The Times of India

Two young Indian pacers, Bihar's Vasudev Prasad Singh and Rajasthan's Abhishek Moond, spent two weeks training alongside Australia's Test squad in Brisbane under the MRF Pace Foundation-Cricket Australia exchange program. The experience offered priceless lessons in fast bowling, professionalism and preparation from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Esha Singh won India's first gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, claiming the women's 25m pistol title with a dominant score of 40/50. World record holder Esha finished ahead of China's Yueyue Zhang, while two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker secured bronze after a dramatic shoot-off. India now has three medals and sits second in the standings.

India secured a clean sweep against Zimbabwe in their recent T20I series. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a historic Player of the Series award. His opening partner Abhishek Sharma experienced a difficult run of low scores. Sharma expressed his disappointment on social media after the series concluded. He now faces pressure to regain his previous batting form.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with his batting performances against Zimbabwe. Stand-in coach VVS Laxman highlighted fitness as an area for improvement. The young player showed great commitment and desire to contribute to the team. Sooryavanshi also excelled in the Under-19 World Cup and IPL. Improving fitness will be vital for his career's continued growth.

Shan Masood's unbeaten 88 and Imam-ul-Haq's 63 put Pakistan in control at 199/3 on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies, trailing by 112 runs. Their 155-run partnership rescued the visitors after an early wicket. Earlier, Shai Hope's 92 helped West Indies post 311, while Mohammad Ali claimed four wickets for Pakistan.

Uttar Pradesh pacer Yash Dayal has applied for an NOC to switch teams. He will join the Chhattisgarh team's fitness camp next month. Dayal represented Uttar Pradesh from 2018 to 2025 in domestic cricket. He mentioned cricket helped him stay strong through difficult challenges. The UPCA is currently considering his NOC request.

Former Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has questioned Team India's continued backing of Abhishek Sharma despite his poor run in T20Is, arguing Sanju Samson was dropped after far fewer failures. Citing Samson's match-winning performances in the T20 World Cup, Vihari accused selectors of applying different rules and urged them to judge both players by the same standards.

India aims to be a top ten sporting nation by 2036 and top five by 2047. Budget allocations show a significant increase in sports spending for future development. The sports market is projected for substantial growth and job creation by 2030. Technology and infrastructure are key areas for accelerating this economic expansion. This strategic investment positions sport as a vital part of national development.

India and Bangladesh cricket boards are planning a tour for September. This tour could lead to rescheduling India's series against Afghanistan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has kept venues available from September first. The Indian government's approval is necessary for the tour to proceed. Both boards aim to rebuild relationships after past uncertainties.

Anahat Singh achieved a historic victory at the World Junior Squash Championship. She became the first Indian to win the prestigious junior title. Singh defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in a commanding final match. This win ended Egypt's long-standing dominance in the girls' championship. Anahat Singh now transitions to the senior circuit with newfound confidence.

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam advanced to the men's 55kg Commonwealth Games quarterfinals after a dominant 5-0 win over Pakistan's Sumama Rehman. The 22-year-old dedicated his victory on Kargil Vijay Diwas to India's war heroes, saying he now aims to win gold. Another win will guarantee him at least a bronze medal as India remains in medal contention.

VVS Laxman on India's dominant T20I series win | Vaibhav's rise, team mindset & future stars

Tejas Shirse seeks India's first athletics medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He recently broke the national record in the 110m hurdles event. Shirse overcame a significant ankle injury to achieve this remarkable comeback. Other athletes like Sarvesh Kushare and Tejaswin Shankar will compete in high jump. Murali Sreeshankar and Gurindervir Singh are also set to participate in their respective events.

Mirabai Chanu secured a Commonwealth Games gold medal in weightlifting. She achieved a total lift of 190kg in the 48kg category. Rishikanta Singh earned a silver medal in the men's 60kg competition. Indian swimmers advanced to the final of the 4x200m freestyle relay event. Preeti advanced in women's boxing after a dominant round of 16 bout.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest Player of the Series winner. He achieved this milestone after India's T20I series victory over Zimbabwe. Sooryavanshi was the leading run-scorer with 151 runs across three innings. He scored a match-winning 81 runs in the final T20I match. This award followed a challenging series for the young cricketer in England.

Viswanathan Anand has decided to contest the FIDE elections as Deputy President alongside presidential candidate Timur Turlov, reversing his earlier plan to step back for family reasons. The change follows Arkady Dvorkovich's exit from the race due to EU sanctions. Anand, currently FIDE's Interim President, said he wants to continue helping expand chess and backed Turlov's vision for the organisation.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with a mature 81 in the third T20I against Zimbabwe. He anchored India's batting effort, guiding them to a series-clinching victory. Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series. Interim coach VVS Laxman highlighted the teenager's willingness to learn and adapt. His performance showcased adaptability to different match conditions and bowling plans.

The name Anahat comes from a line in Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib, discovered by her father on the day she was born. This is the story behind the name, the sporting family that shaped her, and the extraordinary journey that culminated in India's first-ever World Junior squash title at just 18.

India anticipates an action-packed Day 5 at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Athletes will compete across athletics, swimming, and weightlifting events. Boxing and lawn bowls also feature prominently in the day's schedule. The 3x3 wheelchair basketball team plays two crucial pool matches. Several medal contenders are expected to perform well today.

Cristiano Ronaldo is entering a new arena beyond football with his first major television drama role in Day 1s, where he will serve as executive producer and appear on screen. The project, created through URMarv Studios with Matthew Vaughn, will also feature Thierry Henry and explore the behind-the-scenes world of British football through a fictional agents story.

Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold in the women's 48kg weightlifting event at Glasgow 2026, giving India its first gold medal of the Games. The Olympic medallist set new Games and Commonwealth records before lifting 105kg to seal victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chanu, calling her an inspiration for her remarkable consistency and achievements.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi strengthened his case for a regular place in Indias T20I team with a classy 48-ball knock against Zimbabwe, prompting Irfan Pathan to suggest the youngster could keep Sanju Samson out of the side. With Samson dropped for the series and Abhishek Sharma struggling for runs, Indias opening combination remains a key selection debate ahead of the Asian Games.

The 31-year-old from Manipur lifted 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 190kg. She broke the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records in the snatch and also set new Commonwealth Games records in the clean and jerk and total lift.

Spain midfielder Dani Olmo has rejected Roberto Ayala's apology following the altercation after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, accusing the Argentina assistant coach of lying about what sparked the incident. As FIFA investigates Argentina's post-match conduct, Olmo said Spain's World Cup triumph should be remembered for the team's behaviour, unity and professionalism rather than the controversy.

India enjoyed a landmark Day 4 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning three weightlifting medals including Mirabai Chanus historic third straight gold. Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi added silvers, while boxers Jadumani Singh and Preeti Pawar advanced with dominant wins. India also reached the swimming relay final, taking its overall medal tally to four.

India's Raja Muthupandi secured a silver medal in the men's 65kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 26-year-old posted a combined lift of 286kg, finishing behind Malaysia's record-breaking gold medallist Muhamad Aznil Bin Bidin. The podium marked Muthupandi's first Commonwealth Games medal after years of setbacks, including injury and category changes.

Jadumani Singh Mandengbam advanced to the men's 55kg boxing quarter-finals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after defeating Pakistan's Sumama Rehman by unanimous decision. The Indian boxer will face England's Ellis Trowbridge for a guaranteed medal. Elsewhere, Lovlina Borgohain has already secured at least bronze, while Sachin Siwach also progressed in Glasgow.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's extensive private jet travel during the 2026 World Cup has sparked criticism over the governing body's environmental credibility. Reports estimate his flights generated more than 1,020 tonnes of COe, prompting campaigners to question FIFA's sustainability commitments. While FIFA defended the travel as operationally necessary, the controversy has intensified scrutiny of football's climate responsibilities and leadership.

The series victory also marked a turnaround for India after losing their previous two T20I series against England (0-4) and Ireland (0-2).

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated Zimbabwe's bowling attack in Harare. He secured Player of the Match and Series awards after India's 3-0 T20I sweep. Sooryavanshi scored 151 runs across three innings with fearless strokeplay and composure. His dream debut series saw him achieve a record-breaking maiden T20I half-century. The young player expressed happiness and gratitude for the team's support.

The 31-year-old lifted a Commonwealth and Games record 85kg in the snatch before registering a Games record 105kg in the clean and jerk. She finished with a total lift of 190kg to claim the gold medal.

Mayank Yadav achieved another remarkable feat in the third T20I. He dismissed Brian Bennett with the very first ball of the Zimbabwe innings. This marked the third time Yadav took a wicket on the opening delivery. He now equals Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Indian record for this achievement. Yadav continues his impressive comeback after a lengthy injury layoff.

The left-handed opener achieved the feat during the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday, scoring 81 off 48 balls to lead India to 192/5 after they elected to bat first.

Prince Yadav was unavailable for selection in the third T20I due to a hamstring niggle which he sustained while bowling in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said after the toss.

Chanambam Rishikanta Singh secured the silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting event. He set a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch discipline. Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Bin Kasdan won the gold medal in the competition. Rishikanta's performance marked India's first medal in weightlifting at the Games. This achievement highlights India's continued strength in Commonwealth weightlifting.

India has reclaimed the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings top spot. This swift return occurred after consecutive victories against Zimbabwe in Harare. The Men in Blue secured the number one position with a significant win. India had previously lost the top ranking following a series defeat to England. Shreyas Iyer's team responded strongly, regaining their summit status.

Several key Indian players face fitness issues ahead of the Sri Lanka Test tour. Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah are among those with injury concerns. Sai Sudharsan is also likely to be picked subject to his recovery. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are unavailable due to unhealed injuries. The team's fitness levels are a concern for future tournaments.

R Ashwin supports Bhuvneshwar Kumar's potential return to the Indian cricket team. He believes the current pace attack needs more experienced bowlers for major tournaments. Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's consistent IPL performances and fitness over recent seasons. He suggested a blend of youth and experience would benefit the squad. The selectors should consider Bhuvneshwar as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Anahat Singh created history by winning the World Junior Squash Championship title. She defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the women's final in Ontario. This victory marks her first world title in her final junior appearance. Squash Rackets Federation of India hailed the win as a milestone for Indian squash. The achievement fulfills a long-held dream for Indian squash.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta criticized speculation about Rohit Sharma's future. Retirement rumors surfaced after Rohit's early dismissal in the second ODI match. The BCCI dismissed these claims as baseless, and Rohit responded with a century. Dasgupta urged selectors to avoid creating uncertainty for senior players. Selection should continue to be based on current performances and contributions.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra said India should continue backing Abhishek Sharma despite his poor scores in the first two matches. Instead, he suggested giving Ishan Kishan a break and bringing Prabhsimran into the playing XI. Abhished scored 1 run in the first T20I and then fell for 8 in the second T20I.

Lakshay, who combined with Ujjwal Singh to win the lightweight double sculls gold at World Cup III in Switzerland last month, tested positive for stanozolol in a sample collected in Pune on May 25.

India's captain Shreyas Iyer indicated potential team changes for the final T20I match. Pacer Prince Yadav sustained a hamstring injury during the second game. This setback may lead to new players featuring in the upcoming fixture. India already secured the series victory with a commanding two-nil lead. The team can now assess other players before the series concludes.

Sporting an all-black outfit comprising a sweatshirt, track pants and a black cap, Chopra cut a relaxed figure as he made his way into the hotel where the athletics and para-athletics contingent are staying. The Olympic and world champion returns to the CWG after missing the 2022 Birmingham edition because of injury.

Abhishek Sharma set a new Indian record for best T20I bowling figures by an opener. He achieved this remarkable feat with figures of three wickets for seventeen runs. India secured a commanding ninety-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I match. Ishan Kishan scored eighty-one runs and Tilak Varma added sixty runs for India. The bowlers then successfully defended their substantial total to clinch the series.

Lionel Messi made his first public appearance after Argentinas heartbreaking 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain by attending a local match in Rosario. The emotional captain spent time with family, supported his brothers football club Leones FC, and avoided media attention. Messi will soon return to Inter Miami after recovering from the demanding tournament.