UEFA's member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary managing its tournaments.
Gayakwad said upcoming editions of the WPL will provide more match-time to the players.
FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia showcased his dominance at the National Open Ranking Tournament, reaching the 92kg final without conceding a point. The event faced logistical challenges due to high participation, with weigh-ins delayed and medal rounds postponed.
Harika lost 1-0 to China's Hou Yifan
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is preparing for the Asian Games and World Championships, aiming to reignite her competitive edge after a quiet spell following the Paris Games. She also expressed excitement about shooting's return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.
Titas Sadhu named in India squad for Asian Games, Richa Ghosh returns
Vinesh Phogat's eligibility to compete in the National Open Ranking Tournament is uncertain due to questions about her compliance with WADA's six-month notice rule for returning athletes.
Joshna Chinappa is making a 'mind-boggling' sixth appearance at the Asian Games, having made her debut as a 15-year-old a couple of decades ago in 2002.
In mixed doubles, K Sai Pratheek and Tanisha Crasto prevailed 21-18, 21-14 over Macau's Leong Iok Chong and Weng Chi NG to make a winning start.
The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned Rs 35.46 lakh for overseas training stints for Paralympic medallists Ajeet Singh (javelin) and Pranav Soorma (club throw) to prepare them for the upcoming Asian Para-Games in Japan. Both athletes, part of the TOPS core group, will train in Germany and Czechia respectively, with Pranav also participating in multiple championships.
Srikanth eyes elusive Asian Games medal, hopes to be third time lucky
India's U17 women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup after an initial defeat to Australia. Coach Pamela Conti emphasises the need for a focused and perfect match to compete against the formidable Japanese side.
Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.
A total of 19 teams are participating in men's volleyball at the Hangzhou Games. Japan, China and South Korea are regarded as the three major powerhouses of the competition.
India's hurdlers Jyothi Yarraji and Nithya Ramraj advanced to the women's 100m hurdles final, while ace long jumpers Murali Sreeshankar and Jeswin Aldrin also sailed through.
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who had pulled out of two top events -- FBK Games in the Netherlands and Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland -- due to a muscle strain he sustained last month, has started training but is yet to recover fully.
Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.
Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.
Indian men's team outwitted China 2-1 to reach the final of the bridge competition, assuring the country of at least a silver medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Wednesday.
India's top track and field athletes will compete in Ranchi for a chance to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The event marks the first time the Athletics Federation of India will conduct SRY Gene Tests at the national level to ensure fair competition in the women's category. The meet will also serve as trials for the inaugural Asian U23 Championships.
The women's team of Ankita Bhakat, Simranjeet Kaur and Bhajan Kaur defeated Vietnam to win a bronze at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Friday.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, aiming for gold at the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships.
India's top surfing and stand-up paddling talents will compete in the inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2024, a national championship held in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The event serves as crucial preparation for the Asian Games, with athletes vying for honours across various surfing and SUP categories.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, focusing on self-improvement and rigorous training for upcoming challenges like the Asian Games and World Championships.
There are indications that Shikhar Dhawan may make a comeback as the captain of the India 'B' team at the Asian Games
A new book, "Heroes: The Changemakers of Indian Sports" by journalist-author Thirumoy Banerjee, chronicles the inspiring journeys of 15 Indian athletes, including Manu Bhaker, C A Bhavani Devi, Nikhat Zareen, Aman Kumar Kadyan, and Sumit Antil. It highlights their determination, resilience, and triumphs over setbacks, offering insights into their paths to success and celebrating their unwavering spirit.
India will allow Pakistan athletes and teams to compete in international events hosted in the country, but bilateral sporting ties between the neighbours remain suspended.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's ambitious plan to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity managing the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has been abandoned following widespread opposition, including a boycott threat from UEFA.
OCA might not entertain Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) request for extending the July 15 deadline for providing details of the country's wrestling squad for the Asian Games.
India claimed the team dressage gold in equestrian sport at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Tuesday, breaking a 41-year-old jinx at the continental event.
Kapil Dev has urged patience with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his historic India call-up, while Madan Lal backed the teenage batting sensation to carry his IPL form onto the international stage.
Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut has opened online registrations for its 2026-27 academic session, offering new undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programmes in sports, including direct admission for elite athletes and a 10% reservation for outstanding sportspersons.
The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.
India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.
A few Indian stars will have to go through the disappointment of watching all the action from afar.
Sports Ministry clears participation of Indian men's and women's football teams in Asian Games
Seventeen-year-old Anahat Singh, the youngest Asian to break into the world's top 20 squash rankings, discusses her ambitions to reach the top 10 and her approach to handling expectations and maintaining her game.
The women's football competition at the Asian Games 2023, meanwhile, will kick off on September 21.
India's U-19 boys' table tennis team defeated Hong Kong 3-1 in the Asian Youth Championships quarterfinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal and a direct qualification for the 2027 World Youth Table Tennis Championships. The team will now face top seeds China in the semifinals. In contrast, the Indian U-19 girls' team lost to Hong Kong and will need to qualify through a separate process, while the U-15 teams also faced defeats in their respective quarterfinal matches.
