Magnus Carlsen has won the first FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship, defeating Fabiano Caruana in the final match held in Germany.
Indian athletes won two bronze medals and four advanced to the finals at the 10th World Wushu Championship.
'In terms of format, there are constant shifts which is happening. I am not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing, but as a player, I think it is sometimes difficult to adjust to each format.'
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.
'In general, I needed a short break from sports because I had worked extremely hard for the Paralympics. I was happy with my performance, but not winning a medal left me a little disappointed. I channelled my energy into other things... overall, the past year has been wonderful in its own way.'
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".
Esha's effort came as India wrapped up engagements in the 10-Olympic events on schedule at the World Championships, with a historic haul of one gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
Mirabai Chanu (48kg) clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in the 48kg category in Forde, Norway.
Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov has won the Candidates Chess Tournament, earning the right to challenge India's D Gukesh for the World Chess Championship title in 2026.
Indian boxer Vishvanath Suresh defeated world champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay at the Asian Boxing Championships, while Ankushita Boro also advanced to the semi-finals.
Mixing strong defence with measured attack, young wrestler Antim Panghal won her second World Championship medal with a dominating 9-1 victory over U-23 World Champion Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren in the bronze play-off in Zagreb on Thursday, ensuring that the Indian contingent won't return empty-handed from the Croatian capital.
Nandini Agasara had received a provisional berth for the World Championships in Tokyo in September by virtue of winning the heptathlete gold medal at the Asian Championships.
Neeraj Chopra is set to face Nadeem for the first time after the 2024 Paris Olympics, giving him a chance to avenge his second-place finish in the French capital.
National record holder 100m hurdler Jyothi Yarraji has suffered a knee injury during training in a big blow to her World Championships hopes.
Football superstar Erling Haaland has invested in Norway Chess and its Total Chess World Championship Tour, citing similarities between chess and football strategy.
Rory McIlroy, the five-time Major winner, will participate in the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club for the second year running. Tommy Fleetwood has also confirmed his participation.
Indian wrestlers showcased their talent at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships, securing multiple medals across various weight categories in both men's and women's freestyle events.
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.
Indian women boxers dominated the Asian Boxing Championships, securing four gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. Minakshi Hooda, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, and Arundhati Choudhary all won gold in their respective weight categories.
The ICC is considering expanding the World Test Championship to include Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland, with a proposal to be presented to the Board of Directors.
India's Ayush Shetty defeated world number four Jonathan Christie to reach the men's singles semifinals of the Badminton Asia Championships.
In the men's 800m freestyle, Aryan Nehra finished 23rd, with an under par time of 8:21.30s to bring the curtains down on his campaign. Only the top eight progressed to the final.
India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships for the first time in 2028 in Bhubaneswar. The decision was made at the World Athletics Council meeting in Torun, Poland.
India's Ayush Shetty defeated world number 7 Lin Shi Feng of China in straight games at the Badminton Asia Championships, advancing to the second round.
India has been awarded the rights to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar in 2028, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Priyanka Goswami led the Indian women's marathon team to a fifth-place finish at the World Athletics Race Walking Championships. In the men's event, India did not figure in the team rankings due to fielding only two competitors.
Indian women wrestlers Hansika Lamba and Neha won bronze medals, while Meenakshi Goyat advanced to the final at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships.
The Indian Wushu team achieved a historic performance at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championship, securing nine medals, including three gold, two silver, and four bronze.
Odisha, India, will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the state and the nation in becoming a global sporting hub.
Top Indian athletes, including Animesh Kujur and Praveen Chithravel, are set to compete in the inaugural National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar, viewing it as crucial preparation for the Asian Games.
Indian women boxers dominated the Asian Boxing Championships, securing four gold medals and topping the medal tally. Minakshi Hooda, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, and Arundhati Choudhary all won their respective finals. The team's success also secured Commonwealth and Asian Games spots for several boxers.
Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old Naik Subedar in the Indian Army, achieved the biggest success in his shooting career by winning gold in the men's 50m pistol, a non-Olympic discipline.
Young Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty discusses his experience at the Badminton Asia Championships, his loss in the final, and his plans for future improvement.
India's boxing team had a successful Asian Boxing Championships campaign, highlighted by Vishvanath Suresh's gold medal in the men's 50kg category and a strong showing from the women's team.
Grandmaster R Vaishali emerged victorious at the Women's Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship title.
A 12-member Indian squad, led by Ram Baboo and Manju Rani, will compete in the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Brasilia, Brazil.
Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year.
Indian shooters are set to compete in the Rifle/Pistol World Cup in Granada, Spain, facing a strong international field in both 10m air rifle and air pistol events. The competition serves as a crucial assessment opportunity ahead of the Asian Games and the World Championships, where Olympic quotas will be awarded.
Sheetal Devi, the armless archer from India, has been named 'Para Archer of the Year 2025' by World Archery, recognising her outstanding achievements, including a world championship title.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances