The Times of India

In this exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com's Tanuj Lakhina, Bengaluru FC Director of Football Darren Caldeira breaks down the biggest changes in Indian football ahead of the new club-led Indian Super League (ISL).Darren explains why the club-led model could reshape the ISL, how Bengaluru FC has approached squad building without signing domestic players, the importance of its academy, and why salary caps and sustainable finances are crucial for the league's future. He also shares his vi

Suchika Tariyal has made history by winning India's first bronze medal in MMA at the Asian Games. Her semifinal bout ended in a draw, with the outcome determined by a minuscule weight difference. Tariyal's journey into combat sports was sparked by a self-defense incident at the age of twelve. This significant achievement symbolises a milestone for Indian combat sports on an international stage.

At the 2026 Chess Olympiad, R Praggnanandhaa secured his first win by outplaying Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri in a tense Ruy Lopez, helping India beat the Netherlands 3-1. Gukesh also won, while Erigaisi and Nihal drew. Indias women suffered a narrow 1.5-2.5 loss to Poland, with Vaishali defeated by Aleksandra Maltsevskaya. Poland have now beaten India in three successive Olympiads.

As Mairaj Ahmad Khan prepares for his fourth Asian Games, the Olympic gold that has stayed out of reach for more than two decades remains his biggest motivation. From cricket fields in Bulandshahr to becoming India's first Olympic skeet shooter and the country's first men's skeet World Cup champion, the 50-year-old reflects on Rio, COVID, personal loss, Cairo, and the philosophy that continues to define him: one target at a time. Pasted markdown

Both teams wore saffron in their opening matches against Indonesia and Uzbekistan respectively in Kakamilgahara, Japan.

India made a striking start at the Asian Games, capturing two silver medals in shooting events. Elavenil Valarivan was a standout, winning silvers both individually and as part of the team in the 10m air rifle competition. Additionally, the women's cricket team powered through to the finals, showcasing their strength, along with commendable starts from the hockey and table tennis teams, who also secured significant victories.

The move is understood to aim at drawing a clearer line between issues that fall within the Ombudsmans jurisdiction and those that the respective state associations should address first.

India opened its medal account with two silver medals in women's 10m air rifle competition. Suchika Tariyal secured at least a bronze medal in MMA's debut event. The women's cricket team advanced to the final after a dominant semifinal win. Both men's and women's hockey teams achieved emphatic victories in their opening matches. Badminton and table tennis teams also delivered strong performances on the opening day.

Japan is set to host its first-ever men's senior international cricket match against India, marking a milestone for Japanese cricket. Growth has been steady, with rising participation and increased visibility. The match aims to win hearts, boost cricket's popularity, and showcase Japan's progress within the global cricket community.

I wont leave it until I win.For Miraj Ahmed Khan, the pursuit of Olympic gold remains unfinished business.In this episode of TOISA Spotlight, TOI Sports Editor Vineet Ramakrishnan speaks to the veteran Indian skeet shooter about a career spanning more than three decades - from his early days with cricket and shooting to two Olympic appearances, his historic Rio 2016 campaign, the disruption caused by COVID-19, the loss of his father, and the World Cup gold that gave him another push.Miraj opens

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal withdrew from the Asian Games after a medical issue. He experienced dizziness and muscle cramps during a weight cut sauna session. Sanyal, a medal prospect, was declared medically unfit for the competition. His teammate Suchika Tariyal advanced in her event, securing a medal. MMA's debut at the Asian Games faces challenges for Indian athletes.

Eve-teased at 12, Suchika Tariyal took up judo for self-defence, beginning a journey through judo, Ju-Jitsu and MMA. At 36, the Rohtak fighter became Indias first Asian Games MMA medallist after beating Mongolias Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 to reach the -60kg semifinals. A former eight-time national judo champion, Tariyal now hopes her journey inspires more young women.

The Indian shooting team kicked off their Asian Games journey by clinching a silver medal, thanks to the impressive efforts of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod. Both Elavenil and Sonam made it to the final of the individual 10m air rifle competition. Building on their previous success in Hangzhou, the team is eager for more medal opportunities in the upcoming events.

Suchika Tariyal secured India's first medal at the Asian Games on Sunday. She defeated Mongolia's Altanchimeg Baigalmaa in the women's Traditional Mixed Martial Arts 60kg quarterfinal. Tariyal's progression into the semifinals guarantees India a medal in MMA's debut. She previously represented India in judo and kurash and became a Jiu-Jitsu world champion. Her journey includes overcoming challenges and a knee injury to reach this achievement.

India begins its campaign at Aichi-Nagoya with a 500-plus athlete contingent; 314 of them are making their first Asian Games appearance. Mirabai Chanu returns with the Asian Games medal missing from her collection, while Anahat Singh arrives as a World Junior Squash Champion. Defending champions Avinash Sable, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Parul Chaudhary, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Satwik-Chirag will look to build on Indias 106-medal haul at Hangzhou.

Arjun Erigaisi bounced back from a difficult start to the Chess Olympiad with a convincing victory over Maksim Chigaev, helping defending champions India beat Spain 3-1 in Round 4. Gukesh continued his impressive run, while Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin drew. Indias women also remained unbeaten, beating Mongolia 3-1 as both Indian teams maintained their winning momentum in Samarkand.