Sports / The Economic Times
Following the real-money game ban in India, traditional gaming studios anticipate growth as RMG players migrate to casual gaming. This shift is expected to attract investment and talent, with developers focusing on in-app purchases and subscriptions. An industry association has formed to engage with regulators, seeking support and incentives for the gaming sector's continued development.
Oscar Piastri capitalized on Lando Norris's late mechanical failure to win the Dutch Grand Prix, extending his championship lead significantly. Norris's retirement from second place, coupled with crashes from Hamilton and Leclerc, shook up the race. Max Verstappen finished second, while Isack Hadjar celebrated his first F1 podium, marking a dramatic day for McLaren and the championship battle.
Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free kick secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool against Arsenal in a tightly contested match at Anfield. The win marks a significant statement of intent for the reigning champions in their title defense. Despite Arsenal's summer spending and control in the game, they failed to capitalize, extending their winless streak at Liverpool to 16 matches.
India has officially bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), led by President PT Usha, submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2024.
India has won the SAFF U-17 Women's Championships. They secured the title despite a 3-4 loss to Bangladesh in their final match. Purnima Marma, Alpi Akter and Sauravi Prity scored for Bangladesh. Anushka Kumari, Pritika Barman and Julan scored for India. India had already won the title before this match.
Rishabh Pant's recovery from a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in July is underway. The injury had led him to miss the rest of the series and the Asia Cup. However, he hopes to recover before the Test series against the West Indies. Pant shared an updated on social media with him in a plaster and captioned it How many more days in this.
Sri Lanka narrowly defeated Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first ODI, but were later fined five percent of their match fees for a slow over-rate. Dilshan Madushanka's hat-trick and half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu Mendis propelled Sri Lanka to 298/6.
North Zone secured a spot in the Duleep Trophy semifinals. The quarterfinal match against East Zone ended in a draw. Ayush Badoni scored a double century. Ankit Kumar missed his double ton by two runs. Auqib Nabi was named man of the match. Mohammed Shami had a minor injury scare. Mukesh suffered a thigh niggle during the match.
Jelena Ostapenko's contentious handshake with Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open highlights the often-awkward tradition in tennis. Post-match handshakes, intended as a sign of respect, frequently become sites of drama and analysed for coldness. From geopolitical tensions to petty disputes, these brief encounters expose the complex emotions simmering beneath the surface of the sport.
Oscar Piastri clinched pole position at the Dutch Grand Prix with a record-breaking lap, outperforming teammate Lando Norris. Despite Norris's strong performance in earlier sessions, Piastri delivered when it mattered most. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, secured third place, while other teams like Racing Bulls and Mercedes also made it into the top positions.
A year after the heartbreak in Paris, where they lost to the same pair and missed out on an Olympic medal, the world No. 3 duo produced a commanding 21-12, 21-19 win in 43 minutes to avenge that loss and storm into the semifinals late on Friday night.
Rajasthan Royals announced that Rahul Dravid will no longer be the head coach of the franchise following a disappointing season. Dravid, who has previously captained the franchise, declined a broader role within the team. The franchise thanked Dravid for his contributions and impact on the team's culture and the development of its players during his tenure.
Lalit Modi's recent revelation of the unseen footage has reignited the Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth slap-gate incident that happened in the first season of IPL in 2008. Harsha Bhogle has not revealed that the footage was not made public for almost 18 years to protect the league's image, which was in infancy at the time. The video has received criticism from Sreesanth's wife.
Indian Test capatain Shubman Gill will undergo a fitness test along with Jasprit Bumrah, Yashaswi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar ahead of the Asia Cup. The tests will be taken at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Players are set to travel for the tournament to Dubai in phases, starting from September 4. Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar sustained an injury in the ongoing Duleep Trophy.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru pledged Rs 25 lakh each for the families the victims of the stampede that took place outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru through its new initiative 'RCB CARES'. 11 people lost their lives 75 were injured in the incident. The initiative is a long-term commitment to community support.
Cricket Australia has said that Indian fan zones for the upcoming white-ball series have been sold out. Tickets for both the ODI and T20I series have been fully booked 50 days ahead of the series. The ODI series begins on October 19 in Perth. The tour includes three ODIs and five T20Is. Cricket Australia is expecting great competition between the two teams for the fans.
Hashin Jahan, Mohammed Shami's estranged wife, has responded on social media following the pacer's recent comments in an interview. Jahan has alleged of being intimidated but asserted that she remains resilient. She also talked about the FIR filed in 2018, which she filed against Shami and his family for alleged domestic violence. The pacer, however, has said he wants to be away from controversies. Jahan had earlier accused that Shami is a womaniser and neglected their daughter.
Suresh Raina has predicted that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has a bright future. He has been impressed with his fearless batting and compared the 14-year-old opener to Rishabh Pant. Suryavanshi impressed in IPL 2025 with a century against Gujarat Titans and winning the Super Striker award. He also did well in the U-19 series against England, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Novak Djokovic reached a new milestone in his coveted career at the US Open. The Serbian surpassed Roger Federer's record for hard-court Grand Slam wins. Djokovic earned his 192ns win while going past Cameron Norrie to enter Round of 16. Despite a back issue, he showed resilience to in four sets. He also became the oldest man to reach this stage since 1991.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India aims to secure 452 crore via front-of-jersey sponsorship. This follows Dream 11's exit due to government regulations. The sponsorship covers 140 matches from 2025-28. BCCI seeks 3.5 crore per bilateral match and 1.5 crore for ICC/ACC events. Despite limited time before the Asia Cup, strong sponsor interest is anticipated.
Coco Gauff overcame intense pressure and early struggles, including visible tears and serving issues, to defeat Donna Vekic in the U.S. Open second round. Despite double-faults and feeling overwhelmed, Gauff rallied, improving her serve in the second set to secure the win. Inspired by Simone Biles' resilience, Gauff demonstrated her ability to recover from adversity on the court.
Ashwin was speaking on his Youtube Channel, Ash ki Baat. Just a couple days back, Ashwin brought down the curtains on a legendary IPL career spanning 17 years, which ended where it started, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their iconic yellow colours. As of now, Ashwin is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 201 scalps in 239 matches at an average of 30.94.
India has officially submitted its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary edition. The bid emphasizes the principles of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Atithi Devo Bhava', showcasing India's sporting capabilities and cultural values.
Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar joined an exclusive club featuring former greats Vijay Merchant, Aravinda de Silva and others after hammering a double ton for Central Zone against North East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy on Friday.
Harmanpreet Singh's hat-trick secured a narrow 4-3 victory for India against China in their Asia Cup opener, despite a less than impressive performance. India squandered numerous chances and penalty corners, allowing China to level the score before Harmanpreet's final goal sealed the win. Earlier, Japan dominated Kazakhstan with a 7-0 victory in the same pool.
Pulwama, once marked by curfews, now hosts the Royal Premier League, a day-night T20 tournament, injecting energy into the region. Backed by local figures, the event transformed the district stadium into a vibrant arena. The league features teams with players from across India, offering lucrative prizes and a platform for healing and hope for the youth.
Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend, is yet to receive the Bharat Ratna. Despite numerous appeals and movements, the nation's highest civilian honour remains elusive. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey led efforts, but all attempts failed. Dhyan Chand's contribution to Indian hockey is unparalleled. He secured three Olympic gold medals. His son, Ashok Dhyan Chand, highlights his father's self-respect.
At the US Open, Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko. Post-match, a heated argument erupted between them. Ostapenko accused Townsend of lacking class and education. Townsend addressed the remarks and focused on her advancement in the tournament. Ostapenko defended herself against racism accusations on social media. She cited a net cord incident and warm-up etiquette as reasons for her frustration.
The AIFF and FSDL have reached a consensus, submitting a proposal to the Supreme Court for a transparent tender process to select a commercial partner for the ISL. FSDL will issue a No Objection Certificate, waiving its rights, and the new season may commence with the Super Cup.
Pakistan's men's hockey team will debut in the FIH Pro League in 2025-26. They replace New Zealand, who opted out. Pakistan, a decorated team, secured their spot as Nations Cup runners-up. Their inclusion guarantees exciting matches against India. The FIH president welcomes Pakistan's return to elite competition. This Pro League season also serves as an Olympic qualifier.
Indian youth boxers have secured an impressive 26 medals at the 3rd Belt and Road International Youth Boxing Gala in Xinjiang, China. A strong contingent of 58 members, including both boys and girls in the under-17 age group, showcased their talent and determination. Several boxers advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing themselves a medal after defeating formidable opponents from various countries.
Mewat, once infamous as India's cybercrime hub, is combating crime and drug abuse through sports. 'Khelo Mewat,' a district-level competition, has engaged over 1,000 participants across various sports. The initiative, launched by the Nuh administration, aims to distract youth from illegal activities by offering cash prizes and fostering community progress.
India aims for a World Cup spot at the Men's Asia Cup hockey tournament. The team starts against China. The tournament is crucial after a poor Pro League performance. Harmanpreet Singh leads the squad. Concerns exist around defense and goalkeeping. Other teams include South Korea, Malaysia and Japan. The final is scheduled for September 7.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru breaks its silence after the unfortunate stampede incident. The IPL champions announce the launch of RCB Cares. This initiative aims to honor the victims and support the community. The franchise had paused social media activity for 84 days. This was out of respect for those who lost their lives.
Wesley So won the Sinquefield Cup after a thrilling playoff. He defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov to tie with R Praggnanandhaa and Fabiano Caruana. Praggnanandhaa's strong performance secured his place in the Grand Chess Tour finale. Levon Aronian also qualified. The Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan is next. Players will compete for a spot in the Candidates tournament.
R Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a successful career representing various franchises, including his final stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2025. He expressed his gratitude to the IPL, BCCI, and all the franchises for the memories and opportunities, signaling a new chapter exploring cricket in different leagues worldwide.
Hanumantula Jeevan Rao, a research scientist, has been elected as the Honorary President of the Republican Public Association - Kazakhstan Kabaddi Federation. This appointment aims to strengthen ties between India and Kazakhstan in sports, technology, and youth development. Rao's contributions to sports and his support for popularizing Kabaddi in Central Asia were recognized by the Federation.
Goa, India, will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize pool and three Candidates Tournament spots. This knockout tournament, played in an eight-round format, marks a significant moment for Indian chess. The event follows India's recent chess successes, including D Gukesh becoming World Champion.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa's impressive victory over Alireza Firouzja has propelled him to a joint lead with Fabiano Caruana in the Sinquefield Cup. World champion D Gukesh faced a defeat against Wesley So in the seventh round of the tournament.
The BCCI has ended its decade-long association with Rajeev Kumar, the Indian cricket team's masseur, who was known for his dedication and close relationships with players. Kumar's role extended beyond massage therapy to include preparing drinks and ensuring players' well-being on the field. His departure coincides with other changes in the team's support staff, marking a period of transition.
Neeru Dhanda secured gold in the women's trap at the Asian Shooting Championship, with Aashima Ahlawat winning bronze. Bhowneesh Mendiratta claimed silver in the men's trap. In the junior competition, Payal Khatri led an Indian sweep in the 25m pistol event, while the senior women's team, including Manu Bhaker, secured a bronze.
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan and supported by major European cricket boards, has appointed Oakvale Capital as its exclusive investment banker. Oakvale's sports finance expertise is expected to be crucial for ETPL's long-term goals.
Khalid Jamil announced a 23-member Indian squad for the CAFA Nations Cup, his first assignment as head coach. The Blue Tigers will compete in Group B against Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, with key players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu returning.
Novak Djokovic playfully challenged Serena Williams to return to the tennis tour after she made a surprise appearance at Maria Sharapova's Hall of Fame induction. Djokovic, who acknowledged their intense rivalry, noted Williams hasn't officially retired. He believes her competitive spirit would make her accept the challenge, hinting at a possible comeback.
The BCCI has confirmed the conclusion of its 358-crore jersey sponsorship agreement with Dream11. This decision follows the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which led Dream11 to discontinue its real money gaming activities. BCCI Secretary Devachit Saikia stated that the board will refrain from associating with similar organizations in the future.
Manchester United's struggles continue with a 1-1 draw against Fulham, extending their winless start to the Premier League season. Everton inaugurated their new stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton, fueled by a stellar performance from Jack Grealish. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest played to a 1-1 draw amid fan animosity stemming from a UEFA ruling.
Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 3-0 in La Liga. Mbappe scored twice, and Vinicius Junior added another goal. Villarreal thrashed Girona 5-0, with Tajon Buchanan scoring a hat-trick. Real Sociedad drew 2-2 with Espanyol after being down 2-0. Osasuna secured a 1-0 victory over Valencia. The matches provided excitement for football fans.
Emma Raducanu secured a straight-sets victory against Ena Shibahara at the US Open. This marks her first win at the tournament since her remarkable 2021 triumph. Raducanu expressed relief at overcoming the pressure of her past performances in New York. She mentioned feeling nervous before the match but found her focus.