AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.
The India Under-17 women's national team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-19 Women's Football Championship 2026.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) disqualified over 500 wrestlers from a U-17 tournament in Gonda due to age fraud, exposed by a new Aadhaar-based verification system. This stringent check revealed significant discrepancies between birth certificates and Aadhaar records, with WFI vowing to continue this crackdown to ensure fair play in age-group competitions.
India's U-17 women's team secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Bangladesh in the final, avenging an earlier defeat.
Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.
India is assured of eight medals at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China, with several players reaching the semifinals across different categories.
Aryaveer Dewan leads a strong Indian contingent into the finals of the Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China, with Shiven Agarwal, Anika Dubey, and Amarya Bajaj also competing for titles in their respective categories.
It is only the second time a tournament run by world football's governing body FIFA has featured as many as 48 teams.
Aryaveer Dewan emerged as the Asian boys' U-19 champion at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China, marking him as the fourth Indian to achieve this feat.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.
Aryaveer Dewan will lead India's challenge at the Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Panzhihua, China, with a 32-member contingent aiming to surpass their previous medal haul.
India's U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.
The group winners will qualify for the 12-team final tournament in China next year.
India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Each team will play six matches, and the one with the most points will be crowned champion.
"Excited to bring world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences": Zee CEO Punit Goenka after securing FIFA broadcasting rights till 2034
Indian boxers have secured 27 medals at the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships in Tashkent, with the U-15 girls securing 14 medals and the U-15 boys confirming 13 medals.
India's U-15 girls delivered commanding performances in the semifinals at the Asian Boxing U15 and U17 Championships, with nine boxers advancing to the finals across weight categories.
Syndrela Das won the U-19 singles title after securing the Under-17 singles crown at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships. Karnataka's Tanishka Kalbhairav and Himanshi Chowdhary won the U-19 doubles title, while West Bengal's Ankolika Chakraborty and Ahona Ray won the U-17 title.
'It is a matter of great pride for India to be among the hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, and I am particularly pleased to see Ahmedabad take centre stage.
The India U17 men's national team sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the SAFF U17 Championship 2025
India crowned champions despite loss to Bangladesh in SAFF U-17 Women C'ships
India's Greco-Roman wrestlers had a successful start at the U23 Asian Championships, securing five medals, including two silver and three bronze, on the opening day of the competition.
'Dreams in motion. I am now part of Everton FC's team! Alhamdulillah.'
Second-half surge against Nepal puts India in SAFF U17 final
The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.
Anika Dubey from Pune, Akanksha Gupta from Thane, and Vasundhara Nangare from Kalamb -- three girls from different corners of Maharashtra have cleared the SRFI Selection Round for the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships to be held in China.
The India U-17 men's national team began their SAFF U17 Championship title defence in an emphatic fashion, cruising to a 6-0 victory over Maldives in their opening Group B match in Colombo on Tuesday.
In Colombo on Monday, the India-Pakistan rivalry spilled onto the football field as the SAFF U-17 Championship delivered a five-goal thriller.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a multi-year partnership with Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) to strengthen U16 football in India, focusing on grassroots development and a cohesive pathway for young players.
The second half followed a similar rhythm with India dictating possession and Bangladesh defending deep. Although chances were rare, India never looked in danger.
FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.
Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.
Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Despite suffering their first defeat in the qualifiers, India are still in contention. The meet group leaders Iran in a do-or-die match on Sunday. Victory in that match will secure India's passage to the AFC Asian Cup for the 10th time in history.
India U20 Women's team must win against Chinese Taipei to keep their hopes alive for reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
India's U20 women's team must defeat Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match to keep their hopes alive of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
