During his recent state visit to Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poems were a central feature, with Uzbek university students reciting his works in both Hindi and Uzbek, fostering cultural exchange and drawing enthusiastic responses.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening Pool B match at the Asian Games. Deepika was the star performer, scoring eight goals, as India showcased their superior skill and relentless attack against a struggling Uzbekistan defence.
The ceremonial torch for the Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was handed over by FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand and AICF president Nitin Narang to Uzbek player Javokhir Sindarov. This event marks the official countdown to the prestigious team competition, continuing a tradition started by FIDE in 2022 to build excitement for the global chess event.
Uzbek prodigy Javokhir Sindarov is gearing up for the World Chess Championship against Gukesh Dommaraju, focusing on preparing for Gukesh's strongest form rather than his recent tournament results. Sindarov, who won the Candidates Tournament and World Cup, believes the match will be an engrossing battle and is confident in his preparations, which have delivered a successful season.
Takumi Hojo secured Japan's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoa Asian Games, winning the men's individual triathlon. Hojo, who previously won mixed relay gold, overcame early positions to dominate the run segment, finishing nine seconds ahead of China's Zhang Xirui. His victory has boosted the Japanese team's morale.
Uzbek chess prodigy Javokhir Sindarov, set to challenge D Gukesh for the world crown, reveals he will only begin preparations for the highly anticipated match after competing in the Global Chess League and the Chess Olympiad this month, maintaining focus on immediate tournaments.
The Indian chess team, including defending champions, faced significant delays and were left without hotel rooms for over five hours upon arrival in Samarkand for the 46th Chess Olympiad, prompting captains to voice their frustration on social media.
Defending champions India faced significant organisational issues upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad, experiencing a five-hour delay in hotel room allotment. Players and coaches, including Grandmasters Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi, expressed frustration over the poor arrangements for the prestigious FIDE tournament.
Led by R Praggnanandhaa on the top board and World champion D Gukesh on the fourth, the Indian men scored an emphatic 3-1 victory over Holland but the Indian eves were shocked by Poland in the fifth round of the 46th chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Defending champions India experienced significant organisational issues upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad, with players facing a five-hour delay in hotel room allotment. This caused frustration among players and coaches, though organisers assured the situation was being resolved.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams commence their Asian Games campaign in Japan, with both aiming for a gold medal to secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The men's team seeks to recover from a recent World Cup slump, while the women's team looks to build on their strong World Cup performance, facing significant challenges from opponents like China.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are set to compete at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara, Japan, with the primary goal of winning gold to secure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics. The men's team aims to defend its title and overcome recent World Cup disappointment, while the women's team, buoyed by a strong World Cup performance, seeks only its second Asian Games gold. Both teams face tough competition, with the men needing to prove their dominance against regional rivals and the women confronting a strong Chinese side.
Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers, led by World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, defeated FYERS American Gambits 9-7 in a critical Global Chess League match. Carlsen ended Javokhir Sindarov's winning streak, while Gujrathi secured a marathon victory, propelling Pipers closer to a final berth.
The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.
India has announced its 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Tashkent, with eight players omitted from the initial camp. The team, led by Mahesh Gawali, will compete against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh from August 31 to September 6, aiming for qualification to the main tournament in China in 2027.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has moved into a joint lead with American Wesley So at the Sinquefield Cup after a decisive victory over France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, securing his spot in the Grand Finale.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured an easy draw against American Samuel Sevian in the first round of the Sinquefield Cup, while top seed Fabiano Caruana emerged as the early leader with a victory over Jorden Van Foreest.
Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi discusses D Gukesh's mental strength challenge for his World Championship defence against Javokhir Sindarov, highlighting Gukesh's recent inconsistent form. Vidit also assesses India's strong prospects for the upcoming Chess Olympiad, praising the form of players like Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and Sarin, while cautioning against overconfidence. He also reflects on his Arjuna Award and the need for better organisation in chess formats.
The FIDE World Championship Match 2026 will feature reigning champion Gukesh D and challenger Javokhir Sindarov in Geneva, Switzerland. Both players will be 20, making it the youngest World Championship contest in history and signalling a generational shift in chess. The match will consist of 14 classical games, with tie-breaks if needed.
World champion D Gukesh is 'crumbling under the weight of expectations' and needs to 'shut out the noise' to regain his form ahead of his title defence, said American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Nakamura also revealed that the 2028 Chess Olympiad could potentially be his last tournament featuring 'true classical' chess.
Indian women's football team veteran Grace Dangmei has announced her international retirement following the team's SAFF Championships victory. The 30-year-old forward, who represented India 95 times, concluded her nearly 15-year career with a third SAFF title, having also played for top Indian and Uzbek clubs.
The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a crucial penalty, and Fiston Mayele added another goal to seal their progression. This win marks DR Congo's return to the World Cup knockouts after 52 years, setting up a clash with England.
Kerala Police have registered a murder case concerning the death of a 22-year-old medical student in Uzbekistan, following a complaint from her family. While the crime occurred abroad, authorities in Haripad have initiated proceedings, stating they will pursue the case if Uzbek police do not prosecute the accused. The family alleges the student was tortured and brutally beaten, not just hit on the head, and claims the accused tried to force her religious conversion.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a tied third-place finish at the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour, bouncing back with a strong performance on the final day. France's Firouzja Alireza claimed the top honours after a tie-break, while Praggnanandhaa shared his position with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Compatriot D Gukesh finished sixth.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa is set to compete against Alireza Firouzja of France in the opening round of the Super Chess Classic in Bucharest, marking his first classical event of the year as part of the Grand Chess Tour.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's new book, 'Giorgia's Vision', reveals anecdotes from her 2023 India visit, including the widespread 'Welcome' posters and a joke about her popularity in New Delhi. She also shares insights into her diplomatic approach, emphasising personal connections over rigid formalities, and recounts interactions with various world leaders.
D Gukesh's prolonged form slump might be a talking point in the chess world right now but his World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov sees no obvious weakness in the Indian's game.
Customs officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport seized over 24 kg of suspected marijuana, valued at over Rs 24 crore, in three separate cases involving passengers arriving from Bangkok.
World champion D Gukesh defeated his challenger Javokhir Sindarov in the Super Rapid and Blitz event in Warsaw, signalling his readiness for the upcoming World Championship title defence.
Alireza Firouzja, nursing an ankle injury, played his Grand Chess Tour game from his hotel room, creating a surreal scene that has captured the attention of the chess world.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated 14-year-old boxer Mohammad Yasser from Rajouri on winning a gold medal at the Asian U-15 Boxing Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Vincent Keymer secured the Super Chess Classic title with a victory over Jorden Van Foreest, while R Praggnanandhaa concluded his campaign with a draw against Anish Giri. Keymer's win earned him the top prize and boosted his chances for the Grand Chess Tour finals.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with Deac Bogdan-Daniel, while Alireza Firouzja withdrew from the Super Chess Classic due to injury.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave at the Super Chess Classic, while other matches intensified the title race. Fabiano Caruana and Vincent Keymer drew, and Javokhir Sindarov secured a victory. The final round promises high stakes with multiple players in contention for the title.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated Javokhir Sindarov in the second round of the Super Chess Classics. Other results from the round include victories for Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Vincent Keymer, while Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So drew their respective matches.
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali's loss to China's Jiner Zhu has thrown the FIDE Women's Candidates tournament wide open.
D Gukesh showcased his World Championship preparations by defeating his title challenger, Javokhir Sindarov, and drawing with Wesley So at the Grand Chess Tour's Super Rapid and Blitz event.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa faces challenges at the Candidates chess tournament after a strong start, while Uzbek Javokhir Sindarov emerges as a formidable contender.
Javokhir Sindarov clinched victory in the Candidates Tournament with a round to spare on Tuesday, to set up a World Championship match against India's Gukesh Dommaraju.
India's Prachi Gaikwad won gold in the women's 50m rifle 3-positions at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo. Naraen Pranav added a bronze in the men's 10m air rifle, boosting India's medal tally.
