The current FIH Hockey World Cup format, featuring a crossover pool system where first-round results carry forward, is causing widespread confusion among teams, fans, and media. Many stakeholders believe the complex system detracts from the game's excitement, shifts focus to mathematical calculations, and potentially favours larger teams, leading to calls for a simpler structure.
Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have reached the quarterfinals of the World Championships, putting them one step closer to securing a medal.
India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, were eliminated from the BWF World Championships after a quarterfinal loss. However, the women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured at least a bronze medal by advancing to the semi-finals.
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured India's first women's doubles medal at the Badminton World Championships in 15 years after defeating China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in a thrilling quarter-final match.
India's Thomas Cup title defence ended in the semifinals with a 3-0 loss to France, resulting in a bronze medal. The absence of Lakshya Sen impacted India's performance as H.S. Prannoy, Ayush Shetty, and Kidambi Srikanth all suffered defeats.
Defending champion Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima have advanced to the Canadian Open final in Montreal, setting up an all-American clash.
The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.
India's fastest man, Gurindervir Singh, failed to advance in the men's 100m event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Despite holding the national record, his timing of 10.39 seconds placed him 28th overall in the heats, far from his personal best and the qualification mark.
Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa reach the Europa League semi-finals, while Braga and Freiburg also advance in a dramatic night of European action.
Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have secured their spots in the final of the Hockey India Junior Men's National Championship after winning their respective semi-final matches. Odisha defeated Punjab in a high-scoring encounter, while Madhya Pradesh overcame Jharkhand with late goals.
Gurindervir Singh failed to live up to expectations at the Commonwealth Games, crashing out of the men's 100m event after his underwhelming timing of 10.39 seconds left him 28th overall in the heats.
FC Goa has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27, Asia's third-tier men's club competition. They will face Qadsia SC of Kuwait, Fortis FC of Bangladesh, and FC Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan in Group C, with matches hosted in Kuwait. This follows their recent exit from the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India featuring in both the men's and women's tournaments. Here is the complete India schedule, fixtures and squad details for the World Cup.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
Indian badminton pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand clinched a historic medal at the World Championships, defeating China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in a thrilling quarter-final match. The unseeded duo fought back from a game down to win 16-21, 21-15, 21-13, assuring India of at least a bronze. This achievement marks India's first women's doubles medal at the event since 2011 and comes after Treesa's recent recovery from an ankle injury.
Indian squash player Sanya Vats secured a runner-up finish at the Ballarat Open squash tournament in Victoria, Australia, losing to local favourite Sarah Cardwell in the women's final.
Brandon Nakashima delivered a stunning upset at the Cincinnati Open, defeating fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-1 in the third round, saving three match points in a remarkable comeback.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored a brace each to help India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Wednesday.
Defending champions India have been drawn into Group B of the SAFF Championship 2026 alongside Maldives and Pakistan. The tournament, hosted in Dhaka from November 4-17, will see India begin their quest for a record 10th title against Maldives on November 5, followed by a clash with Pakistan on November 11.
Yuki Bhambri and Andre Goransson's impressive run at the Indian Wells Masters came to an end after a semi-final loss to Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot.
World number one Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming U.S. Open due to a persistent right knee injury, despite intensive rehabilitation efforts.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed hope that his players would eventually feel pride in their third-place finish at the World Cup, despite falling short of their ultimate goal.
Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager replaces Ronald Koeman and marks his first role as a national team coach.
Indian athletes delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, with weightlifter Harjinder Kaur and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh securing silver medals. Additionally, three Indian boxers, Priya Ghanghas, Preeti Pawar, and Jadumani Singh, advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing at least bronze medals for the country.
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat at the Cincinnati Open, losing to Thiago Agustin Tirante in a match where the Serbian star struggled with the heat and required a medical timeout.
England's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Argentina. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed gratitude to supporters for their unwavering backing and called for the unity shown during the tournament to continue. Bellingham was England's top scorer, playing a crucial role in their journey to the semi-finals.
Defending champions India U20 will face Bhutan in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship, while Nepal will play Bangladesh in the other semi-final. India topped Group B after a win against Pakistan and a draw against Bangladesh. Coach Mahesh Gawli has praised his players' performance but stressed the need for more clinical finishing and defensive focus.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a silver medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. Despite the loss, their strong performance, including an 8-1 semi-final win against Kazakhstan, earned them a qualification spot for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Hockey India also announced cash prizes for the team and support staff.
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.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United, chasing a third consecutive title, made a strong comeback in their quarterfinal, while Mohun Bagan advanced via a penalty shootout after a solid defensive campaign. Both teams are fully fit and ready for a challenging encounter.
India's Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh experienced a defeat against Namibia in the lawn bowls women's pairs sectional event at the Commonwealth Games, ending their three-match winning streak. The Indian duo lost a tie-break 0-3 after splitting sets, and now face England in a crucial match to determine their semi-final qualification.
India had a stellar Day 7 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Murali Sreeshankar securing his second consecutive long jump silver medal and Indian boxers assuring the country of 10 medals by reaching the semi-finals in various categories. Para athletes also made history with a one-two finish in the men's 100m T47 event.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, despite widespread criticism after his team lost 2-1. Tuchel stated he has no regrets, trusting his instincts, and attributed some performance issues to player fatigue and extensive travel. He is now focused on the third-place playoff against France, viewing it as an opportunity for England to prove their standing among top teams.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu commenced her campaign at the BWF World Championships with a dominant victory over Ireland's Sophia Noble. Sindhu, a five-time World Championships medallist, is aiming for a historic sixth medal at the event. Other Indian pairs, including Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun, also advanced.
Indian doubles coach B Sumeeth Reddy discusses the emotional journey and struggles of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who secured a historic bronze medal at the Badminton World Championships. He highlights their contrasting personalities, improved rotation, and resilience in overcoming injuries to achieve this significant milestone.
East Bengal secured their spot in the Durand Cup final by defeating SC Delhi 5-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time. Captain Mohammed Rashid scored the decisive fifth penalty, sending East Bengal to their record-equalling 17th final appearance.
East Bengal, fresh from their AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-off victory, are set to face a formidable Indian Army Football Team in the Durand Cup quarterfinals. The match, crucial for a spot in the semi-finals, will test East Bengal's momentum against the Army's disciplined play. Another quarterfinal features unbeaten SC Delhi against debutants FC Raengdai.
The Assam government has permitted restaurants in Guwahati to remain open until 3:30 am on specific dates, including July 15, 16, 19, and 20, to allow football enthusiasts to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision, encouraging responsible enjoyment of the matches, while also allowing other districts to follow suit based on public demand and restaurant associations' requests.
Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final.
Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, securing their place in the final. Yamal, who played a crucial role in the victory, has already expressed his team's readiness for the title clash in New York. This marks Spain's first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 triumph.
