Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praised Lionel Messi's exceptional scoring ability after his team's 2-0 loss to Argentina, where Messi netted twice. However, Rangnick expressed frustration over Argentina's first goal, believing a foul on Xaver Schlager was overlooked. Despite the defeat, Rangnick was largely satisfied with his team's performance and their World Cup campaign.
Curacao and Cape Verde, two of the smallest nations globally, have achieved an unprecedented feat by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
India is set to amend its National Anti-Doping Act to criminalise the trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes, with potential jail terms for suppliers, including medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned drugs. The amendments are open for public feedback until June 18 and are expected to be tabled in the monsoon session of Parliament.
A meeting to review India's Commonwealth Games preparations included discussions on advancing the country's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participating online.
The National Anti-Doping Act will be modified to criminalise trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes, with jail terms of up to five years for suppliers.
Vinesh Phogat's return to competitive wrestling at the Asian Games selection trials was marked by high tension, emotional outbursts, and heavy security, as her supporters clashed with WFI officials.
FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.
A communication from United World Wrestling's anti-doping department confirmed Vinesh Phogat's retirement intimation to the International Testing Agency (ITA) in December 2024, amidst claims and controversies surrounding her comeback and eligibility for the Asian Games.
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.
Mumbai is set to host a friendly cricket match between GST, Customs officers, and actors to promote fitness and sportsmanship, organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Pune City Boxing Association and the Rotary Club of Pune Central will conduct a training camp for 60 budding women boxers from April 23 to 30 under the 'She Can and She Will' initiative.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged athletes and sportspersons to promote the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan' and inspire youth to reject drugs and embrace sports during the All India Inter-University Wushu Championship at the University of Kashmir.
Middlesbrough are demanding that Southampton be kicked out of the Championship playoff final after accusing their rivals of secretly filming their training session before their playoff semi-final.
The Iranian football team is facing significant travel restrictions in the US during the World Cup, requiring them to enter and leave within 24 hours of matches. This has led the Football Federation of Iran to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing concerns over fair play and technical preparation, while US authorities maintain the measures are for safety and security.
A strong contingent of Commonwealth Games-bound Indian boxers, led by Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, will participate in the invitational Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia. The tournament offers a crucial opportunity for the athletes to fine-tune their preparations and gain international exposure against strong opposition.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh highlighted the significant participation of Haryana wrestlers in the National Open Ranking Tournament, countering claims of bias. However, the event was also marred by the discovery of used syringes, underscoring the ongoing doping challenges in Indian wrestling.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reversed its decision and allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials.
During the press conference, Mandaviya mumbled along while reading out the list of teams, whole mispronouncing the names of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal calling them 'Mohan Baingan' and 'East Baigan'.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.
Forty Indian boxers face uncertainty after being omitted from the Sports Authority of India's sanction letter for the national camp, jeopardising their participation in the Commonwealth and Asian Games selection process.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to injury in a blow for the Samurai Blue, with the midfielder also announcing his retirement from international football.
Austria made a winning return to the World Cup after 28 years, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in a Group J opener. The victory was secured with a second-half own goal and a late penalty, following a tense match where Austria initially led, was equalised, and had a goal disallowed by VAR.
India's para archery team excelled at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, securing the top position with 13 medals.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Thursday said it has reviewed the facilities at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, which is hosting the $950,000 India Open, and asserted that the venue meets all requirements for staging the World Championships in August.
Several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have hinted at uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026-27 season due to ongoing issues surrounding the domestic top-tier competition. The clubs are reviewing their commitment beyond the current season amid disagreements with the AIFF over commercial partnerships and league structure.
Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe states that the Socceroos are mature enough to handle media hype and social media comments ahead of their World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Despite being written off by some US commentators, the team is confident after a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Turkey 2-0. Players are focused on the upcoming game, drawing motivation from past criticisms while remaining grounded.
England defender Djed Spence will play in the upcoming World Cup wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken jaw in a recent Premier League match. The Tottenham Hotspur player confirmed he will need to wear the mask for three months.
Vinesh Phogat was knocked out of the Asian Games selection trials in Delhi on Saturday after losing to Meenakshi Goyat 4-6 in a tense semi-final bout of the women's 53kg event.
The Indian men's table tennis team began their World Team Table Tennis Championships campaign with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia, while the women's team received a walkover.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature a significant generational divide, with players spanning over 25 years in age. Mexico's Gilberto Mora, 17, will be the youngest, while Scotland's Craig Gordon, 43, will be the oldest. The tournament will showcase a mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, with nations like Panama and Ivory Coast representing the oldest and youngest average squads, respectively.
Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain as the government awaits FIFA's response regarding their request to relocate matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness following a Delhi High Court decision regarding its 2024 elections. The AITA plans to implement constitutional amendments and ensure player representation in its governance.
Indian badminton players, led by Isharani Baruah and Kiran, are set to compete in the Macau Open Super 300, with a strong contingent across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The tournament, starting Tuesday, will see several Indian shuttlers facing international opponents in their opening rounds.
Indian badminton players, led by Isharani Baruah and Kiran, are set to compete in the Macau Open Super 300, with a strong contingent across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The tournament, starting Tuesday, will see several Indian shuttlers facing international opponents in their opening rounds.
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 85.69m, marking his return to competition after multiple injuries. Despite not winning, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating he focused on reaching the competition stage without extra pressure. He confirmed his participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and discussed his recovery process and the growing competition in South Asian javelin.
Iran's football federation has requested FIFA to clarify the timeline for issuing tournament visas after relocating their World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana due to diplomatic friction and visa complications.
Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.
Democratic of Republic Congo's supporters are confident their side can shine at the World Cup and have a message for Cristiano Ronaldo.
To prevent India Open-like mess, Sports Ministry asks SAI to draw up SOP
