down to Japan's Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi in their men's doubles clash at the Denmark Open Super 750, in Odense, on Saturday.
Nepal's leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was suspended for the second and third T20 internationals against the West Indies, following his withdrawal from the first match just 45 minutes prior to its start, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Piastri now leads Britain's Norris by 14 points with five rounds and two sprints remaining, while Verstappen has slashed his gap to the Australian to 40 after being 104 behind at the end of August.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances