The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.
Ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has withdrawn his candidature from the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Athletes' Commission polls, leaving 10 contestants for nine positions. Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu are prominent candidates in the virtual elections scheduled for Tuesday. The commission's rules mandate specific representation for medallists and Olympians, with Manjeet Singh already elected unopposed.
The Indian women's national football team, featuring several debutants, suffered a 0-4 defeat to a higher-ranked Russian side in the first of two international friendlies in Kolkata. Despite a strong defensive performance in the first half, Russia broke the deadlock before halftime and extended their lead in the second half, with substitute Kira Petukhova scoring twice. The match provided valuable experience for India's emerging players.
India has announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, scheduled from November 11 to 20. The Blue Colts will play against Singapore, Guam, Palestine, and hosts Malaysia in Group E, aiming for qualification to the 2027 tournament in Uzbekistan. The team will also play two friendly matches against the UAE as part of their final preparations.
A comprehensive schedule outlines the participation of Indian athletes across various disciplines at the Asian Games on September 23, including key events in badminton, boxing, shooting, hockey, and weightlifting, with several athletes vying for qualification and medal rounds.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind behind the Rs 6,000-crore Mahadev online betting app scam, from Oman. Chandrakar, wanted in multiple cases by the CBI and ED, will be produced before a special court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This extradition marks a significant step in India's efforts to bring fugitives operating transnational criminal enterprises to justice.
India's U15 football team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan in the quarter-finals for positions 81 to 88 in the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival. Despite creating early opportunities, India conceded two goals before Nibas Meetei Wahengbam scored to reduce the deficit. The Blue Colts were unable to find an equaliser and will now face Kazakhstan in the semi-finals for positions 85 to 88.
Over 100 US lawmakers, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have written to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding an investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime. They also sought answers on measures to address online threats targeting Indian-Americans, criticising the Trump administration's past messaging for legitimising racial stereotypes.
After a stunning 2-1 debut win against Mumbai City FC, Indian Super League newcomers Churchill Brothers are preparing to face defending champions East Bengal, with coach Dimitris Dimitriou emphasising continuous improvement and a competitive approach.
Indian para shooters Manish Narwal and Shrishti Arora won silver and bronze respectively in the 10m air pistol SH1 events at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Narwal's silver also secured a quota place for India at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, making him the third Indian para shooter to do so. The contingent now has four medals.
Mumbai-born Indian youth international Yohaan Benjamin has signed a two-year deal with Portuguese club Guarda FC, marking a significant step in his European football career. This move aligns with Guarda FC's strategy to develop talent from emerging football markets like India. Benjamin, a midfielder, previously played for Shillong Lajong, where he achieved success in the Shillong Premier League.
Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.
ISL to start on Feb 14, all 14 clubs to participate: Sports Minister Mandaviya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The nomination papers of all 12 candidates, including Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu, for the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Athletes Commission election were found valid on Thursday after scrutiny. The election for 10 members of the commission for the 20262030 term is scheduled for November 3.
A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.
Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.
Brazil has announced its 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for a historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. This landmark fixture follows Brazil's Australia tour and promises a grand spectacle for Indian football fans.
Kolkata's passionate football fans have shown immense enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil friendly, with lower-priced tickets selling out within an hour of going online. India is set to play five-time world champions Brazil on October 3, followed by a match against two-time world champions Uruguay, providing a significant test for the Indian squad ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.
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.
At a time when Indian football is seeking a radical overhaul, the Super Cup, starting in Goa from Saturday, could act as a catalyst for clubs to build their teams, prepare their players, get valuable match time, and keep their hopes of continental qualifications alive.
'We have already said that our judgment is only in the interregnum till the Act comes into play. These small things could have been easily taken care of. Anyway, we will seek the views of Justice Rao and issue a clarification.'
Indian cricketers, including Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur, participated in the inaugural MLBx Mumbai 3-on-3 baseball event, teaming up with former MLB stars like Nick Swisher and Jake Arrieta to promote the sport in India.
Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
Churchill Brothers SC are set to face Punjab FC in an Indian Super League match in Margao. Churchill Brothers are looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat, with their coach apologising to fans and expecting a strong response. Punjab FC, known for their late goals and defensive organisation, are confident but wary of their opponents.
Kerala Blasters FC will host Mumbai City FC in their first home match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season on Sunday. Both teams are looking for a crucial win, with Blasters aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat and Mumbai City seeking their first victory of the season amidst offensive struggles and key player injuries.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has publicly appealed to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC.
Anthony Andrews, a highly successful coach in Indian women's football, has been appointed as the assistant coach for the India U17 women's national team. He will continue his dual role with East Bengal FC while preparing the Young Tigresses for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
India's first female senior world champion wrestler, Manisha Bhanwala, shares how her disappointment at the Asian Games earlier this year motivated her to clinch gold at the World Championships. She discusses her strategic shift to the 57kg category for the Olympics, her inspirations including Aryna Sabalenka, and her belief in manifestation through journaling to achieve her goals.
Khalid Jamil's rise can't exactly be termed as meteoric but the last eight years has been nothing less than extraordinary for the 48-year-old, who on Friday took over reins of the national men's football team.
Brazil's legendary captain Cafu advises the Indian national football team to view their upcoming friendly match against five-time world champions Brazil as a crucial learning experience for future World Cup cycles, rather than just a spectacle. He highlights Brazil's strong connection with Kolkata and identifies promising young Brazilian talents for the future.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released its tentative calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring the Indian Super League (ISL), Federation Cup, and other key tournaments.
Tata Steel has announced the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in Jamshedpur Football to Churchill Brothers for Rs 100.
A special MCOCA court in Mumbai has remanded 11 accused in the Tiger Shroff firing incident case to police custody until November 6. Police are investigating a 'deep-rooted conspiracy' by gangster Anil Pandit's organised crime syndicate, which allegedly targeted prominent personalities for economic gain. The syndicate reportedly operates with two modules for reconnaissance, execution, logistics, and arms supply. The stringent MCOCA provisions have been invoked, allowing for extended custody and specific evidence admissibility.
Under the draft constitution, the executive committee of the AIFF would have 14 members, who would be under the age and tenure restrictions.
The Indian Super League 2026-27 season is set to begin with renewed optimism after a turbulent previous season.
India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October. This decision, confirmed by AIFF, means India will miss facing Southeast Asian teams in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, opting instead for a more challenging opponent to improve its international standing.
The Trophy Tour for the 135th Durand Cup has concluded in Kolkata, marking the final stop before Asia's oldest football tournament begins. Kolkata will host 16 matches, including the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby and the final. The tournament features 24 teams from across five cities, with West Bengal sports minister and the organising committee chairman emphasising the city's deep connection to football and the tournament's legacy.
