India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.
France achieved a historic double victory at the World Championships, with Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue winning mixed doubles and Alex Lanier securing the men's singles title. This unprecedented success is attributed to decades of strategic investment in a national badminton system, including national and regional centres, coach education, and a focus on holistic player development, aiming to elevate France among traditional Asian powerhouses in the sport.
The Indian men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is determined to end a 51-year World Cup drought, beginning their campaign against Wales with genuine optimism following recent Olympic bronze medals and an Asia Cup title.
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has voiced significant reservations regarding a proposal by World Chess and FIDE to convert online rapid and blitz ratings into official FIDE ratings. He highlights fundamental integrity issues, such as mouse slips and the lack of physical supervision in home-based online play, making it difficult to ensure fair play. Erigaisi also commented on World Champion D Gukesh's recent form and dismissed the idea that AI diminishes creativity in chess.
India's race walk coach Ronald Weigel has urged national selectors to consider the extremely humid conditions during the National Inter-State Championships when picking the team for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlighted how tough weather significantly slows down endurance athletes and suggested holding future selection events in more favourable conditions like Bengaluru.
Brandon Nakashima delivered a stunning upset at the Cincinnati Open, defeating fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-1 in the third round, saving three match points in a remarkable comeback.
The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament commenced in New Delhi, featuring a junior girls' match where Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh 2-0. The opening ceremony included vibrant performances and an address by Air Marshal S Sivakumar, highlighting the tournament's role in promoting young talent.
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu shared her emotional journey with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal. She revealed the struggles of the past four years, including injuries, family problems, and the heartbreak of narrowly missing a Paris Olympics medal, which led to her tears on the podium.
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu shared her emotional journey with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal. She revealed the struggles of the past four years, including injuries, family problems, and the heartbreak of narrowly missing a Paris Olympics medal, which led to her tears on the podium.
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule defended Kuldeep Yadav's performance in the first Test, stating he remains in the team's plans despite a modest outing.
Defending champion Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima have advanced to the Canadian Open final in Montreal, setting up an all-American clash.
Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.
India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Prasidh Krishna is likely to share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming first Test against Sri Lanka.
Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima have both secured their spots in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals, setting up an all-American showdown.
Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) if she is not provided a 'factual explanation' for her omission from the Asian Games squad.
Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek advanced to the Cincinnati Open women's semi-finals, with Pegula overcoming Amanda Anisimova in a tough three-setter and Swiatek progressing after Elena Rybakina retired due to injury. In the men's draw, Flavio Cobolli reached his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, defeating Tommy Paul, and will face Arthur Fils.
A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.
Chou Tien Chen, at 36, continues to achieve success in badminton, defying age and a recent colorectal cancer diagnosis. His physiotherapist attributes his longevity to a "miracle," while Chou himself credits his faith and enjoyment of the game. He recently secured another medal at the World Championships, preparing to face Japan's Kodai Naraoka.
'All the young players might want to play the shorter format, but India should be looking to preserve him for the Test format.'
A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain.
Kalyani Priyadarshan has the kind of wardrobe that makes the word 'princess' feel less like a compliment and more like a fact.
Canadian badminton player Victor Lai, currently world No. 7, expresses his ambition to become world No. 1. He acknowledges the challenge from established stars and welcomes the rise of a new generation of young shuttlers. Lai highlights his recent Super 1000 title win and his breakthrough at the India Open as crucial steps in his mental and professional growth.
India captain Shubman Gill has publicly supported Devdutt Padikkal amidst discussions about the team's number three batting position, emphasising the need for young players to develop. Gill also addressed the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, viewing it as an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and create pressure, especially on subcontinent pitches. He also praised Galle as a picturesque and historic venue for the upcoming 50th Test match.
Matthew Hayden cautions young cricketers against blindly copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting style, backs Shubman Gill's consistency, and raises concerns over the future of bilateral ODI cricket amid the franchise boom.
Tim Seifert's explosive half-century and 'Player of the Match' performance, alongside his 'Player of the Tournament' award, propelled Manchester Super Giants to their first Men's Hundred title, defeating Trent Rockets by five wickets in a thrilling final at Lord's.
Karnataka's G Sindhushree, an unheralded pole vaulter, achieved a new national record of 4.25m at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. This performance not only secured her a gold medal but also a spot in the Asian Games. Overcoming personal hardships, Sindhushree dedicated her achievement to her late father. The event also saw other athletes like Animesh Kujur, Harshita Bhadra, Manpreet Kaur, Gowthami Jayaraman, Mohammed Afsal, and N Thowfeeq qualify for the Asian Games in various disciplines.
India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.
India faced a 2-4 defeat against England in their second Pool D match of the men's Hockey World Cup. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, India conceded three goals in the second half. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a win or draw against Pakistan in their next match to qualify for the second round.
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, dismisses criticism over recent poor results, stating his sole focus is on winning trophies for the country.
Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have strongly criticised the International Cricket Council's decision to implement significant structural changes to the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format, stating it 'risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket'.
Meerut Mavericks fast bowler Kartik Tyagi has lauded captain Rinku Singh, stating that the left-hander is 'almost in the Top 5 batters' globally for his ability to dominate pressure situations in the death overs.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is at a critical juncture in his Test career, with his performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka series crucial for his future, especially given his struggles against spin and the presence of Sarfaraz Khan.
For Ukrainian shuttlers Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr, competing at the ongoing World Championships in New Delhi is a way to showcase the resilience of a country battling the invasion by Russia.
From being the adorable little Ruhi of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein to fearlessly taking on stunts on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Ruhaanika Dhawan has officially entered her chota packet, bada dhamaka era.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes K L Rahul performs best when not burdened by captaincy.
Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal, after scoring a magnificent maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle, discussed the "slowish" nature of the wicket. He noted that the pitch aided left-handed batters against left-arm spinners and started turning significantly after the third day, contributing to India's 165-run victory.
Indian archer Sahil Jadhav, preparing for the Asian Games, has found valuable insights into managing pressure and staying focused from former Australian cricketer Shane Watson's self-help book, 'The Winner's Mindset'.
Digvesh Rathi recreated his viral 'notebook' celebration after dismissing Priyansh Arya in the Delhi Premier League, but the act led to a 30% pre cent match fee penalty and two demerit points for breaching the Code of Conduct. The match saw Outer Delhi Warriors defeat Purani Dilli 6 in a high-scoring encounter, with Rathi being the standout bowler for his team despite the loss.
Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, and Rafael Jodar have all secured their spots in the Canadian Open semi-finals, showcasing strong performances and building momentum ahead of the US Open.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally received the Commonwealth Games flag, symbolising the official commencement of preparations for Ahmedabad to host the global sporting event in 2030.
