The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a remarkable performance by scoring 91 runs against Zimbabwe in a recent T20I. Her innings marked a significant comeback after struggling for form in previous matches. She expressed gratitude towards those who supported her during challenging times in her career. After stepping down as captain, she found relief and confidence to enjoy her game once more.
India won all three medals in the mens shot put F46 event at the Asian Para Games on Wednesday, with Sachin Sarjerao Khilari taking gold with a Games record. Khilari, a silver medallist at the Paris Paralympics, defended the gold he had won at the previous edition of the Games in China. He produced his best throw of 15.87m with his sixth and final attempt to set a new Games record.
Mohammed Shami is determined to fight for his place in the Indian cricket team. He insists that he remains in peak fitness and continues to focus on domestic cricket. Shami completed the previous domestic season and aims to stay prepared for future series and tournaments. While he welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return, he voiced concerns about communications with selectors. Shami emphasizes the importance of loyalty and dedication to his team, Bengal.
Sunil Gavaskar has provided guidance for Indian batters ahead of the Test series against New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of patience and technique to withstand swing and seam conditions. Gavaskar also mentioned that adjusting to the time difference will benefit the Indian team during the series. He expressed concern about the limited two-Test format and its potential to yield inconclusive results.
Simon Harmer made headlines with an impressive 82 in the second Test against Australia, eclipsing the previous record of 76 runs held by Dale Steyn for South African No. 9 batsmen. His performance was vital in rescuing South Africa from a challenging position of 110-6. Partnering with Temba Bavuma, their formidable eighth-wicket alliance totaled 183 runs. South Africa eventually declared at 425-9, while Australia wrapped up Day 3 at 3-1.
India's women's cricket team displayed sheer dominance against Zimbabwe, clinching the third T20I by a commanding 92 runs. With Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur leading the charge, scoring 69 and 91 respectively, Zimbabwe struggled in the chase, ending at 124/7 after facing early setbacks. Nandani Sharma's stellar three-wicket performance solidified the win, marking an impressive 11-match T20I winning streak.
India achieved 24 medals, achieving five golds on Day 2 of the Asian Para Games 2026. Nishad Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji led the country with outstanding athletic performances, contributing significantly to the medal tally. Despite this notable success, India's ranking dropped from fourth to sixth due to the gold medal count. China continued to lead the standings with a significant gap over competing nations.
India experienced a significant medal rush during Day 2 of the Asian Para Games 2026. The country won 24 medals, including five golds, primarily in athletics. Notable athletes like Nishad Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji achieved outstanding performances in their respective events. Additionally, the nation has secured medals in shooting, powerlifting, and swimming. With more medals expected in archery and badminton, India is building a strong campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined just 255 by Portugals Football Federation for walking out of the national-team camp. The modest penalty stemmed from fixed disciplinary rules, with his formal confession and clean disciplinary record reducing the applicable sanction range. Although he received the maximum fine permitted within that reduced range, his 30-day suspension was backdated, allowing him to avoid missing another scheduled international match.
At the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, India delivered its standout performance in para table tennis, clinching five bronze medals and exceeding its previous best of two. With Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey marking a significant first in the standing category, and impressive contributions from Bhavina Patel and Jehan Madan, this feat highlights India's expanding footprint in para table tennis.
Simran celebrated her triumphant return by clinching the women's 200m T12 title at the Asian Para Games, breaking the Games record with a stunning time of 24.80 seconds. Tejalben Damor also impressed by bagging a bronze in the event, adding to India's overall medal count. Both athletes showed enthusiasm for future competitions, particularly Tejalben, who is looking forward to the women's 400m.
Pranav Soorma and Ram Ratan Singh secured gold and silver medals in men's discus throw at the Asian Para Games. Soorma set a new Asian record with a throw of 11.66m, while Singh achieved a throw of 10.35m. This achievement adds to India's growing medal tally at the event in Aichi-Nagoya. The competition featured athletes from different classifications competing together for fairness in standings.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy opens up on facing India in New Zealand, his learnings from the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the upcoming cricket season. Duffy also discusses his experience playing alongside Virat Kohli, his bowling improvements, and why Test cricket remains the pinnacle for him.
Team India continues to shine in the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings, led by the exceptional performances of Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma. With Nandani Sharma and Kranti Gaud climbing the rankings, the Indian women's team has established a commanding 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe in their series. This reinforces the depth of talent within the squad, while Australian players also rise in the ODI rankings after their series against Bangladesh.
India vice-captain Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand for throwing the ball to the ground in frustration after dropping a catch during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The incident took place during India's nine-wicket win in Raipur on Sunday. The 22-year-old was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
As New Zealand gear up to face India in the upcoming T20I series, focus shifts to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Jacob Duffy acknowledges Sooryavanshi's impressive hitting skills exhibited during the IPL. The series kicks off in Christchurch, where bowlers may find a bit of an advantage. Duffy wishes for conditions that level the playing field, and all eyes will be on how Sooryavanshi adjusts to these challenges.
Team India arrive in New Zealand as the build-up to a long cricket tour begins. Watch the Indian stars touch down ahead of the IND vs NZ series.
Legends of Indian cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir, took to social media to convey their warm Vijayadashami wishes, emphasising themes of valor and ethical righteousness. Suryakumar Yadav joined the festivities, advocating for universal peace. Known as Dussehra, this occasion celebrates the victory of Bhagwan Shri Ram over Ravana, prompting reflection on ones own shortcomings and the necessity to challenge societal evils.
Sheetal Devi and Swati Chaudhary are set to bring home at least two medals for India from the Asian Para Games. Sheetal triumphed over Japan's Shinohara Aya to secure her spot in the finals of the women's compound event. Meanwhile, Swati defeated South Korea's Lee Eunhee to advance in the women's W1 category. Both archers now have their sights set on clinching gold amidst continuing fierce competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo's walkout from Portugal's national team camp has resulted in a suspension and fine. The Portuguese Football Federation deemed the punishment adequate after his admission of wrongdoing. The disagreement arose during the Nations League campaign concerning his playing time and the coach's assurances. Ronaldo is expected to return for the next match against Denmark after serving part of his suspension.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a talented 15-year-old cricketer, is still waiting for his big break in the Indian senior team. Despite his impressive glimpses, established players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma keep taking the spots. Former spinner Murali Kartik believes in the current squad and encourages Sooryavanshi to keep working hard for when his chance finally comes.
Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 after producing a superb performance in the final. Deepthi clocked 56.36 seconds to finish on top of the podium.
India's para archer Sheetal Devi broke a seven-year-old world record by scoring 149 in the women's compound elimination round at the Asian Para Games 2026. Sheetal surpassed the previous record of 148, set by Jessica Stretton, during her pre-quarterfinal match against Chan Yuen.
Bhavina Patel won a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 4-5 table tennis event at the Asian Para Games 2026. She lost in the semi-finals to Zhang Bian of China, finishing her singles campaign. Previously, Bhavina was the flag bearer for India at these Games. Her notable achievements include winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics and gold at the Commonwealth Games.
The weekend unrest in France led to severe vandalism and looting at Olympique de Marseille and Lille. Marseille's official store on La Canebire was damaged and will remain closed for repairs, while Lille's downtown store also suffered extensive vandalism and is closed until further notice. Both clubs have condemned these acts, expressing solidarity with their employees and supporters as authorities launch cleanup operations and impose restrictions.

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