The Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP) has partnered with SporTech Innovation Lab to enhance support and opportunities for sports professionals across India. This collaboration will leverage SporTech's AI-powered SportsKeyz platform for various ASIP operations, aiming to advance the sports industry through technology and professional development.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has urged state universities to establish a robust sports-friendly ecosystem to identify and develop exceptional sports persons capable of representing India. He highlighted the importance of sports in national development and student skill-building, advocating for greater participation from rural and tribal youth.
The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and Shree Guru Govind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University have signed an MoU to promote clean sport through joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This partnership aims to advance scientific research in anti-doping, forensic analysis, and healthcare diagnostics, while also shaping the next generation of professionals in these fields.
Russian Athletics has filed a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging sanctions imposed by World Athletics that prevent Russian athletes from participating in international competitions.
A new report, 'India's Sports Startup Ecosystem: Current Status and Emerging Pathways,' was unveiled, offering insights into the sports industry's growth potential, innovation, and opportunities for stakeholders as India prepares to host major international sporting events.
In part 3 of a Rediff series exploring new careers for aspiring professionals, Sanjay Salunkhe, founder of Jaro Education highlights how young professionals can adapt to the evolving AI-driven landscape in the creative industry.
International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.
Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh is planning to establish a boxing academy in his ancestral village of Kaluwas, Bhiwani, and has sought financial assistance from the Sports Ministry.
Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff is all set to turn his football dream into reality with a likely Durand Cup debut for Mumbay FC.
VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, lauded Virat Kohli as an 'exemplary professional' and 'great role model' for his consistent high standards.
Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has been appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF). In this role, Paes will work to promote tennis across Asia, mentor young players, support grassroots development, and represent the federation at international events, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Amrit Mathur, Commissioner of PGTI's 72 The League, lauded the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar as the world's most stunning and spectacular.
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) is hosting the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 Time Trials in New Delhi, a talent hunt offering aspiring racers a chance to enter professional motorsport with a significant prize pool and a driver development fund.
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.
Indian boxing legend Mary Kom is considering a move to professional boxing after age restrictions ended her amateur career. She remains committed to grassroots development and praises government initiatives to promote sports and fitness.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.
An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.
Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.
The Telangana Basketball Association has launched the Telangana Junior Basketball League (TJBL), a grassroots initiative aimed at identifying and developing young basketball talent. The franchise auction for the league was valued at Rs 1.48 crore.
Young Indian cyclist Harshita Jakhar has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to participate in the Tour de France Femmes. The 19-year-old led a pack of international cyclists during a ceremonial start at Stage 2 of the prestigious race, an opportunity provided by the UCI World Cycling Talent programme. Jakhar, who aims for medals in future Asian Games, expressed her gratitude for the chance to ride in her dream event.
The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) and the Asian Tour have reaffirmed their partnership, aiming to expand playing opportunities and player development for Indian golfers on the international circuit, following successful tournaments in Morocco.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from various organisations to conceptualise, develop, and manage a new professional badminton league in India. The initiative aims to create a sustainable league structure focused on commercialisation, fan engagement, and long-term growth of the sport. Interested parties must demonstrate strong financial capability and experience in managing sports leagues, with proposals due by June 30.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has rebranded as World Tennis, announcing an ambitious vision to increase global participation by 30% to 140 million players by 2035. The organisation, which governs the sport and runs major competitions, plans to reinvest 85% of its income annually for the next decade to achieve its strategic goals, including powering future stars and elevating national competitions. The name change aims to enhance recognition and foster greater collaboration within the sport.
With growing opportunities in the coaching, sports science, training and wellness industries, a career in sports provides a dynamic and fulfilling career path.
Maja Chwalinska's incredible run as the first qualifier to reach a French Open final in the professional era marks the fulfilment of an ambition the Polish 24-year-old has chased with relentless passion and discipline for over a decade.
The Asian Tour, DP World Tour, and PGA TOUR have announced a significant partnership extending until at least 2029. This alliance aims to enhance commercial and playing opportunities, establish pathways for Asian Tour members, and will see the DP World Tour co-sanctioning events with the Asian Tour again, marking a new era for professional golf globally and a potential setback for LIV Golf.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed 70-year-old Dutchman Herman Kruis as their National Hockey Coaching Advisor on a two-year contract. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to revive Pakistan hockey after a series of poor performances, including 15 consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League. Kruis will focus on developing young talent and preparing teams for international events, working alongside Director of High Performance Tahir Zaman and current head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan.
Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.
Asian Games medallist Vishal Uppal has advised against creating excessive hype around young Indian tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, urging the fraternity to let her develop naturally rather than pressuring her to emulate Sania Mirza. Uppal believes Maaya, a top 20 junior player, has the potential to break into the top 100 in professional tennis if she maintains her hard work and hunger. He also highlighted the challenges of professional tennis and praised another prospect, Dakshineshwar Suresh.
The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has partnered with Tata Steel Limited to train young footballers from the state at the Tata Football Academy (TFA) in Jamshedpur, providing professional exposure to selected boys and girls across various age categories.
Morocco's impressive rise in global football is uniquely funded by its vast phosphate reserves, with the state-owned OCP Group investing heavily in national team development. This strategic investment, driven by a royal directive, supports training academies and infrastructure, contributing to the nation's recent successes like reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The country's abundant phosphate resources provide a stable economic base for these ambitious sporting endeavours.
India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is pushing to revive Formula One racing in the country, focusing on creating a strong pipeline of drivers and technicians. Discussions with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) have centered on developing a comprehensive framework to integrate motorsports with India's automotive and engineering sectors.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.
AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.
The University of Gloucestershire is looking for international student-athletes for funded study and training opportunities in the UK.
Bengaluru FC has appointed Savio Medeira, former Indian national team coach, as their head of youth development, aiming to strengthen the pathway for young players to the first team.
The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.
Matthew Hayden cautions young cricketers against blindly copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting style, backs Shubman Gill's consistency, and raises concerns over the future of bilateral ODI cricket amid the franchise boom.
'Neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service. Instead, roles are filled by generalist civil servants or contractual staff, often lacking sector-specific expertise.'
