The Times of India

Inside London Spirits new era: New coach, new players &520m investment

Jhandu Kumar secured India's first medal, a bronze, in para powerlifting. He achieved this by lifting 190kg in the heavyweight category. This victory marked India's initial medal at the Glasgow Games. Ashok finished fourth in the lightweight event, while Paramjeet Kumar placed seventh. Indian women also competed in their respective para powerlifting categories.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed rumors regarding Rohit Sharma's retirement. He stated there is no question of the Indian opener retiring at this stage. Sharma himself has expressed his desire to continue playing for India. He aims to secure a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Shukla also defended the current leadership group against calls for changes.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a significant milestone by scoring a T20I half-century. He became the youngest player ever to reach this batting achievement. This performance followed his earlier inclusion and subsequent exclusion from the team. Former player Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the decision to drop him. Sooryavanshi's dedication and fearless approach were also highlighted.

Shreyas Iyer achieved his initial T20I captaincy victory against Zimbabwe. The team secured a seven-wicket win in the opening match of the series. This result provided significant relief for the captain after previous defeats. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a historic half-century in eighteen balls. Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to achieve this international milestone.

With The 2030 Commonwealth Games As Its Proving Ground, Ahmedabad Is Pouring Billions Into Venues, Transport & Civic Infrastructure & Building Its Case To Host The 2036 Olympics

Mayank Yadav made a strong comeback in his first international match since October 2024. He secured Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance against Zimbabwe. This marked a significant return after a period of injury-related setbacks for the young bowler. Ravichandran Ashwin urged patience for players recovering from difficult physical and mental challenges. The team secured a convincing victory in the opening T20I match.

India opened its Commonwealth Games 2026 medal tally on Day 2 as para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won bronze in the men's heavyweight event. Ashok Malik and Karthik Budigina narrowly missed medals with fourth-place finishes, while boxer Jadumani Singh advanced, Srihari Nataraj exited in the semifinals, and India's lawn bowls teams continued their impressive run in Glasgow.

Bihar's Jhandu Kumar won India's first para powerlifting medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, claiming bronze in Glasgow after years of struggle. A former e-rickshaw driver who overcame financial hardship and polio, he lifted 190kg to reach the podium. I feel as if I'm flying, Jhandu said, thanking his family, coaches, TOPS and SAI for their support.

It is expected to be a relatively quiet day for India in terms of medal chances, with no confirmed medal events involving Indian athletes unless they qualify for the finals in artistic gymnastics and swimming.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has joined Colo Colo on a free transfer, ending speculation over a move to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The 40-year-old earned global recognition after starring at the World Cup, where he nearly inspired Cape Verde to a shock win over Argentina. The veteran, with 92 international caps, now begins a new chapter after leaving Chaves.

Travis Head dismissed rumours of a feud with Virat Kohli following their IPL 2026 handshake controversy, saying there was othing to patch over. The incident sparked online abuse directed at Head's wife, Jessica Davies, and affected their family. Head praised his wife for handling the situation with grace, adding that public scrutiny is part of professional sport.

South African swimmer Chad le Clos became the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history after winning his 19th medal with bronze in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay. I shouldnt be crying at bronze, I should be crying at gold, but honestly this means the world, he said. The 34-year-old is also targeting more medals and hopes to compete at the 2028 Olympics.

Argentinas World Cup final defeat continues to spark debate as the AFA urges fans to accept Spains victory despite a viral replay petition crossing 100,000 signatures. President Claudio Tapia rejected claims of corruption, admitting Spain were the better side while warning supporters against misinformation. Lionel Scaloni also dismissed conspiracy theories, insisting Argentina must move forward after the painful loss.

Argentina's World Cup final controversy has escalated after the Argentina Out petition closed with more than 23.3 million verified signatures, narrowly missing a Guinness World Record. President Javier Milei hit back with defiant social media posts as FIFA continues investigating the post-match brawl, while a rival campaign demanding a replay of the final has also gathered widespread support.

Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato is reportedly under investigation after allegedly testing positive for cocaine following two police traffic stops in Sydney on the same night, just days after representing the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Sassuolo midfielder was also accused of speeding twice, with authorities awaiting laboratory confirmation of the roadside drug test result.

Harry Kane is set to open contract talks with Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga champions move to secure the England captain's long-term future. With his current deal entering its final year and interest growing from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, Bayern are determined to avoid losing their star striker for free after another sensational season and impressive World Cup campaign.

Jhandu Kumar opened India's medal account by winning bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event.

Ferran Torres delivered Spain's World Cup-winning goal, but his funniest post-tournament moment came during a royal reception when Princess Leonor reminded him of a pre-tournament promise to shave his head if Spain lifted the trophy. The Barcelona forward laughed off the question, while several other Spain stars still face unusual challenges after their historic triumph.

Jrgen Klopp has warned he will quit as Germany manager if his family becomes the target of public scrutiny, setting a clear boundary during his unveiling as national team coach. The former Liverpool boss takes charge until 2030 as he begins the task of rebuilding Germany following another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign and Julian Nagelsmann's departure.

The International Olympic Committee will not investigate FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This decision stems from a complaint regarding Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension reversal. The IOC stated it lacks jurisdiction over FIFA's internal governance matters. Norway's Football Federation will consider filing its own ethics complaint against Infantino. FIFA has not yet commented on the ethics complaints or its decision.

Leandro Paredes has admitted he is unsure whether he will continue with Argentina after the heartbreaking 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain. The midfielder's comments come as FIFA investigates his role in the chaotic post-match altercation, while several senior Argentina players, including Lionel Messi, face uncertainty over their international futures.

Jos Buttler received a signed Team India jersey from Rohit Sharma. He expressed admiration for the Indian opener, calling him a favourite player. Rohit Sharma scored a century in the series decider at Lord's. He finished as India's leading run-scorer in the ODI series. Rohit Sharma remains one of cricket's greatest ODI batters.

India's bowling coach Sunil Joshi wants attention on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting achievements. Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20I fifty against Zimbabwe. Joshi also advised patience with emerging all-rounder Suryansh Shedge. He highlighted the bowling depth within the Indian squad. Ravi Bishnoi's run-up adjustment has yielded positive results for the spinner.

Ashok came closest to a podium finish but narrowly missed out despite producing two successful lifts.

The 22-year-old from Chandigarh produced a steady performance in the final, scoring 243.4 to finish second in a strong field. She had qualified for the eight-woman final with a score of 579.

Sunil Joshi reveals India's bowling strategy before 2nd T20I

A decorated wrestler before entering mixed martial arts, Tyrell Fortune believes the qualities that shaped his career remain his biggest strength inside the UFC. Following a confidence-boosting debut on short notice, the American heavyweight heads into his second fight with a full training camp, convinced he belongs among the division's elite and determined to move another step closer to the title.

Yeah, it is a big loss. Mr Joseph has declined selection. That's the reality of the situation, Sammy said at a press conference on the eve of the series opener.

Team India has announced formidable squads for the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad. Defending champions aim to retain both open and women's team titles. Prominent players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa will lead the men's team. Vaishali, a recent Women's Candidates winner, spearheads the women's lineup. Viswanathan Anand now serves as the interim FIDE president.

Klopp has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup. Speaking after the announcement in Frankfurt on Friday, he described the appointment as a big honor and suggested it could be the final coaching job of his career.

England's search for a new Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket now appears set to end with Root returning to the role.

Judoka Tulika Maan faces withdrawal from the Glasgow Games for whereabouts failures. This follows judoka Arun Kumar's disqualification after a failed dope test. Athletes must disclose their locations for random anti-doping agency testing. Hima Das and Parveen Hooda previously faced similar whereabouts rule violations. These incidents impact India's judo prospects at the upcoming sporting event.

The Hundred begins! Inside English cricket's biggest summer tournament

India's Commonwealth Games campaign has suffered a setback after Olympian and Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Tulika Maan was provisionally suspended by NADA for alleged whereabouts failures. The suspension rules her out of Glasgow 2026, with the heavyweight judoka facing anti-doping proceedings that could result in a ban of up to two years if upheld.

Glasgow 2026 will introduce historic medals with braille and tactile elements for visually impaired athletes. This innovation ensures a more inclusive experience for all competitors during the games. The medals feature a unique Reuleaux triangle shape inspired by Glasgow's coat of arms. Engraved patterns and textured finishes reflect local landmarks and Scottish heritage. This marks a significant step towards greater accessibility in the Commonwealth Games.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished India's 124-member contingent success ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing confidence in their passion and determination. India begins its campaign with bowls on Thursday before competing across eight sports and five para disciplines. Olympic champions Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu will lead India's medal hopes in athletics and weightlifting, respectively.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a record-breaking international half-century against Zimbabwe. This significant innings provided much-needed confidence for the young player. He became the youngest to score a fifty in men's international cricket. Sooryavanshi dedicated his milestone to his supportive family and coaches. India secured a seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I match.

Cricket Australia is open to staging the 150th anniversary Ashes Test in India. This reflects the growing importance of the Indian cricket market globally. The Big Bash League will also stage a match in Chennai this December. Hosting a marquee contest in India offers significant commercial opportunities. Scheduling challenges exist due to India's packed cricket calendar.

The cricket schedule for the 2026 Asian Games has been announced, with defending champions India directly qualifying for the quarter-finals in both the men's and women's T20 events. India and Pakistan can only meet in the men's semi-finals or final. The women's team will begin its title defence against hosts Japan. The tournaments will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September.

The 135th Durand Cup begins with a derby match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Organizers are considering introducing a women's tournament in the near future. Preparations for the upcoming season included a special women's exhibition match in Imphal. Twenty-four men's teams will compete across five venues, including Ranchi. Defending champions NorthEast United begin their title defense against Bodoland FC.

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has retired from international football after a 17-year career. The 38-year-old made 139 appearances, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles. His final match was Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain. Otamendi thanked Argentina in an emotional farewell, saying he leaves with my head held high.

Jos Buttler has climbed to second on the all-time T20 run charts. He surpassed Chris Gayle during a recent match at Lord's. Buttler now trails Kieron Pollard by a narrow margin for the top spot. This milestone follows a period of strong batting form for England's star. He has rediscovered his touch in recent tournaments and matches.