The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.
Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne indicated that the Indian women's hockey team will likely use the upcoming World Cup as preparation for the more crucial Asian Games, which serves as a direct qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team plans to field a consistent core group for both events, scheduled just 20 days apart. Dutch dragflick specialist Taeke Taekema will join the team for both tournaments, and skipper Salima Tete praised Deepika's strong return from injury, highlighting her importance as a dragflicker.
Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.
Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed strong frustration over India's poor performance at the FIH World Cup, criticising the team's 'underwhelming showing' and demanding accountability. He questioned the 'learning experience' narrative and highlighted issues in both men's and women's team management, urging a focus on winning rather than just playing good hockey.
Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has been appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF). In this role, Paes will work to promote tennis across Asia, mentor young players, support grassroots development, and represent the federation at international events, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold.
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.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
The All India Football Federation's decision to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and an international friendly against Brazil has sparked controversy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
New Zealand will bid farewell to one of its cricketing greats when all-rounder Suzie Bates calls time on her international career at the end of the White Ferns' T20 World Cup campaign in England.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.
Shyama Devi, mother of late Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana, has passed away after battling multiple health issues, just weeks after her son's sudden demise.
India's first Olympic boxing medallist, Vijender Singh, expresses deep concern over the future of male pugilists, citing a lack of competitions and a selection system he claims promotes 'sycophancy'. He argues that women boxers are currently outperforming men and are brighter medal prospects for the 2028 Olympics. Singh is highly critical of the new grading system, advocating for a return to the traditional trials-based selection process.
Kerala's Ancy Sojan created history on Saturday by breaking the long-standing national record in women's long jump at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.
The Indian shooting fraternity is mourning the sudden demise of legendary pistol ace and Dronacharya awardee Jaspal Rana at the age of 49 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a multiple-time Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist, was also a highly successful coach who mentored Olympic medallists like Manu Bhaker, leaving an indelible mark on Indian shooting.
Manpreet Singh on Wednesday became India's most-capped hockey player with his 413th appearance for the country during the FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.
Neeru Dhanda finished seventh in the women's trap final at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup, continuing India's medal drought in the competition. Despite a strong comeback in qualification, she was eliminated early in the final. Australia's Penny Smith won gold, setting a world record.
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.
Bumrah Workload: With focus on 2027 World Cup, pace spearhead to play more ODIs than T20Is
Trap shooter Zoravar Singh, buoyed by his World Championships bronze, is now focused on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, emphasising relentless training and tactical analysis.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to debut in Major League Cricket after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns, becoming the first India-capped player to join the league.
The National Sports Awards in India have been delayed due to a re-evaluation process aimed at ensuring only deserving athletes receive the honour. The Sports Ministry is reassessing Arjuna Award recommendations to maintain the award's value and avoid controversies.
A look at some of the long-standing barriers or world records which were broken in athletics, cricket and badminton.
The National Sports Awards have been delayed due to a re-evaluation process by the Sports Ministry to ensure only deserving athletes are honoured. The ministry aims to establish clearer criteria to avoid controversies and ensure deserving athletes are recognised without unnecessary hurdles.
Indian cricketer Pratika Rawal, fresh off her Test debut, is advocating for more women's Test matches, highlighting the format's importance for player development and character building.
Anil Kumble advises caution on fast-tracking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the Indian cricket team, while also discussing India's potential to host the 2036 Olympics and the importance of grassroots sports development.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still seem to have steam in them as batters and the two superstars should be allowed to take a call on their future, reckoned former India cricketer and selector Madan Lal.
'But looking at our current performance, I'm confident that a medal in the World Cup is not far off.'
Tuesday's match holds importance for India as any slip-up could be disastrous in their bid to make it to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
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.
Elavenil Valarivan strikes 10m air rifle gold; juniors continue dominance
A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.
Vijay Amritraj gets Padma Bhushan; Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur receive Padma Shri
The National Senior Federation Competition scheduled to be held in Ranchi from May 22 to 25 will serve as the final selection event for the country's track and field athletes for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting July 23.
With six titles -- four more than Pakistan -- and unmatched consistency, Sri Lanka has quietly been the tournament's second-most dominant force.
