'Coming from a small village in Bihar, I never imagined that the stories I would become a part of would one day travel across the world and be celebrated in this manner.'
Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and unveiled a comprehensive nationwide talent hunt programme aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent among children aged five to 15 years.
India's burgeoning franchise volleyball ecosystem, particularly with dedicated Under-21 tournaments like the Guardians Trophy, is creating a structured pathway for young players. This initiative aims to develop talent from the grassroots to professional levels, fostering cultural adaptation and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the senior national team and achieving Olympic qualification.
The More Than Equal initiative, co-founded by David Coulthard, is actively supporting young female drivers like Alexia Danielsson, 17, who are competing in junior series with the ultimate goal of reaching Formula One, a feat no woman has achieved in 50 years.
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has written to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, recommending Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for the Arjuna Award. Despite having received higher honours like the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri, Chanu's childhood dream of the Arjuna Award remains unfulfilled, and Jadhav believes it would be a fitting recognition of her contributions to Indian sport.
Indian para-athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit, fresh off winning the Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal in the men's T47 100m with a Games record, dedicated his triumph to his coach Vaijanath Kale on Guru Purnima, crediting him for spotting his talent and transforming his career.
Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh revealed in a podcast interview that his decision to switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from the AAP government's alleged neglect of his concerns regarding drug abuse and sports promotion in Punjab.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.
Despite international fame, she remained rooted in village traditions. Friends recalled that success never changed her lifestyle.
Mijwan Welfare Society, founded by legendary Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, that works for empowerment of women and the girl child was proud to announce that the exquisite chikankari craftsmanship of its women artisans was showcased at Paris Haute Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026 as part of Manish Malhotra's collection, Maa.
From intense gangster epics to tender slice-of-life dramas, these 10 films showcase why Dhanush remains one of Indian cinema's most versatile leading men.
Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.
Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam announced that the state has appointed 33 sportspersons to coaching positions within the last month. These new coaches are expected to play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing grassroots talent to prepare athletes for future international competitions, including the 2036 Olympics. The state also highlighted its sports policy, which includes job reservations for outstanding sportspersons.
'It was only after Aishwarya ran for 100 days and became a massive hit that Shah Rukh Khan signed Deepika Padukone.'
Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.
Brace yourself for tons of drama on OTT this week.
From Ikkis to Balan: The Boy, these are the 10 Indian films that truly deserved the loudest applause in the first half of 2026.
Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).
Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.
Peddi buries its powerful story about caste identity and social inequality beneath hero worship, regressive romance and exhausting excesses bemoans Sreeju Sudhakaran.
If you are feeling depressed, just watch this 15 year old on your TV! Your blues will fly away, exclaims Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
From Manavalan to Kannan Srank, a tribute to the unforgettable Salim Kumar who made generations of Malayalis laugh with his signature humour.
Teenaged high jump star Pooja Singh broke the national senior record en route to winning the gold medal at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships. The 19-year-old cleared 1.93m, bettering Sahana Kumari's 14-year-old record. India secured seven medals, including four gold, on the second day of the competition.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.
Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has indicated the state government will consider a proposal to form its own Indian Premier League (IPL) team, following a suggestion from Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal. Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh also expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the state's readiness to host IPL matches.
'Working with Imtiaz Ali sir was something I had dreamt about for years.' 'His films have shaped the way I look at cinema and storytelling, and to be trusted with a character like Afsana was incredibly meaningful for me.'
The South Indian film fraternity, including superstars Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Vijay, Dhanush and Suriya, mourns the tragic passing of veteran producer R B Choudary, who died in a road accident, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 100 films and countless opportunities for new talent.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming conditions in government primary schools in Nuh district, citing violations of children's rights to education, health, and dignified living.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has initiated suo motu proceedings after reports of alarming conditions in government primary schools in the Nuh district. The commission has sought detailed reports from authorities, citing violations of children's rights to education, health, and dignity.
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.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in an event in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist hotbed into a thriving sports hub and opening new avenues for the youth.
'He is 500 times better than you think he is.'
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed confidence in India's performance at the upcoming Asian Games, assuring a fair and transparent selection process. He also highlighted the importance of the Khelo India Tribal Games in identifying and promoting sporting talent from tribal communities.
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.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has invited Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander to help strengthen hockey in the state, particularly ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. Mann emphasised the government's commitment to restoring the sport's glory and highlighted Punjab's rich hockey legacy.
The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.
Jammu and Kashmir wrestler Hamam Hussain overcame years of hardship, including selling milk to support his family, to win a gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games.
Celebrations broke out in Mithun Manhas' ancestral village in Jammu on Sunday after the former Delhi captain's ascension to BCCI presidency, with the people terming it a moment of pride for the region.
