Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has advised the current national team to manage World Cup pressure by trusting their preparation and enjoying the occasion. He expressed optimism about India's chances, aiming for a top-four finish in the upcoming FIH World Cup.
Anaya Bangar says her difficult transition journey made her stronger and wiser, with Cricket Australia's clearance giving her a pathway back to women's cricket after BCCI silence.
Former India hockey star Pritam Siwach will watch son Yashdeep make his World Cup debut in the Netherlands, 28 years after her own World Cup appearance.
Virat Kohli, who debuted 18 years ago, has amassed over 28,000 international runs and 85 centuries, establishing himself as one of cricket's all-time greats with numerous unmatched records across all formats.
The ECB is investigating an alleged Derby incident involving England fast bowler Brydon Carse, with his availability for the second Pakistan Test now uncertain.
'Once you're wrestling with making a merger of that scale value-accretive, you're also under pressure to keep growing the balance sheet and chasing liabilities, and other things start to slip as a consequence.'
Former Australia Test stalwart Mike Hussey has indicated he would consider a batting coaching role with England for next year's Ashes series, following an 'off-the-cuff' approach from new England coach Stephen Fleming.
Captain Pat Cummins praised Australia's emphatic Mackay response after their Darwin shock, while Cameron Green's gritty 67 and commanding series batting silenced doubts over his Test place.
Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat arch-rivals India at the upcoming FIH World Cup, stating that "rankings don't matter" in such high-stakes encounters and performance on the day is key.
Sachin Tendulkar has called for the controversial impact player rule to be scrapped from the Indian Premier League, suggesting changes to restore balance between bat and ball.
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player in the inaugural European T20 Premier League, aiming to make a global impact and share his experience with other players.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.
'There's a lot of pressure on him, and there's a lot of pressure on this series as well, because it's crucial for India's chances in the WTC.'
Tennis icon Roger Federer made an emotional return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition event, marking his first appearance since 2019. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired without a formal farewell in New York, delighted fans in singles and doubles matches alongside fellow legends.
Saransh Jain, India's Test cap No. 320, prioritised red-ball cricket over an IPL contract, a decision lauded by his coach Chandrakant Pandit, which ultimately led to his Test debut against Sri Lanka.
'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'
Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that while bilateral ODI series may become fewer in the future, the 50-over format is unlikely to disappear entirely, with passionate fans continuing to support their teams.
'Being the defending champions certainly gives us confidence, but every Olympiad is a new event and starts from scratch.'
Nearly 150 Indian Super League players, including national team members, face an uncertain future as their contracts expire amid ongoing disputes between the AIFF and clubs over the league's structure.
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes India's recent Test struggles stem from the departure of senior players, emphasising the need for a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers in the longer format.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured another draw against GM Levon Aronian of the United States in the sixth round of the Sinquefield Cup, keeping him in joint second place with 3.5 points.
To select the best from the abundance of talent in India is no easy task. Talent can win matches, but it is the right selection that will herald a golden era, points out K R Nayar.
Veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh, preparing for his fourth and potentially final Hockey World Cup, expresses his determination to lead India to its first title in 51 years. He highlights the team's experience, preparation, and focus on fitness and defence, confident in their ability to reach the final.
Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will take over as Liverpool's manager on a two-year deal, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.
North Zone secured a crucial 64-run first-innings lead against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, largely due to exceptional bowling from Abid Mushtaq (5/39) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53). However, controversial selection Yash Dhull failed to score, raising questions about his inclusion over specialist opener Sanat Sangwan. North Zone ended day two with a 171-run overall lead, aiming to extend it further.
Ajinkya Rahane has backed Rohit Sharma to play for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, urging the BCCI to give the veteran opener clarity over his future.
It was also reported that evidence related to statements made by YouTubers and former cricketers is being collected by the Pakistan Cricket Board's legal department.
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, opting to focus on his coaching commitments with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof believes rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar could be the 'X-Factor' for India in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, suggesting he would be tempted to hand the 26-year-old his debut.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a golden chance to improve upon his none too impressive first class numbers when East Zone take on the severely inexperienced North East Zone in the quarter-final of the Duleep Trophy.
Prasidh Krishna's hostile spell and Manav Suthar's two wickets helped India keep Sri Lanka under pressure on Day 3, despite 50's from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha in Colombo on Tuesday.
Harmanpreet Kaur said India will not single out Pakistan or any opponent at the Women's T20 Asia Cup, focusing instead on consistent cricket and handling pressure.
Australian batter Travis Head has become only the fifth player to win consecutive Allan Border Medals, edging out Alex Carey by a single vote for the country's top men's individual cricket award.
Manas Dhamne has received his first call-up to India's main Davis Cup squad for the Qualifiers Round 2 tie against South Korea in Seoul on September 18-19, joining a core team that recently secured a historic win over the Netherlands.
Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar joined the marquee player pool ahead of the Lanka Premier League Season 6 draft, alongside stars like Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews.
Durgapur's Aaleina Sen, an Under-11 karateka, won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze in Kata at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship.
Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.
