Chola Chiefs, already out of playoff contention, defeated defending champions Rajputana Royals 5-3 in the Archery Premier League Season 2. This loss jeopardises the Royals' chances of defending their title, leaving them with eight points and one match remaining. Chiefs' victory was attributed to a tactical change in their shooting order, with archers like Alejandra Usquiano and Rajat Chauhan playing crucial roles.
Indian para-athlete Dharmaraj Solairaj successfully defended his gold medal in the men's T44/T62/T64 long jump combined event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. He set a new Asian record with a jump of 7.15m.
Indonesian tennis star Janice Tjen will return as the top seed to defend her title at the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships 2026, a WTA 250 event. The tournament, India's highest international women's ranking event, will feature players from 22 countries, with Tjen being the first Asian top seed.
Third seed Nitin Kumar Sinha caused a major upset by defeating defending champion and top seed Manish Sureshkumar in a three-set thriller to reach the men's singles final of the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship. Sinha will face Maan Kesharwani in the final. In women's singles, top seed Vaidehee Chaudhari and second seed Shruti Ahlawat will contest the final.
After India's defeat despite scoring 249, Gautam Gambhir says only the openers are permanent in T20 cricket and backs a flexible batting order.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Roston Chase's disciplined bowling spell as a 'game-changing' factor in the second T20I, but stressed the need for India to improve their ability to defend large totals after West Indies successfully chased down 250.
Defending champion Manish Sureshkumar and top seed Vaidehee Chaudhari have advanced to the semi-finals of the 31st Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship in New Delhi. Sureshkumar overcame a 0-3 deficit in the deciding set, while Chaudhari recovered from a second-set collapse. Both will also compete in doubles finals.
Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir managed to secure a draw against Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy Group A opener. Rain and bad light intervened on the final day, preventing Madhya Pradesh from pushing for a victory after J&K were left reeling at 88 for seven chasing 326.
The Eknath Shinde faction on Wednesday defended the Election Commission's decision to recognise it as the real Shiv Sena and allot it the bow-and-arrow symbol in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate N K Kaul argued that no subsequent Shiv Sena constitution was submitted to the EC after 2011 and emphasised the importance of inner-party democracy. The hearing, which also touched upon the timing of the EC's decision and the pendency of disqualification petitions, remained inconclusive and will continue on Thursday.
The Olympic Council of Asia defended the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite accommodation and transport complaints, saying mega multi-sport events always face challenges.
Top defence officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have affirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact aimed at collective security against threats, particularly from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alliance, formed last month, considers an attack on one as an attack on all, and its members met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to defend Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City's manager, has emphatically defended the club's achievements, rejecting any suggestion their titles were tainted by financial-rule breaches and stating the ongoing investigation would not have deterred him from taking the job.
India's men's hockey team successfully defended their Asian Games gold medal by defeating Malaysia 5-1, securing a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India's men's and women's Kabaddi teams successfully defended their gold medals at the Asian Games, both defeating Iran in their respective finals. The men's team secured their ninth gold with a 40-34 victory, while the women's team clinched their fourth gold with a 37-34 win, showcasing strategic play and composure under pressure.
Defending champions India experienced significant organisational issues upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad, with players facing a five-hour delay in hotel room allotment. This caused frustration among players and coaches, though organisers assured the situation was being resolved.
The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.
Defending champions India began their Asian Games campaign with a dominant 13-1 victory over Indonesia in their opening Pool A match. Striker Dilpreet Singh led the charge with four goals, supported by braces from Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh. India's focus remains on securing the gold medal and a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Microsoft has clarified that 80 per cent of its H1-B visa applications in the last fiscal year were for existing employees, not new hires, following its suspension from a US green card programme.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz secured a dominant 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over China's Wu Yibing at the U.S. Open, advancing to the fourth round. This win extends his Grand Slam match-winning streak to 17 and keeps his bid for a third Flushing Meadows title alive. Despite a brief challenge from Wu, Alcaraz reasserted his authority, showcasing his speed and accuracy.
'If you don't know what he said then please don't make your judgment. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know this India will fight and reply.'
Former captain Sourav Ganguly defends veteran pacer Mohammed Shami against claims of neglect by selectors, praising his domestic performances. Ganguly also expresses optimism about Ishan Kishan's potential return to Test cricket, highlighting his strong form in recent domestic finals.
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House, characterising the media access ban as an action against "fake news" rather than an attack on constitutional press freedoms.
The Delhi High Court has asked the makers of the film "Doosra" to respond to Sourav Ganguly's plea regarding the violation of his personality rights. The court also requested a screening of the movie, which was released on Friday, to determine if rights were infringed. Ganguly's legal team claims no license was obtained, while filmmakers argue it's not a biopic and permissions were secured for clips.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly refuted Opposition allegations that the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specific UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was influenced by external pressure. She clarified that the decision was a professional one made by the payment ecosystem, not a government imposition or a tax on consumers, with collected funds distributed among banks and UPI entities to ensure a sustainable digital payments framework.
Babar Azam said Pakistan's sweeping squad changes came as a surprise, defended the team's selection decisions, urged a fearless approach at Edgbaston, while the PCB launched disciplinary inquiry.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko at the U.S. Open, advancing to the third round. The top seed showcased her power and precision, completing the match swiftly and expressing satisfaction with her performance.
Arsenal have officially signed England international Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa on a long-term contract for a reported 55 million, significantly boosting their defensive options ahead of their Premier League title defence.
Real Madrid has defended its players' right to hold differing opinions after Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. obscured a solidarity message for the people of Ceuta on their shirts before a LaLiga match, an act that sparked controversy.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited Lovely Professional University (LPU) after student protests erupted over an alleged rape and vandalism. He stated that police used maximum restraint but would take strict action against those involved in violence. An FIR has been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the rape allegation, while police also facilitated dialogue between students and university authorities to resolve administrative grievances.
Sachin Sarjerao Khilari secured a gold medal with a new Games record in the men's shot put F46 event at the Asian Para Games.
India has secured three medals in the men's singles SL4 badminton competition at the Asian Para Games, with defending champion Suhas LY, Naveen Sivakumar, and Abhijeet Sakhuja advancing to the semifinals. Suhas LY will face Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan, while the other semifinal will be an all-Indian clash between Naveen and Abhijeet.
Star Indian para javelin thrower Sumit Antil successfully defended his gold medal at the Asian Para Games in the men's F42-44/61-64 combined event. India achieved a medal sweep with Mahendra Gurjar winning silver and Sandip Sanjay Sargar securing bronze, showcasing strong performance in para-athletics.
Indian para-athletes Pranav Soorma and Dharamvir secured gold and bronze medals respectively in the men's club throw F51 event at the Asian Para Games. Soorma successfully defended his title with a new Games record, while Dharamvir added to India's medal tally.
Gabriel Magalhaes proved to be Arsenal's standout performer, delivering a decisive goal and a commanding defensive display to secure a crucial 2-0 victory over Everton.
'Being the defending champions certainly gives us confidence, but every Olympiad is a new event and starts from scratch.'
Churchill Brothers SC are set to face Punjab FC in an Indian Super League match in Margao. Churchill Brothers are looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat, with their coach apologising to fans and expecting a strong response. Punjab FC, known for their late goals and defensive organisation, are confident but wary of their opponents.
Asian Games champion Pranavi Urs aims to become the first home player in a decade to win the Women's Indian Open in Gurugram, facing strong competition from defending champion Shannon Tan (winner in 2025) and a host of international and Indian golfers, including past champions Liz Young (2024) and Pornanong Phatlum.
Indian golfer Vani Kapoor has taken a one-shot lead on the penultimate day of the Hero Women's Indian Open, positioning herself to become the first home winner in a decade. She carded a three-under 69, staying ahead of defending champion Shannon Tan and Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum, while other Indian golfers like Pranavi Urs and Tvesa Malik also performed well.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has made history by becoming the first bowler to take multiple four-wicket hauls against India in T20 Internationals, achieving this feat during the second T20I at Christchurch.
Josh Kushner said Thrive Capital misjudged football's political dynamics, would have avoided FIFA's failed $20 billion rights plan, but still supports its aim of broader investment.
