The Indian men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games after a 1-3 defeat to China in the semifinals. Despite a strong performance from Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who won their doubles match, singles players Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty were unable to overcome their higher-ranked Chinese opponents. This marks India's first back-to-back Asian Games team medals in 40 years.
Harmanpreet Kaur ended her India captaincy after a historic nine-year tenure, highlighted by the 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, two Asian Games gold medals and record 155 T20I appearances.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in the FIH World Cup, marking their first win of the tournament. Multiple players scored for India, achieving their biggest World Cup win, and setting them up for their next match against England.
Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India's organised defence and counter-attacking efforts despite Brazil's 4-0 victory in a friendly match. Ancelotti noted the game became easier for Brazil after their first goal and highlighted the match as a test for younger players in Brazil's rebuilding phase. India's coach Khalid Jamil defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and stressed the importance of high-level matches for the Indian team.
After India's defeat despite scoring 249, Gautam Gambhir says only the openers are permanent in T20 cricket and backs a flexible batting order.
Praveen Kumar secured a gold medal with a Games record in the men's high jump T44/64 at the Asian Para Games, while Banti added a silver.
The women's hockey final at the Asian Games between India and China was delayed by 45 minutes due to a traffic snarl. India is competing for a historic gold medal, which would also secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to end a 44-year wait since their last victory in 1982.
Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched the Bhaichung Bhutia Football School (BBFS) in Indore, marking its first centre in Madhya Pradesh. The academy aims to provide world-class training to local talent, addressing challenges in Indian football development, such as providing proper platforms and fostering a football culture, especially among the youth.
Smriti Mandhana takes over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy emphasised the critical importance of winning both powerplays (batting and bowling) to defeat India in the ongoing T20I series. He highlighted the team's struggle to contain India in the initial overs while bowling and stressed the need for improvement. Sammy also defended all-rounder Roston Chase, praising his discipline and tactical understanding amidst criticism of his selection.
Indian archers returned from the Asian Games with a historic haul of 5 gold medals, 2 Olympic quotas, and other medals, celebrating their success and triumphs over global powerhouse South Korea. Coaches and athletes expressed elation, crediting rigorous training, teamwork, and a supportive ecosystem for their unprecedented performance.
Khalid Jamil, head coach of the Indian football team, expressed optimism despite a 4-0 defeat against five-time world champions Brazil. He highlighted the high quality of the Brazilian team and the learning experience for India, emphasizing the need for more high-profile matches to improve. Jamil also defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and looked forward to the upcoming match against Uruguay.
Joe Root's unbeaten 99 not out guided England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff, levelling the series 1-1. Despite falling one run short of a century, Root's selfless approach, prioritising the team's win over his personal milestone, earned widespread praise.
New head coach Zaheer Khan's biggest challenge at CSK will be to decide on the future of talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who incidentally recommended him for the top post.
Hockey India has announced significant cash awards for the national women's team and support staff following their historic gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan. The team defeated defending champions China 1-0, securing India's first women's hockey gold at the event in 44 years, with Lalremsiami scoring the winning goal.
Brazil's star centre-back Marquinhos discusses the significance of their FIFA international friendly against India in Kolkata. He views the match as a "golden opportunity" for the Selecao to gain experience and kickstart a new cycle after their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Marquinhos acknowledges India's strong fan base for Brazil and emphasises the team's commitment to every game, regardless of its "friendly" status, as they focus on rebuilding confidence and winning.
India's vice-captain Tilak Varma emphasised the need for an aggressive, wicket-taking approach against the West Indies' powerful batting lineup in the upcoming fourth T20I. With India leading 2-1, Varma highlighted the visitors' deep hitting prowess and the team's adjusted strategy after a defensive lapse in the second match. He also discussed his adaptable batting role and the team's approach to the re-laid pitch in Hyderabad.
Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Mizoram's first female Olympian and Asian Games medallist, is now India's offensive lynchpin, aiming for a first Asian Games hockey gold since 1982, after overcoming initial family resistance and training on dirt pitches.
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India's defensive organisation and counter-attacking efforts despite his team's 4-0 victory in a friendly match in Kolkata. Ancelotti highlighted India's ability to create difficult moments for Brazil and used the match as an opportunity to assess young Brazilian talent, expressing satisfaction with their performance during the international window.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed respect for the Indian team ahead of their match in Kolkata, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad rather than a test. He discussed the challenges of managing a national team, the importance of commitment and joy in football, and the ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including significant squad changes and the blend of youth and experience. Ancelotti also reflected on Brazil's recent World Cup disappointment and the evolving nature of football.
India's women's hockey team is set to face defending champions China in the Asian Games final, aiming to secure their first gold medal in 44 years and a direct qualification for the LA Olympics. The team, buoyed by recent successes like the FIH Nations Cup win and a strong World Cup performance, is confident but acknowledges China's strength. Both teams had unbeaten runs to the final, setting up a high-stakes clash.
Indian para track and field athletes delivered a spectacular performance at the Asian Para Games, securing 22 medals, including five gold, on Wednesday. Sprinter Simran Sharma was a standout, clinching her second gold medal in the women's 100m T12 event, making her only the fourth Indian to win two golds in the same edition. Other gold medallists included Dilip Gavit, Praveen Kumar, Ayush Verma, and Sachin Khilari, contributing to India's total of 42 para-athletics medals.
India's team management is considering pairing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with Abhishek Sharma for the second T20I against West Indies due to Sanju Samson's poor form. While the middle-order has performed well, Samson's consistent low scores are a concern. The article also discusses potential changes in the pace bowling combination and the West Indies' need for a higher total.
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.
The Sports Ministry conducted a review of India's Asian Games performance, scrutinising the lower-than-expected medal haul in athletics and badminton. Chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting addressed issues like injured athletes and future planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a strong emphasis on federations delivering results and nurturing young talent.
Rest of India defeated Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs to win the Irani Cup, providing a perfect birthday gift for Captain Rishabh Pant. Despite Pant being sidelined with fever, the team's pacers, led by Mukesh Kumar, secured a sensational victory by adjusting their bowling strategy in the second innings. Young batter Ravichandran Smaran also played a crucial role with a superb century.
Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton revealed that the tough semifinal victory against Pakistan was crucial in preparing the team for their dominant 5-1 win over Malaysia in the Asian Games final. This victory secured India's gold medal and a direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Senior player Hardik Singh also expressed relief and pride in the team's performance after a disappointing World Cup.
Indian para-archers Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar secured a gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the Asian Para Games.
India's men's and women's kabaddi teams marched into the Asian Games finals with comfortable semifinal wins over Thailand and Nepal respectively on Friday, keeping their hopes of defending their gold medals alive.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner discussed India's young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of the five-match T20 International series.
New Zealand has announced the return of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert to their One-Day International squad for the upcoming home series against India, with coach Rob Walter emphasising the importance of these matches for World Cup preparations.
Brazil, with eight changes to their starting line-up, defeated India 4-0 in a football friendly, with Samuel Lino scoring a brace and Estevao and Pedro also finding the net.
The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated South Korea 2-0 to qualify for the Asian Games final, ending a 44-year wait for a potential gold medal. Goals from Ishika Chaudhary and Salima Tete secured the victory, setting up a clash with defending champions China in the final.
'There is more trust in Shivam Dube because he has done it for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled well for SRH, but so far for India in T20Is, unfortunately, he hasn't played that role yet.'
India U-19 cricket team defeated Australia by 10 wickets on day three of the second Youth Test in Ahmedabad, securing a 2-0 series victory. Left-arm spinner Tanmay Baloda was the star performer, taking an impressive 14 wickets in the match, including 8/41 in the second innings. Australia were bowled out for 151, setting India a target of just 11 runs, which they chased down quickly.
Six Games, Big Impact: Naman Dhir Catches India's Eye.
'Bhuvi should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball.'
Abhishek Sharma's 61 and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 powered India to 211/6 before Hasan Nawaz's 96 fell short as Pakistan lost by 19 runs.
Pranavi Sharath Urs delivered an exceptional 7-under 63 at the Asian Games golf competition, placing her in sole second position individually and elevating the Indian women's team to bronze medal contention. Her performance, marked by clean ball-striking and aggressive play, has created significant momentum for India's medal aspirations in both individual and team events.
