The Economic Times

Paralympic medalists Ajeet Singh and Pranav Soorma are set for extensive overseas training, funded by the Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell, to boost their Asian Para-Games preparations. Javelin thrower Ajeet is in Germany, while club thrower Pranav, the world number one in his category, is training in Czechia and will compete in several championships. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting elite para-athletes.

Wimbledon's men's singles title race is heating up with Jannik Sinner, the world's top player, leading the charge. Despite a French Open stumble, Sinner is the favorite, especially with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined. Novak Djokovic eyes a record-equalling eighth crown, while Alexander Zverev, fresh off a Grand Slam win, seeks grasscourt mastery. Emerging threats Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, both strong on grass, are also poised to make a significant impact.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign receives a potential boost with star batter Phoebe Litchfield nearing a return from injury. Her availability for the crucial clash against India could see a reshuffle in the batting order, possibly moving Ellyse Perry down. Coach Shelley Nitschke confirmed Litchfield is racking really well, and her inclusion might necessitate tough selection decisions, with young pacer Lucy Hamilton a potential omission.

The International Tennis Federation has officially rebranded itself as World Tennis, a move ratified by member associations. This name change aims to better reflect the organization's global reach and its role in overseeing major team competitions like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, alongside Olympic and Paralympic tennis. President David Haggerty emphasized a commitment to a strong, sustainable future for the sport.

India's young basketball talents recently showcased their skills at the ISF Basketball Championship 2026 in Serbia. The ISSO Indian team, comprising 21 student-athletes from leading international schools, gained invaluable global experience competing against 28 nations. This international exposure not only honed their athletic abilities but also fostered cultural exchange and sportsmanship, marking a significant step in nurturing future Indian sporting stars.

Indian shuttlers made a strong start at the US Open. Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag secured comfortable wins in the women's singles. Kidambi Srikanth also advanced smoothly, defeating compatriot D Saneeth. Rakshitha Sree and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Rawat and K Maneesha also progressed. Meanwhile, a strong Indian contingent, including Tanvi Patri and Abhinav Garg, is set for the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Japan.

At just 18, Uttar Pradesh athlete Anushka Yadav has shattered the women's hammer throw national record with a remarkable 67. 02m throw. Her ambition is to elevate the sport's popularity, drawing parallels with javelin's widespread recognition. With an eye on the Asian Games, Anushka aims to surpass the 70m mark, showcasing her immense potential despite a recent knee injury.

India faces a selection dilemma as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes a debut against Ireland. The team management must decide whether to disrupt a winning top-order featuring Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who have strong T20 credentials. Captain Shreyas Iyer aims for a series win to kickstart his captaincy, while the bowling attack seeks to prove its mettle with a second-string lineup.

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi expressed confidence and determination after his side secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Haiti in a Group C clash.

Mexico concluded their flawless World Cup group stage with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, securing a third consecutive win. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo sealed the triumph, ending the Czechs' knockout stage aspirations. The co-hosts, already qualified as Group A winners, showcased their strength ahead of a Round of 32 clash in Mexico City.

FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect, a significant setback for Nepalese football. This suspension bars national teams and clubs from international competitions and cuts off access to FIFA and AFC development programs. ANFA has lost all membership rights, and its teams cannot participate in global events until the suspension is lifted.

FIFA World Cup match: Morocco staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Haiti 4-2 in a thrilling World Cup encounter, securing their spot in the Round of 32. Despite falling behind twice, Morocco equalized before halftime and then sealed the victory with two second-half goals. Haiti, playing their first World Cup in 52 years, exited with a spirited performance.

South Africa achieved a historic World Cup knockout stage berth, stunning South Korea 1-0. Despite an initial setback, the Bafana Bafana secured their advancement with Thapelo Maseko's decisive second-half goal. This remarkable turnaround, fueled by grit and determination, sets them up for a clash with co-hosts Canada in the next round. Mexico topped the group undefeated.

Brazil dominated Scotland 3-0 to secure their World Cup knockout stage spot, topping Group C. Switzerland also advanced, winning Group B, while Canada made history by reaching the last 32 for the first time. Bosnia-Herzegovina also qualified as a best third-placed team. The expanded 48-team tournament continues with crucial final group matches.

Where Ghanas phalanx wouldnt admit Englands hyped attackers the pleasure of even a single breach. Where Cape Verdes unyielding wall withstood a Spanish hurricane, and matched Uruguay in footballing nous. Where Congo held Portugal, Belgium was run aground by Iran, Curacao gave no joy to Ecuador, and there was nothing to choose between dark horses Japan and one of the tournaments favourites, the Netherlands.

Wimbledon debentures, offering prime Centre Court seats for five years, have surged in price, reaching 380,000 this year. These exclusive, tradeable tickets are a significant funding source for the tournament, supporting maintenance and expansion plans. While most fans enter via a ballot, the wealthy can secure seats at premium prices, with debentures representing a lucrative asset for owners who can resell individual days.

Belgium's Jeremy Doku has returned to the World Cup squad in Washington after a brief absence for the birth of his son, Praise. Teammates welcomed him warmly, with the Belgian FA celebrating the most important assist of his life. Doku's return is a significant boost for Belgium, who face a crucial match against New Zealand.

James Rodriguez's vintage performance powered Colombia to a 1-0 win over DR Congo, securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Daniel Munoz netted the decisive goal, marking his place in Colombian World Cup history. This victory ensures Colombia's progression with a game to spare, continuing their strong tournament run.

Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic expressed dissatisfaction with his team's performance despite a crucial 1-0 World Cup win over Panama. He admitted the match was tougher than anticipated, particularly citing a shaky first half where the opponent dominated possession. While acknowledging the vital three points, Dalic stressed the need for significant improvement, especially in defense, ahead of their decisive clash against Ghana.

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi views their draw against Brazil as a significant benchmark, highlighting the team's potential in world football. Ahead of their crucial clash with Haiti, the team aims to secure a spot in the round of 32. Ouahbi emphasized readiness and the capability of his squad, hinting at potential lineup changes to ensure a victory and potentially top the group.

Senegal faces a significant blow in their World Cup journey as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will miss the vital match against Iraq on Friday. Mendy, who exited Monday's 3-2 loss to Norway due to a knee injury in the 63rd minute, may have ligament damage. Ongoing tests aim to assess his injury severity and future availability for the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup knockout stage is here, with teams showing diverse forms. France, Brazil, and Spain are setting a strong pace with dynamic play. Argentina, Germany, and England are displaying composure under pressure, while Portugal and the Netherlands are quietly peaking. Success now hinges on adapting and performing when it matters most, balancing momentum with calm execution.

England Women vs West Indies Women Live Streaming: England and West Indies clash in a pivotal ICC Women's T20 World Cup match with a semi-final berth on the line. Both teams boast perfect records, aiming to be the first to qualify. Lord's pitch offers a balanced contest, favouring fast bowlers early before easing for batters. England holds a strong head-to-head advantage. Expect scorching temperatures for this crucial encounter.

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, has indicated he'll continue playing as long as he's physically capable and contributing to his team. While focusing on the present, the football icon remains non-committal about the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Argentina's dominant start to the 2026 World Cup, with Messi leading the charge and breaking scoring records, sets the stage for their knockout aspirations.

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name in history with a brace, leading Portugal to a dominant 5-0 win and becoming the first to score in six World Cups. England endured a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana, while Croatia and Colombia secured crucial 1-0 victories. Modric also reached a remarkable 200 international caps for Croatia.

Despite high ticket prices and travel restrictions, the World Cup is witnessing record attendance in the US, driven by a love for grand spectacles rather than soccer's popularity. Experts highlight the appeal of major global events and the allure of top-tier sporting experiences, suggesting Americans are willing to splurge on such occasions. This success could bode well for future large-scale events hosted in the country.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the new three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup 2026, emphasizing their purely sporting purpose to combat extreme heat and ensure fair play. Despite criticism from some coaches about tactical disruptions, Infantino insists the breaks offer a crucial rest period for players over the tournament's duration and do not generate extra revenue for FIFA, as commercial deals were pre-arranged.

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, showed no signs of slowing down, hitting the gym for an intense workout. The FIFA World Cup's all-time top scorer continues to break records, recently surpassing Miroslav Klose for most World Cup goals and wins. Argentina's star player is set to lead his team in their next match in Texas.

Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to shine in FIFA World Cup 2026 and for Inter Miami. He's now the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals and has amassed over 900 career goals. Messi's career, marked by numerous accolades including eight Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup triumph, showcases remarkable longevity and consistent brilliance on the global stage.

As the World Cup returns to Mexico, mothers like Norma Laguna are reminded of their missing children, a grim reality for over 135,000 families. These madres buscadoras tirelessly search dangerous territories for loved ones, often facing bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of support. Their efforts highlight the ongoing crisis of disappearances linked to cartel violence, with grassroots groups uncovering bodies and demanding answers.

India's women's hockey team will likely field a consistent squad for the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games, with coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasising the latter as the Olympic qualifier. The World Cup will serve as crucial preparation, leveraging high-pressure matches to boost confidence for the Asian Games.

Former pacer Shikha Pandey urges Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur to embrace her aggressive style, suggesting a batting order adjustment could reignite her form. Pandey also lauded young spinner Shree Charani's impressive wicket-taking ability. Meanwhile, Veda Krishnamurthy advocates for Jemimah Rodrigues to maintain her number three position, emphasizing the need for a clear batting role to boost confidence and momentum for the team ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup clash.

Cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old sensation, is set to make history as India's youngest senior men's player. After a stellar IPL debut, topping run charts and winning MVP, he's now heading for international duty against Ireland and England. His exceptional talent, likened to Sachin Tendulkar, has already shattered records, promising a dominant career ahead.

Top women's tennis stars are facing varied fortunes heading into Wimbledon. Defending champion Iga Swiatek is working on technical changes despite recent struggles. World number one Aryna Sabalenka seeks to overcome a slump, while Elena Rybakina aims to recover from injury. Coco Gauff continues to refine her serve, and rising star Mirra Andreeva arrives with a Grand Slam title and growing confidence, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.

Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill has surged to the second spot in the ICC ODI rankings, trailing Daryl Mitchell by a narrow margin. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Matt Henry now shares the top Test bowler ranking with Jasprit Bumrah after a stellar performance. Several Indian bowlers also saw significant jumps in their rankings. England's Joe Root has reclaimed the No. 1 Test batter position.

Veteran Indian sprinter Srabani Nanda, at 35, credits her enduring success and recent Asian Relays gold to unwavering hunger and a commitment to a clean body, free from prohibited substances. Having competed for over two decades, Nanda emphasizes the importance of staying drug-free for confidence and focus, aiming for a strong performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

Brazil will seek to book their place in the last 32 of the World Cup on Wednesday when they face Scotland as the tournament shifts to a breathless six games a day. The action on Wednesday is the first of four days of six games, the result of a tournament expanded for the first time to 48 teams.

Teen batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential international debut against Ireland is igniting massive fan interest across Europe, with ticket demand soaring. Former cricketer MV Narasimha Rao believes Belfast's conditions could suit the 15-year-old's attacking style, drawing comparisons to Sir Garfield Sobers. Rao also shared personal anecdotes, including a memorable encounter with Curtly Ambrose and his coaching journey with Indian stars.

India faces Bangladesh in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup clash, aiming to overcome middle-order batting struggles and fielding lapses. While openers Mandhana and Verma are in form, the middle order needs to step up to build on their starts. Big wins have boosted India's position, but they must avoid mistakes as the tournament progresses towards the semifinals.

Nandani Sharma credits her WPL debut for a significant shift in her cricketing approach, emphasizing strategy and adaptability over just bowling. The Delhi Capitals bowler, who was a top wicket-taker last season, now focuses on reading batters and team communication. She draws inspiration from Irfan Pathan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Marizanne Kapp, highlighting their control and variations.

Colombia finally broke down a stubborn DR Congo side on Tuesday to secure a 1-0 win that guaranteed their place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Colombia, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will face Portugal in Miami on Saturday, while DR Congo take on Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

Star table tennis player Manika Batra is demanding a factual explanation from the TTFI for her Asian Games omission, threatening legal action if unsatisfied. She clarifies she's not seeking preferential treatment but transparency and accountability in selection. Batra questions the criteria used, citing her international form and the exclusion of other accomplished players, urging Prime Minister Modi and the Sports Minister to intervene.

Australia remains unbeaten in the Women's T20 World Cup after a dominant 113-run victory over Pakistan. Despite their perfect record, a semi-final spot is not yet guaranteed. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu smashed a century to keep their hopes alive, and New Zealand also secured a crucial win. The tournament continues with high stakes for all teams.

Football titans Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are electrifying the World Cup with record-breaking performances. Messi, defying age, has netted five goals, while Mbappe continues his impressive scoring streak. Their dazzling displays are captivating fans globally, with both stars leading their teams towards the knockout stages. Norway's Erling Haaland is also emerging as a significant goal-scoring threat in his debut tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, etched his name in history by scoring in his sixth World Cup, leading Portugal to a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, England's quest for the knockout stages hit a snag with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana. Despite the setback, England remains optimistic about advancing, while Ronaldo silenced his doubters with a stellar performance.

Football fans witnessed a spectacular June 23rd with Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo setting new records. Mbappe's brace secured France's win, while Ronaldo became the first to score in six World Cups, netting twice for Portugal. Erling Haaland's double propelled Norway into the knockout stage. Algeria kept their hopes alive with a crucial comeback victory.

Football legends Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe etched their names in World Cup history on Monday. Messi became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, while Mbappe surged into a tie for second. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continued his impressive scoring streak, helping Norway advance. This day marked a significant milestone for these global superstars.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed plans for President Donald Trump to join him in presenting the World Cup Final trophy on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Infantino confirmed their joint appearance, stating, We are together all the time. Trump previously participated in a trophy ceremony at last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first player to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments. The 41-year-old striker netted early in Portugal's 2026 clash against Uzbekistan, extending his incredible World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006. This historic goal also solidifies his status as international football's all-time leading scorer and ends a recent tournament goal drought.