The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has expressed satisfaction with the extensive renovation and cleaning work at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, addressing previous criticisms regarding hygiene and facilities. Significant improvements have been made, including toilet renovations, deep cleaning, seat replacements, and pest control measures, ensuring the venue is ready for the upcoming World Championships.
Organisers of the upcoming BWF World Championships have undertaken extensive upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, including anti-bird measures, non-toxic gels, and even 'monkey whisperers', to prevent a repeat of the hygiene and disruption issues experienced during the India Open earlier this year.
Young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty is actively working to transform his 'natural laid-back approach' into a more aggressive playing style as he prepares for his World Championship debut, where he faces current world No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China in his opening match.
New Delhi organisers are confident of delivering a 'world-class spectacle' for the upcoming Badminton World Championships, having addressed previous concerns regarding venue cleanliness, air quality, and animal control that marred the India Open earlier this year.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been seeded ninth in women's singles, while the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received the fifth seeding for the upcoming BWF World Championships. India has seeded entries in four out of five categories, including Lakshya Sen and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto. The draw for the championships, set to be held in New Delhi from August 17-23, will take place on Wednesday.
Bodoland FC secured a decisive 3-0 victory against FC1 in a Durand Cup Group F fixture, with goals from Robinson Rendon, Rituraj Mohan, and Aron Thapa.
Organisers of the upcoming Badminton World Championships in New Delhi are employing an unusual method to prevent monkey intrusions: hiring professional mimics to imitate langur calls.
World Boxing has lifted restrictions on Russian boxers, allowing them to compete under their national flag in international events, moving away from the previous neutral status requirement. This decision aligns with a broader trend by the International Olympic Committee to reintegrate Russian athletes into global sports, particularly ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The governing body will, however, monitor their conduct and anti-doping compliance.
The BWF World Championships are returning to India after 17 years, to be held in New Delhi from August 17-23. Tickets, priced from Rs 499 to Rs 5,500, are now on sale through BookMyShow, with various categories and early bird discounts available. Indian stars like Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu, alongside international badminton greats, are set to compete.
Bodoland FC secured a convincing 3-0 victory over FC1 in the Durand Cup, bouncing back from an earlier defeat. Goals from Robinson Rendon, Rituraj Mohan, and Aron Thapa sealed the win, significantly boosting their position in Group F. Separately, Langsning FC staged a comeback to draw 2-2 with Nongkseh SS&CC in the Shillong Derby.
India is set to host 11 international sporting events in the next six months, including the Badminton World Championships. The Sports Ministry has pledged to provide top-notch facilities, addressing previous criticisms of playing conditions, and is actively preparing for future Olympic bids.
Top Indian shuttlers have received a mixed draw for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen getting relatively favourable starts, while Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty faces a formidable opening round against defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China.
The newly-built stadium at Sariahtali in Nalbari district of Assam will host the seventh leg of Indian Athletics Series on June 6.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Peacko', the official mascot, and the championship anthem for the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. India aims to solidify its position as a global sporting destination, with the event featuring top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.
The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.
The Durand Cup football tournament will feature 24 teams, including seven debutants, across five cities from July 25 to August 23. Kolkata remains the primary hub, hosting the final, while Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati will also host matches, bringing together a diverse mix of Indian and overseas teams.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu has hailed India's upcoming hosting of the BWF World Championships as a "landmark moment" for the sport in the country.
India will host the World Championships for the first time since 2009, with the event seen as a key test of the country's ability to deliver large-scale international tournaments as it eyes the 2036 Olympics.
To prevent India Open-like mess, Sports Ministry asks SAI to draw up SOP
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to allow Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games selection trials only in the 50kg category, leading to a potential flashpoint. This decision follows a period of uncertainty regarding her preferred weight division and has sparked controversy within the wrestling community.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday said it has reviewed the facilities at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, which is hosting the $950,000 India Open, and asserted that the venue meets all requirements for staging the World Championships in August.
'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'
Vinesh Phogat was knocked out of the Asian Games selection trials in Delhi on Saturday after losing to Meenakshi Goyat 4-6 in a tense semi-final bout of the women's 53kg event.
Former footballer Aditi Chauhan and ex-hockey captain M M Somaiya will observe Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trial, representing the IOA and Sports Ministry.
Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt once again called out the "unacceptable" and "highly unprofessional" conditions at the ongoing India Open in New Delhi, saying it is "very difficult to see how a World Championship could be held here".
'Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships take place in Delhi.'
Haven't seen anything bad: Srikanth defends India Open playing conditions
He was childlike with a camera in his hands -- not nave, but wonderstruck, as though the world were always on the verge of delivering something unrepeatable. Pulitzer Prize nominee Namas Bhojani recalls his long association with Raghu Rai, the legendary photographer who passed into the ages on Sunday.
As Vijay prepares for his next innings as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he would do well to learn from the life lessons of NTR.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United FC 1-0 in an Indian Super League match, with Robson scoring the decisive goal in the early minutes. The win puts Mohun Bagan at the top of the league table.
'Self-funded is a big one. We don't travel as a team so we don't have a therapist, treatment support or a trainer. A lot of times you're training on your own and it's tough.'
Messi is currently at the Mumbai airport and is expected to leave shortly for the final set of engagements, which includes an appearance at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium for a ticketed event.
'I heard the voice recording, also read the statement, both are contradictory. In voice recording, she appreciated, but what I read was all negative.'
Former champion Lakshya Sen produced a composed and tactical performance to advance to the quarterfinals of the $950,000 India Open Super 750 badminton tournament but Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy bowed out after a spirited show, in New Delhi, on Thursday.
India Open badminton: "Bird droppings" interrupt Prannoy-Loh match, add to organisers' woes
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Kerala Blasters 2-0 in the opening match of the Indian Super League season.
The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour that began in shambolic fashion ended in a blaze of glory as devotional fans joyously gathered to catch a glimpse of a man that does things on the field that are often beyond human comprehension.
Play was briefly interrupted during the women's doubles semifinal of the ongoing India Open Super 750 tournament on Saturday after some "particles from the bird's nest" fell on the court.
