Kerala's Ancy Sojan clinched the women's long jump title at the Indian Athletics Series Final, expressing strong confidence for the upcoming Asian Games where she aims to win gold and experience the national anthem on the podium.
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.
World number four Coco Gauff secured a hard-fought victory against Paula Badosa in the second round of the U.S. Open. Despite Badosa's strong challenge and previous wins against Gauff, the American triumphed in two sets, 6-4, 7-6(5), on a sweltering evening at Arthur Ashe Court, advancing her quest for a second title at Flushing Meadows.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has denied sanctioning an emergent Executive Committee Meeting called by secretary Bhola Nath Singh, intensifying an internal power struggle. The dispute stems from a jersey colour change controversy and the secretary's attempt to address various issues, including the Hockey India League's future and upcoming elections, which Tirkey claims is beyond his authority to convene.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.
Vantara, a Reliance-backed animal rescue centre, has announced its compliance with a High-Powered Committee order for elephant Madhuri's return to Kolhapur. Despite her chronic health conditions requiring ongoing veterinary care, Vantara will continue to monitor her health and assist with necessary arrangements, ensuring her welfare remains a priority under strict conditions set by the HPC.
Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore has formally objected to the use of a song dedicated to Maharana Pratap in "Mirzapur The Movie", demanding its removal from the Central Board of Film Certification. Rathore argues that using the historical song in a scene with criminal characters disrespects Maharana Pratap and hurts public sentiments. The song's composer, Rapperiya Balam, also claims it was used without his permission and that its placement glorifies villains, insulting Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap.
Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her disbelief and happiness after surpassing legendary batter Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in Women's Internationals, a feat she 'never imagined' achieving.
Mondays set the tone not only for the week ahead but also for the culture employees experience every day.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and actor-racer Ajith Kumar, known as 'Thalapathy' and 'Thala' respectively, shared a warm, lingering hug at the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK.
Independents have secured nearly two-thirds of urban wards in Bharatpur and Deeg districts, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's home turf, significantly outperforming the BJP and Congress in local body elections. This unexpected surge sets the stage for a political battle as both major parties vie for the support of these Independent councillors to form civic boards.
Lamine Yamal has made Champions League glory his primary target, aiming to help Barcelona end their 11-year European drought while embracing greater leadership responsibility.
Kavya Kalyanram has the kind of energy that makes you want to be her friend within five minutes of meeting her.
Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the China Masters Super 750 title, overcoming a strong Chinese pair in a thrilling comeback. This victory, their second of the 2026 season, provides a significant confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games, where they plan to play "all guns blazing." The duo attributed their success to a "mindfully aggressive" strategy and improved service.
'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'
Former India international and coach Soumyadeep Roy is set to join the national table tennis squad for the upcoming Asian Games as a personal coach, five years after being embroiled in a match-fixing controversy at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite the past issues and the suspension of the TTFI, Roy aims to guide his players and contribute to India's medal prospects.
Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has offered his perspective on the upcoming World Chess Championship, where D Gukesh will face Javokhir Sindarov. Carlsen believes Gukesh should view the challenge as an opportunity to gain rather than a burden to defend, despite considering Sindarov the favourite. He also shared insights into the psychological aspects of the game and his personal preference for rapid chess over classical formats.
'He is celebrated more for his melancholic songs although he sang an equal number of happy songs.'
'It's in the magic realism/supernatural space and I'm very excited about it.'
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third successive US Open title with a dominant win against Colombia's Camila Osorio.
'The money I owed was all mine. I didn't borrow it from anyone. I didn't owe anyone anything. I just had to sell my own assets and pay back.'
'Uttam Kumar is someone who, even after 100 years, is so relevant. He's one of the biggest icons, the biggest superstar, the Mahanayak.'
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was acquitted after prosecutors dropped sex-video sharing charges, while three former youth players received suspended sentences and the club opened disciplinary proceedings.
Ukrainian tennis players Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina both secured dominant victories in their opening matches at the U.S. Open, with Kostyuk defeating Storm Hunter and Svitolina overcoming Solana Sierra.
Dolly Parton, who passed away at 80, expressed a unique final wish to be laid to rest in a 'beautiful bed of plush cotton.'
Indian cricket stars Shubman Gill and Sachin Tendulkar shared heartwarming messages and posts on Raksha Bandhan, celebrating their sibling bonds. Gill's sister, Shahneel, posted a playful message, while Tendulkar shared a heartfelt tribute to his sister.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen made a stunning comeback from Achilles surgery to win the men's 5,000 metres at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, securing a $150,000 prize. Fellow star Mondo Duplantis also claimed a pole vault title, narrowly missing a world record. The new championship format aims to attract new fans with its high-stakes fields and glitzy production.
Ishan Kishan discusses how taking on the captaincy for Jharkhand in 2024, following the loss of his BCCI central contract, significantly contributed to his personal and cricketing development. He highlights the increased responsibility, situational awareness, and focus on team goals that leadership instilled in him, exemplified by his recent double century for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.
China's Zheng Qinwen achieved a remarkable comeback victory against American Madison Keys in the U.S. Open third round, recovering from a 5-0 deficit in the deciding set. This win marks a significant moment for Zheng, who has been battling a chronic right elbow injury and underwent surgery last year, forcing her to go through qualifying.
'Kunal is usually the funniest person in the room, that too from both sides of our family.'
Music Producer Finneas O'Connell, Billie Eilish's brother, has married actress and YouTuber Claudia Sulewski in Montecito, California, with Billie Eilish officiating the ceremony.
Real Madrid's flawless start to the LaLiga season concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Real Betis. Substitute Troy Parrott scored the decisive goal, and goalkeeper Alvaro Valles saved a late penalty from Kylian Mbappe, securing a significant victory for Betis. Madrid manager Jose Mourinho expressed pride in his team's performance despite the loss.
Alexander Zverev, the top seed, endured another gruelling five-set match at the US Open, defeating Frenchman Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 to reach the third round, despite admitting his performance was "quite shit".
India opener Shafali Verma acknowledged the team's batting unit needs to address its shortcomings on turning pitches, despite securing a 94-run victory against Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener. Verma, who scored a brisk 64, noted that while the new ball came on well, the older ball gripped and turned, causing difficulties for the middle order. She emphasised the need for adaptation and praised Thailand's improving performance.
India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in an inconsequential Women's Asia Cup T20 match.
Tanya Chaudhary broke the women's hammer throw national record with a distance of 68.35m at the Indian Athletics Series Final. Avinash Sable also made a strong return to the 3000m steeplechase, winning his first race in over a year. The event served as a crucial tune-up for Indian athletes heading to the Asian Games, with several other notable performances including wins by Harita Bhadra, Animesh Kujur, Rohit Yadav, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor.
Suresh Raina backed the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play Test cricket in the future but is not sure if his coaches or IPL team owners want him to pursue red-ball cricket at this stage of his career.
Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, the BCCI, and former cricketer Irfan Pathan led tributes on India's 80th Independence Day, honouring freedom fighters and extending greetings to all Indians.
BSP chief Mayawati has announced that her nephew Akash Anand has been "completely freed" from the party, following his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth's retirement from politics. Mayawati questioned Anand's commitment, suggesting his personal and family interests outweighed the party's, especially after his failure to repost her X post regarding Siddharth's retirement. This decision comes as the BSP prepares for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
