Category: Sports

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently announced that she will be eligible to participate in elite women’s cricket in Australia starting March 2027.

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently announced that she will be eligible to participate in elite women’s cricket in Australia starting March 2027. While the decision has drawn scrutiny, Anaya’s journey has been a truly special one. The 23-year-old began hormone replacement therapy in 2024 and has now received clearance under Cricket Australia’s ‘Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy’. While CA’s decision has raised a few eyebrows-with South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp among those voicing displeasure-the policy marks a major step toward inclusivity in the sport.

In an exclusive chat with NDTV’s Vimal Mohan, Anaya opened up about her dream to represent India at the Women’s World Cup and win an Olympic medal, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Question: You may have seen father-son or father-daughter pairs such as Sachin Tendulkar-Arjun Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag-Aryavir Sehwag, Rahul Dravid-Anvay Dravid, and Pullela Gopichand-Gayatri Gopichand achieve fame. But the pair of Sanjay Bangar and Anaya Bangar is different from all of them in many ways.

Anaya, you have shown great courage. Around 3 percent of the world’s population, or more than 200 million people, feel the need for gender transition while living in a body that does not align with their identity. How difficult was your journey from being a boy to becoming a girl? Who helped you the most during this journey, and where did the challenges come from?

Anaya Bangar: The person who helped me the most was myself. My family supported me, but I fought the biggest battles on my own to get where I am today. I’m happy that people are now talking about this. If there are proper regulations and more discussions around it, things can improve further.

Question: You mentioned the need for regulations. The ICC and BCCI may not have very clear policies on this issue, but the Olympics appear to have more defined rules. Athletes such as Lia Thomas (American swimmer) and Chris Mosier (American triathlete) have participated in the Games as transgender athletes. Your case is also different from athletes like Dutee Chand, Caster Semenya, and Imane Khelif.

Cricket Australia has stated that your testosterone level must remain below 10 nmol/L for 12 months. What does that mean?

Anaya Bangar: When you begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you take testosterone suppressants and estrogen pills to help your body develop female characteristics. Your body essentially goes through a second puberty. As a result, your stamina decreases. You experience loss of bone mineral density and muscle mass. Along with that, I have also undergone surgery.

Question: How much has all of this affected your cricketing skills and physical strength?

Anaya Bangar: It definitely affects both your strength and your skills. With muscle loss, your style of play also changes. At present, my testosterone level is 0.6 nmol/L, which is even lower than the typical female range. I have maintained this for three years now. As an athlete, it has reduced my capabilities as well.

When I was in England, I partnered with the University of Manchester and participated in one of their studies. I had been on testosterone-suppressing hormones for a year. They conducted various tests on my body over a 12-week period. They measured my lung capacity, hemoglobin levels, power output, and several other performance indicators. They then compared my data with that of female athletes. All my results were comparable to those of female athletes.

Question: Cricket Australia has allowed you to play community cricket. How do you see your cricketing journey progressing from here?

Anaya Bangar: Cricket Australia evaluated all my paperwork under its existing regulations. They have decided that when I return to Australia in March 2027, they will test my testosterone levels again. Based on those results and their guidelines, they may permit me to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Before that, I want to prove myself in club cricket so that I can eventually earn an opportunity to play in the WBBL as well.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/exclusive-anaya-bangar-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-cricket-australias-verdict-and-world-cup-dreams-11994871

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a special tribute for Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a special tribute for Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. The Argentine superstar, who guided them to the FIFA World Cup title in 2022, stunned the world by his announcement. The Argentine football governing body said that every fixture taking place in the country on the next matchday – both men’s and women’s – will be stopped when the clock reaches 10 minutes in the first half. At that point, there will be a minute of applause to honour Messi’s contribution to the game of football and the Argentina national team.

“The next round of matches in all categories and all men’s and women’s disciplines (11-a-side, futsal and beach soccer) will be stopped after 10 minutes of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentine national team,” the AFA announced.

The tribute will extend beyond 11-a-side football as it will also include futsal and beach football. The AFA also announced that stadiums with screens will show the farewell video for Messi before matches begin. The video, which is almost two minute in length, features images from various stages of Messi’s journey with the national team.

“Thank you for uniting an entire country behind this crest. We are going to miss you,” reads the farewell message.

Meanwhile, Argentina President Javier Milei described Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football as a “huge loss” for the national team, while also noting that the decision was understandable.

Speaking on Radio El Observador, as quoted by TyC Sports, President Milei said Messi’s departure would present a major challenge for Argentina as the team looks to move forward without its iconic captain.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-to-receive-huge-tribute-in-argentina-after-international-retirement-it-goes-beyond-11-a-side-games-11995109

Rohit Sharma’s future will be discussed at the BCCI meeting on Thursday.

It is not just Rohit Sharma. The futures of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja will also be up for discussion at the BCCI meeting on Thursday in Mumbai as India step into the ODI World Cup cycle for next year’s ICC tournament in Africa. However, unlike Rohit, who has been in the line of fire, the latter two are not under considerable pressure for now.

Speculation was rife earlier this summer that Rohit was all set to bid adieu to international cricket. The ODI series finale against England at Lord’s in July was rumoured to be his last appearance in an India jersey, with the former India captain having already retired from Tests in 2025 and T20Is in 2024.

According to a report by news agency PTI, Rohit was informed by a member of the selection committee, but not the chairman, that the panel had already decided to move on, implying that he was no longer in its scheme of things. Rohit was even asked whether he could announce his retirement after the ODI at Lord’s during the tour of England.

There was silence from the senior India batter and those close to him, but the report cited that while he was angry, “Rohit had agreed.”

Rohit Sharma’s Lord’s ton shut the chatter

However, his knock of 138 in London, albeit in a losing cause, temporarily postponed the chatter. But the report indicated that the century did not guarantee him a place in India’s ODI squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Ahead of Rohit’s knock, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had shut down the rumours, saying that Rohit was still here to stay. According to a report last month, that act did not sit well with the selectors, causing tensions in the BCCI corridors between the Ajit Agarkar-led committee and the board’s top brass.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-was-angry-but-ready-to-retire-after-selectors-july-message-wc-spot-still-uncertain-despite-lords-ton-101788368299560.html

Netflix’s latest series, Operation Safed Sagar, is based on the journey of the real-life members of the Indian Air Force’s Golden Arrows squadron

Netflix’s latest series, Operation Safed Sagar, has earned excellent reviews. Based on the journey of the real-life members of the Indian Air Force’s Golden Arrows squadron, whose bravery was decisive during the Kargil War in 1999, the series has received praise from all quarters. Sachin Tendulkar, who was awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force on September 3, 2010, watched the series and paid an emotional tribute to the brave men.

“Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives,” Tendulkar wrote in a post on X.

“I had met Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa many years ago. Watching Operation Safed Sagar now, and seeing what he and so many others went through during Kargil, made me look back at that meeting with a deeper sense of appreciation. The courage is extraordinary. So is the discipline and mental strength behind it.

“I feel fortunate to be associated with the IAF and to have an understanding of the values that define it. Watching this story only made me more grateful. Thank you for everything you do for us. Jai Hind!”

Dear @IAF_MCC,

Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives.

I had met… pic.twitter.com/vbwzmpxIUx

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 1, 2026

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-finishes-watching-operation-safed-sagar-then-writes-open-letter-to-indian-air-force-11988529 

Lionel Messi first announced his international retirement following Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Ten years on, he has hung up his boots once again.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup title defence with Argentina did not produce the result he had desired, as Spain lifted the coveted trophy this year in North America. The defeat in the final turned out to be Messi’s last match for Argentina, with the former Barcelona star announcing his retirement from international football just weeks later. On Monday, Messi confirmed his intention not to wear the Argentina shirt again, though it is not the first time he has stepped away. Messi first announced his international retirement after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, a decision that even prompted a reaction from his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Heartbroken by repeated defeats in finals, Messi had vowed never to play international football again after his missed penalty in the 2016 Copa America final helped Chile secure the title. However, Messi did not just return to the international arena-he went on to win multiple honours, including the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Messi’s initial announcement sent shockwaves across the sporting world, especially given that he was only 29 at the time. Ronaldo, sympathising with his rival back then, urged people to understand the emotions behind the difficult call.

“Messi has taken a tough decision, and people should understand,” Ronaldo had told Mundo Deportivo at that time.

“He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finishing second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player,” he added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/what-cristiano-ronaldo-said-when-lionel-messi-first-announced-international-retirement-11984443

It’s the end of an era. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game

The G.O.A.T has left the stage and it’s the end of an era. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain in the final, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game. He posted a handwritten note on Instagram announcing the decision. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026, where they lost to Spain. At 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side, Messi goes down as absolute legend.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”

While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition.

Message For Argentina Fans

In his retirement post, Messi mentioned that he had a special message for Argentina’s fans.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

“Vamos Argentina!

Retirement letter 

Messi explained that he wrote his retirement letter on June 21, two days after losing the World Cup final, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life. Jorge Messi died on August 8 in his native Rosario, Argentina. Messi made his debut for the senior national team in 2005, but his journey was fraught with frustration until he finally lifted the World Cup in 2022.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football-argentina-great-announces-decision-on-instagram-hurts-deep-in-my-soul-11983260?pfrom=home-ndtvworld_world_top_scroll

Germany joined Pakistan as the joint most successful team in Men’s Hockey World Cup history by defending their title after beating Spain 1-0 in an all-European clash.

Germany created history by beating Spain 1-0 in the final of the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Sunday (August 30) at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre to lift the trophy for a record-equaling fourth time in history. The Europeans defended their title, which they won in 2023 after beating Belgium in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The Germans are the second team to win the title four times after Pakistan and are now the joint-most successful team in the competition’s rich history. Previously, the Honamas have lifted the trophy in 2002, 2006, and 2023.

Germany has become the first team to defend the trophy twice. Apart from them, only Pakistan (1978, 1982) and Australia (2010, 20114) have won the tournament in back-to-back editions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has told Pakistan players to not speak about Imran Khan during their ongoing tour of England. The ex-captain’s imprisonment has become a major issue after both his sons gave an interview to Michael Atherton.

After Javed Miandad and Moin Khan raised their voices in favor of the jailed Imran Khan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a strict diktat on their players not to speak about the 1992 World Cup-winning captain. The subject has become a source of controversy during their ongoing series against England after the host broadcaster SKY Sports aired an interview with Imran’s sons.

The interaction was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton and shot in the writers’ room inside Lord’s just a day before the second Test kick-started. The interview was aired during the lunch break of the second day of play.

It later emerged that PCB tried to stop the English broadcaster from playing the interview and even threatened to boycott the match. However, their attempt failed, while their players also returned to the field for play for the second session.

In a post-day press conference, the visiting team’s head coach, Sarfaraz Khan, was asked about the plan to boycott the match. In reply, the former captain of the Men in Green claimed that it was something that he was not aware of.

“No we don’t know anything about it, we were having lunch,” said Sarfaraz in an interaction.

As per a report from news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), the PCB has advised all players in the squad not to say anything about Imran if asked by the media.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/pcb-tells-pakistani-cricketers-to-stay-silent-on-imran-khan-issue-after-javed-miandad-moin-khan-raise-voice-article-156013711

Danielle McGahey has backed Anaya Bangar after Cricket Australia cleared a pathway for her to pursue elite women’s cricket from March 2027. Speaking to India Today, McGahey urged people to base the transgender participation debate, on evidence while treating Bangar with dignity and respect.

For Danielle McGahey, Anaya Bangar’s fight to keep her cricketing dream alive carries a familiar weight.

Nearly three years after becoming the first transgender cricketer to play in an official international match, McGahey saw her own international career brought to an end by an ICC rule change. Now, as Cricket Australia clears a pathway for Bangar to pursue elite women’s cricket from March 2027, McGahey has chosen to stand firmly behind her.

“I want to express my full support for Anaya. I’m incredibly proud of her for continuing to pursue the sport she loves while facing an enormous amount of public scrutiny,” McGahey told India Today in an exclusive interview.

McGahey represented Canada before the ICC ruling ended her international career. Her experience has given her a personal connection to the scrutiny surrounding Bangar, who can play Premier Cricket in Australia in the interim before becoming eligible for elite cricket, subject to the relevant requirements.

A NEW CHAPTER AWAITS IN AUSTRALIA

For Bangar, Cricket Australia’s decision offers something that has been missing for a long time: a pathway back to competitive cricket.

Her potential journey could take her from Premier Cricket to elite domestic cricket and, eventually, the Women’s Big Bash League. But eligibility does not guarantee selection or a contract.

Her case also highlights the different approaches taken by cricket’s governing bodies. Cricket Australia uses a testosterone-based eligibility framework for domestic competitions, while the ICC has stricter regulations for international cricket.

Under the ICC’s current policy, transgender women who have experienced male puberty are not eligible to play international women’s cricket, regardless of surgery or gender reassignment treatment. The policy was approved in November 2023 following a nine-month consultation process.

MCGAHEY CHALLENGES THE ASSUMPTIONS

McGahey believes the discussion around transgender participation should be grounded in research rather than assumptions about transgender athletes.

“My position remains very clear: trans women are women, and trans women belong in women’s sport. After years of gender-affirming hormone therapy, the physiological picture is very different from what is often portrayed in public debate.

“Research has shown substantial reductions in strength, muscle mass and other performance-related measures following hormone therapy, with a number of measures moving toward or becoming comparable with cisgender female ranges over time. These conversations deserve to be based on evidence rather than assumptions about transgender bodies.”

Her comments come as Bangar’s eligibility continues to generate debate among players and supporters of the women’s game. South Africa international Marizanne Kapp has publicly criticised Cricket Australia’s decision, calling it “absolutely ridiculous”.

The contrasting positions reflect the wider challenge facing sporting bodies as they navigate questions of inclusion, competitive fairness and eligibility.

A CAREER THAT FELL APART ABRUPTLY

For McGahey, the debate is not an abstract one. She has lived through its consequences.

The Australian-born cricketer moved to Canada and made history in September 2023 when she became the first transgender player to feature in an official international cricket match, making her T20I debut against Brazil.

She went on to play six T20Is for Canada, scoring 118 runs at an average of 19.66, with a highest score of 48.

At the time, McGahey had been deemed eligible under the ICC’s existing transgender participation criteria. But on November 21, 2023, the governing body approved new regulations barring transgender women who had experienced male puberty from international women’s cricket.

“With a very heavy heart, I must say that my international cricketing career is over,” she said at the time.

The decision brought a sudden end to the international journey of a player who had made history only months earlier.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/anaya-bangar-danielle-mcgahey-cricket-australia-womens-cricket-interview-2983067-2026-08-31

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied knowledge of any discussion about the team refusing to return after lunch at Lord’s. His comments came after reports linked the alleged threat to a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons.

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team considered refusing to return to the field after lunch on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test amid the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Babar said he had no knowledge of any such discussion when asked about the reports after Pakistan’s defeat.

England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Speaking after the match, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was asked whether there had been any conversation within the Pakistan camp about not taking the field after the lunch break on the opening day.

“No, no. I have not heard that thing,” Babar said.

When pressed on whether he was aware of any discussions surrounding the matter, Babar again indicated that he had no knowledge of them.

“No, I have not heard anything about that,” Babar said.

His comments come after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened not to send the team back onto the field if Sky Sports aired an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, was eventually broadcast during the lunch interval, with Pakistan returning for the afternoon session as scheduled.

PAKISTAN KEEPS DENYING BOYCOTT REPORTS

The controversy emerged during the lunch break on the opening day, when Sky Sports aired the pre-recorded interview. The PCB had reportedly complained to the broadcaster over the segment, which focused on concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s treatment and health.

Babar’s comments are also in line with remarks made earlier by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who said he and the players were unaware of the reported threat and remained focused on the match.

Despite the off-field dispute, Pakistan returned after lunch and the Test continued without interruption. England eventually secured a comprehensive victory, leaving Pakistan 2-0 down in the series with one match remaining.

ENGLAND SEAL SERIES AT LORD’S

Pakistan’s latest defeat followed another difficult batting display. Chasing 389 for victory, they were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel providing the main resistance before falling for 97.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/babar-azam-eng-vs-pak-denies-boycott-talk-imran-khan-sons-interview-lords-test-2983296-2026-08-31

Neeraj Chopra sustained an ankle ligament tear during training which has ended his season.

In a latest injury setback, star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has suffered a ligament tear which has ended his ongoing season, meaning he won’t take part in the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Japan next month. Besides, he will also miss the Diamond League final and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest for which he looked on course for qualifying.

Chopra headlined India’s 492-member strong contingent for the Asian Games announced by the Sports Ministry earlier this month.

“After a period of hard work, I finally felt I was gaining the momentum I had been looking for with a Season’s Best throw in Lausanne,” Chopra said in a statement on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, shortly after, I sustained a ligament tear in my ankle during training. After discussions with my doctor and team, we’ve decided that I will sit out the rest of this season,” he added.

Chopra, who won silver at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, had returned to action at the Doha Diamond League after spending months recovering from a lower-back injury that had kept him out since September 2025.

Source : https://www.news18.com/sports/other-sports/neeraj-chopra-out-of-asian-games-after-ligament-injury-i-will-sit-out-the-rest-of-this-season-ws-bkl-10299490.html

England Test captain Joe Root continues to touch new heights in Test cricket. The right-handed batter scripted another record to his name, this time during the second Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s, London.

England Test captain Joe Root continues to touch new heights in Test cricket. The right-handed batter scripted another record to his name, this time during the second Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s, London. Batting on Day 2, Root scored 24 runs before being dismissed LBW by Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali. While the Test star couldn’t take his innings deep, it was enough for him to break a long-standing record of Australia great Ricky Ponting. Root surpassed Ponting to become the player with the most Test runs on home soil.

Root now holds the top spot with 7594 Test runs to his credit in England. Ponting, who scored 7578 runs in the format in Australia, has slipped to the second spot. India’s Sachin Tendulkar is in third position with 7216 runs in India.

Root is just 1713 runs away from overtaking Sachin Tendulkar in the list of batters with the most runs in Test cricket. While Sachin is at the top of the list with 15921 runs, Root currently has 14208 runs in 168 matches. While the debate continues over whether Root will be able to achieve the stunning record, his father gave a clear verdict recently.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/joe-root-breaks-ricky-pontings-big-world-record-during-2nd-test-vs-pakistan-11975311

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said that he doesn’t know anything about the conversation that took place between the PCB and ECB over Michael Atherton interviewing Imran Khan’s sons.

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was put under the spotlight as he attended the press conference at the end of the second day’s play at Lord’s in the second Test against England. While it is usual for coaches and players to be asked about cricketing affairs on the field, when a question about the saga over the interview featuring Imran Khan’s sons was asked, Sarfaraz looked visibly rattled. The former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter looked keen to move on from the topic. Sometimes, he even responded to questions before being asked, as if he had memorised the answers to those topics.

When asked by a reporter about the conversation between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the interview on Sky, where Michael Atherton spoke to Imran Khan’s sons, Sarfaraz played dumb.

“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” said Sarfaraz in response to the question.

When the reporter asked if there ever was a suggestion that the Pakistani players would not take the field in the second session of the game as Sky went ahead with the interview despite being warned by the PCB, Sarfaraz didn’t even let the question be completed and started saying “no, no, no, no, no”.

“You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview,” said the Pakistan head coach. “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”

In the interview conducted by Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim expressed concerns over the treatment and security given to their father, who has been behind bars since 2023.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/no-no-no-no-pakistan-coach-sarfaraz-ahmed-ends-silence-on-row-over-imran-khans-sons-interview-11973262

On the cusp of reclaiming her cricketing life, trans-athlete Anaya Bangar revealed she was “served with silence” by the BCCI when she first approached the Board for assistance in becoming a part of India’s women’s cricket set-up.

It’s been lonely, it’s been brutal, but it’s also been worth it. On the cusp of reclaiming her cricketing life, trans-athlete Anaya Bangar is unruffled by what the sceptics and critics have to say as she feels a bit of “education” is all it would take for them to come around. “Served with silence” by the BCCI when she first approached the Board for assistance in becoming a part of India’s women’s cricket set-up, the 25-year-old found support from Cricket Australia, which allowed her to compete at the community shield level.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Anaya said she has been through a roller-coaster ride since the beginning of her transition in 2022, a process which culminated with a gender affirming surgery in March this year.

“…when you’re transitioning, and when you’re a trans-athlete, during this political climate in this world, it can get very isolating. You feel very lonely, you feel like there’s no one who really understands out there,” she said.

“Everyone out there is trying to give you solutions, when you know that your own case is the right one. You know what is happening with you is injustice. So, during all of this, just the fact of being with myself, solitude has helped me a lot throughout all this,” added the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, whose father is former India player and decorated coach Sanjay Bangar.

“Right now, just hearing the news about Cricket Australia clearing me, and basically providing me a path to play women’s cricket, to play cricket as who I am is huge for me.” Anaya had given up hope of ever playing the game and although she is grateful towards her family for the support it offered for “necessities”, it is the universe that, she feels, changed her circumstances for the better.

“To be honest, emotionally, it’s just been all by myself, but I’m grateful for the support for the necessities that I had from my family.

“I never thought that I’ll be able to get (to) play cricket ever since the day I started transitioning. I just tried to put myself out there and see what happens, and whatever works, works. And throughout all this, I think the universe has backed me a lot, and here we are,” she said.

Stronger and wiser now

Anaya was still recovering from the after-effects of her surgery when she approached Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge in June after coming to know about their policy of allowing trans players in women’s cricket.

The process thereafter was smooth and swift unlike the lack of response that she encountered on approaching the BCCI. She hoped the Indian Board would figure out a policy for future.

“…it is very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was served with silence.

“I knew that transitioning was going to make me steer away from cricket…I hope that BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic, since I’m the first case in India.

“I would be happy to be a part of the team and provide my insights and gatherings throughout my whole journey and what would work best for our country and women’s sport in the future,” she said.

The experience though made her “stronger and wiser”.

“To be honest, transitioning was always about being happy and comfortable in my own skin. And I had to take the necessary steps during that time in my life to basically give up the sport that I loved. Go through major changes, go through major family dynamic changes and everything,” she said.

“…And I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey. It’s been a rollercoaster, it’s been brutal, it’s been filled with emotions, but I’m glad I’m on the stepping stone now.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/served-with-silence-anaya-bangar-reveals-bccis-stance-sends-big-message-to-cricket-board-11971655

Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu staged a stunning comeback against GM Fabiano Caruana to win the final match and claim his maiden Grand Chess Tour Finals title

Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu staged a stunning comeback against GM Fabiano Caruana to win the final match and claim his maiden Grand Chess Tour Finals title, along with the $200,000 first prize on Thursday (local time) in St.Louis. With this win, Praggnanandhaa scripted history, becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, as per Chess.com. The Indian grandmaster began the day six points behind Caruana but quickly turned the match around, winning both rapid games to take the lead. He then held Caruana to an even score in blitz, securing the title by a final score of 15-13.

In the first blitz game, Praggnanandhaa had winning chances but blundered in a time scramble. His position quickly deteriorated, but Caruana failed to capitalise, and the game ultimately ended in a draw.

🏆 PRAGGNANANDHAA IS THE 2026 GRAND CHESS TOUR CHAMPION! 🏆♟️
Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on winning his first-ever Grand Chess Tour title! 🎉
Pragg defeats Fabiano Caruana in a thrilling final match to cap off an incredible season and claim the GCT crown for the first time… pic.twitter.com/joROgGaOxH

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) August 27, 2026

GM Wesley So also staged a comeback in the third-place match against GM Vincent Keymer.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/chess/r-praggnanandhaa-scripts-history-becomes-first-indian-to-win-grand-chess-tour-11969138

 

Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Real Madrid thrash Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga in Jose Mourinho’s first home match back at the Santiago Bernabeu as the club’s coach.

Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Real Madrid thrash Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga in Jose Mourinho’s first home match back at the Santiago Bernabeu as the club’s coach. Mourinho’s Madrid made it two wins from two with Vinicius Junior also on the scoresheet, while Jude Bellingham provided two assists as the star trio picked apart their Basque visitors. Veteran Portuguese coach Mourinho selected the same side that snatched a late 2-1 win at Espanyol in his first match at the helm last Saturday.

Mourinho said it would be tricky but not impossible to get the team’s three biggest names in the same team all at their best, and this match suggested he is on the right track.

“This guy is incredible,” said Mourinho of Mbappe, while also praising Madrid’s overall display.

“I see him really hungry to make history with Real Madrid, and I see a team where, despite Kylian being Kylian, it’s hard for me not to talk about the team.”

Vinicius fired over and Alex Remiro saved low at his near post from Mbappe during an open start to the game. At the other end, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a smart stop from Mikel Oyarzabal.

Remiro was called into action again to deny Vinicius after Mbappe slipped in the Brazil international, while La Real’s Sergio Gomez sent a volley screaming just wide of Courtois’s far post.

Five minutes before half-time, Madrid found the breakthrough, with Federico Valverde feeding Mbappe.

The French forward, top scorer in La Liga in each of the last two seasons, took a clever touch to escape his marker and buried the ball in the top corner to claim the first goal of his campaign.

“It’s spectacular, incredible (to have Mbappe), we have to enjoy Mbappe and make the most of him as possible,” captain Valverde told Real Madrid TV.

“We have to give him a thousand balls so he is comfortable, he can score goals, and he’s happy.”

However, Los Blancos could not survive to the break without conceding the equaliser against last season’s Copa del Rey winners.

Job Ochieng dallied on the ball and his shot was blocked, but it fell nicely to Luka Sucic, who rammed home with the help of a deflection off Alvaro Carreras.

Star trio shine

Valverde said that Madrid tweaked their approach to pressing in the second half and it paid dividends.

“We were finding it hard to get the ball back in their half… We adjusted that and in the second half we were a lot more comfortable,” explained the Uruguayan midfielder.

Arda Guler played in Mbappe, whom Remiro denied early in the second half, but the Spanish goalkeeper could do nothing about the former Paris Saint-Germain star’s next effort.

A neat move involving Valverde and then Bellingham led to the latter playing in Mbappe, who calmly stroked home. Madrid’s third came from Vinicius, who had been quiet to this point, and he had the tenacity of Bellingham to thank.

The England midfielder’s shot was blocked but he refused to give up, winning the ball back in Real Sociedad’s area and putting it on a plate for Vinicius to tap home.

The Brazilian, brought to life by his goal, set up Mbappe with a perfectly weighted pass for the striker’s third, a dink over Remiro which was the pick of the goals.

Vinicius, substituted with seven minutes to go for record Madrid signing Yan Diomande, embraced Mourinho after being brought off with the job done.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/kylian-mbappe-hits-hat-trick-as-real-madrid-thrash-real-sociedad-11963968

Former Indian cricket team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a hilarious conversation with Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo.

Former Indian cricket team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a hilarious conversation with Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo. In a video on social media, Suryakumar was seen greeting Jayasuriya during the event as both of them had a brief conversation. The India batter joked that Jayasuriya looked fit and even jokingly asked whether he was looking to make an international comeback. “Getting fitter, trying to make a comeback? Looks like 100%,” he said. The Sri Lanka legend smiled at the comment and the video has won the hearts of several users on social media.

Earlier, a a source in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told ANI that Suryakumar Yadav can still make a comeback to the Indian side given he scores runs in domestic cricket consistently.

Suryakumar Yadav and Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo.

Sanath to Surya There is always an element of humour when suryakumar Yadav is around.

Surya to Sanath: Getting fitter, trying to make a comeback pic.twitter.com/AHPlGHCORd

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 25, 2026

Suryakumar, who led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, has been stripped of the T20I captaincy and dropped from the squad following a lean patch with the bat ahead of India’s tour of Ireland and England. The BCCI named Shreyas Iyer as the new T20I captain.

However, India’s fortunes have dipped under Iyer’s leadership. The Men in Blue were whitewashed 2-0 by Ireland before suffering a 4-0 series defeat to England in the five-match T20I series, with the opening game ending in a no-result due to rain.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/suryakumar-yadavs-hilarious-chat-with-sri-lanka-legend-goes-viral-trying-to-make-a-comeback-11958639

Sreejesh said the focus should not simply shift to the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the World Cup exits. He questioned whether winning a medal at the Asian Games would be enough to “cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.”

Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has questioned the lack of accountability after both the Indian men’s and women’s teams exited the Hockey World Cup. In a strongly worded post on X, Sreejesh said the World Cup should not be treated as a learning exercise and asked whether Indian hockey is serious about beating the best teams in the world.

Sreejesh said the focus should not simply shift to the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the World Cup exits. He questioned whether winning a medal at the Asian Games would be enough to “cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.”

Don’t worry… the World Cup doesn’t matter. 🤡

The Asian Games are coming. Win a medal 🥇 there, and then we can start dreaming about LA 2028. Apparently, that’s enough to cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.

Women’s chief coach on holiday just before the World…

— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 24, 2026

He also raised concerns about the Indian women’s team and the timing of the chief coach’s absence before the World Cup. Sreejesh praised the players for fighting hard and exceeding expectations but questioned where the accountability lies if the chief coach was away during the final stage of preparations.

The Indian Men’s Team went down 3–5 against Argentina in their last Pool E clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 to bow out of contention for a place in the semi-finals. 🏑

Sukhjeet Singh scored twice, while Hardik Singh added a third goal for India.… pic.twitter.com/6WxztSEBVe

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 24, 2026

The former goalkeeper also questioned the way the men’s team’s results are viewed. He said defeats against top teams are often called “learning experiences”, while wins against Asian teams are celebrated as “great victories”.

He asked whether India are building a team that can simply play good hockey or one that can actually beat the best teams in the world.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton shares his thoughts after the Indian Men’s Team’s Pool E clash against Argentina at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. 🏑

India lost 3-5 in their concluding Pool E match. #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2026 #INDvsARG pic.twitter.com/6Ys6jNHlTa

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 24, 2026

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/world-cup-is-not-a-rehearsal-pr-sreejesh-slams-hockey-federation-after-indias-double-exit-demands-accountability 

 

The 22-year-old bagged his biggest career title and, with the US Open starting in one week, he is projected to jump from 21st in the world rankings to a career-high 11th.

Arthur Fils surged past Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati on Sunday. The 22-year-old bagged his biggest career title and, with the US Open starting in one week, he is projected to jump from 21st in the world rankings to a career-high 11th. Fils swept through the opening set, dropping just three points behind his serve. Tiafoe turned the tables as Fils’s errors mounted in the second, but after receiving treatment before the third set Tiafoe was no match for the surging Frenchman in the third.

He saved two match points in the final game, but Fils set up another with a lob and was able to celebrate as Tiafoe sent a forehand over the baseline to end it after 98 minutes.

Fils blazed through the opening games, breaking Tiafoe on the way to a 3-0 lead and dropping just one point in the first three games.

He dictated the rallies from the baseline and even as Tiafoe began to find his range the American was unable to apply any pressure on Fils’s serve, Fils finishing off the opening set in 29 minutes with his eighth ace.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/arthur-fils-tops-frances-tiafoe-to-claim-first-atp-masters-title-in-cincinnati-11949387

Lionel Messi was found guilty and fined an undisclosed amount for slapping Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck.

Lionel Messi was fined an undisclosed amount for making contact with the head and neck area of opponent during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia. Messi slapped the Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during a tense exchange. This was against the rules of Major League Soccer (MLS), which bars players from hitting the face, neck and head of the opponent.

The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the contest. In the videos that went from the contest on social media, Messi looked upset with Quinn and was involved in a heated exchange. He then slapped Sullivan on the back of the head as he walked past Messi, leading to another confrontation. Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined for hitting Sullivan on the head in a separate incident. After Sullivan lost his footing dribbling into the penalty area, he got tangled with Fray, who then grabbed his neck. Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.

The match ended on a dramatic note as Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan were shown red cards after getting involved in a stoppage-time scuffle. However, MLS later overturned Sullivan’s red card after its Independent Review Panel unanimously ruled the decision in his favour. The decision also cancelled the one-match suspension that came with the dismissal, meaning the 16-year-old will be available for Philadelphia’s next game. Sullivan had entered the confrontation while defending his older brother, Quinn Sullivan.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-fined-after-slapping-quinn-sullivan-in-heated-mls-clash-article-155952006

The U.S. Open singles champions will earn $5.5 million (approx. Rs 52.66 crore), the highest winnings in Grand Slam tennis history.

The U.S. Open singles champions will earn $5.5 million (approx. Rs 52.66 crore), the highest winnings in Grand Slam tennis history. Overall compensation for the final major of the year is rising to a record $108 million, a 20% increase from last year and a 44% jump since 2024. The financial details were announced Thursday by the U.S. Tennis Association, with play set to begin next week. Players will earn $140,000, largest in tennis history, just for making it into the 128-player singles main draw. A quarterfinalist earns $780,000, a semifinalist $1.45 million and the runner-up $2.8 million.

The champions’ check is up from the $5 million that Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz won last year, when the total player compensation was $90 million.

The winning teams in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles will split $1 million, with the runner-up team to earn $500,000. The wheelchair singles champions will earn $104,000.

The USTA also announced it would establish a player support program, with an initial commitment of $2 million to be split equally between men’s and women’s players, which will be used to provide benefits and complement existing pension funds.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/more-than-rs-50-crore-us-open-singles-champions-to-earn-record-prize-money-in-2026-11937033

Third-seeded Wang Zhi Yi pushed the Indian superstar to her absolute limits in a gruelling, roller-coaster contest that kept the arena on edge.

Day 4 of the BWF World Championships delivered high-octane drama, but it ultimately witnessed a big heartbreak for India as PV Sindhu’s campaign came to an agonizing close in a high-stakes thriller, bringing her hunt for a historic sixth World Championship medal to a painful halt. Third-seeded Wang Zhi Yi pushed the Indian superstar to her absolute limits in a gruelling, roller-coaster contest that kept the arena on edge, with Sindhu faltering only in the final stretch after giving everything on the court. The final scoreline was 21-11, 15-21 and 21-17 in the Chinese shuttler’s favour.

The momentum shifted during the match when the Chinese shuttler appeared to experience some discomfort and took medical time-outs on a couple of occasions: first one in the third game at 16-16 and the second one a few moments later at 18-17. The interruptions disrupted Sindhu’s rhythm, leaving the Indian unsure whether her opponent was genuinely struggling or using it as a strategic move.

“I don’t know if she’s injured or not, maybe that is her strategy or her way of doing it. You never know. Maybe that’s her gameplay, but I had to be very focused and very patient and, you know, focus on every point. So, yeah, I think the last three points just changed the game is what I felt. I should have been a little patient,” Sindhu said after the match.

The opening game began on an even note with both shuttlers locked at 5-5, but Sindhu soon lost her momentum. A few critical misjudgments, including leaving shuttles in the hope that they would land out, cost her valuable points. Wang seized the opportunity, took full control of the pace, and comfortably closed out the first game 21-11.

With the passionate crowd roaring behind her, Sindhu came out firing in the second game and quickly built a 9-6 lead. Wang refused to let her pull away easily and fought back to level the score at 11-11, setting up a sensational battle. From that moment, the intensity escalated to another level. Both shuttlers pushed each other through long, exhausting rallies, with Sindhu prevailing in the majority of the extended exchanges, including a gruelling 41-shot rally to move ahead 15-12. Though fatigue began to show. Sindhu then shifted gears at 15-15, going all guns blazing to win the second game 21-15 and force a deciding third set.

Sindhu carried that ferocious momentum into the final game, racing to an early 3-0 lead and immediately putting Wang under pressure. However, another twist awaited as the resilient Chinese shuttler refused to surrender, eventually levelling the score at 15-15 in the late stages. At this critical juncture, Sindhu conceded a couple of easy unforced errors, losing her grip on the contest. Despite showing visible physical discomfort late in the set, Wang stayed composed and capitalized on the openings. In the end, Sindhu faltered in the closing moments, losing the decider 17-21.

It was an agonizing defeat, yet Sindhu’s performance was defined by the fight, resilience, and belief that have marked her entire career.

Ayush Shetty’s journey over too

Meanwhile, Ayush Shetty’s campaign ended after a tough defeat to Alwi Farhan. Shetty took an early 3–0 lead in the opening game before momentum shifted to Farhan, who rallied to take the lead. Although Ayush fought hard to close the gap, it wasn’t enough to turn the game around, and Farhan secured the first game 21–19.

In the second game, Ayush lost his momentum entirely. Despite sustained support from the crowd, nothing clicked for him on court. High expectations followed his victory over the defending champion in the round of 64, but he struggled to find his rhythm, and the match quickly slipped away. The frustration became visible in his body language as Farhan extended his lead to seven points late in the game, ultimately closing out the set 21–11.

After the match, Shetty reflected on his learnings from the tournament. “Yeah, different… a lot to learn, especially this match. A… tough one today as well, but I think, yeah… felt… yeah, I think… lot of positives as well, uh, from this tournament, but I think, uh, definitely a lot to learn and a long way to go, so…”

The day started with Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand pushing themselves to beat the higher-ranked Japanese pair of Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi in their Round of 16 clash. With the pressure firmly on the 39th-ranked Indians against the seventh-seeded Japanese pair, neither Treesa nor Gayatri made it feel like an upset. The final scoreline read 21-16, 21-12.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/badminton/not-sure-if-she-was-injured-or-it-was-a-strategy-pv-sindhu-on-opponent-wang-zhi-yi-after-bwf-world-championships-exit-101787237546629.html

The sixth edition of The Hundred came to a blockbuster conclusion on Sunday, with Manchester Super Giants clinching the men’s title and Trent Rockets emerging victorious in the women’s competition.

The sixth edition of The Hundred came to a blockbuster conclusion on Sunday, with Manchester Super Giants clinching the men’s title and Trent Rockets emerging victorious in the women’s competition. MSG edged past Trent Rockets in the men’s final at Lord’s to lift their maiden championship. It was a thrilling contest, with the Rockets posting 158/8 after being asked to bat first. Manchester got off to a blistering start in the chase, thanks to opener Tim Seifert’s fluent 72 off 38 balls. Later, with Manchester needing three runs from the final three deliveries, Liam Dawson smashed a six to take his side across the finish line and seal a five-wicket victory.

It was a special moment for MSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, who finally witnessed one of his cricket franchises win a major tournament. Goenka, who also co-owns IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, is often known for his animated reactions during matches. However, his heartfelt congratulatory message after the team’s triumph in The Hundred won praise from fans.

“Champions in our very first season! @ManchesterSG100. What a night it has been at Lord’s, a proud moment for all of us in the Super Giants family. This was a team effort from the first game to the last. Tim, what an innings. Noor, a brilliant spell with the ball and wickets at the times we needed them. Jos has led from the front all season, and the way the whole squad came together through the knockouts is what turned this season around. Congratulations to Jos and to every player who made this happen. And a special thank you to our supporters, you willed this team on all the way. This one is for you,” wrote Goenka on X (formerly Twitter).

Champions in our very first season! @ManchesterSG100

What a night it has been at Lord’s, a proud moment for all of us in the Super Giants family. This was a team effort from the first game to the last. Tim, what an innings. Noor, a brilliant spell with the ball and wickets at… pic.twitter.com/fNOO18Wpfe

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) August 16, 2026

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/manchester-super-giants-clinch-maiden-the-hundred-title-owner-sanjiv-goenkas-reaction-goes-viral-11918962 

Unfancied Bangladesh dominated a full-strength Australia throughout and the margin of victory will send shock waves through the cricketing world.

Bangladesh’s men’s cricket team created history on Sunday as it beat Australia in the first Test in Darwin, registering its first win in the format in Australian conditions. Bangladesh had previously played two Tests in Australia, losing both. However, the win in Darwin was a historic result for the Tigers, who are now the quickest Asian side to win a Test on Australian soil. Pakistan had to wait seven matches for their first win in Australia, while India secured theirs after 12 Tests.

Among the other Asian Test-playing nations, Sri Lanka remain the only side yet to beat Australia in their own backyard, despite playing 15 Tests there.

After bowling Australia out for 284 and needing 57 to win, the visitors cruised past the total when Mominul Haque slashed Beau Webster to the backward point boundary.

Unfancied Bangladesh dominated a full-strength Australia throughout and the margin of victory will send shock waves through the cricketing world.

When Australia resumed Sunday on 161-4, their hopes lay with Alex Carey and Green.

Carey lived dangerously in the opening 30 minutes, twice edging seamer Hasan Mahmud through the vacant slips cordon for boundaries.

But on 30 off-spinner Mehidy produced a beautiful ball, pitching in line then turning sharply to take Carey’s outside edge to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

He struck again soon after, bowling Webster for five to leave Australia 193-6 and in deep trouble.

A famous victory edged closer when Cummins pushed forward to a Mehidy delivery and got an inside edge to short leg, where Shadman Islam took a sharp chance.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bangladesh-break-pakistans-huge-record-after-historic-first-win-in-australia-11917151

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, hinted at retiring from football in 2028 after his Al Nassr contract expires. He aims for a “spectacular legacy” and more family time.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will ‘probably’ retire from football in 2028. His Al Nassr contract expires next summer, and the Portuguese striker hinted that he might not be involved in the sport after that.

He was speaking after his marriage to his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez earlier this month. The 41-year-old is one of the all-time great footballers. Having already left the most competitive European leagues in 2020, he played in the recent FIFA 2026 World Cup for Portugal, his final appearance at the marquee stage. Despite scoring two goals, he looked quite far off his best.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue.

He’s only 24 senior goals shy of reaching an unprecedented 1,000 and has often spoken about wanting to make that mark. Portugal’s new manager Jorge Jesus, too, called him a ‘symbol of Portuguese football’ after his appointment in July and confirmed he will continue to select the forward as long as he is fit and playing.

Source : https://www.news18.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-announces-retirement-plan-my-last-year-in-football-ws-l-10276643.html

Todd Greenberg also revealed that Cricket Australia was aware of the relationship between Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Voll before it became public.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg has extended support to all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner after she was retained as the vice-captain of the women’s national team. Gardner has been in the news ever since her estranged wife, Monica Wright, accused the all-rounder of cheating on her with teammate Georgia Voll. Wright had also slammed Cricket Australia (CA) for not taking action against Gardner and allowing her to hold a leadership position in the team. Now, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg has confirmed that Gardner’s future as vice-captain was discussed by board officials, but it was eventually decided that the 29-year-old will continue to be part of the leadership group.

“It was discussed yesterday at the board level. The board asked for an update on it, which we provided, and the outcome of that is the board are very supportive of Ash in the role as she was appointed to the vice-captaincy, [there’s] huge and high regard for Ash,” Greenberg told reporters in Darwin.

Greenberg also revealed that CA was aware of the relationship between Gardner and Voll before it became public. He added that Gardner’s situation prompted CA to update its Respect at Work policy regarding players in relationships holding leadership roles.

“We’ve got a Respect at Work policy, which we’ve now put some additional measures in place. Because we want to make sure that either the perception or the real conflict of selections, even though the vice-captain doesn’t have a say in selections in the team, the leadership role and the influence that person might have to put guard rails in about how the policy works. Outside of that, we’ve deemed it a personal matter,” he added.

Greenberg insisted that while Gardner, as vice-captain, has no say in selection matters, she will have to refrain from having any conversations with the player or selectors regarding Voll’s selection in the XI or the squad, or any other factor that could lead to a potential conflict of interest.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/cricket-australia-forced-to-act-after-ashleigh-gardner-cheating-accusations-11909885

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt response to Lionel Messi after the latter lost his father has won the hearts of millions worldwide.

Messages of condolences and tribute poured in after Lionel Messi shared an emotional note on social media following his father’s recent demise. A message from Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival on the football field, caught the eye and won the hearts of several on the internet. “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength,” Ronaldo wrote, replying to Messi’s post. Ronaldo’s touching response has now become the most liked comment ever on Instagram, nearing 6.5 million likes.

At the time of writing, Ronaldo’s reply to Messi has more than 6.4 million likes on Instagram, less than three days since it was posted. This has made it the most liked reply ever on the popular social media app.

Incidentally, the record for the previous most liked comment was also held by Ronaldo, when he congratulated France striker Kylian Mbappe on his transfer to Real Madrid.

“My turn to (watch). Excited to see you light up the Bernabeu #HalaMadrid,” the Portuguese icon replied to Mbappe in 2024. That comment crossed 6 million likes in late 2025.

On Wednesday, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi shared an emotional tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, after the latter died at the age of 68.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldos-touching-reply-to-lionel-messis-family-tragedy-becomes-most-liked-comment-ever-on-instagram-11911216

The BCCI has put the onus on the Indian government to take a call on the Bangladesh series. India were scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in 2025.

The BCCI has once again put the onus on the Government of India to give a green signal for the Bangladesh tour. The Men in Blue were scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in 2025, but the series didn’t take place due to political instability in Bangladesh. The series was expected to take place in September this year, but India won’t tour Bangladesh as they will be playing a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Sources told Times Now that the BCCI is in talks with the government as the board can’t decide on its own. The BCCI will arrange the window for the series once it gets the clearance from the Indian government.

Sources also told Times Now that BCCI’s relations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have improved of late. The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2024, when India hosted Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20Is.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was in high demand in the IPL 2026 mini-auction and he joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore. However, the BCCI asked KKR to release him due to the worsening relations between the two countries.

As a result, the Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup. India and Sri Lanka jointly hosted the ICC event in February and March. Pakistan played all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/bcci-puts-onus-on-government-to-take-a-decision-on-bangladesh-tour-article-155606523

Former world number one Iga Swiatek captured her first title of the year on Thursday, roaring past a weary Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win the WTA 1000 in Toronto.

Former world number one Iga Swiatek captured her first title of the year on Thursday, roaring past a weary Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win the WTA 1000 in Toronto. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, hadn’t even reached a final in 2026 and saw her Wimbledon title defense end in the third round. But she was in control throughout against second-ranked Australian Open winner Rybakina on the way to a first Canadian crown. The victory will see her rise from eighth in the world back into the top five heading into her title defense in Cincinnati, with the US Open beckoning later in the month.

And as she accepted her 12th 1000-level trophy the 25-year-old had some words for the doubters who have contributed to what she has called her toughest year on court.

“It means so, so much to me,” Swiatek said. “All these past months were not easy.

“I’m really happy that I kept focusing on growing, changing my game a little bit, improving despite all the opinions that many people have about me every day on the internet.

“It’s not easy to deal with all of that. So I’m really happy that the reality is different. I have people that know me so well and people that support me every week, every day … so thank you to the team.”

Finally, she said: “I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with judgment and hate. Just keep growing … and always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible.”

Swiatek’s efficient serve performance, polished defense and timely attacks were far too much for Rybakina, who was taken to three sets in four of her five prior matches and didn’t polish off her three-set semi-final win over Coco Gauff until 1 am.

She got off to a sluggish start, gifting Swiatek a break in the opening game with a pair of double faults.

“Today was a pity,” Rybakina said. “I didn’t have much energy. I tried my best, but it wasn’t enough.

“I was just very tired,” she added. “You could see that I wasn’t pushing with the legs enough. There was a lot of unforced errors, especially on top of the net. It was just pure lack of concentration. Even on those kind of easy balls, too.”

Rybakina steadied to hold at love in her next two service games, but after she failed to convert a pair of break chances in the sixth game, Swiatek broke her again for a 5-2 lead to find herself serving for the opening set after barely more than 20 minutes.

Tough opponent

Swiatek pocketed the set with a love game, delivering a swerving second-serve winner on set point.

She was largely untroubled in the second, taking control with a break for 3-2 and breaking Rybakina again in the final game with a backhand winner on her second match point.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/iga-swiatek-rolls-past-elena-rybakina-to-win-wta-toronto-title-11907743

Argentina football team superstar Lionel Messi returned to action amid growing speculations over his career following his father Jorge Messi’s death.

Argentina football team superstar Lionel Messi returned to action amid growing speculations over his career following his father Jorge Messi’s death. Messi came off the bench as a second-half substitute during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Leon, marking his first on-field appearance since his father’s death. The star footballer received a huge reaction from the crowd as they broke into applause as he made his way to the pitch. There was a lot of chatter surrounding Messi’s career after his father died on Saturday in Rosario at the age of 68. He played a huge role in his son’s career and even served as his agent. The match ended in defeat for Messi as Inter Miami lost 2-3 after conceding a late goal.

After the tragic loss, Lionel Messi reacted publicly for the first time, posting a long note on a social media platform.

“Pa, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It’s very hard for me to imagine that I’m not going to see you anymore, that we’re not going to talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that it’s for the best, but you have gone too early. We still had a lot to enjoy together. You were asking me so much to play in the last World Cup, and days before it started, you got worse. It was the first time you weren’t going to be in a tournament,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“Every time a game ended, I expected and missed your message. I realised that the situation was really bad. Still, I kept thinking that if I got as far as possible, it would give you time to watch a game. We got to the final, and you couldn’t be there. When I arrived, you thought we had lost the final on penalties. We could not talk about anything that happened. You couldn’t enjoy anything.”

A heartbroken Messi said he has suffered an irreparable loss. Messi also cast doubt on whether he will be able to continue for long in football without his father.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to go on. I was just playing football, and now I have a lot of doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for a long time. You were by my side from the beginning, and there was so little left until the end. Why couldn’t you hold on a little longer, so we could have reached the finish line together?” Messi wrote.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-returns-to-action-amid-retirement-speculation-after-fathers-death-11902758?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

India head coach Gautam Gambhir faces intense scrutiny over his position amid poor results in Test cricket and also white-ball cricket of late.

Gautam Gambhir’s position as the Indian cricket team’s head coach has come under scrutiny on multiple occasions during his tenure. Recently, India’s disastrous showing in the tour of Ireland and England has put a blemish on his record as a white-ball coach. In the past, humiliating Test series defeats at home to New Zealand and South Africa had ramped up calls for his sacking among a certain section of social media users. In Tests, India have a mountain to climb in order to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 final. However, according to reports, Gambhir’s position is safe, for now.

As per RevSportz, there are two key reasons why Gambhir’s sacking as head coach of India is unlikely – even in Test cricket, where his record has been far from excellent.

First, the report states that, according to sources, there is an acceptance within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the transitional phase that the team is going through in red-ball cricket.

With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin calling it quits from Test cricket in recent times, India’s Test team has now depended on a fresh core led by new captain Shubman Gill.

Secondly, the part played by injuries is also being considered by the BCCI. As per the report, there is a belief that the home defeats to South Africa could’ve played out differently had Gill not suffered an injury mid-series.

Injuries continue to plague India, even heading into the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, No. 3 batter Sai Sudharsan and all-rounder Washington Sundar are among the key figures missing.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/gautam-gambhirs-head-coach-job-safe-or-unsafe-bccis-decision-made-2-major-factors-in-play-11902212

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif is baffled to see the richest cricket board in the world, BCCI, being rejected by sports science experts.

Team India seem to be going through one of its worst injury crises, with several players, including the marquee pacer Jasprit Bumrah, getting injured repeatedly. Ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka, India lost Bumrah, Sai Sudarsan and Washington Sundar. The situation put the BCCI Centre of Excellence under fire, prompting its head, VVS Laxman, to come out and address a press conference. However, seeing Laxman confess that the board is struggling to hire the right people at CoE, former India batter Mohammad Kaif was left dumbstruck.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Kaif expressed his astonishment at the fact that the world’s richest cricket board is being rejected by top medical professionals. Kaif highlighted the impact the absence of key officials has had on the Indian team, urging the experts in the BCCI to get the job done quickly.

“There was a statement from VVS Laxman that they had approached several people. Those things were being worked out, but at the last minute, they turned it down. So, what I am trying to say is that whatever is happening needs to be fixed. I am not an expert on this. The experts appointed by the BCCI need to do their job. But I am telling you that it is having a significant impact,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“Now, I am surprised because so many people are eager to work with the BCCI. We have so much money that if we call someone, they will come running. They do, don’t they? Just look at the players. Players leave their countries’ matches to come and play in the IPL. They come, don’t they? So, I was a little surprised that we haven’t been able to work things out with some of the world’s best physiotherapists and medical professionals and get them to work with the BCCI. I am surprised because we pay so much. We offer such good contracts. If someone comes and works here, they are bound to make a lot of money. They get paid very well,” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah’s repeated absence from the Indian team has been one of the team’s biggest headaches. Bumrah ended up missing the series-deciding third ODI against England. As a result of it, India lost the contest. Kaif doesn’t want such a situation to arise again.

“We are taking injuries too lightly. Bumrah didn’t play at Lord’s, and we conceded 387 runs. That was a crucial ODI. The series was tied at 1-1, it was the third and deciding match, and we conceded 387. So I feel this needs to be worked on. Everyone involved needs to sit down, put their full energy and focus into it, and find a solution,” said Kaif.

During the press conference, BCCI CoE head Laxman dropped a bomb as he admitted that the team was all set to bring in Andrew Leipus as the Head of Sports Science before he pulled out at the last moment. A few others did the same.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bcci-experts-need-to-do-their-job-vvs-laxmans-coe-nightmare-admission-stumps-mohammad-kaif-11895454

UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have come together and issued a joint statement against FIFA and Gianni Infantino. The three continental governing bodies have accused FIFA of a breach of trust while pointing out that the plan to sell a stake in the World Cup was wrong and not just a communication issue.

Gianni Infantino’s position as the president of FIFA has come under major threat as UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have come together and issued a joint statement condemning the plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, as well as the world football governing body’s actions after that. The governing bodies of the sport in Europe, Asia, and North America did not hold back while claiming that trust has been broken.

For those unversed, a move led by Infantino, FIFA plan to sell a stake in its tournament to private investors as per the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. The move sparked major backlash and was later abandoned after criticism grew from all corners.

While Infantino has defended himself, there have been calls for him to step down. The joint statement by three confederations is the strongest effort so far, with FIFA being accused of deception while it is categorically stated that Infantino has put his interests above everything else.

Importantly, the letter pointed out that while FIFA pointed out that mistakes were made in the communication process, there was no acknowledgement of the whole plan being wrong in the first place and claimed it was a failure of judgement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India’s medallists at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and shared a reel with them. India won 39 medals in the Glasgow games and finished fourth on the medal tally.

Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi met India’s medallists at the recently concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG), which took place in Glasglow from 23rd July to 1st August. The country came back home from Scotland with 39 medals from the 23rd edition of the quadrennial games.

Despite several sports which have seen India win a good tally of medals in the past not being part of the roster this time around, India managed to finish fourth behind Australia, England, and Scotland. Their tally includes 39 medals, of which there were 13 gold, 17 silvers, and nine bronze medals.

India won 16 medals in athletics (3 golds, seven silvers, and three bronze medals) and 10 medals in boxing (7 golds and 3 silver medals) and eight in weightlifting (1 gold, six silver, and 1 bronze medal) and one in powerlifting.

M Modi’s Special Reel

All medallists gathered together in the same frame and shot together. The video started with boxer Sakshi Choudhary, who won a gold medal. Praise PM Modi after the meeting and called him very humble. ‘Jo Khelega vo khilega’ (The one who plays will blossom), said the Indian Prime Minister in the clip. Always cheer for Bharat,” he added

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/pm-narendra-modi-meets-indias-cwg-2026-medalist-shares-special-reel-jo-khelega-vo-khilega-watch-article-155410165

A leaked police dossier reportedly revealed that Argentina superstar footballer Lionel Messi was allegedly the primary target of multiple terror threats during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A leaked police dossier reportedly revealed that Argentina superstar footballer Lionel Messi was allegedly the primary target of multiple terror threats during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The documents, which were accessed by Spanish newspaper Informacion.es, listed bomb threats, stalking cases and online abuse towards players, referees and other officials during the tournament. According to the report, Messi and the Argentina football team featured quite heavily in the police dossier. The security threats were dealt by a joint security network led by the FBI and the International Police Cooperation (IPCC).

According to the report, one of the most shocking discoveries was the alleged plot targeting Messi. The dossier revealed that an individual openly declared his intention to carry out a suicide bombing inside the Atlanta Stadium. The suspect allegedly posted on X – “I’m going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body”.

The threat was reportedly treated by the authorities with the highest level of seriousness.

The authorities also reportedly examined another incident involving a phone call made to the Dallas airport. According to the report, the caller claimed that he and two other people were headed to the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15. The message added that both police officers as well as the footballers were the intended targets while mentioning Messi.

Messi was not the only high-profile name that featured in the police dossier as Cristiano Ronaldo was also subjected to repeated security concerns during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to the report.

The report claimed that a FIFA employee alerted authorities on June 14 after noticing a suspicious individual attempting to obtain details about the Portuguese footballer’s accomodation. Similar incidents were reported in Toronto, Houston and Miami.

Besides the star footballers, French referee Francois Letexier also reportedly received around 6000 threatening messages on WhatsApp during the competition.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/blow-up-lionel-messi-with-4-bombs-report-reveals-terror-plot-during-fifa-wc-2026-11881936?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Despite opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF, India remains supportive of Gianni Infantino due to its financial dependency on FIFA’s funding. The AIFF’s limited budget highlights its reliance on FIFA’s Forward development program, which offers significant financial support.

Gianni Infantino is currently navigating the most volatile crisis of his FIFA presidency. Following immense global backlash, his administration faced an unprecedented revolt over the highly controversial proposal designed to secure billions through selling minor stakes of the FIFA World Cup to private investors promising massive cash injections to member nations. With UEFA and CONCACAF in open defiance, Infantino’s fate hangs in the balance with the Presidential elections soon. The FIFA president needs significant backing to get back in his current chair, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is reported to be supporting Infantino.

To the casual observer, it might look like India truly believes in Gianni Infantino’s vision. But once the layers of international sports diplomacy are peeled back, the reality is far more transactional. The AIFF’s loyalty isn’t built on shared ideals; it is built on a desperate need for survival, anchored by a multi-million-dollar lifeline from the global footballing body.

The Statistical Reality: A Tale of Two Budgets

Indian football operates under a severe, perpetual cash crunch. During its Annual General Meeting in July 2023, the AIFF passed a total domestic budget of just ₹134 crore for the 2023-24 financial year. While this was an increase from the previous year’s ₹87 crore, it remains a small amount to run a thriving national football ecosystem.

Unlike the massive European football associations leading the charge against Infantino, which generate billions independently through domestic TV rights and private sponsorships, the AIFF lacks a self-sustaining commercial safety net.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/exclusive-134-crore-budget-up-to-382-crore-at-stake-why-india-cant-afford-to-abandon-gianni-infantino-article-155382760

Rishabh Pant has sought CM Pushkar Dhami’s help to acquire land in Uttarakhand to return to his native place. He wants to buy land from the government.

India cricketer Rishabh Pant has set social media abuzz with a late-night post on X (formerly Twitter), in which he made a plea to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Pant has asked CM Pushkar to help him acquire land in his native Uttarakhand after his own efforts to buy one went in vain.

Pant described his futile attempts as a “nightmare”, while claiming that he was supposed to receive land for promoting the state. The wicketkeeper-batter added that he wishes to shift his base back to Uttarakhand to be closer to his “pahadi people”.

Pant, who hails from Uttarakhand, came through the ranks while representing Delhi in domestic cricket. While he laid the foundation for his India career playing cricket in the national capital, he now wishes to move back to his native place and build his “first house” in the state.

Pant is currently involved in a warmup match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.

“@pushkardhami hello sir how’s you ??? It’s a long time for me especially being local from Uttrakhand . I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttrakhand and I couldn’t find anything facilitating and big to live here I love my Uttrakhand. My humble request to us is please help me in land acquisition cause nowadays it had become nitemare with clarity and even other land is dew which was I supposedly get when I was promoting the state before keeping everything in side I wanna move back to my native place to help and built around Uttrakhand and I want to shif back to my Pahadi people please look into this matter it’s been 3 years didn’t get any land awaiting your answer @pushkardhami sir,” Pant posted late at night.

@pushkardhami hello sir how’s you ??? It’s a long time for me especially being local from Uttrakhand . I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttrakhand and I couldn’t find anything facilitating and big to live here I love my Uttrakhand. My humble request…

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) August 7, 2026

“A gift would be lovey for representation out states at the highest level internationally stages but if you allow me I wanna buy it from Government and on there rates at least I can have my first house built in my own state and our state please be helpful. Seriously didn’t know how to do it,” he wrote.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/rishabh-pant-uttarakhand-cm-pushkar-dhami-help-me-land-acquisition-social-media-reactions-india-cricket-team-ws-l-10260298.html

Bangladeshi cricket great Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said he is ready to return from a two-year exile, face trial on charges including murder and play a farewell series if the government guarantees his safety.

Bangladeshi cricket great Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said he is ready to return from a two-year exile, face trial on charges including murder and play a farewell series if the government guarantees his safety. Shakib, a former lawmaker for Hasina’s Awami League, has been living in the United States since her government was toppled in a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024. Now 39, the player has not yet retired from international cricket and said he still hopes to play a farewell series at home and represent his country at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The former Bangladeshi captain’s case highlights the wider fallout from Hasina’s ouster, which has left scores of her allies facing criminal charges and unable to return to Bangladesh. His return would test whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government will accommodate figures from the former ruling party – an open question as Hasina herself has announced plans to go back in December despite having been given a death sentence there.

“If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that’s needed to be done,” Shakib told Reuters by phone from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket.

“I know I haven’t done anything,” he said, giving the most detailed account yet of his two years abroad.

Hasina, who has been living in India, was sentenced to death in absentia over the crackdown on the Bangladesh protests that killed about 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. She has told Reuters that she and other Awami League leaders plan to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December. Shakib said he wanted to go home immediately, but failing that would try to return alongside her.

“Whatever the captain says, we follow her,” he said. “I think they will decide it better, and we will follow the instructions given to us.”

Shakib defended his virtual appearance at a Delhi press conference on Wednesday alongside Hasina, after which his unoccupied house in Bangladesh was attacked, saying he had called only for peace and Bangladesh’s progress and had no regrets.

He said he had written, through a lawyer, to the Bangladeshi interior, law and sports ministries under the previous interim government as well as to the police, seeking to have what he described as fabricated charges against him dropped, but had no response. Shakib said he was keen to talk to Prime Minister Rahman about returning.

Spokespeople for Rahman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Turning to cricket, Shakib said he would not wait for too long to retire.

“I am playing most of the franchise leagues. I am feeling good, still enjoying the game, playing well also,” he said. “But … age is not on my side at this moment, so I cannot wait for too long.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/happy-to-face-murder-trial-shakib-al-hasan-ready-to-return-to-bangladesh-but-on-1-condition-11881357

R Praggnanandhaa won the GCT Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026 with a draw against Javokhir Sindarov. The Indian chess prodigy was 1.5 points ahead of the field.

R Praggnanandhaa continued his purple patch and defeated Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round to win the GCT Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026. The Indian chess prodigy won the final with a score of 23/35. He was 1.5 points ahead of the field. This is the first time Praggnanandhaa has won a Rapid and Blitz tournament. He scored 12 out of 18 points to keep his final hopes alive. He lost the ninth round against Dutch GM Jorden van Foreest, but still managed to qualify for the final.

“It feels great. When you see the final score, winning with one and a half rounds to spare, everything looks smooth, but that wasn’t really the case. It was a crazy tournament. Kudos to Javokhir, he kept fighting until the very end. I’m just happy I managed to get through. My strategy today was simply not to do anything stupid. Ironically, I managed to do exactly that in the second game. I was completely winning but didn’t take the draw when I had the chance, and I ended up losing. That was exactly what I wanted to avoid. Still, I felt the quality of my games was good, so I just tried to stay in control and not overpush,” Praggnanandhaa said after the win.

“I also wanted to win the Rapid and Blitz sections separately, which I think I managed, so that’s also nice. Last year, my rapid and blitz results put me in a position where I had to perform at the Sinquefield Cup. This time, they’ve actually helped me get into a much better position before Sinquefield. I’m happy I’ve improved in that area, and I think my rapid and blitz are getting better,” he added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/chess/r-praggnanandhaa-wins-gct-saint-louis-rapid-blitz-2026-bags-50000-prize-money-article-155345991

Commonwealth Games 2026: India won a massive 16 medals on Day 10 of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, headlined by a dream run of the boxing contingent, who contributed 10 (seven golds and three silvers). Boxers Preeti Pawar, Jaismine Lamboria, Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach, and Ankush Panghal bagged the top honours, while Jadumani Singh, Lovlina Borgohain and Narender Berwal won silver medals in their respective weight categories. Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh clinched his second medal of CWG 2026 in the men’s 5000m final, bagging bronze. On the other hand, India produced a 1-2 finish in the men’s F57 shot put event, with Soman Rana clinching gold and Shubham Juyal bagging silver. In the men’s triple jump event, Praveen Chithravel won silver, while Selva Prabhu Thirumaran clinched bronze. Judoka Unnati Sharma also bagged a bronze medal. India’s total tally is up to 39 (13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze), taking the nation to fourth in the medal table. (Medal Tally | Today’s Schedule)

The Indian cricket team, after a brief break, will again embark on a Test mission with the Sri Lanka series that starts on August 15.

The Indian cricket team, after a brief break, will again embark on a Test mission with the Sri Lanka series that starts on August 15. The series will be crucial for India if the Gautam Gambhir-led side is to keep its World Test Championship final ambitions alive. India are currently fifth in the standings and have nine more Tests in hand (away series against Sri Lanka: 2 Tests, away series against New Zealand: 2 Tests, home series against Australia: 5 Tests). India need at least 7-8 wins to have a realistic chance of finishing among the top two and qualifying for the final. Currently, Australia and South Africa are leading the race.

Under coach Gautam Gambhir, India have lost against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. This has led to question marks over Gambhir’s capability as a coach. Former India player Deep Dasgupta said that Gambhir is facing an acid test.

“One thing is fair: questions will be asked of him (Gambhir). When the team does not play properly, questions will be asked individually. Obviously, the team’s coach, captain, and everyone involved with the team will be asked questions because, if you look at it, we lost at home. After 2011-12, we lost the series in New Zealand, and we kept losing continuously,” Deep Dasgupta was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.

“As we are saying, two out of three series have been lost. So, there will be pressure. It is also important to say that all the names we are taking, everyone knows how to play under pressure, and they also know how to handle it. But there will be pressure on Shubman, the Indian players, and it is very, very important.

“Because they are talking about transition, it is very important to see a direction in the transition period. The transition started, let’s say, after the New Zealand Test series; then came the England series and all of that. It started from there onwards. Somewhere, I feel that it is important to see a direction, and I am a little confused as to which direction we are going,” he concluded.

Highlighting the difficult away assignments this year in the current WTC cycle, Dasgupta warned against taking any opposition lightly. “Well, firstly, there is no easy Test series, and especially right now, looking at the Indian Test side, which is going through a transition, there is not one easy Test match, no matter what happens.

“Especially in Sri Lanka. Again, Sri Lanka has been a very difficult place to tour in the past, especially in these conditions right now. So, I think it’s going to be interesting when looking at the WTC. I think there are nine Test matches left: five against Australia, two against Sri Lanka, and two against New Zealand. If I’m not wrong, roughly speaking, I think seven out of nine will have to be won to qualify for the WTC final. So, that in itself is a difficult task.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-warned-questions-will-be-asked-with-india-in-tough-fight-for-wtc-final-spot-11853891

UEFA is reportedly prepared to trigger an emergency no-confidence vote against Infantino if he does not resign, with all 55 of the European governing body’s member associations understood to be willing to support his removal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly facing the prospect of a no-confidence motion from UEFA after world football’s governing body was forced to abandon its controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions. The latest development comes amid growing scrutiny of FIFA’s leadership following the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which had drawn strong opposition from UEFA, several continental confederations and senior figures within FIFA itself.

According to a report in The Telegraph, UEFA is prepared to trigger an emergency no-confidence vote against Infantino if he does not resign, with all 55 of the European governing body’s member associations understood to be willing to support his removal. Under FIFA’s statutes, UEFA can reportedly initiate such a motion with the backing of 43 member associations.

UEFA on Saturday welcomed FIFA’s decision to scrap the proposal but launched a scathing attack on the organisation’s leadership and governance.

In a strongly-worded statement, UEFA said FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in its competitions, including the World Cup, into private hands had been unanimously rejected by its member associations and opposed by football stakeholders across the globe.

Describing the withdrawal as ‘a victory for the whole game’, UEFA also declared that “football is not for sale” and thanked fans, clubs, leagues, players, national associations, confederations and political leaders who opposed the proposal.

The European body further claimed that the current FIFA leadership had “not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family”, while accusing Infantino of failing to uphold his promises of transparency made when he was elected FIFA president in 2016.

The controversy centres around FIFA’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity that would have managed the commercial rights of major FIFA competitions while allowing outside investors to acquire an equity stake. FIFA argued the initiative could significantly increase development funding for its member associations.

Infantino formally withdrew the proposal on Saturday, saying consultations had made it clear that the project had created divisions that were no longer in the best interests of football.

“Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve,” Infantino said while confirming that the proposal would not proceed.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/football/uefa-ready-to-oust-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-with-no-confidence-motion-report-11853761

Asmita Dey, India’s first judoka to win CWG gold in women’s 48kg, overcame struggles to create history in Glasgow.

Seven months back, long before she would take a bite out of her CWG 2026 gold medal in Glasgow, Asmita Dey’s world came crashing down when her father passed away due to a brain stroke. Raised in a mud house in a village in Tripura (Assam), Asmita’s father repaired cycles for a living and barely made Rs 300 per day.

However, that didn’t stop him from supporting his daughter’s dream of becoming a judoka.

On Friday, Asmita etched her name into Indian sporting history by becoming the country’s first judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg category.

And the first person with whom she wanted to share the moment was her father. Sadly, it was no longer a possibility.

“When my father passed away, I thought everything had finished because he was the one who supported me,” Asmita said, struggling to hold back tears.

Asmita showed determination and composure to claim the CWG 2026 gold, with the triumph capping a remarkable rise for an athlete who came from a humble background and battled financial struggles to establish herself among India’s top 48kg judokas.

Born on March 22, 2003, Asmita initially competed in athletics, running the 800 metres before her first coach introduced her to judo.

Her talent soon became evident, and she joined the Tripura Sports School in 2015.

Strong performances at the National School Games and Khelo India competitions earned her a place at the SAI Regional Centre, Bhopal (NCOE) in 2018, where she has continued her training.

Over the years, Asmita has built an impressive résumé, winning gold at the 2025 African Open in Casablanca and the 2023 Junior Asia Cup Judo Championships in Macau. She has also secured silver at the 2023 Asian Open in Kuwait City, bronze at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships and the 2022 Asian Junior Judo Championships in Bangkok.

She finished fifth at the Senior Asian Judo Championship in 2026.

However, behind the medals and achievements lies a story of sacrifice that began in a small village in Tripura.

Asmita’s father earned barely Rs 300 a day while supporting his family and living in a modest house. Despite the limited resources, he never allowed them to stop his daughter from pursuing judo.

For Asmita, the medal represented not just personal success but also the fulfilment of her father’s belief in her. “I am from a very small village in Tripura. People there don’t dream this big. But Papa always supported me,” she said.

Her father always stood by her.

When a knee injury threatened her progress, he took her to Delhi for treatment, arranged medicines and did everything possible to help her return to competition.

“He brought me to Delhi for treatment and bought medicines,” she recalled.

His sudden death in December left Asmita shattered. The person who had been her biggest source of encouragement was no longer there, and she felt her dream had lost its foundation. But her mother stepped forward, determined to keep her daughter’s journey alive.

Just 10 days after the funeral, her mother asked her to return to training.

“If I stop you today, your father will think I am shattering your dreams,” she told her.

Asmita returned to the NCOE Bhopal centre and resumed preparation for the Commonwealth Games. The road to the gold medal was filled with pressure and anxiety.

“I have worked so hard for this. Before this medal, I was unable to sleep in India. I used to stay awake thinking about the fights. Even if my body was tired, I was not able to sleep. I used to feel restless and then wake up for training at 5.30,” she said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/sports/other-sports/her-late-father-repaired-cycles-earned-barely-rs-300-a-day-asmita-deys-inspiring-journey-to-cwg-gold-ws-bl-10246104.html

Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra was not at his best under testing conditions but still delivered a silver medal while Yashvir Singh fetched a surprise bronze with his last throw in the Commonwealth Games on Friday.

Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra was not at his best under testing conditions but still delivered a silver medal while Yashvir Singh fetched a surprise bronze with his last throw in the Commonwealth Games here on Friday. The 28-year-old Tokyo Olympics champion produced a season’s best throw of 85.83m in his second attempt, which was good enough for a second place finish. His effort on Friday was just a shade better than the 85.69m he had come up while finishing fourth at the Doha Diamond League on June 19, his only other event this season.

The 24-year-old Yashvir on his debut at Games stunned one and all with a personal best 85.41m throw in his sixth and final attempt as Indians finish 2-3 on the podium. His earlier personal best was 83.72m. He was at seventh spot after the penultimate round with his third attempt measuring 81.33m before producing a memorable 85.41m throw to join Chopra on the podium. Sri Lankan star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the gold as expected with a best throw of 89.75m which he recorded in his second attempt.

The near-90m throw was noteworthy as the athletes were competing under cold and windy conditions. He is the lone javelin thrower this season to have breached the 90m mark. He has a personal and season best throw of 92.62m which he had recorded while winning the Rome Diamond League title in June.

The third Indian in the fray, Rohit Yadav finished seventh with a best throw of 81.56m.

Interestingly, athletes from the Indian subcontinent swept all the men’s javelin throw medals in the Games.

However, Pakistan’s defending champion and reigning Olympic gold medallist was eliminated after three rounds with a best distance of 77.41m.

Reigning world champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago finished sixth with 82.55m.

Chopra had returned from a lower back injury that has troubled him since September last year. The injury delayed his return until the Diamond League in Doha. It was his second Commonwealth Games, having won a gold in the 2018 edition in Gold Coast.

He opened with a 80.97m before his second round throw of 85.83m which was his best of the day. His third and fourth attempts measured 81.29m and 80.73m respectively while his last two throws were fouls.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/commonwealth-games-2026/neeraj-chopra-clinches-silver-yashvir-singh-bronze-as-india-record-double-podium-at-cwg-2026-javelin-final-11850737?pfrom=home-ndtv_cwg2026

National record holder Tejaswin Shankar overcame a long-standing knee injury and scripted history as he became the first Indian to win a decathlon medal at the Commonwealth Games

National record holder Tejaswin Shankar overcame a long-standing knee injury and scripted history as he became the first Indian to win a decathlon medal at the Commonwealth Games, clinching bronze here on Friday. Tejaswin collected a total of 7,976 points in the gruelling 10-event discipline, competed over two days. He was competing despite having chronic patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee), which led to his pulling out of the men’s high jump event earlier in the Glasgow Games.

A heartbroken Tejaswin was in tears after being forced to withdraw from the high jump event following his opening attempt due to a flare-up of the long-standing issue.

It was his second Commonwealth Games medal after the high jump bronze in the 2022 edition in Birmingham. His national record stands at 8,057 points.

The 27-year-old, who also won a decathlon silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, was second overnight after five events behind Canada’s Damian Warner, who eventually took silver with 8,036 points.

Tejaswin jumped to third place after the ninth event, the javelin throw, and maintained that position with a fifth-place finish in the 1500m, the final event.

Paris Olympics bronze medallist Lindon Victor of Grenada took gold with 8,096 points.

Tejaswin’s Story

Tejaswin rose to prominence in the high jump after setting the Indian national record of 2.29m in 2018. He further cemented his place in Indian athletics history at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian male high jumper to secure a medal at the Games.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/commonwealth-games-2026/tejaswin-shankar-overcomes-knee-injury-to-script-historic-first-for-india-in-athletics-at-cwg-2026-11850689

FIFA lodged disciplinary charges against two Argentina players Wednesday for striking Spain opponents moments after the World Cup 2026 final and charged Argentina’s football federation for players showing a political banner about the Falkland Islands after beating England in the semifinals.

FIFA lodged disciplinary charges against two Argentina players Wednesday for striking Spain opponents moments after the World Cup final and charged Argentina’s football federation for players showing a political banner about the Falkland Islands after beating England in the semifinals. A list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina also include “discriminatory chants and gestures” by fans, alleged assault by an assistant coach after the final and “throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches” at the World Cup.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault in the post-game clashes after Spain’s 1-0 win on July 19, defender Nahuel Molina faces two charges and coach Roberto Ayala one.

Molina and Thiago Almada also are charged with unsporting behavior, with the same charge leveled against Spain player Gavi.

Argentina’s players carried a banner with the slogan “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Malvinas are Argentine” — after beating England 2-1 in the semifinals.

Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas. They were invaded in 1982 under orders from Argentina’s then-military dictatorship, triggering a 10-week war won by Britain.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/fifa-takes-big-action-on-argentina-over-on-field-fights-controversial-celebrations-during-world-cup-2026-11840095

India’s Harjinder Kaur produced a brilliant performance to win the women’s 69kg weightlifting silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, breaking Games records in both the snatch and clean and jerk

India’s Harjinder Kaur produced a brilliant performance to win the women’s 69kg weightlifting silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, breaking Games records in both the snatch and clean and jerk on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, who had won a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the higher 71kg category, delivered one of the finest performances of her career to earn India their seventh medal from the sport. She rewrote the Games record in the snatch twice, first clearing 99kg before improving it to 101kg with a confident final attempt.

Harjinder then continued her record-breaking spree in the clean and jerk, successfully lifting 123kg before raising the bar to 126kg, taking her overall total to 227kg.

Despite her outstanding effort, Harjinder was up against an exceptional performance from Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau, who proved to be in a class of her own.

The Canadian shattered the Games records in every category, hoisting a massive 108kg in the snatch and 132kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 240kg — also a new Commonwealth Games record — to finish 13kg clear of the Indian.

Harjinder’s silver added to India’s impressive run in weightlifting, with the contingent continuing to establish itself as one of the strongest teams at the Games.

Her consistent lifting under pressure and ability to keep improving her marks highlighted the progress she has made since Birmingham, even though Simoneau’s extraordinary numbers left little room for a challenge.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/commonwealth-games-2026/harjinder-kaur-wins-silver-as-india-bag-7th-weightlifting-medal-at-commonwealth-games-2026-11835169?pfrom=home-ndtv_cwg2026

A brief drop in form during the games against Ireland and England meant that Sanju Samson was left out of the recently concluded trip to Zimbabwe.

Senior India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed that he took a vow to continue to play cricket entirely on his own terms without paying attention to outside noise even before the T20 World Cup happened and added that he has stepped away from the rat race and will continue to back his own instincts. Samson etched his name into Indian cricket folklore when he smashed three consecutive fifties to help the side retain the Men’s T20 World Cup title on home soil earlier this year. But a brief drop in form during the games against Ireland and England meant that Samson was left out of the recently concluded trip to Zimbabwe.

“I realised that there is a constant rat race in our country, and I decided before the 2026 T20 World Cup that I would not be part of it. I just want to enjoy the game. By God’s grace, I have achieved a lot. I am 31 now, and I have a few years left. So, I have decided to play on my own terms. No one will tell me how to bat or what to do. Sanju will decide for Sanju.

“With all due respect, I will play, enjoy the game, be a good teammate, and support the group, but I will do it my way. After the 2024 World Cup, I didn’t even expect to play in the 2026 World Cup. I wasn’t in the 14 or 15-man squad at one point. So how can I plan for 2028? If I’m there, if the team needs me, and if I’m playing well, things will fall into place. If not, I am deeply grateful. No one can take this achievement away from me,” Samson said on JioStar’s show ‘Believe’.

Recalling an earlier gym interaction during a national team camp with former captain Virat Kohli regarding lifestyle and physical conditioning, Samson shared how the conversation influenced him. “We all know how Virat bhai is. He is very clear and very straightforward with everyone. If you need to do something, he will tell you exactly what is required. The way he carries himself in the gym, there is a different fire in that guy and I really love that about him.

“We both were working out together in the gym during an Indian team camp and I asked him, ‘Paaji, what should I do? Tell me something too!’ and he told me that lifestyle plays a huge role. If you want to become an international cricketer, you must maintain a different kind of lifestyle.

“He shared what works for him on his journey and told me, ‘This food will help your body recover, this won’t. If you maintain this discipline for the next 10 years, you will have a great career ahead.’ I started following it for a year, a year, and a half, but after that, I couldn’t stay on track with that anymore!” he explained.

Speaking on the tactical preparation ahead of the marquee T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Samson recalled how he shrugged off past record discussions regarding the face-off against speedster Jofra Archer.

“When you score runs for the Indian team, you become more responsible, knowing you have to keep scoring. Ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final against England, our top order wasn’t firing much. A lot of people were coming and telling me, ‘It’s England, Archer is bowling, he got you out 3-4 times previously, this happened, that happened.’

“But I was confident. I didn’t say anything out loud. If you talk too much, you come across as arrogant, and that goes against my belief. So, I just gestured quietly, ‘Yeah, we’ll see.’ But I had my plans ready. I knew that this Sanju Samson was not the Sanju Samson from a year ago. After that West Indies knock, I had a lot of self-validation, and I was very sure about myself. There was no room for doubt. I was going to do it for my country, and no one could stop it.”

On facing New Zealand in the final, Samson highlighted how he embraced the burden of being the team’s primary run-getter in crucial moments. “One thing I have learned is that you can’t control form all the time. Form comes and goes. At that moment in our team setup, I was the one getting runs.

“The others at the other end were contributing too, but much of the run-scoring burden was on me. I could feel the responsibility of being the main run-scorer in the World Cup final against New Zealand.

“I kept reminding myself, ‘Sanju, you are responsible. You need to keep going. You must stay there till the end and finish the job for your country.’ That thought kept me focused throughout the innings,” he elaborated.

Detailing his tactical composure against New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner during the summit clash in Ahmedabad, Samson noted how prior knockout experiences helped him stay patient.

“When you are confident, you don’t mind taking your time. I played an over against Santner where I faced four dot balls in a World Cup final. But I was completely sure that even if I played four dot balls there, I could hit two sixes later from the other end. I had absolute clarity.

“In the past, after four dot balls against Santner, I would have swung on the fifth out of panic, thinking, ‘Man, you’re wasting balls.’ But the previous games against West Indies and England taught me that taking time and playing dot balls is okay. Your team needs you to stay out there, and you know your game plan.

“You know which bowler to target and when to attack. That gave me clarity and confidence. I told myself, ‘Now you can’t walk away from here.’ So, I embraced the responsibility, used my experience, and played my natural game.”

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/wont-be-a-part-of-constant-rat-race-sanju-samson-vows-to-play-on-own-terms-11826797

Late Monday night turned into a bonanza for India, with Sharmila Dhankar winning gold. Sarvesh Anil Kushare and Valluri Ajaya Babu also bagged a silver medal.

There is no stopping the Indian contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. One gold medal came India’s way on late Monday night, courtesy para shot putter Sharmila Dhankar. The other Indian, Shilpa K Shyla, came third in the competition with a throw of 7.26m, winning a bronze medal. India also won two silver medals through Sarvesh Anil Kushare and Valluri Ajaya Babu. Speaking of Kushare, he came second in the men’s high jump final with a best distance of 2.26m. On the other hand, weightlifter Ajaya Babu looked set for a gold in the men’s 79 category, but Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad pulled off a sensational clean and jerk performance to win the top prize.

Earlier in the day, India had won a silver and a bronze in weightlifting courtesy of Gyaneshwari Yadav and Bindyarani Devi. India’s medal tally now stands at 10, with six coming in weightlifting.

Late on Monday night, Sharmila won a gold in the women’s shot put F57 final. In her six attempts, the 40-year-old registered a throw of 9.81m, and no other opponent was able to better this distance.

Speaking of the men’s 79kg final in weightlifting, Ajaya Babu lifted 145kg in his first attempt in snatch. He failed to lift 149kg on his second attempt, but made up for it on his third. His best was recorded at 149kg in the snatch category, and hence he took a lead over the other opponents. He then recorded a best lift of 181kg in clean and jerk; however, he missed out on the gold medal by just 1 kg and had to settle for silver with a total lift of 330kg.

All you need to know about Ajaya Babu
Valluri Ajaya Babu first made a name for himself at the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games, where he won gold while setting a new national record. The achievement also opened the door to international competition, with Valluri representing India at prestigious events, including the Asian Weightlifting Championships.

The young weightlifter enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, announcing himself on the Commonwealth stage by winning gold in both the junior and senior divisions at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. He added another international medal to his growing collection by securing silver at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, reinforcing his status as one of India’s emerging stars.

He reached another milestone the following year at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad. Competing in the men’s 79kg category, Valluri dominated the field with a combined lift of 335kg, comprising 152kg in the snatch and 183kg in the clean and jerk.

Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/para-shot-putter-sharmila-wins-gold-at-cwg-2026-weightlifter-ajaya-babu-and-high-jumper-sarvesh-kushare-take-silver-101785181353765.html

Speaking about her first day of period, she said that she was unsure about how her body would respond, however, she pushed through the discomfort to deliver her personal best. She also said that she was delighted with her performance at her maiden Commonwealth Games.

Indian weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav who made the country proud with her achievement at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has reportedly revealed that she won the Silver medal on the first day of her period. Gyaneshwari won the Silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weightlifting event at CWG 2026.

Speaking about her first day of period to PTI, she said that she was unsure about how her body would respond, however, she pushed through the discomfort to deliver her personal best. She also said that she was delighted with her performance at her maiden Commonwealth Games.

Watch VIDEO: Gyaneshwari Yadav Reveals That She Competed On First Day Of Her Period

VIDEO | Scotland: Indian weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav wins the silver medal in the women’s 53kg category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

She says, “I am extremely happy. This is my first Commonwealth Games. My goal was to achieve my personal best, and that’s exactly what I… pic.twitter.com/lnAxRql9dv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 27, 2026

She said, “I am extremely happy. This is my first Commonwealth Games. My goal was to achieve my personal best, and that’s exactly what I did here. I also tried to win a gold medal for India, but the competition was very tough.”

The 21-year-old then spoke about the challenge she faced before stepping onto the platform. She said, “Today was the first day of my period, so I wasn’t sure how my body would respond or whether I’d be able to perform as expected. But I gave it everything I had.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/it-was-first-day-of-my-period-indian-lifter-gyaneshwari-yadav-reveals-after-winning-silver-at-cwg-2026-video

Mirabai Chanu called her historic third Commonwealth Games gold a dream come true, revealed she overcame an injury before the event, and thanked fans for their unwavering love and support.

India stalwart Mirabai Chanu said that winning three gold medals for India at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) is a dream come true moment for her. Chanu won her third consecutive medal at the CWG after lifting a total weight of 190Kg, a Commonwealth Games record. She lifted 82Kg and 85 KG in the snatch attempts before lifting 105 Kg in the clean and jerk. She comfortably finished first, ahead of Nigeria’s Ruth Asuquo Nyong (168kg) and Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry (167kg), who won silver and bronze, respectively.

Chanu said that people’s love and support have made her achieve the stunning milestone.

“I am very happy. It is the love and support of so many people. They prayed for me and trusted that I would win another gold medal. It is a dream come true for a player to win three consecutive gold medals at the Commonwealth Games,” Mirabai Chanu told Sports Now.

The win was easy for Chanu, but she faced many challenges before the event, including an injury. However, she overcame the obstacle and won the prestigious gold for India. ”

A lot was going on in my mind. I had to face many challenges to reach here. I suffered an injury during training and had to overcome a lot of difficulties,” she said.

‘I Wanted To Do Something For India’ – Mirabai Chanu

Chanu said that she was keen to do something for the country, which kept her motivated, even in difficult times.
“I wanted to do something for India,” she said.

She also thanked the fans for their continuous support.

“Thank you so much. They have given me so much love, prayed for me and always supported me.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/exclusive-i-wanted-to-do-something-for-india-mirabai-chanu-after-historic-cwg-gold-hat-trick-article-155184308

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam defeated Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman in the 55 kg pre-quarterfinal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 at Glasgow on Sunday. The major achievement for the country came on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh defeated Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman in the men’s 55kg boxing event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Sunday. The Indian boxer won the bout by unanimous decision to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

The victory came on Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day when India remembers the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War. Jadumani’s win over his Pakistani opponent made the occasion even more memorable for Indian fans.

#Glasgow2026 #CWG2026 #Boxing

Oh wow, that was quite the first round. Lots of punches thrown (not always clean) and it is Jadumani Singh just about getting the decision in his favour 3-2 after three minutes against his Pakistani opponent. pic.twitter.com/lgB7PQm9L7

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) July 26, 2026

The 22-year-old from Manipur looked in complete control throughout the contest. He used his speed and sharp punches to keep Rehman under pressure and comfortably earned the judges’ decision.

M Jadumani Singh won the bout by a 5-0 unanimous decision against Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman.
He has successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s 55kg boxing event at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Let’s pray for another medal… 🤞#Manipur https://t.co/edJREaaZO9 pic.twitter.com/1APvFGCMzx

— Baneishsingha (@baneishsingha) July 26, 2026

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-pak-in-cwg-2025-indian-boxer-jadumani-singh-beats-pakistans-sumama-rehman-on-kargil-vijay-diwas 

 

Lionel Messi’s international retirement could be on the cards, with teammate Leandro Paredes hinting that the 39-year-old may have played his final match for Argentina.

Lionel Messi may have played his final match for Argentina. The 39-year-old was left in tears after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, and those tears may well have been due to the game possibly being his last for his country. According to his Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes, Messi had decided ahead of the World Cup final that that match would be his final appearance in Argentina colours. Paredes described Messi’s decision as “painful”.

Paredes was asked a question regarding Messi’s retirement in an interview ahead of a match for Boca Juniors in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. There, the midfielder appeared to confirm that Messi’s international farewell may have already happened.

“I think he has made his decision, and that it really was his last match with the national team,” Paredes said in a media interview ahead of a CONMEBOL Sudamericana match for Boca Juniors.

“I hope that is not the case, and I hope he can carry on playing, but the decision ultimately rests with him. Anything that makes him happy will certainly make us happy, so we hope for that, we hope he continues,” Paredes further said.

“It is painful, because I think we kept saying it throughout the World Cup, we did not want that last match to come, we did not want it at all,” he further said.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/lionel-messis-argentina-retirement-confirmed-teammate-leandro-paredes-drops-massive-hint-decision-made-11821872

The 28-year-old para powerlifter from Bihar clinched the men’s heavyweight bronze on Friday with a total of 130.9 points after successful lifts of 181kg and 190kg.

When Jhandu Kumar’s name echoed through the arena after he secured India’s first medal of the Commonwealth Games, it carried a weight far greater than the bronze hanging around his neck. “Jhandu” was a name thrust upon him after his parents spent everything they had trying to cure his polio. Today, the name has made India proud. The 28-year-old para powerlifter from Bihar clinched the men’s heavyweight bronze on Friday with a total of 130.9 points after successful lifts of 181kg and 190kg.

His bold attempt at 196kg, which could have propelled him into contention for a higher medal, ended in disappointment.

“The happiness is overwhelming. I haven’t been able to sleep since last night… Even when I lie down, sleep just doesn’t come,” he told reporters during a SAI interaction.

The failed final lift, however, does not haunt him.

“I took the first lift safely. If I had taken the first lift harder, and if I had failed, there would have been a problem for me. The confidence would have been down. My aim was to pass the first lift. After that, the second lift was to get into medal tally. The third lift was for the gold medal.

“I could not get the gold medal. It was a technical fault. I made a mistake in my breathing in haste. When I was going up, I did the lift right. But when I went out, it (barbell) got stuck in the rack.” Long before he was calculating medal-winning attempts, the Bihar power lifter was fighting battles far away from the sporting arena.

Polio and taunts
Polio had struck him when he was five.

“My family says that I got polio when I was 5 years old. I had to sit down and walk… People used to taunt me. They used to say, ‘Now that he has become disabled, what will he do?'” The taunts did not stop there. His unusual first name has a painful origin.

His family spent everything they had trying to treat him after he contracted polio.

Friends of his father mocked the family, saying, “Aap ka beta sab jhandu kar diya, sab paisa khatam kar diya (Your son has wasted all your money).” The nickname stayed.

He once tried to change it to Avinash Kumar.

But during a visit to a government office, officials called out “Jhandu Kumar”.

Curious, they summoned him inside, asked his name repeatedly and burst into laughter.

“I felt if everyone is having a good laugh at my name… then this name is good only.” From that day, he embraced the name.

“Now in all our documents, it is Jhandu Kumar. So, there is no existence of Avinash Kumar any more.” Life remained a struggle. His parents still sell vegetables in their village, while he spent eight or nine months driving an e-rickshaw to finance his diet and supplements.

“I drove the E-rickshaw for my diet. I thought I will earn Rs 200-400 and have supplements with that and continue my gym.

“I used to go to gym in the evening but the problem was I used to get tired after driving all day so gym time was getting reduced.” Even operating the vehicle wasn’t easy because of his disability.

“I had trouble to push the brake but I managed despite the polio.” Road to powerlifting ============= The road to para powerlifting was equally accidental.

Initially a shot putter, Jhandu had never heard of para powerlifting until Bihar coach Kundan Pandey spotted his physique and suggested he try the sport.

He took the advice, competed in a state championship in Sasaram and gradually worked his way through the ranks despite limited financial support and interrupted training.

Winning bronze at the national championships in 2022 strengthened his belief that he could achieve something bigger.

The same year, Sudhir won Commonwealth Games gold.

“When our gym owner told me Sudhir bhai had lifted 212kg and won the Commonwealth Games, I said I will also do it. I thought I have to do it for my country,” he said.

Now training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, Jhandu says his sporting needs are taken care of, even though life back home remains modest.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/commonwealth-games-2026/people-laughed-at-my-name-jhandu-kumars-emotional-journey-to-cwg-2026-medal-11821967?pfrom=home-ndtv_cwg2026

Anahat Singh on Saturday became the first Indian to be crowned world junior squash champion after beating Ruqayya Salem of Egypt in the summit clash at Ontario, Canada.

India’s Anahat Singh scripted history by becoming the country’s first squash player to win the junior world title after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 on Saturday. The top-seeded Anahat, India’s No. 1 player, overcame second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to claim the historic title and surpass Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005, which had remained India’s best performance at the Junior World Championships for more than two decades, according to Olympics.com.

The 18-year-old was in complete control throughout the final and capped a dominant campaign in which she dropped just two games across six matches.

Anahat began her campaign with a straight-games win over Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson before defeating Hong Kong China’s Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals.

She then overcame Egypt’s Habiba Rizk 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9) in the quarterfinals before defeating another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the semifinals, according to Olympics.com.

The victory over Salem in the final also brought an end to Egypt’s dominance in the junior girls’ world championship, with Egyptian players having held the title since 2011.

Anahat had ended India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the Junior World Championships last year, winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she went one step further to secure the gold.

The draw also opened up for Anahat, with four-time champion Amina Orfi of Egypt no longer eligible to compete in the junior event, according to Olympics.com.

Anahat was the only Indian player to progress deep into the girls’ singles draw. Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey and Saanvi Kalanki were eliminated in the round of 32.

In the boys’ singles, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan was India’s best performer, reaching the last 16. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh exited in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia was knocked out in the round of 64.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/squash/anahat-singh-scripts-history-becomes-first-indian-to-win-world-junior-squash-championship-11822271?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The post was shared from an account named @Highonchurma and has gone viral, however, there is no evidence that it was posted by Virat Kohli’s official social media account.

A post circulating on social media claims that former India captain Virat Kohli has spoken out in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. The post was shared from an account named @Highonchurma and has gone viral, however, there is no evidence that it was posted by Virat Kohli’s official social media account.

Students deserve a fair system, transparent examinations, and a future built on merit.

The concerns being raised by students should be heard seriously. I hope the authorities take immediate and meaningful action to address their grievances.

The future of our country deserves…

— Locked Account of Virat Kohli (@Highonchurma) July 23, 2026

The Viral Post Reads

Students deserve a fair system, transparent examinations, and a future built on merit.

The concerns being raised by students should be heard seriously. I hope the authorities take immediate and meaningful action to address their grievances.

The future of our country deserves justice, transparency and accountability.

 

Argentinian Football Association president Claudio Tapia was reportedly questioned by the FBI regarding a money laundering probe involving hundreds of millions in sponsorship money.

An unprecedented development took place as the Argentinian football team was boarding a charter flight to leave the United States after the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to multiple reports on social media, the president of Argentina’s Football Association (AFA) was questioned and had his phone seized just seconds before boarding the flight to return home. It was the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that reportedly questioned AFA president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia over claims that hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship money were laundered through US banks.

Tapia was supposed to fly to Buenos Aires with several members of the World Cup squad when US law enforcement agencies intervened, according to local media outlet Infobae. It was also said that Tapia was taken into custody, though these claims have been denied by the AFA.

In a statement, the AFA said that neither its president, Claudio Tapia, nor its treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, had been ordered to give evidence by US courts. However, the Argentine association did admit that a third party was summoned to appear before a US grand jury to potentially provide evidence about several people, including officials from the organisation.

Media outlet Infobae has reported that US authorities are investigating more than $300 million in AFA-linked commercial contracts, amid wider scrutiny of Argentine football finances following December raids in a money-laundering probe.

According to a witness at the airport, as the Argentine team prepared to board its flight, federal agents questioned both Tapia and Toviggino for about 30 minutes aboard a bus.

The association did not name the third party summoned by US courts but stressed that US authorities had not targeted either Tapia or Toviggino.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/argentina-football-president-detained-by-fbi-before-leaving-us-association-issues-clarification-11808759?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Mehtab Hossain spoke exclusively to Sports Now and slammed Argentina’s tactics against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final which they lost 1-0 in extra time.

Argentina’s tactics in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final came under scrutiny after their 1-0 defeat to Spain, as they missed the chance to create history and become the first team in 62 years to defend their title. The Lionel Messi-led side were outplayed by the European champions in the marquee clash, which took place on Sunday (July 19) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The three champions created an embarrassing record as they did not even have a shot on goal till the 115th minute of the game. Since data was recorded (from 1966), they are the first team without a single attempt on goal in a World Cup. Later, they managed two attempts on goal in the dying minutes of extra time, but both were off target. This is only the third instance of a team failing to get an attempt on target in a World Cup; the earlier two occasions also involved Argentina in 1990 and 2014.

While football fans across the world were left baffled by the tactics adopted by the three-time winners in the summit clash. In an exclusive interaction with Sports Now, ex-Indian footballer Mehtab Hossain slammed the approach adopted by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and claimed that they made the same mistake as England did against them. He also stated that eight players from Barcelona being part of their squad was a huge advantage for Spain. He called it the most one-sided World Cup final he has seen.

“First of all, Argentina did not meet expectations. In the first half, you played a low block. In the second half, you should have changed the system. You should have engaged more players in the midfield. You made the same mistake that England made against you in the second half: Argentina’s low block. If you go so far back with the Spanish team, the Spanish team won’t leave you. Their passing quality and technique are better than anyone else’s.

“They follow the same system. Barcelona has eight players. That’s an advantage. Understanding is an advantage. Body language is an advantage. First, you should have played mind games. You should have played with an open mind. It’s the final match. You either win or lose. You should have played normally. You thought you would lose. That’s why you weren’t able to execute. You thought you would block, low block, and win the match. You shouldn’t have done that. You should have taken the challenge. When you couldn’t get the ball, when they were trying to win the ball in 8 seconds, you had to create in the midfield. You couldn’t do that. That’s why Argentina came out of the match. That shouldn’t have happened. Ever since I’ve been watching the World Cup, I haven’t seen a one-sided game,” said Mehtab.

Mehtab, who is currently the head coach of the Bengal Super League team Sundarban Bengal, praised the set-up of the Spanish team. He hailed Luis de la Fuente for keeping Messi quiet by ensuring the ball does not reach the eight-time Ballon d’Or. He claimed Argentina have played better football while chasing a game and should have played with less fear.

“Spain played such a tactical game. You had to get the ball out of that area. You’re a world champion team. I tell the coach, you’re using Messi. Messi won’t run at 39. He can create the ball until the ball goes near him. The coach of the Spain team is blocking the ball before it goes near him. When he’s playing down the line, they’re playing behind the build-up form. They let him pass once. They let him pass twice. He’s pressing on the third pass. He missed on the third pass. They didn’t let him get out of there.”

“Until the 90th minute. If you concede a goal… You can see the character of our team. When the goal is conceded in the first half, or in the first 15 minutes, the character of the team is changing. Concede. Go all out. Press high,” Mehtab explained.

The Argentina Football Association said earlier that some squad members would not be on the flight, and star Lionel Messi was not seen descending from the aircraft in images broadcast on local television.

Most of Argentina’s football team landed back home Monday, as thousands of fans waited to welcome them, following their 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, according to the airport authority. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said earlier that some squad members would not be on the flight, and star Lionel Messi was not seen descending from the aircraft in images broadcast on local television. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were welcomed with a red carpet outside the aircraft and a military band.

Thousands of fans braved the cold and the rain, waiting outside the AFA near the airport to welcome home the players, draped in flags and holding blue-and-white umbrellas to shield them from the drizzle.

‘United us all’

It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions filled the streets to celebrate their team’s victory in 2022, but many turned out to thank the team for their performance.

“Argentines will celebrate anyway,” said housewife Marga Ledezma, 36, who thanked Messi for “all the years he made us happy,” urging him not to quit playing for Argentina.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain, failing to win back-to-back World Cups in a game that has been criticized in international media for a plethora of fouls and displays of poor sportsmanship from the Albiceleste.

“I think they criticize us because we know what it’s like to suffer, that we get up, we fall down again, and we keep going,” said Ledezma.

Many fans highlighted that the real victory for Argentina was the 2-1 semi-final win over England, played against the backdrop of a lingering dispute between the countries over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

“This team united us all, and we should be grateful for that. We will always be there for them, rain or shine. I would say thank you to Messi and that he gave it his all,” said Leonardo Barrientos, 36, who works in a textile workshop.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/lionel-messi-less-argentina-return-home-after-fifa-world-cup-heartbreak-11798497?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Years before Ferran Torres scored Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026-winning goal, it was India who caught the first glimpse of the forward’s talent.

Ferran Torres has etched himself into FIFA World Cup folklore. A powerful, left-footed strike into the net in the 106th minute has earned him immortality. The world will forever remember him as the man who scored the winning goal to make Spain world champions for the second time. The 26-year-old forward plays his club football at FC Barcelona, and now boasts the two biggest international trophies in his cabinet. But what few know is that Ferran Torres, Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hero, holds a special connection with India.

How India Saw Ferran Torres First

Nearly nine years before his glorious winning goal in the World Cup final, Ferran Torres – as a fresh-faced 17-year-old – had set foot in India, where he helped Spain to silver at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017.

Ferran, a part of Valencia’s academy at the time, was one of the star players of Spain’s highly-talented squad. Playing mostly as a right-winger in Spain’s side, Ferran contributed two goals and two assists in Spain’s run to the final. He also started Spain’s 5-2 defeat to England in the final.

Long before Ferran scored the goal that left Lionel Messi in tears, the first glimpses of his mercurial talent was seen at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Spain’s World Cup-winning class of 2026 features one more player who made his first impressions on Indian soil. Centre-back Eric Garcia, a teammate of Ferran’s at Barcelona, was also part of the Spain U17 team that toured India. Eric played 21 minutes in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina.

How Ferran Torres Earned Immortality

Ferran Torres is often a much-maligned figure at club level due to his inconsistency in front of goal. However, qualities of his that cannot be doubted are his positioning and link-up play.

In the World Cup final, Ferran was at the right place at the right time to hammer home a left-footed half-volley into the roof of the net in the 106th minute. As Nico Williams’ header hit the post, Torres reacted to the rebound in a flash.

This time, his finish was perfect.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/india-saw-him-first-how-ferran-torres-spains-fifa-world-cup-final-hero-has-a-special-link-to-india-11793705?pfrom=home-ndtv_fifa

It was heartbreak for Argentina. Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi’s dreams of a triumphant farewell to football’s greatest stage

It was heartbreak for Argentina. Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi’s dreams of a triumphant farewell to football’s greatest stage. Barcelona striker Torres lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to reward a dominant display by Spain against an Argentina team who failed to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

A star-studded crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump packed East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium to see if Argentina captain Messi could crown his glittering career with a second World Cup victory.

But the 39-year-old maestro — almost certainly playing in his final World Cup game — was reduced to irrelevance as Spain took control early on against an Argentina team who committed cynical fouls throughout.

The South Americans’ skulduggery ended with midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a brutal challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time.

Shortly after the match ended, Argentina star Lionel Messi was sitting on the field as Spain players celebrated. He then got up when 19-year-old Spain forward Lamine Yamal approached him and they shared a handshake and a hug.

LA PELEA DEL FINAL 🇦🇷🇪🇸

▶ Leandro Paredes fue a buscar los jugadores de España en el final del partido

🎥 _jsm44 pic.twitter.com/C3xbxhS1pP

— Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) July 19, 2026

Leandro Paredes exclu après la finale de la Coupe du monde pour un violent accrochage avec Gavi

➡️ https://t.co/rhJW9I5oS9 pic.twitter.com/6f6XZVTohj

— L’Équipe (@lequipe) July 19, 2026

🚨🛑 Leandro Paredes got a red card after fights with Gavi and Eric Garcia after final whistle. pic.twitter.com/NP6UPkNh4K

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was held back by a Spain player while appearing to shout at someone moments after the final whistle. Leandro Paredes also shoved Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi, and Nicolas Otamendi exchanged words with a few Spanish players, including Rodri. Paredes was given red card.

For long periods though it looked as if Argentina may somehow hold on for a penalty shoot-out as Spain struggled to make the breakthrough.

But after Nico Williams had a goal controversially disallowed in extra-time, Spain struck.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/lionel-messis-teammate-leandro-pardes-grabs-spain-stars-neck-sent-off-after-end-of-final-brawl-video-11793701

 

 

Donald Trump became the centre of an awkward moment in the presentation ceremony due to his seeming reluctance to leave the podium after handing the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy to Spain captain Rodri.

Donald Trump craves attention, and it is an open secret. At the FIFA World Cup 2026 final ceremony, the President of the United States of America tried his best to remain in the frame, and he even succeeded to some extent as Spain celebrated their title triumph on the podium. After handing over the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, Trump took his time exiting the camera frame. At first, he was subtly nudged to move aside by Rodri, but the situation escalated to the point that even FIFA President Gianni Infantino had to intervene and guide Trump away.

The incident became quite an awkward one, as it looked as though Trump wanted to be a part of the World Cup final celebrations on the podium alongside Spain. Rodri looked quite uncomfortable with Trump’s presence and nudged him to clear the area.

However, Trump still took a considerable amount of time to move aside, delaying the Spanish team’s celebrations on the podium. In the end, Infantino decided to hold Trump by his arm and lead him to the corner of the podium. Even then, Trump stood right next to the last Spanish player, refusing to move aside completely.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/donald-trump-makes-spain-awkward-by-refusing-to-leave-world-cup-podium-fifa-chief-intervenes-11793805

Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal got a fresh haircut ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against England.

Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal got a fresh haircut ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against England. While players changing their looks for matches is quite a common thing, what caught everyone’s attention was the fact that the barber arrived for the trim in a Rolls-Royce. Bryan Guardado, who is a famous figure in the dynamic art form in the United States, has been in charge of the Spain national team this summer. The 22-year-old arrived at the team hotel on Friday, and the video of his entry is going viral on social media.

In the surfaced clip, Guardado can be seen getting out of a Rolls-Royce and then giving a haircut to Yamal. The famous barber also gets a signed jersey from the star Spain footballer.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi praised Yamal ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling him an “amazing” player while saying Argentina will do everything possible to prevent him from achieving a historic milestone.

In a post shared by ESPN FC on X, Messi said he has closely followed Yamal’s progress because of the youngster’s performances for Barcelona, a club the Argentine legend represented for nearly two decades.

“Lamine is truly amazing, and I’ve followed him a lot because he plays for a club I love so much. He has a chance to achieve something historic, and we’re going to try to make sure that doesn’t happen this time,” Messi said.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-final, overturning a first-half deficit, with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance. Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/lamine-yamals-barber-arrives-in-rolls-royce-to-give-him-new-look-before-fifa-world-cup-2026-final-11788926

After their 2-1 win over England in FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, some Argentine players came up with a controversial celebration. They held up a banner that read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falklands are Argentine).”

Argentina registered a comeback 2-1 victory over England in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta, United States. After their sensational win, some Argentine players came up with a controversial celebration. They held up a banner that read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falklands are Argentine).” This was the second time that Argentina’s players had raised this controversial issue during the ongoing World Cup. A few days before this, they had sung a chant referencing the Falklands in the wake of their 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16.

While the banner displayed by the Argentine players triggered huge controversy, the White House has defended them. When asked about the players waving the controversial banner, Andrew Giuliani, the head of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Friday that the team had the opportunity and ability to “make those statements” in the US, reported BBC.

“We believe in our First Amendment rights here in the United States of America,” Giuliani said.

FIFA, football’s world governing body, has launched an investigation into the controversial banner displayed by Argentina’s players after their win over England regarding the disputed Falkland Islands, which caused a war between the two countries a few decades ago.

The apex football body launched the probe after the Falkland Islands Government described the banner displayed by members of the Argentina team following their win against England as ‘insensitive’, according to reports in the English media.

A statement from the UK Government issued on Thursday morning reiterated: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”

“As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps,” FIFA responded to the controversy.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/us-government-official-reacts-to-argentinas-falklands-banner-celebration-row-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-11788087?pfrom=home-ndtv_fifa

Former Indian cricket team batter Mohammed Kaif weighed in on the chatter surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s futures with the 2027 ODI World Cup in focus.

Former Indian cricket team batter Mohammed Kaif weighed in on the chatter surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s futures with the 2027 ODI World Cup in focus. Kaif said that the duo’s experience could be crucial for India when it comes to the tournament. The debate over the veteran stars’ positions grabbed the spotlight after reports emerged that Rohit could be phased out of the team keeping the World Cup in mind. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed rumors that the series against England would be Rohit’s last for the national team. During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Kaif argued that India cannot afford to overlook the experience of Rohit and Virat when tackling conditions in South Africa.

“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup. The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form,” Kaif said.

Kaif went on to compare Rohit and Virat’s importance to that of Argentina football team superstar Lionel Messi.

“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an assist. That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities. So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are for India in the World Cup,” he said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/lionel-messi-namedropped-in-big-verdict-on-rohit-sharma-virat-kohlis-future-people-are-talking-11787293?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

France striker Kylian Mbappe became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer ​with 22 goals when he netted twice ‌in Les Bleus’ 6-4 defeat by England in the third-place game on Saturday.

The 27-year-old leapfrogged Argentina’s Lionel Messi (21), who ​is due to play in Sunday’s final ​against Spain, and although that will almost certainly ⁠be his rival’s last World Cup game, Mbappe ​will probably play in at least one more ​global tournament.

Mbappe finished his third World Cup campaign with 10 goals to the lead the Golden Boot standings, two ahead ​of Messi.

The Real Madrid forward managed the feat ​in 22 appearances, scoring four goals in 2018 and eight ‌in ⁠2022 as France reached both finals, beating Croatia and losing to Argentina four years ago.

“Messi is going to score (on Sunday), that’s for sure. I’m just ​trying to ​help my ⁠team win. When you score a lot of goals at the World Cup, ​it puts you in a certain category,” ​Mbappe ⁠said.

“I would have preferred not to be the all-time top scorer and to be playing tomorrow’s match. ⁠It’s ​good in terms of legacy, ​but today it’s not the first thing on my mind.”

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/frances-mbappe-becomes-world-cup-all-time-top-scorer-2026-07-18

This comes after reports emerged that the series-decider against England could be Rohit Sharma’s swansong, sparking retirement talks on social media among fans and experts alike.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has revealed that India’s third and final ODI against England at Lord’s won’t be Rohit Sharma’s last for the team in the format. This comes after reports emerged that the series-decider could be Rohit’s swansong, sparking retirement talks on social media among fans and experts alike. However, the secretary has made it clear that the 39-year-old will continue to play as long as he is in the scheme of things.

“There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday,” Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

“Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord’s ODI wont be his last match.”

Despite Rohit’s publicly stated desire to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup, his modest returns in the first two matches of the series — scores of 11 and 26 — have fuelled the debate.

After India’s defeat to England in the second ODI in Cardiff, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that while it is true that Rohit has not got runs in the first couple of matches, he is too good a player to be put under pressure over his future.

“See, I don’t think a big player like Rohit Sharma can have any sort of pressure. He’s too good a player to feel that. Yes, he didn’t get runs in the opening two matches, but I don’t think that makes any difference. But today, it also looked like he’d probably get a good innings going. But that’s okay,” Kotak told the media in the post-match press conference.

Several reports had claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar are on the same page that Virat Kohli is an automatic choice given his form and fitness but not Rohit.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2026/bcci-breaks-silence-amid-rohit-sharmas-retirement-buzz-after-england-odis-11786367

Garry Sobers was born with two extra fingers — one on each hand. He removed them himself as a boy, using catgut and a sharp knife.

Sobers would go on to become the most complete cricketer to play the game. A graceful and destructive left-handed batsman, a left-arm bowler equally skilled at delivering pace and spin, and a brilliant fielder in any position, Sobers was named one of the five ​leading cricketers of the 20th century by the sport’s Wisden Almanack.

He came second only to prolific Australian batsman Don Bradman, who himself said of the player in 1988: “I’ve got no hesitation at ‌all in saying that Garry Sobers is the greatest all-round cricketer I ever saw.”

Reflecting on his achievements, Sobers often played down the importance of his natural talent. “People call me a genius. I don’t know much about geniuses,” he said late in his life.

“But I do believe that what I achieved was not just because of the ability that I was born with but also because I worked hard.”
He has died aged 89, West Indies Cricket announced on Friday. No cause was given.

‘LILLIPUTIAN CRICKET’

Garfield St Aubrun Sobers was born in St ​Michael, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, the fifth of six children of Shamont and Thelma Sobers.

His father, a seaman working in the Canadian merchant navy, died when German forces sank the boat on which he ​was serving. Garfield was five years old.

His mother rose to the task of raising the children by herself. “She did whatever she had to do and looked after us ⁠tremendously well,” Sobers wrote in his autobiography.

“We went to school, we were clean, we had shoes on our feet and food in our bellies.”

Sobers excelled at many sports, including soccer and basketball, but cricket was his passion. His ​first memories of the sport were of playing in the road or on the beach, aged eight.At first he played “Lilliputian cricket”, which required little space and a wicket less than half the normal size. The ball would be fashioned ​from a lump of tar, the bat from a piece of fence.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-great-sobers-dies-89-2026-07-17

Indian cricket is abuzz with speculation about the curtains coming down on one of the most illustrious ODI batters, Rohit Sharma’s career

Indian cricket is abuzz with speculation about the curtains coming down on one of the most illustrious ODI batters, Rohit Sharma’s career. The speculation had intensified even before the England series as BCCI and Team India chalk out plans for next year’s ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma will be over 40 by the time India play the ODI World Cup in late 2027. While his form has been decent, the fact that an in-form younger opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has been waiting on the sidelines for a long time has not escaped anyone’s attention. On Thursday, multiple reports claimed that the third India vs England ODI at Lord’s on July 19 might be the last time Rohit will be picked for the Indian team.

The Indian Express reported that Rohit met with BCCI officials during the ongoing three-match ODI series against England, and the opener ‘wasn’t happy’ with their decision.

The report further claimed that the BCCI selection committee has informed Rohit that they have decided to ‘move on’ from the former India captain after the ODI series. The selection committee reportedly spoke with Sharma, along with coach Gautam Gambhir, last week.

The BCCI selectors are intent on giving youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal game time while looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup.

“The selectors have decided that henceforth they will not select Rohit Sharma in ODIs. If he wants to bow out gracefully or chooses not to call it a day immediately, that is entirely his personal decision. However, the message is clear: the selectors will not pick him for ODIs after the game at Lord’s on Sunday,” a BCCI source told IANS on Thursday.

On May 7, 2025, Rohit quit Test cricket ahead of India’s five-match tour of England and was shortly replaced by Shubman Gill as the Test captain. In 286 ODI games, Rohit has amassed 11,731 runs and firmly established himself in Indian cricket folklore as one of the most explosive and dependable openers in the 50-over format.

He also led India with aplomb in 56 ODIs, including guiding the side to the 2023 World Cup final with his all-out attacking approach and astute leadership. Rohit also captained India to the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy triumph in the UAE.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2026/rohit-sharma-wasnt-happy-after-meeting-bcci-officials-amid-stars-last-odi-buzz-report-claims-inside-details-11781851

Lionel Messi was not surprised that Argentina had managed to dig themselves out of a hole once again in their World Cup semi-final against England and book a ​return to the title decider.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain provided assists for Enzo ‌Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the dying minutes of Wednesday’s highly charged clash at Atlanta Stadium as the world champions came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

That followed extra-time victories over Cape Verde in ​the Round of 32 and Switzerland in the quarter-finals, as well as a 3-2 ​win from 2-0 down over Egypt in the last 16 secured by ⁠a stoppage-time winner.

“This group doesn’t surprise me,” Messi told reporters after the game.

“I know ​and we know what we were capable of. People might have had doubts about us ​because we had players who were very much at their limit, but when we come together and are united, it always gives us an extra boost.

“They inspire each other. They find something they didn’t know ​they had, and give everything.”

Messi, who said he was thoroughly enjoying the ride at ​his sixth World Cup and giving no thought to retirement, was looking forward to locking horns with ‌2010 champions ⁠Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.

“It’s a team I know well,” said Messi, who played for Barcelona in Spain for 17 years.

“They have a footballing philosophy and have been playing this way for many, many years.

“I know the players. I’ve played against them, I follow ​them and several of ​them are at ⁠Barca, the club I love.

“It’s a special match, a World Cup final. I imagine it’s going to be an even contest.”

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/last-gasp-argentinas-resilience-no-surprise-captain-messi-2026-07-16

Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late goals to snatch a 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to send Lionel Messi’s reigning champions into the weekend showpiece match against Spain.

Just when England appeared set for victory after ​Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and got their reward as Fernandez levelled before Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with Messi providing the ‌pass for the equaliser and the cross for the winner.

The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football’s fiercest rivalries, a contest rich in history, emotion and tension from the opening whistle.

For England, dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966, when they enjoyed their only triumph at the global tournament, were dashed in the closing stages, while Argentina celebrated a comeback that kept alive their quest for another world title.

With England inexplicably parked in their own end, an Argentina ​equaliser felt inevitable and, after waves of late pressure, Fernandez finally broke through in the 85th minute when Messi found him in space on the edge of the box to fire ​home from 20 metres past Jordan Pickford into the corner.

Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, struck the winner early in added time when Alexis Mac Allister drove a ⁠shot off the post that Messi recovered. The 39-year-old talisman drove down the right to send in a brilliant ball for Martinez to head home.

“We are truly unique, and that’s not arrogance,” said Argentina boss ​Lionel Scaloni. “From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I’m lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people.”

SIGNIFICANT VICTORY FOR MESSI

The victory carried particular significance for 39-year-old Messi, ​who was featuring in what is widely expected to be the final World Cup of his glittering career.

For England, the defeat was a devastating blow after they matched Argentina for much of a hard-fought contest.

The Three Lions had appeared poised for victory after Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempted clearance landed at the feet of Declan Rice, who sent a through ball to Morgan Rogers.

Gordon popped up at the back post to guide Rogers’ cross ​with his instep past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking bedlam among the England players and fans.

But Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to withstand a relentless late assault as Argentina turned the game on its head.

“Just gutted ​for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans,” England captain Harry Kane said.

“We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold ‌on. At ⁠this level, it’s not enough.

“Gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. So to fall short like we did today … just gutted.”

Tuchel said he had no regrets.

“The team gave everything and we were very, very close,” the German said. “The team was top, we couldn’t bring it over the line, no, (but) at the moment no regrets.”

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/holders-argentina-beat-england-2-1-set-up-world-cup-final-against-spain-2026-07-15

Argentina could face FIFA sanctions after displaying a Falkland Islands banner following their World Cup semifinal win over England. Here’s why the celebration could breach FIFA’s political message rules.

Argentina defeated England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal and broke a FIFA rule that could invite heavy sanctions. Argentina celebrated the win over England by displaying the Falkland Island banner. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso held a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which means “The Malvinas are Argentine.” The banner was reportedly first displayed by Argentina fans in the stands before defender Nicolas Otamendi laid it out on the pitch.

Why Was The Falkland Island Banner Controversial?
For the unversed, Argentina and Britain fought a war for the Island. ‘Las Malvinas’ is a term that is used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British territory that lies around 480 km off Argentina’s east coast. Argentina and the United Kingdom have disputed ownership of the islands for decades. Britain claimed the Island in 1774 and reasserted its rule in 1832. Argentina invaded the Island in 1982, but it ended in Argentina’s surrender. The conflict that lasted from April 2 to June 14 ended with the deaths of three civilians, 255 British and 649 Argentine troops.
Why Argentina Could Be Sanctioned?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s lawmakers, and FIFA have strict rules for displaying political flags, slogans and symbols. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, they also banned the display of pre-revolutionary Iranian flags. If the Falkland Island banner is found political, Argentina could face sanctions from FIFA.
“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo,” IFAB’s rulebook states.

“For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/argentina-risk-fifa-sanctions-over-falkland-islands-banner-after-england-win-heres-why-article-155108647

The World Test Championship was launched a few years ago to boost interest in Test cricket. In its current format, the WTC is played in a two-year cycle

The World Test Championship was launched a few years ago to boost interest in Test cricket. In its current format, the WTC is played in a two-year cycle. Recently, at the International Cricket Council’s annual conference in Edinburgh, some interesting ideas came up. According to a report by the BBC, one “subject which gained some traction” was the possibility of adding semi-finals to the WTC.

An ICC working group, headed by New Zealand board member Roger Twose, is working to expand the tournament to include Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

The report added that there is a proposal on the table to “reduce the 50-over World Cup from 14 teams to 12, along with the addition of a ‘Super Seven’ stage. This could even be in place for the 2027 edition, which is being co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.”

A T20 World Cup format tweak may also be under review, with the ‘Super Eight’ stage increasing to a ‘Super 10’.

Meanwhile, the governing board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has endorsed the continuation of the Development Pathway Programme for Afghan refugee women cricketers and also reconstituted the Special Taskforce, assigning it the responsibility of developing a roadmap for them to participate in the ICC’s qualification pathways by 2030.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/wtc-semi-finals-to-be-introduced-report-explores-idea-that-is-gaining-traction-11772323

 

As per a report, the PCB has been accused of extortion for demanding a last-minute, unbudgeted $25,000 (approx. Rs. 24 lakh, approx. PKR 69 lakh) per player from the franchises for the NOC.

The Major League Cricket (MLC) owners are reportedly planning a shadow ban on signing Pakistan players for the league due to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s latest demands. According to a report on pakpassion.com, the Naqvi-led PCB had demanded a last-minute, huge sum to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to its players to participate in the league. A player cannot feature in franchise leagues unless their cricket board agrees to issue an NOC, which is an ICC-mandatory document. As per the report, the PCB has been accused of extortion for demanding a last-minute, unbudgeted $25,000 (approx. Rs. 24 lakh, approx. PKR 69 lakh) per player from the franchises for the NOC.

“It’s more the extortion the PCB does. Basically, through the year, they won’t say anything. And then right towards the start of the tournament, when they have to give their NOCs, they send an email saying that for the NOC, it will be $25,000 for each player,” the report said.

The report added that such conditions only apply when the franchises face a crisis of players.

“Around a week before the tournament starts when they know we can’t find other players, we’ve announced the players and cannot replace them, that’s when they’ll come back and say you have to pay $25,000 per player for an NOC. We’ll ask them why they did not tell us this before and they won’t respond,” it added.

The MLC raised the issue with Naqvi, but the PCB considers it ‘their right to ask for this money.’

“We’ve talked to Mohsin Naqvi as well and said to him that this is extortion. This is not the right way to do it. But we were told by the Board that this is their revenue and their right to ask for this money,” the report said.

The report also pointed out that the franchises receive no guarantee despite paying the fee, as the PCB can revoke the NOC at any time and demand another last-minute payment if additional clearance becomes necessary.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mohsin-naqvi-accused-of-extortion-pakistan-players-set-to-face-ban-from-this-t20-league-report-11771486?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

 

Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles final. At the age of 24, Jannik Sinner has won 5 Grand Slam titles.

The modern tennis landscape is being shaped by two talismanic players: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. While Novak Djokovic still has what it takes to go the distance, Sinner and Alcaraz are the two dominating the sport at the moment, with Alexander Zverev showing a late surge to remain part of the discussion. With Alcaraz out injured, Sinner showed his class yet again, winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title by beating Germany’s Zverev in the final. The ease with which Sinner outlasted Zverev in the decider on Sunday has made even the most ardent fans of the sport dig deep into his playing style, shots,, and the weapons the Italian stores in his arsenal.

Usually, tennis has been a sport dominated by two distinct physical archetypes. In today’s times, on one hand, there is Carlos Alcaraz, a Spaniard with explosive athleticism capable of turning a casual rally into a chaotic sprint. On the other is Novak Djokovic, the ultimate rubber band, whose historic elasticity allows him to slide into extreme corners, bend his frame, and absorb an opponent’s best shot. Jannik Sinner is neither of these.

Instead, the World No. 1 has carved out his place at the pinnacle of men’s tennis by operating in a zone that can be called “controlled violence.” Sinner does not rely on heavy topspin arcs or defensive scrambling to win matches. The secret to his match-winning ability lies in a structurally flawless, mechanical baseline game that is extremely tricky for an opponent to counter.

What Makes Jannik Sinner Special?

Where Sinner truly separates himself from other top players is his positioning and contact point. He stands glued to the baseline, taking the ball remarkably early on the rise. By meeting the ball at its apex before it can push him back, Sinner completely suffocates his opponents. There is no comfortable place on the court to escape his pace. Almost every return comes back heavy and faster than the last, forcing rivals into a state of panic from which they can’t recover.

Not only that, but Sinner has also solved a tactical puzzle in tennis that even the greatest in history have struggled with. Most elite players possess a dominant weapon and a vulnerable side that opponents often look to exploit under pressure.

Sinner, however, generates blistering, flat power with equal lethality on both his forehand and backhand-a combination that remains unmatched even after decades of evolution and sports science in the sport.

This symmetrical weaponry gives him the edge by altering the geometry of the rally. Opponents cannot hide the ball cross-court or look for a safe haven when trying to find an escape route.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2026/alcaraz-explosive-djokovic-elastic-what-makes-jannik-sinner-special-11763608

Rob Dieperink was supposed to be a VAR official at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 but was dropped after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Tragic news has emerged from the world of football, as Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has reportedly been found dead after being removed from the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s officiating team. Dieperink was supposed to be a part of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team at the 2026 World Cup but was dropped one month before the start of the tournament over allegations of ‘sexual assault’ involving a minor. Though the case was later closed due to insufficient evidence, it has now been revealed that the referee has died.

Dieperink died at the age of 38, though the cause of his death has not yet been made public. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the news in a statement, paying tribute to Dieperink, who was one of the country’s most respected officials.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all, a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said.

FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, also released a statement, offering its condolences on the Dutchman’s death.

“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace,” the statement from FIFA read.

Dieperink had been officiating in the Netherlands’ top-flight, Eredivisie, since 2017 and was also one of the VAR officials during the European Championships in 2024. He was named in the FIFA World Cup 2026 roster as a video assistant referee, according to the BBC, but was later removed.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/dutch-referee-38-dies-unexpectedly-weeks-after-being-removed-from-fifa-world-cup-2026-team-11767644

The Indian women’s cricket team won the first-ever women’s test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground by defeating hosts England by a thumping margin of 270 runs.

The 212-year-old history of the Lord’s Cricket Ground, which is widely regarded as the ‘home of cricket,’ will forever have a chapter on the Indian women’s cricket team, who scripted history on Monday (July 13) at the storied venue by winning the first-ever women’s test match at the venue after thrashing England by runs in a one-off test match.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side bounced back strongly from the setback of failing to make the semi-finals of the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which also took place in England by proving their prowess in the longest format in the historic clash.

Vaibhav Sooryavashi-mania hit the world of tennis on Sunday as India’s 15-year-old cricket sensation attended the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

Vaibhav Sooryavashi-mania hit the world of tennis on Sunday as India’s 15-year-old cricket sensation attended the Wimbledon 2026 men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Sooryavanshi was among a number of high-profile cricketers in attendance, along with the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Yuvraj Singh. Sooryavanshi revealed that it was his first experience of watching Grand Slam tennis live. The 15-year-old also sported a sharp new look, and he credited his T20I opening partner Abhishek for helping him arrange a suit for the occasion.

“Of course, I wanted to watch the finals match. It’s my first experience watching live, and it’s been good to see how the players approach a final,” Sooryavanshi said, speaking to JioStar.

Speaking on his new look, Sooryavanshi revealed how Abhishek Sharma helped him.

“Did not do much (fashion experimenting). I wore whatever I could find in a rush, and asked Abhishek bhaiya to help me arrange it,” he shared.

Sooryavanshi also revealed which tennis players he likes watching the most.

“I have been following tennis for the last four to five years. I used to watch (Rafael) Nadal and (Novak) Djokovic a lot. Now I am a big fan of Djokovic. But both of them are players I have always followed closely,” Sooryavanshi said.

“I really like Carlos Alcaraz among the current generation of tennis players, but he is not playing this year. As I followed the tournament, I was impressed by how Jannik Sinner dominated. So hopefully he will go on to win the final today,” he added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2026/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-mania-hits-wimbledon-15-year-old-star-reveals-favourite-tennis-player-11762519?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Jannik Sinner on successfully defending his Wimbledon men’s singles title.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Jannik Sinner on successfully defending his Wimbledon men’s singles title, praising the Italian’s resilience and composure in his victory over Alexander Zverev. Sinner defended his Wimbledon title with a 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev to claim his fifth Grand Slam title and first major crown of the 2026 season. Taking to X after the final, Tendulkar applauded both players, particularly highlighting Zverev’s all-round performance while crediting Sinner’s mental strength for making the difference.

“@AlexZverev really threw everything at @janniksin today! His serve, his movement, his shot-making… outstanding. But Sinner showed why champions need more than just their best tennis. He had to fight through difficult moments, stay composed and keep believing. That resilience made the difference,” Tendulkar wrote.

“Congratulations, Jannik Sinner, on another @Wimbledon title!” he added.

.@AlexZverev really threw everything at @janniksin today! His serve, his movement, his shot-making… outstanding.

But Sinner showed why champions need more than just their best tennis. He had to fight through difficult moments, stay composed and keep believing.

That resilience…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2026

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon men’s singles title with a 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev, claiming his fifth Grand Slam title and first major crown of the 2026 season.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2026/sachin-tendulkar-drops-unmissable-post-as-jannik-sinner-clinches-wimbledon-2026-title-11762594?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

 

 

The International Cricket Council on Saturday inducted former Indian men’s and women’s skipper Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra into its prestigious Hall of Fame.

The International Cricket Council on Saturday inducted former Indian men’s and women’s skipper Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra into its prestigious Hall of Fame. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen too joined his Indian counterparts in the coveted list during a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh. “I am delighted to welcome the latest inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame, a tribute to the extraordinary individuals whose achievements have contributed greatly to our sport,” Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said.

“This year’s inductees represent the highest standards of excellence, and each one of them has earned the admiration of fans around the world.” Shah lauded the troika for their immense contributions to the sport.

“Sourav, Anjum and Kevin have all led their national teams with pride, and I would like to congratulate them on behalf of the ICC for this richly deserved honour.

“Their place in the ICC Hall of Fame ensures their achievements will be celebrated for generations to come, standing alongside the game’s greatest figures,” Shah added in a release issued by the ICC.

Ganguly, who reshaped the fortunes of Indian cricket with his astute captaincy at a time when the country was shaken by match-fixing allegations, rated the moment a “cherished” one.

“I am honoured to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. To have my name included among cricket’s greatest players will remain one of my most cherished moments.

“Representing India and playing along with several greats of the game has been a privilege, and to now be recognised in this way is truly special,” he said.

Ganguly, who also headed the BCCI in the past and owner of 18,575 international runs across a near decade-and-half career, hoped to continue his association with cricket.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr Jay Shah for this huge honour, which I consider the highest recognition a cricketer can receive. This game has given me a lot, and I hope to continue to serve the game in the years to come.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my near and dear ones for their support over the years,” said the Kolkata man.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sourav-ganguly-anjum-chopra-kevin-pietersen-inducted-into-icc-hall-of-fame-11759406

Linda Noskova defeated Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to win Wimbledon 2026

Karolina Muchova almost pulled off a Carlos Alcaraz-type comeback, but Linda Noskova held her nerves to win Wimbledon 2026, her first Grand Slam. The game turned out to be a blockbuster. Noskova dominated for one and a half sets and had seven championship points; however, Muchova, despite being down a break, kept saving points and eventually stunned Noskova to win the set 5-7.

Noskova, however, didn’t let the blip get on her head and played a perfect third set to win the game 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to become the Wimbledon champion.

The match reminded fans of the French Open 2025 final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, where Alcaraz saved championship points and made a stunning comeback to win the French Open. However, Muchova failed to replicate the feat, but she showed tremendous will to fight and made a match out of nothing.

Meanwhile, Noskova continued the trend of a new Wimbledon winner every year. After Serena Williams defended her title in 2016, Wimbledon has seen a new champion every year.

 

 

Mikel Merino, who smashed in the World Cup quarter-final winner against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, said it was “surreal” to have scored a late winner in two straight knockout games for Spain.

Mikel Merino, who smashed in the World Cup quarter-final winner against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, said it was “surreal” to have scored a late winner in two straight knockout games for Spain. “I couldn’t have imagined something like this even in my wildest dreams — another goal in the dying minutes,” said Merino, who had already scored in stoppage time in Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday. “I thought it would take a long time to repeat a feat like that… and I managed it in the very next game!”

Late in the game and with the score tied 1-1, Spain’s Pau Cubarsi had shot low from range.

Belgian substitute ‘keeper Senne Lammens should have held onto the ball. Instead it bounced toward Merino, who had only been on the pitch two minutes himself. The Arsenal player was first to the rebound and fired it in.

Merino said it was not purely a coincidence, attributing his dramatic late success to “going out there with drive” and belief in himself to “contribute wherever you’re needed.”

“That’s exactly what I did,” he said.

Merino said his team’s run to a semi-final clash with France at the World Cup has so far been “less flashy” than Spain’s victorious campaign at the European Championships two years ago.

“It was a struggle today,” he admitted.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/spains-merino-living-wildest-dreams-with-late-world-cup-winners-11756222

Lionel Messi has been in supreme touch in the FIFA World Cup. True to his greatness, Messi has not only scored eight goals – the most by any player – but has also inspired Argentina to reach great heights

Lionel Messi has been in supreme touch in the FIFA World Cup. True to his greatness, Messi has not only scored eight goals – the most by any player – but has also inspired Argentina to reach great heights. While Messi and Argentina have been on a goal-scoring spree, the journey has not been smooth. Argentina were stretched to extra time by Cape Verde in the Round of 32, while they made a late escape against Egypt after being 2-0 down in the Round of 16. In the quarter-final, Argentina will face Switzerland.

During Argentina’s Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, which the former won 3-2, a photo went viral showing World Cup debutant Roberto Lopes having a go at Messi. The Argentine great could be seen saying something to him.

Now, Lopes has revealed what Messi said during the exchange.

“Yes, it was nothing really. I just saw him come into my eyeline and gave him a little push just to make sure he was real. I had to touch him to make sure he was human. He didn’t take too kindly to it,” Roberto Lopes said on a talk show.

“He said, ‘Lopes, that’s a foul. There’s no ball here. Don’t touch me.’ I think he was trying to put me off. So I paid it no mind. And he just kept going. Then the referee blew for half-time, and I just said to him, ‘Look, I just need to touch you because if you are behind me, I am in deep trouble.’ And we just shook hands and got on with it.”

Meanwhile, Brazil veteran Rivaldo praised Lionel Messi and Argentina’s fighting spirit after the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/lionel-messi-said-dont-touch-me-cape-verde-star-roberto-lopes-reveals-story-behind-viral-clash-11750832?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

British wildcard Arthur Fery extended his sensational Wimbledon run into a semi-final against French Open champion Alexander Zverev, after Marta Kostyuk set up a women’s last-four clash against Linda Noskova

British wildcard Arthur Fery extended his sensational Wimbledon run into a semi-final against French Open champion Alexander Zverev, after Marta Kostyuk set up a women’s last-four clash against Linda Noskova on Wednesday. Fery, the world number 114, dismantled Roland Garros runner-up Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to become the first Wimbledon wildcard to reach the men’s last four since Goran Ivanisevic won the 2001 title. Incredibly, Fery is just two victories away from emulating Ivanisevic and becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since Andy Murray in 2016.

“It gets better and better every match. It’s incredible. I just can’t believe it,” Fery said to his adoring new fans, who created a partisan atmosphere on Centre Court.

He is the third-lowest ranked man since 1985 to reach the Wimbledon semis, after world number 237 Vladimir Voltchkov in 2000 and world number 125 Ivanisevic in 2001.

Zverev romped to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over sixth seed Taylor Fritz, making his first semi-final at the All England Club by snapping a seven-match losing streak against the American.

The German second seed had never got past the Wimbledon last 16 in nine previous trips to south-west London.

“I’m extremely happy to be in the semi-finals, especially against Taylor who I hadn’t beaten in two years,” he said.

Zverev is only the third German man in the Open era to make the last four at all the Grand Slam tournaments, after Boris Becker and Michael Stich — Germany’s last men’s Wimbledon winner in 1991.

“It’s a dream come true to finally play well at Wimbledon, I’ve waited a long time for it,” he added.

The 29-year-old Zverev will be a huge favourite against Fery on Friday, with reigning champion and world number one Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic awaiting in the final.

Kostyuk into second straight Slam semi-final

Ukraine’s Kostyuk raced to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Italian Jasmine Paolini after just 69 minutes on Centre Court and will play Czech ninth seed Noskova on Thursday for a place in her first major final.

“I was on this court as a spectator once nine years ago watching Roger (Federer) and to be back here as a player is amazing,” said the 24-year-old after her first appearance on the showpiece court at the All England Club.

“I walked past the ‘wall of honour’, stood beside it and took a moment.”

The 12th seed has only lost one of her last 22 matches — a semi-final defeat by eventual champion Mirra Andreeva at the French Open last month.

Former Wimbledon runner-up Paolini could not reproduce the form she showed in her last-16 win over Alexandra Eala, losing in the last eight of a Slam for the first time.

The in-form Noskova was the highest seed left in the bottom half of the draw after shock early exits for Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.

The 21-year-old lived up to that billing with a 6-3, 7-5 win over experienced Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens on Court One.

Mertens battled hard in her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2020, but could not deal with Noskova’s power.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2026/britains-wildcard-arthur-fery-sets-up-wimbleson-semi-finals-vs-alexander-zverev-marta-kostyuk-advances-11745878

Kapil Dev, one of India’s greatest cricketers ever, and Yograj Singh were contemporaries. They were mentored by the same coach, Desh Prem Azad, and went on to play for India, albeit with different levels of success.

Kapil Dev, one of India’s greatest cricketers ever, and Yograj Singh were contemporaries. They were mentored by the same coach, Desh Prem Azad, and went on to play for India, albeit with different levels of success. Kapil became one of the greatest all-rounders in the world and also led India to the 1983 World Cup title. Yograj Singh, also an all-rounder, played six ODIs and one Test. His international career did not flourish. Yograj’s son, Yuvraj Singh, went on to play for India. He was the Player of the Tournament in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

Yograj, meanwhile, often made controversial comments about Kapil. “When Kapil Dev became captain of India, North Zone, and Haryana, he dropped me for no reason,” Yograj once said in an interview.

“My wife (Yuvi’s mother) wanted me to ask Kapil questions. I told her that I would teach this bloody man a lesson. I took my pistol out and went to Kapil’s house in Sector 9. He came out with his mother. I abused him a dozen times. I told him, because of you I have lost a friend, and for what you have done, you will pay for it.”

Yuvraj Singh then apologised to Kapil Dev in an interview.

“He had no need to do so. Sometimes things happen. He is a great cricketer. What a fabulous cricketer he was and the way he served the country. I think he made the game more popular. People love him for the way he played cricket,” Kapil Dev said in a recent podcast on Sports Tak.

Kapil Dev was then asked directly about Yograj Singh’s statements about him. “He has said he will hug you, but only if you come as a friend,” the anchor said.

“I don’t know what he is trying to say. I am still a friend. There is nothing from my side. But I don’t like to meet bitter people in life. I like to meet happy people. There will be many things, but you will have to move on in life. But if you are a bitter person, people won’t love you. His son has done so well; he should be a happy person and live happily,” Kapil said.

“No one would get everything. Sometimes you get it, sometimes your family gets it. At the end of the day, you should be happy and not bitter. A bitter person has no place in this world. Your reaction to things determines who you are. If I slap someone or abuse someone, what good will it do? You have to move on. Somebody who has seen so much in the world, seen so many ups and downs… how many people had the chance to play for India as well as act in movies? You have already got more than many people. If you are unhappy, you are unhappy.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/kapil-dev-finally-responds-to-yograj-singhs-controversial-remarks-on-him-sends-clear-message-11745993

Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla drew heavy criticism after she called France striker Kylian Mbappé a ‘son of a b****’, further fueling the controversy.

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla stooped to an all-time low as she launched another ugly attack on France striker Kylian Mbappe. Since France’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup match, the politician has been targeting Mbappe. The feud escalated when Mbappe reportedly called her a “despicable woman and unworthy of her office.” In response, Amarilla insulted the French striker on the Senate floor this Wednesday, calling him a “son of a b****.” This marked a new low in the ongoing war of words between the two. Amarilla reiterated her anger over Mbappe’s refusal to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the match.

“When Orlando Gill, a boy who was surely setting foot in a World Cup for the first time, in Europe for the first time, was playing before the world and extends his hand with all the humility of a Paraguayan, and this son of a b—- refuses to shake his hand and yells in his face-that is not French. A Frenchman would never have done that,” Amarilla stated.

The senator, who belongs to the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, also claimed that “serious racist insults” were made after Paraguay’s defeat. In a further critique aimed at the striker, Amarilla said, “France is Rousseau, Descartes, Montesquieu, Victor Hugo, Simone de Beauvoir, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. I refuse to reduce all of that great France and that enormous cultural, artistic, and democratic legacy to Mbappe.”

Breaking: Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla has once again taken aim at Kylian Mbappe with a vulgar insult

“This son of a b*tch refuses to shake hands and screams with joy right in front of Orlando Gill!’ ” #Mbappe #Paraguay pic.twitter.com/ZocWVdDPqQ

— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) July 8, 2026

Previously, Amarilla had posted an open letter on her X (formerly Twitter) account, warning Mbappé of dire consequences if he did not apologize.

“Don’t mess with Paraguayans, Mbappé,” she warned, citing the case of Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho, who was jailed in Paraguay in March 2020. “We already had Ronaldinho jailed here… And don’t underestimate me, Mbappé. I can sue you… Gender violence. Political violence against women. That is serious… Let him apologize to me because I still have legal grounds for that.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/paraguayan-senator-insults-kylian-mbappe-again-calls-france-striker-son-of-a-b-11746782?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

While unveiling the “Next Stop: Better Buses, Faster Service” initiative, Mamdani explained that faster bus journeys would give commuters more time with their families and for everyday activities.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani mixed football with politics while announcing a new bus improvement plan, joking that New Yorkers could use the time they save to “agree that Egypt were robbed” in their FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat against Argentina.

While unveiling the “Next Stop: Better Buses, Faster Service” initiative, Mamdani explained that faster bus journeys would give commuters more time with their families and for everyday activities.

Q: What would you do with your extra six minutes?

Mamdani: I would probably just watch the replays of Egypt getting robbed. pic.twitter.com/paWnDjzRMh

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 8, 2026

He then added, “It means agreeing with your friends that Egypt were robbed yesterday,” drawing loud cheers and applause from the audience.

After the event, a reporter asked Mamdani what he would personally do with the six minutes saved by the new bus service. Without hesitation, he smiled and replied, “Watch the replay,” a reference to Egypt’s dramatic Round of 16 defeat.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/egypt-were-robbed-zohran-mamdani-says-he-will-spend-his-saved-6-minutes-watching-fifa-world-cup-2026-replay-video

 

Shapoor Zadran played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020.

Shapoor Zadran, the former tall and long-haired pacer, has died at the age of 38, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed. Zadran breathed his last in Delhi, where he was getting treated for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare, life-threatening disease, in which the immune system starts failing. He would have turned 39 on Wednesday (July 8).

Zadran had been battling health issues for several months. After falling ill late last year, he travelled to India for treatment on the advice of doctors in Afghanistan. Although his condition improved enough for him to be discharged, his health deteriorated again a few weeks later. He was readmitted to the hospital, and what was initially believed to be an upset stomach turned out to be far more serious. Zadran developed a high fever and tested positive for dengue, while his red blood cell count dropped sharply. Further tests, including a bone marrow examination, led to a diagnosis of Stage 4 HLH.

His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, confirmed Shapoor’s death.

“With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran. Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country. He was among the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan’s early cricket journey and helped build the path that brought Afghan cricket to the international stage,” the ACB said in a statement.

“Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, courage, and pride. His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket, and his efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten.”

Zadran’s career at a glance

Zadran announced himself on the international stage with figures of 4/24 on his ODI debut against the Netherlands. He made his T20 World Cup debut in Sri Lanka in 2012, but it was at the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that he truly came to wider prominence. Charging in with his trademark long hair flowing behind him, the left-arm pacer returned figures of 4/38 against Scotland before remaining unbeaten on 12 to score the winning runs. His jubilant sprint of celebration became one of the defining images in the history of Afghan cricket. With 10 strikes, he was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Long before Afghanistan became giant-slayers, Zadran was among the pioneers who laid the foundations for the team’s rise. Inspired by his idol Shoaib Akhtar, he moved to Pakistan to chase his cricketing dream before returning to represent Afghanistan. He finished his career with 80 international wickets.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/shapoor-zadran-former-afghanistan-pacer-dies-at-38-after-prolonged-illness-101783416831321.html

A number of refereeing decisions came under scrutiny in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026.

While Argentina scripted a sensational 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 encounter, the match was not devoid of controversy. Egypt had a goal disallowed in the second half by VAR, while the referees also came under scrutiny. Following rants from Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan and forward Mostafa Ziko, many social media users also criticised several decisions made by match referee Francois Letexier. The incidents, which went Argentina’s way, caused a furore on the internet.

In the first half, replays appeared to show Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina fouling Egypt winger Emam Ashour with an outstretched arm. However, Molina was not penalised for the challenge.

VAR only focus was to check Egypt player simply touching Agentinian players, not the other way around. #FIFA #VAR pic.twitter.com/UiqKEoTWLa

— Survivor (@Wasim_wazir) July 7, 2026

Another decision that left several social media users unhappy was when Egypt were not awarded a penalty in the second half, after Mohamed Salah went down in Argentina’s box after a challenge from left-back Nicolas Tagliafico.

Replays showed that Tagliafico may have caught Salah on the toe, causing the Egypt star to lose possession and go down.

– no foul (penalty actually)
– no var
– goal validaded

that’s not just an outrageous, it’s cheating in broad day light! they don’t even try to disguise. just like cape verde, EGYPT WAS ROBBED#ARGxEGY pic.twitter.com/KfPNrjEmTq

— ~*bia wheat*~ ˢᶜᶜᵖ 🇧🇷 (@biatrigo) July 7, 2026

The incidents have triggered a huge debate among fans, journalists and former players and experts of the game, with many wondering if the officials are are favouring Argentina, especially in decisions that can go either way.

Right now, most of the opinions are driven by emotion rather than logic—especially from Ronaldo fans, Egyptian supporters, and people simply chasing engagement.

The first incident involving Salah on the right is virtually identical to the one shown below on the left. There is… pic.twitter.com/EZF6Ghy8Rl

— Appie Culé (@appiecule) July 7, 2026

There is no conclusive proof. But the circumstantial evidence that there is pro-Argentina bias in FIFA affecting the World Cup:

1) In the group stage opener against Algeria, Messi caught Aïssa Mandi with a studs-up challenge on the Achilles and escaped any card. FIFA later…

— Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) July 7, 2026

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/egypt-robbed-in-argentinas-dramatic-3-2-comeback-win-internet-slams-referee-var-over-multiple-calls-11741357?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll 

 

Belgium brought the United States’ World Cup party to a shattering halt on Monday, thrashing the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.

Belgium brought the United States’ World Cup party to a shattering halt on Monday, thrashing the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken punished a goalkeeping howler, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to settle a last-16 clash that had been overshadowed by the pre-match uproar surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun, named in US coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up after FIFA suspended a one-game ban following lobbying by US President Donald Trump, was largely anonymous throughout Monday’s knockout tie at Seattle’s Lumen Field.

Instead, a rampant Belgium ruthlessly dismantled the USA’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years, in a bitterly disappointing end to a campaign that had captivated the host nation.

De Ketelaere fired Belgium ahead after nine minutes, and although Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick leveled it in the 31st-minute, the US fightback was shortlived.

De Ketelaere headed Belgium back in front in the 33rd minute, and Vanaken made it 3-1 in the 57th minute after a dreadful blunder by US goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was dispossessed after charging out of his penalty area to clear.

Veteran striker Lukaku piled on the misery with a fourth in stoppage time.

The defeat capped a tumultuous 24 hours for the World Cup co-hosts, who were lifted by FIFA’s shock reprieve of Balogun on Sunday — a decision which brought widespread condemnation across the football world.

Belgium football chiefs had challenged Balogun’s eligibility for the game earlier on Monday but saw their appeal dismissed out of hand by FIFA.

Sad farewell

The Belgians advance to a quarter-final meeting with Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.

The Spaniards booked their place in that game with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the final World Cup match of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career.

Spanish substitute Mikel Merino coolly slotted the winner in the first minute of stoppage time to seal victory in a dour contest between the Iberian football rivals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The defeat marked a sad farewell to the World Cup for Portugal captain Ronaldo, the 41-year-old superstar playing in his sixth edition of the tournament.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo, who has struggled to reproduce his best form during a challenging campaign in the United States, had long dreamed of adding a World Cup winners medal to his collection of honours amassed over a career that has straddled three decades.

But the striker was rarely more than a peripheral figure in a performance that saw Portugal muster just two shots on target, compared to Spain’s six.

Ronaldo said afterwards he would take time to consider his future following the defeat.

“It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life,” Ronaldo said.

“That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on.”

Ronaldo, the leading scorer in the history of men’s international football, said he would leave the World Cup stage “with a clear conscience”.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/belgium-thrash-usa-4-1-despite-donald-trumps-red-card-influence-enter-quarterfinals-11736506

Kylian Mbappe slammed a Paraguayan senator after she launched a racist attack on him following Paraguay’s loss against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

France football team striker Kylian Mbappe slammed a Paraguayan senator after she launched a racist attack on him following Paraguay’s loss against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Mbappe scored the only goal of the match from the penalty as France booked their spot in the quarterfinals. Following the match, Celeste Amarilla wrote a slur-filled racist post on X where she described Mbappe as a “colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French,” and a “brute” who had not learned to write. She went on to write that Paraguay players should have slapped him.

Mbappe responded with a strong-worded message and called Amarilla a ‘despicable woman’.

“Madame Celeste Amarilla, You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honor throughout the competition.”

“Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.”

Madame Celeste Amarilla,
Vous êtes une femme méprisable et indigne de sa fonction.
Vous ne représentez pas le Paraguay, ce pays qui a transpiré la passion et l’honneur tout au long de la compétition. Par votre inconscience et votre racisme décomplexé, le monde entier a déjà… pic.twitter.com/EnYmgQXvPL

— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 6, 2026

“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world,” he wrote.

According to Reuters, the French Football Federation (FFF) also announced plans to file criminal charges against her and described the comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable”.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/kylian-mbappe-blasts-paraguayan-senator-for-racist-attack-a-despicable-woman-11736018?pfrom=home-ndtv_fifa

 

Cristiano Ronaldo set the record straight after Portugal’s FIFA World Cup exit in a 0-1 defeat to Spain. He said “I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title”.

Cristiano Ronaldo was heartbroken as Portugal were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026, in a Round of 16 defeat to Spain on Monday. While Ronaldo has already confirmed that this was his last World Cup, the record goalscorer in international football isn’t keen on making a rash decision on hanging up his boots. As Ronaldo bides his time and analyses his next step, he was quick to rewind and sum up his international career in the Portugal shirt. While the dream of lifting the World Cup remains unfulfilled for the 41-year-old, winning the 2016 European Championship is equally satisfying, if not more so.

Speaking to the media after the game, Ronaldo shared a clear plan regarding his international career. Though his sister had said before Portugal’s Round of 16 match that the former Real Madrid man would hang up his boots after the World Cup, he isn’t keen on taking such a big step immediately after the exit from the tournament.

“I am sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best, and I am leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to reflect and be with my family. I will not be making any rash decisions.”

“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he added.

Looking back at his international career, Ronaldo said that he is responsible for helping Portugal win three titles – one European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations Leagues in 2019 and 2025 – whereas they had no silverware before that.

“I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

🗣️ “I’ve won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won anything.

The biggest title I won with the National Team was Euro 2016. FOR ME, IT HAS THE SAME DIMENSION AS A WORLD CUP.” 😳🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/kqDd3Oo5Qf

— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) July 6, 2026

Ronaldo also spoke highly of Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who decided to resign immediately after the team’s World Cup exit.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/cristiano-ronaldo-after-world-cup-exit-before-me-portugal-hadnt-won-anything-11736379?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s painful exit at the hands of Norway in the Round of 16.

One of the most iconic players to play for Brazil, Neymar Jr. has decided to hang up his boots from international football after his team’s shock defeat to Norway, which led to their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement ends Neymar’s 16-year career as the nation’s all-time leading scorer, with 80 goals in 129 appearances. Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came as a substitute at MetLife Stadium—the very same venue as his 2010 debut. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star scored a penalty against Norway, though it could not prevent Brazil from crashing out of the tournament.

Neymar was practically inconsolable as Brazil were eliminated by Norway. Visuals of him crying relentlessly after the final whistle broke fans’ hearts. Several of his Brazil teammates tried to comfort him, but the former Barcelona man was left utterly shattered.

“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” he told Globo after the game. “I started here; I finished here.” While his time with the Selecao is over, Neymar continues his club career with Santos FC, evaluating his future season by season.

The defeat against Norway marks Brazil’s horrendous run against European opponents in the World Cups. The 5-time champions haven’t beaten European opponents since beating Germany in the final of 2002. Despite the setback, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Sunday’s painful World Cup last-16 exit should be used as “fuel” for the future as he insisted their disappointing tournament is “the start of a new cycle”.

“Obviously everyone is deeply disappointed, considering what happened. I don’t think we have had a spectacular World Cup, but we had a good one. I think we even deserved to win the game today,” Ancelotti said after the 2-1 loss at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

For Norway, it was Haaland who scored two late goals in a match which hinged on an early penalty by Brazil’s Bruno Guimaraes, which was saved. Neymar’s successful spot-kick in injury time could only prove to be a consolation. It was also his final moment in the Brazil shirt as a player.

“You have to digest a defeat like this. This has been a new adventure. Now we need to keep earning our places, keep trying to improve,” added Ancelotti, who was appointed just over a year ago and charged with the task of winning Brazil a record-extending sixth World Cup.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/neymar-jr-drops-retirement-bomb-after-brazils-heartbreaking-fifa-world-cup-exit-11731489?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finally debuts for India in T20I vs Ireland in Belfast, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record as youngest India international.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has broken Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record, becoming the youngest male cricketer to make a debut for India in international cricket, doing so at the tender age of 15 years and 99 days. The Bihar teenager was given his debut cap for the second T20I against England in Manchester.

Tendulkar made his Test debut in 1989 — against Pakistan in Karachi — at the age of 16 years and 205 days, which makes Sooryavanshi the first 15-year-old to play for the Men in Blue.

Sooryavanshi got his debut cap from Tilak Varma at the Old Trafford cricket ground. He replaced senior opener Sanju Samson in the playing 11 and will take the top-order spot alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Youngest debuts for India in international cricket:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s stunning rise

Sooryavanshi’s ascent represents a remarkable breakthrough in modern sports. The left-handed prodigy from Bihar first gained national attention by making his Ranji Trophy debut at twelve. His trajectory accelerated when the Rajasthan Royals secured him for the 2025 Indian Premier League.

Debuting at fourteen, he immediately broke records, becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket with a thirty-five-ball century against the Gujarat Titans. The subsequent year solidified his status as a generational talent.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-breaks-sachin-tendulkars-record-becomes-indias-youngest-international-cricketer-ws-l-10175133.html

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become a prominent figure in cricket and even received his maiden India call-up. Despite this, he has yet to make his debut, leading to increasing calls for his inclusion.

Rising sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been rewriting history books, dominating world-class bowlers, and has even become the biggest talking point among the cricket fraternity, all at just the age of 15. He shattered legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s record by becoming the youngest Indian to get an International call-up for the Ireland and England tour. However, the batting powerhouse has only been warming the bench so far. Calls for the prodigy’s debut are only growing louder with every match he spends on the sidelines, but the BCCI has now broken its silence.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla defended the team management’s choice in an exclusive interview with Times Now, stating that the young player’s selection itself shows confidence in his ability. Shukla also urged everyone to have faith in the coaches and selectors, while criticising the increasing amount of online abuse and political commentary thrown at the team management. He stressed that Sooryavanshi’s chance will come and stated that the management should be the only ones to decide when he plays.

“We are also of the view that he is a very talented player, and he showcased that during the IPL. I have seen several comments against the team management and the coaches, but I want to make it very clear that the coach and captain will take the final decision. They are looking at the situation, and whenever the right opportunity arises, they will definitely give him his chance,” Shukla told Times Now.

“So, such decisions should be left to the wisdom of the team management. I don’t know why such unnecessary comments are being made about it,” he added.

Lionel Messi, with his goal vs Cape Verde, became the first payer to score 20 goals in World Cup history and is making his 30th tournament appearance.

Argentina are all set to continue their journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they are taking on the ultimate underdogs Cape Verde in the Round of 32 clash at the Miami Stadium on July 4 (Saturday). This will be a massive game for the defending champions as a win would push them straight into the Round of 16 of the tournament. The player who everyone would have their eyes on in this game will definitely be Lionel Messi, who is featuring in the playing XI after coming off from the bench in the last game against Jordan. In fact, he has continued smashing records achieving feats no one has done before.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina converting a wonder pass from the deep by Lisandro Martinez into a goal. He thus becomes the first player in the history of he FIFA World Cup to score 20 goals in the tournament. He had already become the player with the most goals in FIFA World Cup history earlier in the tournament.

England Women vs South Africa Women Highlights, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led from the front as England thrashed South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval, setting up a summit clash against Australia.

England vs South Africa Highlights, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led from the front as England thrashed South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval, setting up a summit clash against Australia. Chasing 170, South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals despite Tazmin Brits’ resistance. Brits scored 51 off 45 balls as the Proteas were eventually restricted to 129/8 in 20 overs. Earlier, England recovered from a top-order collapse to post 169/5 in 20 overs, courtesy of a 133-run stand between Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight. Sciver-Brunt continued her rich vein of form, top-scoring with a 47-ball 75, while Knight played the perfect supporting role with 58 off 47 balls.

Then there were two – Righto, the two giants of the Women’s game are back in the Final, going head-to-head in what is anticipated to be an iconic match at ‘the home of cricket.’ On one side stand England Women, the hosts, champions in 2009 and the team that’s never lost a home World Cup Final. On the other side stand the mighty Australia Women, who have 6 T20 World Cups to their name. Both teams have an unblemished record heading into the Final, but there can be only one winner. A blockbuster Finale for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is all set, and it all begins on Sunday, July 5, at the iconic Lord’s. The match is scheduled to begin at 2.30 pm GMT, but you can join us sooner for the build-up to the action. Until then, it’s goodbye from us. Cheers!

Nat Sciver-Brunt of England Women – She describes the Oval as a special place to play cricket and says she has loved playing there over the years. It is a fantastic venue, she adds, to show people what it means to represent England and inspire the next generation. Sciver-Brunt says she always had complete faith in England’s batting unit. After being reduced to 23/3, she and Heather Knight knew they had an important job to do. She praises the composure they showed, adding that they approached the innings differently from a typical T20 knock. On the pitch, Sciver-Brunt says there was variable bounce throughout. Keeping the stumps in play was important, while cutters and cross-seam deliveries proved effective. She thanks the crowds for their support throughout the tournament, saying the atmosphere has been incredible. Even during the game, she managed to take it all in and is already looking forward to experiencing it again at Lord’s. On her fitness, Sciver-Brunt says her calf is feeling good. Looking ahead to the final, she calls it a massive occasion and says playing a World Cup final at Lord’s is a dream. Adds that Australia are a hugely successful and immensely talented side.

Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa Women – Wolvaardt, on being asked about her emotions, says that it’s a disappointing result, but also says that the English side deserved to win. On being asked what the difference was, she answers that England were good with the ball and had a big partnership, which they really lacked in their innings. About the pitch, she says that the track was pretty good to bat on as the ball was coming nicely to the bat. Reckons that 170 was a par total and the outfield was lightning fast. On the support in the stadium, she says that she is very happy and grateful for the fans who turned up in the stadium to support them. On their tournament as a whole, she says that they had a decent campaign. They didn’t quite find the tempo in the batting unit throughout the tournament, but their bowling and fielding were up to the mark.

Skipper returns with a bang – Earlier in the day, Nat Sciver-Brunt was back in the side for England Women, and even though she wasn’t 100 percent fit, she led the fightback for her side. South Africa Women had the hosts reeling at 23/3 with Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail breathing fire. However, Nat and former skipper Heather Knight put on a 133-run stand that changed the complexion of the game. Nat was the standout, scoring 75 off just 47 balls, but Knight too struck a half-century. The Proteas pulled things back in the last couple of overs and kept England down to 169 runs.

Another day, another heartbreak – South Africa Women did really well to topple India and reach yet another semi-final, but their shaky batting cost them dearly as it did against the Aussies in their opening encounter as well. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits did give the Proteas a decent start, putting on 43 runs for the opening wicket, but Wolvaardt gave her wicket away, and things changed. Brits tried to build a few stands and reached fifty, but the wickets just kept on falling, and Brits too got out soon after. There wasn’t much fight from the middle order, and South Africa were blown away with ease.

Player of the Match – England’s skipper, Nat Sciver-Brunt, is handed the award for her game-changing knock of 75 off just 47 balls. Returning to the side, Sciver-Brunt admits there were plenty of nerves, made bigger by the occasion of a World Cup semifinal. Adds that there were a lot of emotions before the game, but once the warm-up began, she was able to switch on and simply enjoy herself. On facing Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, Sciver-Brunt says they are world-class opening bowlers. Shares that the plan was to nullify their threat early and then capitalise against the rest of the attack. Speaking about the pitch, Sciver-Brunt says there was a bit of variable bounce. Mentions that the idea was to stay strong on the stumps and be clear about the scoring areas. Adds that spending time at the crease made batting much easier, while it was difficult for new batters coming in.

Prolific in the field – England Women had the runs on the board, but it was a gettable target. However, once Sophie Ecclestone snaffled that catch of Laura Wolvaardt, the hosts pounced and they were relentless. It was a well-rounded bowling performance with the spinners having their say on a drying track, and Freya Kemp was simply brilliant with her slower ones. Everyone, barring Danielle Gibson, picked up a wicket, but she did bowl just the solo over. All in all, a performance worthy of sealing a place in the Final.

Back in the Final – England Women have made it back into the Women’s T20 World Cup final, and their streak of winning all home World Cups at home is still alive. A completely dominant performance, barring the first few overs of the game, and they have thumped South Africa Women by a huge margin.

Novak Djokovic was in vintage form during his second-round demolition of Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday, underlining his determination to finally win that elusive 25th Grand Slam crown.

Novak Djokovic can move another step closer to history at Wimbledon in the third round on Friday. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is also in action in the last 32, while women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko. AFP Sport looks at three matches to watch on the fifth day of the tournament (x denotes seeding): Novak Djokovic (SRB x7) v Arthur Rinderknech (FRA x25)

First meeting

Djokovic was in vintage form during his second-round demolition of Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday, underlining his determination to finally win that elusive 25th Grand Slam crown.

The 39-year-old Serb delivered a statement of intent to his Wimbledon title rivals with a masterful straight-sets victory on Centre Court.

Djokovic was so enamoured with his display that he even found time to prank a ball-girl — pretending her repair work on his shirt had hurt him — before jokingly challenging golf star Rory McIlroy, who was watching from the royal box, to a tennis match.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion’s good mood was understandable.

Djokovic, seeded seventh, is now just one match win away from equalling Roger Federer’s Wimbledon men’s singles record of 105.

But Djokovic has greater goals in his sights, aiming to equal Federer’s men’s record of eight Wimbledon titles — which would break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam crowns by either a man or woman.

Winning Wimbledon would also make Djokovic the oldest man to lift a Grand Slam trophy in the Open era.

As Djokovic said after beating Tsitsipas; “age is just a number”.

Next up for the ageless Serb is a first ever meeting with French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech.

Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x1) v Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)

Sabalenka leads head to head 3-1

Bidding to win Wimbledon for the first time, Sabalenka faces a tricky test against Ostapenko in one of the ties of the round.

The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has reached 14 successive major quarter-finals, has not been at her over-powering best so far in the tournament.

The 28-year-old has never won Wimbledon, losing in the semi-finals on each of her past three visits.

And while Sabalenka’s presence in the latter stages of the majors has become a given, she has won only one of the last six Grand Slam tournaments.

That makes 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko an intriguing obstacle for Sabalenka to hurdle.

The 29-year-old reached the Wimbledon semi-finals eight years ago and is capable of rattling Sabalenka with her booming ground-strokes.

Sabalenka has pleaded with Wimbledon chiefs to let her dog Ash into the grounds of the All England Club, but her pet protest has so far fallen on deaf ears.

Perhaps the Belarusian will get a more sympathetic response if she wins the title on July 11.

Jannik Sinner (ITA x1) v Jenson Brooksby (USA)

Sinner leads head to head 1-0

Sinner ended Carlos Alcaraz’s two-year reign as Wimbledon champion with a brilliant final victory over the Spaniard last year.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is still some way from those lofty heights heading into his third round tie against American world number 81 Jenson Brooksby.

Having opted not to play a Wimbledon warm-up event for the first time in his career, Sinner looked a little underprepared in his first and second round wins over Miomir Kecmanovic and Nuno Borges.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2026/djokovic-has-history-in-his-sights-at-wimbledon-11719811

England captain Harry Kane scored a contender for ‘Goal of the tournament ‘ as his 86th-minute strike took the team past DR Congo, into the Round of 16 of the tournament.

Translating his club form into international football for England, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane struck a ‘Goal of the Tournament’ contender in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday. England, who trailed Congo until the 75th minute, saw Kane produce an incredible rescue act to bail his team out of a precarious situation. England were staring at early elimination from the tournament when Kane stepped up to score both goals in the Three Lions’ 2-1 win. It was Kane’s second goal of the game that left everyone in awe, as he dazzled past several Congo players before smashing the ball into the top right corner of the net.

Following a partially cleared England attack, substitute Anthony Gordon picked up possession and delivered a dangerous pass to Kane on the edge of the penalty area. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, Kane reacted quickest amidst heavy congestion inside the box. He sharply whirled and twisted away from his direct marker, shifting the ball onto his right foot.

Having created just enough separation against three converging defenders, Kane unleashed a brutal, rising rocket from a challenging angle. The unstoppable strike blazed past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who could barely move before the ball rifled into the top-right corner of the net to seal England’s 2-1 comeback victory.

The goal didn’t just seal England’s passage into the Round of 16 to face co-hosts Mexico, this spectacular 86th-minute strike marked Kane’s 13th career World Cup goal. With this hit, he officially surpassed Brazilian football icon Pele (12 goals) on the tournament’s all-time top-scorers list.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/harry-kane-scores-potential-goal-of-the-world-cup-beats-several-players-to-bag-winner-11715511

Kylian Mbappe smashed an all-time FIFA World Cup record with his 10th strike in the knockout stages of the tournament.

France’s No. 10, Kylian Mbappe, is rewriting the record books at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and he is doing so with blazing speed. The 28-year-old forward, who plays club football for Real Madrid, bagged a brace on Tuesday as France eliminated Sweden with a 3-0 win in the Round of 32. With his twin strikes, Mbappe went past Germany icon Miroslav Klose in the list of top-scoring players in the tournament’s history, taking his overall tally to 18. With the brace, Mbappe has now scored a whopping 10 goals in World Cup knockouts, a tally that takes him to the No. 1 spot.

With 10 goals in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, Mbappe went past the Brazilian duo of Ronaldo Nazario and Leonidas, both of whom had 8 goals each to their name. Trailing them are France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Pele, who scored 7 goals each in the knockout stages of the tournament.

When it comes to Lionel Messi, who is the all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 19 strikes to his name so far, he has only scored 5 goals in the competition’s knockout matches. His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, surprisingly, does not have a single knockout goal to his name in World Cup history.

Kylian Mbappé has become the first player in World Cup history to score 10 goals in the knockout stage of the tournament 👏🇫🇷

He is writing an incredible World Cup legacy 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZoU1jRjR8w

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 30, 2026

Mbappe’s sixth goal of the tournament drew him level with Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

The French talisman’s predatory efficiency was on full display against Sweden’s compact defence. Supplied by a magnificent hat-trick of assists from playmaker Michael Olise, Mbappe twice found the bottom-right corner with his trademark blistering pace and lethal finishing.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2026/kylian-mbappe-smashes-ronaldos-ultimate-world-cup-record-lionel-messi-not-even-close-11710219?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll