Liverpool have secured Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo from Spanish champions Barcelona on a season-long loan, with an option to buy for approximately 47 million, as the Premier League club seeks to reinforce its injury-plagued defence.
The Duleep Trophy reaches its semifinal stage with defending champions Central Zone and last year's runners-up South Zone receiving direct entry. They will face East Zone and North Zone, respectively, who advanced after winning their quarterfinal matches. The upcoming clashes promise intense competition as teams battle for a spot in the final.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
Hull City marked their Premier League return after nine years with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United, exposing flaws in Michael Carrick's promising side.
Barcelona secured a dominant 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each scoring twice, propelling the Catalan giants to the top of the LaLiga table on goal difference.
The Indian men's hockey team, currently in the Dutch leg of the FIH Pro League, aims to conclude their campaign on a high note against hosts Netherlands. This tournament serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games, with coach Craig Fulton focusing on testing resources and addressing issues like conceding late goals. The team also looks forward to significant matches against England and arch-rivals Pakistan in London.
The FIFA World Cup trophy's gold content has more than doubled in value since 2022, now estimated at USD 713,000, driven by a broader rally in gold prices due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. This makes it the most valuable sporting trophy by melt value, significantly surpassing other major awards like the Champions League and American sports trophies.
A consortium, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has acquired approximately one-third minority stake in Premier League club Liverpool FC, with current owners Fenway Sports Group retaining majority control.
East Bengal secured a historic 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final, with Edmund Lalrindika scoring a sensational hat-trick. This triumph marks East Bengal's 17th Durand Cup title, bringing them level with Mohun Bagan's record in Asia's oldest football competition.
Holders Manchester City will take on RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys in Group G.
Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has declared himself 'absolutely ready' for a potential recall to the Indian team, including for the World Cup, following spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin's endorsement for his return.
Germany's Football Association (DFB) has held initial, constructive discussions with Juergen Klopp in New York regarding him taking over as the national team head coach. Both parties are confident of reaching a deal, pending agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull. Klopp is the DFB's preferred choice to succeed Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's disappointing World Cup exit.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten streak against them in international hockey. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India rallied with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Pakistan mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but India held on for a crucial victory, moving up to seventh in the standings.
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) will be held in Hyderabad from October 8-18, featuring 48 Indian and international archers across six franchises. The tournament aims to bolster India's Olympic medal prospects in archery.
Afghanistan has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland, while the West Indies, ranked 10th, will once again have to navigate qualifiers for the third consecutive edition of the tournament.
The five standout moments that defined the league stages of the Mumbai T20 league.
City fans were in dreamland after their side finally lifted the Champions League trophy
Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.
Angad Cheema shot a seven-under 65 to retain his two-shot lead after the third round of the Telangana Open, moving to 20-under 196. Delhi's Rashid Khan matched Cheema's 65 to stay in second place, while Jairaj Singh Sandhu made a significant climb to third.
The upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Dubai could reignite a controversy for the BCCI regarding the trophy presentation if India reaches the final, as Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the ACC chief, might be on the dais, recalling a similar incident with the men's team last year.
Ruling TVK legislators are advocating for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, a move dismissed by the Congress party which insists on Rahul Gandhi as their choice. This internal conflict within the alliance highlights a growing divide over national political ambitions.
Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat arch-rivals India at the upcoming FIH World Cup, stating that "rankings don't matter" in such high-stakes encounters and performance on the day is key.
Images from UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday.
The following is the draw for the Champions League last 16 which was held in Nyon on Monday:
Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra would hope that his lengthy injury-forced absence from competition does not affect his rhythm when he returns to action against an in-form line-up of heavyweight rivals in the familiar environs of the Doha Diamond League on Friday.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.
Veteran Indian golfer Rashid Khan secured his 15th professional title by winning the Telangana Open, ending a seven-year wait for victory. Khan closed with a five-under 67 to finish at 23-under 265, three strokes ahead of runner-up Honey Baisoya. This win marks his 11th victory on the DP World PGTI and significantly boosts his position on the Order of Merit.
Real Madrid have secured France defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer from Liverpool, signing him until June 2030.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League, with goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes, to avoid becoming the worst side in Premier League history.
Real, chasing a 15th European Cup, levelled in the 83rd with Vinicius's penalty, after Rodrygo was felled by a clumsy challenge from Kim Min-jae, to set up a mouth-watering return leg in Madrid next week.
Pinpoint headed goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson earned Chelsea a 2-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Thursday, dealing a blow to Spurs' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday
Chelsea reached the Champions League quarter-finals as a first-half goal from Raheem Sterling and a controversial penalty by Kai Havertz overturned a first-leg deficit.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite a valid visa, has been appointed to officiate the upcoming UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St Germain and Aston Villa. This appointment follows a cooperation agreement between UEFA and CAF.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's goalkeeper, expresses confidence in his team's ability to surprise Spain in the upcoming World Cup quarter-final. Despite a shaky group stage, Belgium has shown improved form, and Courtois believes they have the qualities to challenge the European champions. He acknowledges Spain's strengths but highlights Belgium's potential for an upset, drawing on his personal experience playing in Spain.
Chris Wood's penalty gives Nottingham Forest a 1-0 edge over Aston Villa in their Europa League semi-final first leg, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Dublin-born defender Roberto Lopes, who represented Cape Verde in a recent tournament, received a hero's welcome upon his return to Dublin. Cape Verde, making their debut, impressed by reaching the knockout stage and narrowly losing to reigning champions Argentina, captivating fans globally. Lopes expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Ireland.
Initially appointed on an interim basis to replace Ruben Amorim, the former United midfielder, Michael Carrick has exceeded expectations and transformed the mood around Old Trafford, with the club's players backing him for the job.
Real Madrid strike late to beat Dortmund and win 15th UEFA Champions League
