The Times of India

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.

Indian athletes begin their campaigns in five sports on the second day. Para powerlifters will compete for medals in multiple weight categories. Gymnasts and boxers will also commence their events during the morning sessions. Swimmers and lawn bowls players are scheduled for heats and section matches. Several medal events are planned for Indian participants throughout the day.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has voluntarily stepped aside after being sanctioned by the European Union over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Calling the sanctions unlawful and unfair, he said he would challenge them legally. Deputy President Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president. Meanwhile, India named its squads for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, with D Gukesh and Koneru Humpy leading the teams.

Two years after injuries threatened to derail his career, Mayank Yadav announced his return with a fiery 2 for 18 against Zimbabwe. While his father prayed for his fitness during the Govardhan Parikrama in Mathura, the Delhi pacer touched 149 kph and reminded everyone why the Indian cricket board never stopped believing in him.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza criticised the pitch after his side's seven-wicket loss to India in the first T20I, saying early moisture made batting difficult and the surface became easier later. He hoped for fairer conditions in the next match. Raza also praised Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani for helping Zimbabwe recover from 32/4 to post a competitive total.

Hanuma Vihari questioned India's decision to leave Rajat Patidar out of the Zimbabwe T20I squad despite his strong IPL 2026 season and leadership with RCB. He also criticised the omissions of Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson, saying the squad lacked right-handed batters. Meanwhile, India beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20I to take a 1-0 series lead.

Joe Root's remarkable consistency guides England to ODI series victory. He scored 249 runs across three innings, proving his enduring value. Root's game has evolved, making him a headache for opposing teams. His enduring passion fuels his desire to be England's greatest batter. Root's presence provides comfort and freedom for younger English players.

A petition demanding a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has surpassed 88,000 signatures, with some Argentina supporters alleging controversial refereeing decisions influenced the result. FIFA has received no evidence requiring action, while Spain's extra-time victory remains unchanged after a dominant performance and Ferran Torres' decisive winner.

FIFA has unveiled the official 2026 World Cup Dream XI following a global fan vote, recognising the tournament's standout performers. World champions Spain lead the selection with three players, while France and Argentina also feature prominently. Jude Bellingham represents England after a record-breaking campaign, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha earns a surprise spot after becoming one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars.

India pacer Mayank Yadav addresses media following the first T20I against Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill urged compassion and respect for students protesting exam paper leaks. He believes India's youth deserve opportunities to learn and shape the nation's future. Several prominent Indian athletes have also voiced their support for the protesting students. They emphasise the importance of honesty and merit in the education system. The athletes hope for a fair resolution that protects students' hard work and aspirations.

Tapan Mohanty and Tapeshwarnath Das both took up gymnastics at a young age after joining the State Sports Hostel in the coastal town. Pursuing a sport that still lacks widespread popularity in India was never easy, but they kept their heads down, trusted the process and are now among the four Indian men's gymnasts set to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

India's challenge at the China Open 2026 concluded with multiple player exits. Lakshya Sen lost in straight games after squandering a first-game lead. Ayush Shetty suffered a heartbreaking defeat in a deciding game after holding a strong advantage. PV Sindhu also exited in the round of sixteen after a tough contest. The focus now shifts to the Taipei Open and the upcoming home World Championships.

The federation hopes to appoint a new coach within the week as it looks to rebuild after another disappointing qualifying campaign.

World Cup winners Fabin Ruiz and Gavi received a unique hometown honour after Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, returning to Los Palacios y Villafranca to be gifted their body weight in locally grown tomatoes. The long-standing tradition celebrated their achievement alongside plans for a permanent monument, while Spain's squad also secured substantial World Cup prize bonuses.

Fast bowler Ashok Sharma made his international debut for India against Zimbabwe. He dedicated this significant career milestone to his elder brother's sacrifice. Sharma's journey highlights perseverance and family support in pursuing cricket dreams. His rapid rise followed strong domestic performances and IPL success. The young pacer received his maiden India cap from bowling coach Sunil Joshi.

Lisha has sent the email to officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Sports Ministry.

Sachin Tendulkar urged society to uphold hard work and meritocracy amid NEET exam protests. He stressed that adults must shape a culture valuing effort over shortcuts. Students' disappointment over unrewarded hard work is understandable and should be addressed. Other cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammad Kaif also voiced concerns. They called for fair resolutions and an end to student mistreatment during protests.

Putul Sonowal achieved a sensational upset against the reigning world champion in lawn bowls. Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh also survived a thriller in the Women's Pairs event. Sonowal showed remarkable composure to defeat a decorated Canadian opponent in his debut. The Indian women's pair secured victory after a tense tie-break against Malta. These wins have raised hopes for India's lawn bowls campaign at the games.

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Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a record fifty off nineteen balls. He became the youngest player to achieve this international milestone. India secured a seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I match. Captain Shreyas Iyer celebrated his first win as T20I skipper. The bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 125 for seven runs.

Back in India's colours after nearly two years, Mayank returned figures of 2/18 in four overs as India restricted Zimbabwe to 125/7 in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

India secured a seven-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the first T20I match. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20I half-century. Mayank Yadav impressed on his comeback with early wickets for India. Zimbabwe posted 125 runs after a fighting partnership from their batsmen. This win marked Shreyas Iyer's first as captain, ending a winless streak.