The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.
Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.
FIFA has rejected a request from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) for a copy of the decision that made U.S. striker Folarin Balogun eligible for a World Cup match, treating Belgium's inquiry as an inadmissible appeal. This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's personal intervention with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red-card ban.
The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.
Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.
Former US President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision UEFA called 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable' and which has sparked widespread criticism over the integrity of the game.
Belgium secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup last-16, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggesting the win felt like 'justice' following FIFA's controversial decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a previous red card.
Tributes continued to pour in for former India captain Sourav Ganguly a day after he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, with batting great Sachin Tendulkar and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulating one of India's most successful captains.
FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny over its inconsistent handling of two World Cup red-card cases involving England's Jarell Quansah and the USA's Folarin Balogun. While Quansah received a two-match ban, Balogun's one-match suspension was controversially suspended, leading to accusations of external interference and a lack of transparency from the governing body.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a player contract system to professionalise and streamline its structure ahead of the 2026-2027 season. This makes MCA the first state cricket body to introduce such an arrangement, offering financial security and development pathways for cricketers.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing a new central contract system based on cricket formats, aiming to create separate teams for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. This initiative seeks to specialise players and ensure fair compensation for Test specialists, with different salary tiers and qualification criteria for each category.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to make a decision within two weeks on the show-cause notice issued to grappler Vinesh Phogat concerning alleged indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. The court closed proceedings on Phogat's petition after her Asian Games selection trial grievance became infructuous, but she may file a fresh petition on broader selection policy issues.
The United States' World Cup campaign took an extraordinary turn on Sunday when FIFA made the unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 clash after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.
India's home-grown EV startups say the government's auto PLI scheme is helping big players while shutting out innovators building electric two- and three-wheelers from scratch.
Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary, who played for Punjab till 2016-2017, was called up to the Australian T20 squad for a three-match tour to Bangladesh next week.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, is now eligible to play for India in senior international cricket, sparking comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar and raising questions about fast-tracking his career.
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a new authorisation regime, replacing multiple licences with a single permission for principal telecom services, aiming to simplify compliance and accommodate evolving technologies. This move is expected to ease business operations, enhance fraud prevention with AI, and expand connectivity, especially through satellite networks.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis for IPL 2026 after they passed physical performance tests, while other players await assessment.
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would sign Erling Haaland if elected, triggering a swift response from Manchester City and the player's representatives.
The Delhi government has approved the Delhi EV Policy 2.0, which will phase out fresh registrations of internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers and three-wheelers over the next two years, starting with a ban on ICE 3Ws and N1 category LCVs from January 1, 2027, and ICE 2Ws from April 1, 2028.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has suspended Russia's membership for up to three years due to its failure to comply with a ruling to stop holding events in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. This decision follows Russia's continued organisation of chess events in annexed regions, violating a Court of Arbitration for Sport order.
Beyers Swanepoel leaves mid-match for England flight, forcing Lions to field 10 players as Titans win dramatic domestic final; probe launched.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.
The International Cricket Council has suspended Canada over breaches of the national board's membership obligations, weeks after the global governing body's anti-corruption unit launched an investigation into Cricket Canada.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat contests the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to bar her from competitions, asserting that international authorities have cleared her to compete.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has announced a monthly pension for former women cricketers who represented the state in the Senior Women's National Championship, aiming to honour their contributions to the sport.
The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy for lacking discretion regarding iconic players returning from maternity leave.
Aaron Rai carded a 4-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over Brandt Snedeker and Mark Hubbard in the Myrtle Beach Classic.
The Delhi High Court has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.
Authorities in Ghaziabad intensified verification drives and sealed three unrecognised madrassas in the Khoda area following the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The incident has led to heightened security measures and political reactions.
Arjun Tendulkar and Siddhant Addhatrao are eligible for the T20 Mumbai League auction after representing different state associations last season. The auction is scheduled for May 2, with the tournament in June.
India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.
The NPA office bearers will include a chairperson, treasurer and a secretary. A minimum of one office bearer in the NPA board shall be a woman, as per the AIFF Constitution.
Top trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu's exclusion from the Indian shotgun contingent for the Asian Games has sparked controversy, despite his international achievements. The NRAI defends its selection policy, while Sandhu urges a review.
The Delhi High Court has validated the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections held in September 2024, but stipulated that the elected body will operate as an interim arrangement under the supervision of a court-appointed Administrator.
Asia No. 1 trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu has been left out of the Indian shotgun contingent for the Asian Games, despite his World Championships bronze medal and top international scores.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana yet to take SLC-mandated fitness tests
