The Economic Times

India's Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod secured a stunning recurve mixed team gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 3. They defeated reigning Olympic champions South Korea in straight sets. This marks a significant achievement for the young Indian duo. Dhiraj's precision in the final moments secured the victory. Kumkum also contributed to a previous gold medal win for India.

A Mexican trade association leader has lost his job. This happened after a video showed him making a racist gesture at a South Korean influencer during a FIFA World Cup match. The incident sparked widespread criticism online. The leader's actions were condemned as perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This led to his dismissal from the Jalisco Association of Surveyors and Geomatics Engineers.

Pakistan's top table tennis players are reportedly shocked after the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) informed them they must fund their own participation in the Asian Games in Japan. Players were told they would receive no allowances for national trials and must arrange their own air tickets and daily foreign currency for the Games.

Manu Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan, fondly recalls coach Jaspal Rana's impact. Rana instilled discipline and a results-oriented approach in Manu, shaping her into a champion shooter. He was a strict but good-hearted mentor. Despite a past rift, Rana returned to coach Manu for the Paris Olympics, where she excelled. His guidance was instrumental in her achievements.

Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 in their World Cup Group D opener, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute, and Metcalfe sealed the victory in the 75th. The win places Australia second in the group.

Morocco achieved a historic feat in the FIFA World Cup. The team fielded its first-ever starting eleven composed entirely of players born outside the country. This landmark selection was followed by an impressive 1-1 draw against five-time champions Brazil. The Atlas Lions showcased their global talent and delivered a strong performance.

Victor Wembanyama's rookie season concluded with a Defensive Player of the Year award and a Finals appearance, but ultimately, he watched the New York Knicks clinch their first championship in 53 years. Despite impressive individual statistics, key late-game mistakes in the series overshadowed his stellar performance.

The New York Knicks have won the NBA championship, ending a 53-year wait for the city. This victory marks their third NBA title. The team defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Owner James Dolan expressed his apologies for the long delay. This championship is a significant moment for New York sports history.

Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their World Cup debut. John McGinn scored the winning goal in the 28th minute. This marks Scotland's first World Cup win since 1990. The win places Scotland at the top of Group C. Haiti is still seeking its first World Cup point. Scotland will next face Morocco. Haiti plays Brazil next.

Lionel Messi is preparing for Argentina's FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria. He participated in an intense training session focusing on running and spot kicks. Messi expressed happiness with his fitness after a recent friendly victory. He is expected to start in the crucial match. Argentina aims for a strong performance in the tournament.

Qatar achieved a historic moment by securing their first World Cup point. A late own goal by Switzerland forced a 1-1 draw, sending the Qatari team and fans into jubilation. This result leaves Group B wide open. Switzerland will rue missed chances. Qatar's next match is against Canada.

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in a high-profile World Cup group match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari. Vinicius Junior then scored a spectacular equalizer for Brazil. The match saw Brazil extend its unbeaten streak in World Cup openers. Neymar was absent due to injury.

The 126th US Open is set for Shinnecock Hills. Golfers will face a demanding course. Aaron Rai aims to complete a rare double. Rory McIlroy could join an elite group. Scottie Scheffler seeks a win to complete his career Grand Slam. Indian golfers like Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala are also in contention. Sudarshan Yellamaraju makes his US Open debut.

Australia's Socceroos are highlighting their immigrant players before the World Cup. This message of inclusion comes as anti-immigrant feelings grow worldwide. Players like Awer Mabil, born in a refugee camp, share their journeys. The team's stance underscores multiculturalism's impact on Australia. This initiative aims to unite people and celebrate diversity.

A Seattle youth soccer group returned World Cup tickets after a Somali referee was denied entry to the U.S. Ali Abdulla, leader of the African Youth Sports Academy, felt betrayed by the U.S. action. His organization decided to forgo the tickets to show solidarity with the referee. The tickets were reallocated to another community group.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur says her team is focused solely on cricket for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. She acknowledged the pressure of playing Pakistan but stressed enjoying the challenge. The team aims to perform their best and make the most of every moment on the field.

Folarin Balogun made a stunning World Cup debut for the United States. He scored two goals in their opening 4-1 win against Paraguay. The striker's performance thrilled the sold-out crowd at SoFi Stadium. Balogun's decision to represent the US has paid off handsomely. He became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since 1930.

Afghanistan scored 194 in their rain-shortened ODI against India. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star with a rapid 102. Debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar took three wickets each for India. The match was reduced to 25 overs per side due to earlier rain. Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy also contributed with wickets.

George Russell has claimed pole position for Mercedes at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. His teammate Lewis Hamilton will start alongside him on the front row. Kimi Antonelli qualified third, with Lando Norris in fourth. Mercedes has achieved pole in every race this season. Russell's third pole this year follows Antonelli's four. Charles Leclerc's crash briefly stopped qualifying.

Bangladesh's cricket board is demanding a thorough investigation after Test player Nayeem Hasan alleged he was assaulted by police. Hasan stated he was physically abused and forced into a vehicle by officers in Chattogram. The board expressed deep concern and called for impartial action. Three police officers have been removed from duty pending the probe.

Germany begins its World Cup campaign against Curacao. The four-time champions seek a strong opening win to restore their international standing. Germany is on a winning streak and aims to top its group. Curacao's coach acknowledges Germany as clear favorites. Germany's goal is to be difficult to beat and advance to the knockout stage.

India secured a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI. Pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed on debut. Captain Shubman Gill played a stellar unbeaten knock. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a century for Afghanistan. The match was reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain. This win marks the start of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Ghana's government has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for a World Cup match. Partey faces rape charges in London later this year. Ghana is pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to overturn the refusal. The government emphasizes the principle of presumption of innocence. Partey will be eligible to play in subsequent matches.

Indian captain Shubman Gill achieved a significant milestone on Saturday. He became the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 One Day International runs. Gill accomplished this feat in the first ODI against Afghanistan. He also scored a half-century during the match. Debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar impressed with their bowling. They took three wickets each.

Rohit Sharma has achieved a significant milestone in international cricket. He has now scored over 16,000 runs as an opener. This landmark was reached during India's ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamshala. The match was shortened due to rain. Sharma's achievement adds to his impressive career as a top-order batsman for India.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant 102 against India. He credited Gautam Gambhir for his technical advice. Gurbaz received guidance from Gambhir after a previous match. He applied the advice during his innings. Gurbaz's century was a significant contribution for Afghanistan. The team was bowled out for 194. Debutant Indian bowlers performed well.

England's World Cup preparations have been hit by a theft. Training equipment was stolen from a vehicle arriving in Kansas City. Balls and boots are among the missing items. Police have taken two individuals into custody. This incident could impact England's readiness for their opening match against Croatia.

India's top badminton stars PV Sindhu and the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will lead the Indian contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth are also set to compete. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

The Women's T20 World Cup is set to be a major sporting event. ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta believes it can thrive alongside the men's football World Cup. Ticket sales have already broken records, indicating strong public interest. Projections suggest attendance could reach 300,000. This tournament is poised to be one of the biggest women's sporting events ever.

The BCCI will not mediate player availability for the IPL, leaving it to franchises and players. Concerns over overseas stars pulling out due to injuries or national duty persist. Meanwhile, the board plans a gradual auction purse increase and eyes an early March start for the IPL post-2027 to accommodate more games, considering global cricket schedules and viewer fatigue.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Brazil vs Morocco India match timing date: Brazil will begin their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when they face Morocco in a crucial Group C clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 AM IST on June 14.

Ski Snowboard India has been disaffiliated by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). The Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association (BSSA) has now been granted full membership as India's recognized national federation. This decision resolves a four-year dispute, paving the way for structured development and greater international opportunities for winter sports in India, according to Olympian Arif Khan.

FIFA World Cup 2026: A model that accurately picked the last three FIFA World Cup champions forecasts a massive upset for Brazil in 2026. The five-time winners are predicted to be eliminated by Japan in the Round of 32. This shocking prediction challenges conventional wisdom about South American teams. The expanded tournament format increases the potential for unexpected results.

Chris Richards, the defender for the United States, etched his name in history with a flawless passing display during the FIFA World Cup 2026's opening match. The U.S. team triumphed with a resounding 4-1 victory against Paraguay, driven by a stellar two-goal contribution from Folarin Balogun and a standout performance from Christian Pulisic, who exited early for safety reasons.

Brazil, aiming for a record sixth World Cup title under Carlo Ancelotti, faces Morocco in their opener. Despite a long title drought since 2002, the Selecao are determined to reclaim their top spot. Morocco, the first African nation to reach the World Cup semis, enters the match with confidence, acknowledging Brazil's enduring passion and quality.

Cristiano Ronaldo stresses Portugal's focus on a strong World Cup start. The team aims for good results in early matches to secure the group's top spot. Ronaldo believes progression will be step by step. He highlights the importance of a solid beginning for their quest for a first World Cup title. The squad is prepared and hopeful for the tournament.

The United States launched their home World Cup in emphatic fashion Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 with a perfectly scripted opening performance to delight a star-studded home crowd in Los Angeles. France-based striker Folarin Balogun scored twice while relentless US pressure led to an early Paraguay own goal from Damian Bobadilla before Gio Reyna added a classy fourth with the last kick of the match. rcw/gj

Brazil's star forward Neymar will miss the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Morocco due to a calf injury. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is working towards a return for subsequent group games against Haiti and Scotland. Brazil, ranked sixth, faces eighth-ranked Morocco in a highly anticipated fixture.

Co-hosts Canada grabbed a second-half equalizer to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, earning their first-ever point at a World Cup. Cyle Larin levelled for the home team in the 78th minute after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead midway through the first half in the first World Cup finals game played on Canadian soil.

Brazil and Morocco will clash in a key FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Brazil, aiming for a record sixth title, faces Morocco, who made history by reaching the 2022 semi-finals. This Group C encounter promises excitement. Fans in India can watch the game on ZEE5. The match is set for June 14.

President Donald Trump will miss the United States' World Cup opening match. His schedule is tight, requiring him to be in Washington D.C. for the UFC Freedom 250 event. This is not unprecedented for a host nation's leader. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation. Andrew Giuliani suggested Trump may engage more with the World Cup later.

Canada begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, in the first men's World Cup match to be played on Canadian soil. Jesse Marsch's unbeaten side are chasing their first-ever World Cup points, while Bosnia, led by veteran captain Edin Deko, aim to build on their surprise qualification. The Group B clash could prove crucial in the race for the knockout stages.

New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket. The announcement came on Friday, ending a 16-year career. Williamson stated the decision was made after careful consideration. He led New Zealand to two World Cup finals and the World Test Championship title. He was a pivotal player for the team.

Dale Steyn has predicted that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in achievements. Steyn highlighted Sooryavanshi's exceptional ball-striking and urged careful management of the young talent to prevent burnout. He also discussed bowlers' challenges and the judicious use of variations in T20 cricket.

The Global Chess League is set for its fourth season in Bengaluru starting September 3. This edition will feature top global players in a team-based format. The league, a collaboration between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has previously introduced innovations like franchise teams and mixed-gender lineups. India's chess prowess is highlighted as Bengaluru hosts this exciting event.