The Economic Times

India Women aim to maintain their winning streak against a formidable South Africa in a crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash. Following dominant victories, Harmanpreet Kaur's side, powered by Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma's brilliance, faces a South African team boasting aggressive batting and a strong bowling attack. This encounter promises a thrilling contest as India seeks to advance their maiden title aspirations.

Tennis is experiencing a wave of nostalgia with the returns of icons Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Williams, now 44, is playing doubles again, prioritizing her children's experience over wins. Nadal's journey is chronicled in a new documentary, revealing his fierce competitiveness. Their presence keeps tennis in the spotlight, especially after a recent major tournament lacked its usual star power.

Ellyse Perry etched her name in history, becoming the first player in T20 World Cup history to reach 50 appearances. Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey concluded with a defeat against Bangladesh. Australia secured a dominant victory over the Netherlands, thanks to strong batting performances. Bangladesh posted a competitive total before their bowlers stifled Pakistan's chase.

Joe Root has etched his name in cricket history, becoming the second player ever to surpass 14,000 Test runs, a feat previously achieved only by Sachin Tendulkar. This remarkable achievement came during England's second Test against New Zealand. Root's enduring class was on full display as he remained unbeaten, continuing his pursuit of Tendulkar's record while contributing significantly to his team's efforts in a challenging chase.

Brazil's star forward Neymar is poised for a return in their final World Cup group stage match against Scotland on Wednesday. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar will participate in team training Monday after recovering from a right calf injury. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, missed the team's initial two games. This marks a potential boost for Brazil as they aim to advance in the tournament.

Brazil's 3-0 win against Haiti offered a glimpse of Carlo Ancelotti's vision, with Matheus Cunha's introduction injecting much-needed balance and fluidity. The team displayed a sharper attacking shape, particularly on the left flank, where Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Jr found better support. However, concerns linger over Raphinha's form and Casemiro's ability to handle stronger opposition, indicating areas for continued development.

Age is just a number for football legends as Lionel Messi, at 38, delivered a stunning World Cup hat-trick, proving his enduring magic. Meanwhile, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became a national hero with a heroic performance for Cape Verde against Spain. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in his sixth World Cup highlights a different, more challenging narrative for aging stars.

Australia secured a dominant 98-run victory over the Netherlands in the Women's T20 World Cup, reaching a record 200. Beth Mooney retired hurt but was later declared fine. Meanwhile, Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Pakistan by 23 runs, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. The Netherlands captain expressed pride in her team's performance against the formidable Australians.

The FIFA World Cup is set to witness its 1,000th match, a historic milestone for the tournament. From the inaugural games in 1930 to the thrilling finals and group stage encounters, each landmark match has etched its name in football history. This article revisits these significant moments, highlighting iconic teams and unforgettable performances that have defined the World Cup's legacy.

Fueled by two dominant opening wins, the US men's national soccer team is daring to dream of World Cup glory. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has instilled a winning mentality, with players like Malik Tillman and Chris Richards expressing belief in their ambitious goal. Despite facing traditional powerhouses, the team's rapid development and star players suggest a genuine chance to compete for the ultimate prize.

Skipper Shubman Gill lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal's phenomenal unbeaten 110 in India's ODI win over Afghanistan, urging him to seize opportunities. Gill also highlighted the potential of pacer Gurnoor Brar and spinner Harsh Dubey for future selections. Afghanistan's coach expressed disappointment with their batting, aiming to improve in upcoming T20s.

Neeraj Chopra has been crowned 'Best Male Athlete of the Year 2025' at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. Despite an 8th-place finish at the World Championships, Chopra's 2025 season was marked by a historic 90.23m throw in Doha and multiple victories, including the Neeraj Chopra Classic. Legends PT Usha and Anju Bobby George were also honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Legendary sprinter P.T. Usha was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. She expressed surprise at the recognition, highlighting the Athletics Federation of India's commendable initiative. The awards celebrate excellence and contributions across various facets of Indian athletics, recognising athletes, coaches, and officials.

India clinched a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third ODI, completing a 3-0 series whitewash. Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten century and Rohit Sharma's fluent 79, coupled with Prasidh Krishna's stellar 5/23, powered India's comprehensive chase.

India 'A' captain Tilak Varma highlighted the valuable lessons learned in handling pressure during the tri-nation tournament, anticipating a tough final against Sri Lanka 'A'. He emphasized sticking to basics and maintaining a positive mindset for the summit clash. Varma acknowledged the challenging Dambulla wickets and the strong performances from all participating teams, particularly praising the Sri Lankan opening pair as a key threat.

Turkiye's FIFA World Cup journey ended in heartbreak, bowing out without scoring despite 62 shots. Paraguay secured a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to Matias Galarza's early goal. Despite playing with 10 men after a red card, Paraguay held on, leaving Turkiye to rue missed chances and a campaign defined by a lack of finishing.

Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to return to Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL, taking a significant Rs 12 crore pay cut. Sources confirm the trade from Lucknow Super Giants, where he was bought for a record Rs 27 crore in 2025. Pant's two-season stint with LSG saw mixed results, and he recently stepped down as captain after their last-place finish in 2026.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic expresses newfound faith in the United States' World Cup potential following their 2-0 victory over Australia. This win signifies their first back-to-back World Cup triumphs since 1930.

Germany and Ivory Coast clash at the World Cup with a last-32 spot on the line, while Sweden also eyes qualification. Co-hosts USA and Mexico are already through. Germany aims to continue their strong form after a dominant win, facing a physically imposing Ivorian side. Meanwhile, Sweden seeks a knockout berth following a surprising tournament start, with star striker Alexander Isak showing increasing prowess.

Star batter Virat Kohli is making good progress from his IPL hamstring injury and will undergo re-evaluation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on June 22. Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming England ODI series due to a quadriceps strain, requiring more time to regain full bowling fitness. The ODI squad announcement awaits a final update on Kohli's availability.

So far in the ongoing tournament, Vinicius has scored two goals and delivered one assist. After emerging as Brazil's sole goal-scorer in the 1-1 draw against Morocco, he delivered a goal in the first half and also assisted his teammate Matheus Cunha in his 36th-minute strike.

FIFA World Cup: Paraguay's coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed immense pride and confidence after their crucial 1-0 World Cup victory over Turkey. He highlighted the team's ambition, stating they respect all opponents but believe they can compete with any team. The early goal, capitalizing on a Turkish error, secured vital points and showcased Paraguay's determined spirit. Alfaro emphasized the players' shared joy and connection as a testament to their achievement.

Initial skepticism about the U.S. co-hosting the World Cup is giving way to positive experiences for international fans. Discoveries of American hospitality, unique retail culture, and friendly locals are emerging, even in less-visited cities. While some concerns like heat and high costs persist, these personal encounters are reshaping perceptions of the United States, potentially boosting its global image.

Brazil secured their place in the knockout stage of the World Cup with a dominant 3-0 victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha was the star of the show, netting a brace, while Vinicius Junior contributed with a goal and an assist. The win guarantees Brazil's progression, while Haiti becomes the first team eliminated from the tournament.

The United States secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and a header from Alex Freeman sealed the win, showcasing the US's dominant performance. Despite Australia's attempts to rally in the second half, the US maintained control, advancing with a game to spare and positioning themselves to top Group D.

Ismael Saibari's lightning-fast goal, just 72 seconds into the match, secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Morocco against Scotland. This win keeps Morocco's hopes alive for a second consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearance. Despite a strong effort from Scotland, Morocco's early offensive pressure proved decisive. Both teams now look ahead to their final group stage matches.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 race heats up on June 20 with crucial group-stage matches. Favorites Brazil and Netherlands seek their first wins, while USA and Australia aim to solidify their knockout stage prospects. Scotland faces Morocco in a key clash, and Trkiye and Paraguay battle for their initial points. The Netherlands and Sweden's encounter promises high stakes for qualification.

If staying up through the night to watch the FIFA World Cup has left you sleep-deprived, you're far from alone. Around 56% of the world's populationlargely across Asia and the Pacificlives in time zones where matches in the North America-hosted tournament kick off at inconvenient hours. An ET analysis of the last 15 FIFA World Cups explores whether history offers any clues or parallels.

Neeraj Chopra commenced his 2026 season with a fourth-place finish at the Doha Diamond League, also securing Commonwealth Games qualification. This follows his second-place finish at the 2025 Diamond League. Despite a rare dip at the Tokyo World Championships, Chopra's 2025 season was marked by a historic 90.23m throw in Doha and multiple victories, solidifying his status as a national icon.

Johan Manzambi's impactful substitute performance, scoring twice, secured Switzerland's 4-1 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-year-old midfielder expressed his elation at netting his career-first brace on the global stage, crediting his coach's advice to let my talent shine. Coach Murat Yakin lauded Manzambi's versatility and unpredictability, hinting at a potential starting role for the dynamic player who aims to build on this success.

India is sending 125-130 athletes to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, competing in eight able-bodied and four para sports. This scaled-down event follows Victoria's withdrawal, with Glasgow stepping in as host. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is also planning for the much larger Asian Games and remains in dialogue with the IOC regarding India's 2036 Olympic bid.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has urged the UIDAI to permanently preserve Aadhaar date-of-birth update histories, citing rampant age fraud. Following the disqualification of around 500 wrestlers for being overage at a recent tournament, the WFI highlighted instances where birth dates were allegedly altered by several years. The federation seeks stricter measures to prevent such modifications, emphasizing the critical need for transparency in sports.

India is aiming to host Formula 1 by 2030. The country also plans to bring MotoGP and a World Rally Championship round by 2028. The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India is working with the Sports Ministry on this. The focus is on developing Indian drivers and motorsports infrastructure.

Kunal Upreti, also known as Spark, is the only Indian player to qualify for the Esports World Cup in Trackmania. He secured his spot through the Asia and Oceania qualifiers. Spark will represent India and his organization S8UL at the prestigious tournament. Trackmania is a highly skilled racing esports title.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has stated that discussions regarding India's 2027 World Cup plans are confidential. He emphasized that strategic decisions are made by all stakeholders and are not for public disclosure. Saikia also clarified that the BCCI follows the Indian government's policy on bilateral sporting events, irrespective of the political situation in other countries.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah will visit Colombo to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee appointment high on the agenda. The ICC views the committee as contrary to its rules and has reportedly urged democratic elections for SLC's governance. This follows a previous ICC suspension due to government interference.

India's Olympic body is tackling doping with a new medical panel. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala will lead the initiative. The panel will work with sports federations to educate athletes. This comes after India's poor anti-doping record. Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is also involved in athlete education. The focus is on patience and hard work for success.

Neeraj Chopra's foundation has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association to launch an anti-doping campaign, aiming to educate athletes. Chopra emphasized patience and the long-term dedication required for success, sharing his personal commitment to clean sport. This initiative comes as India has led the WADA list of dope offenders for three consecutive years.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could spark a Test cricket revival, according to former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Srikkanth urged fans to avoid over-analyzing the youngster's performances. Sooryavanshi has earned a maiden call-up to the Indian T20 squad for tours of Ireland and England. Srikkanth believes Sooryavanshi's aura and ability to attract audiences are remarkable.

India aims for significant scores from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final ODI against Afghanistan. Jaiswal seeks a big knock to secure his top-order spot amidst competition. Rahul faces a shift in batting position due to team combination changes. Harshit Rana joins the squad, potentially replacing Arshdeep Singh. Afghanistan seeks to end the series with a stronger performance.

Qatar faced its worst World Cup night with a 6-0 loss to Canada. The team played with nine men after two red cards. A serious injury to Canadian player Ismael Kone cast a shadow over the game. Despite the heavy defeat, Qatar can still advance. They play Bosnia-Herzegovina next.

World Cup fans face major ticket troubles. Many are missing games after buying from resale sites like StubHub. Tickets are not transferring to FIFA's app. Some sellers may not have had tickets. FIFA blames resale platforms, while StubHub points to FIFA's technology. Fans are left disappointed and out of pocket.

Tim Payne, a New Zealand defender, will play for Club Olimpia in Paraguay. Payne gained viral fame after a soccer influencer highlighted him. This led to interest from clubs across South America. He has signed a one-year deal with Olimpia. Payne expressed excitement about testing himself in top South American competitions. Olimpia is a major club with a rich history.

During a hard-fought battle in Atlanta, South Africa and the Czech Republic ended their clash in a 1-1 stalemate. Teboho Mokoena's late penalty salvaged a point for South Africa after an opening goal from Michal Sadilek put the Czechs ahead. This result ensures that both teams remain in contention for a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds.

Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea to top Group A. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal in the second half after a goalkeeping error. Mexico will now face Czech Republic in the knockout stage. South Korea, with three points, will play South Africa. The win guarantees Mexico's progression.

Canada achieved a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar, marking their first-ever World Cup win. Jonathan David was the star, netting a hat-trick in a dominant performance. The team's triumph, fueled by goals from David, Larin, and Saliba, alongside a Qatar own goal, saw them secure crucial points in Group B. Despite an injury concern, Canada's historic achievement resonated deeply.