The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Harjinder Kaur secured a silver medal in the women's 69kg weightlifting event. She achieved a combined total of 227kg, lifting 101kg in the snatch. Kaur then lifted 126kg in the clean and jerk, setting a new record. Canada's Charlotte Simoneau claimed the gold medal with a total of 240kg. Australia's Nya Phebe Hayman earned the bronze medal with 218kg.
UEFA strongly criticises FIFA's ambitious plan to create a new commercial company. This new entity aims to manage major football tournaments and seek private investment. UEFA declares that football's governing institutions have crossed a dangerous and unacceptable line. The European body questions the transparency and governance of this significant proposal. FIFA defends the plan, stating it will strengthen global football.
Indian batter Pratika Rawal joins Warwickshire Bears for the 2026 season. She will strengthen the team's batting in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Rawal returns to cricket after recovering from a knee injury. Warwickshire aims for the tournament's knockout stage with her addition. She expressed excitement for county cricket and playing at Edgbaston.
An amateur cricket match has sparked controversy over alleged umpire deception. A fielder reportedly clicked his fingers to simulate an edge off the bat. This incident has led to a formal investigation by the league officials. Other similar allegations have also surfaced against the same club. The league is now examining the dismissals for deliberate deception.
Tejaswin Shankar's Commonwealth Games high jump ended due to injury. He then coached Sarvesh Kushare, who won a historic silver medal. Kushare credited Shankar's advice for his improved performance during the competition. Shankar's own medal hopes were dashed before the event truly began. He now aims to compete in the decathlon despite his knee issue.
Nirupama Devi's medal hopes ended after failing all clean and jerk attempts. She had been in contention after a strong snatch performance. Canada's Maude Charron set new records and won gold in the event. Sarah Davies Smale secured the silver medal for England. India's weightlifting team continues to be a strong performer at the Games.
Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy's new head coach, tasked with rebuilding the national team. He previously led Italy to European Championship glory in 2021. The team failed to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups. Claudio Ranieri joins as the federation's new technical director. Mancini faces immediate challenges in the Nations League competition.
Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned as India's assistant coach after two years. Subhadeep Ghosh will now serve as the team's new fielding coach. Ten Doeschate cited personal reasons for stepping away from the demanding role. His final assignment was the recent white-ball tour of England. Ghosh's first international assignment will be the Sri Lanka Test series.
Geneva, Switzerland, will host the 2026 FIDE World Championship Match. Reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju will defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov. This historic contest will feature the youngest players ever to compete for the championship. The match is scheduled to take place from November 25 to December 15. FIDE selected Geneva as a neutral venue for this significant chess event.
Zaheer Abbas, the former Pakistan captain, has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. He emphasises that their vast experience and skills are crucial for Indias success. Abbas argues that fitness and scoring abilities should outweigh any concerns about age. Rohits recent impressive century against England has particularly strengthened his support for both senior players.
Manjot Kalra remains in Sri Lankan custody after a court rejected his bail plea. Investigators are pursuing a high-profile corruption probe linked to the Lanka Premier League. Several Sri Lankan cricketers have lodged complaints regarding alleged match-fixing approaches. Authorities possess recorded evidence connecting to the alleged approaches made to players. The controversy has also led to the termination of the Jaffna Kings franchise ownership.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team. He has signed a four-year contract with the French Football Federation. Zidane expressed his excitement and called this the happiest day of his coaching career. He had waited five years for this opportunity, turning down other offers. Zidane's first match will be against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League.
Saransh Jain earned his maiden Test call-up after consistent domestic performances. Coach Chandrakant Pandit championed his inclusion, believing in his talent for years. Jain's strong red-ball record with bat and ball impressed selectors. A technical adjustment by Pandit significantly enhanced his bowling effectiveness. Jain's dedication and focus on red-ball cricket set him apart.
At 33, with a wealth of domestic cricket experience behind him, Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain on Tuesday earned his maiden India call-up. Jain impressed former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh during a five-day camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he caught the legend's eye. Four months later, the off-spinner will board a flight to Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series, starting on August 15 in Galle.
Fresh from scripting history as India's first World Junior Squash champion, Anahat Singh is already looking ahead. The 18-year-old speaks about staying grounded despite rising expectations, shutting out the hype around ending Egypt's dominance, leaning on her parents and coaches in pressure moments, and why the Asian Games and the road to the LA Olympics are now firmly in her sights.
Justin Greaves made Test cricket history with five consecutive wicket-maidens. He achieved this remarkable feat against Pakistan during the opening Test match. Greaves finished with career-best figures of five wickets for just twenty-seven runs. This performance triggered a dramatic collapse in the Pakistan batting lineup. The West Indies all-rounder secured a significant first-innings lead for his team.
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic headline the initial 16 teams entered for the revamped US Open mixed doubles championship, which offers a $1 million prize. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori return, while Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud and Naomi Osaka are also among the entries. The main draw will be played on August 25
Glenn McGrath believes Prasidh Krishna possesses the necessary qualities to partner Jasprit Bumrah. He notes Krishna has matured and transformed potential into consistent performances. India is preparing for a demanding white-ball cricket schedule and needs strong pace attacks. McGrath also highlighted the importance of workload management for bowlers like Bumrah. He advocates for strengthening bowlers rather than overprotecting them after injuries.
Sharmila Dhankar secured India's first para-athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She achieved a season-best throw of 9.81m in the women's shot put F57 event. Dhankar overcame poverty and domestic abuse to pursue her athletic aspirations. She previously competed in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Asian Para Games. Her success fuels her dream of providing opportunities for her daughters.
Rishikanta Singh Chanambam secured a silver medal in the men's 60kg weightlifting competition. His family watched the event from Rajasthan while supporting his father's treatment. He dedicated his achievement to his parents and supportive elder brother. Rishikanta overcame financial struggles and a past knee injury to reach this point. This medal marks a significant achievement for Manipuri weightlifting.
Tamil Nadu weightlifter Muthupandi Raja secured a silver medal after overcoming significant injuries. His parents' daily wage labor provided the foundation for his athletic aspirations. Raja contemplated quitting the sport due to health setbacks and surgeries. However, he completed a strength and conditioning course during his recovery period. His elder brother expressed pride and hopes for Raja's Olympic future.
Indian weightlifters secured five medals, including gold and silver, at the Glasgow Games. Gyaneshwari Yadav and Bindyarani Devi added two silvers and a bronze to the medal tally. Tejas Shirse qualified for the men's 110m hurdles final, a historic achievement for India. Long jumpers M Sreeshankar and Lokesh Sathyanathan also advanced to their respective finals. Boxers Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal reached the quarterfinals in their weight categories.
India's fastest man Gurindervir Singh crashed out of the Commonwealth Games men's 100m heats despite finishing second after clocking 10.39 seconds, with coach James Hillier later revealing he had been carrying a hamstring injury for a month. The 24-year-old, who set a national record of 10.09 seconds in May, finished 28th overall and missed the semifinals.
The men's selection committee announced the squad for the Sri Lanka Test series. Ravindra Jadeja returns to the team after being rested for the Afghanistan Test. Saransh Jain has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian squad. Washington Sundar remains unavailable for the first Test match. Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah's availability depends on fitness clearance.
Abhishek Sharma's poor T20I form has drawn criticism from former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Srikkanth believes selectors must make a difficult decision regarding Sharma's future. Mayank Yadav returned from injury and impressed with his bowling performances. Yadav claimed multiple wickets across the series with consistent pace. The article highlights the emergence of young talent within the Indian team.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI futures remain debated by selectors and coaches. Both players continue to perform well for India in the ODI format. Recent series performances have fueled discussions about their long-term plans. Former player Deep Dasgupta believes their places are secure based on merit. The focus remains on immediate impact and consistent performance from the veterans.
Indian athletes aim for multiple medals on Tuesday, July 28, at the Commonwealth Games. Weightlifters Nirupama Devi Seram and Harjinder Kaur compete in finals for podium finishes. Boxers pursue semifinal spots and guaranteed bronze medals in their quarterfinal bouts. Athletes participate in high jump and 10,000m finals, while swimmers contest heats and semifinals. Para swimmers also compete in freestyle heats and potential finals.
India's six-medal haul on Day 5 of the Commonwealth Games lifted the country to eighth in the standings with 10 medals (2 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze). Sharmila Dhankar's historic para-athletics gold led the charge, supported by three silvers and two bronzes. Australia remained atop the table with 59 medals, ahead of England (32) and Canada (21).
India enjoyed a memorable day at the Commonwealth Games as Sharmila Dhankar became the country's first-ever para-athletics gold medallist, while Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav won silver medals. Bindyarani Devi added bronze, Indian boxers advanced to the quarterfinals, but athletics and swimming saw mixed results, with Gurindervir Singh and Tejas Shirse enduring disappointing outings.
The 31-year-old national record holder cleared 2.25m to claim the silver medal. Jamaica's Romaine Beckford won gold, while England's Jack Kimani took bronze with a jump of 2.20m.
Lopes Cabral earned the honour for his curling strike into the top corner against Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It was India's fifth weightlifting medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Kylian Mbappe expressed deep disappointment after France's World Cup exit. He acknowledged the pain of not winning the trophy despite individual success. Mbappe thanked devoted supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout the tournament. He also credited teammates for his Golden Boot achievement and team spirit. The captain paid tribute to manager Didier Deschamps for his dedicated service.
It was India's fourth weightlifting medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Earlier, Mirabai Chanu (women's 48kg - gold), Rishikanta Singh (men's 60kg - silver) and Muthupandi Raja (men's 65kg - silver) had also finished on the podium in their respective categories.
In a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFAs website late Sunday, Infantino said FIFA had succeeded in staging the World Cup and bringing people together.
Sooryavanshi finished India's tour of Zimbabwe on a high, winning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards after India completed a 3-0 sweep with a 35-run win in the third and final T20I on Sunday.
Gurindervir Singh exited the Commonwealth Games 100m event after failing to qualify. He finished twenty-eighth overall with a time of 10.39 seconds in his heat. This performance was significantly below his personal best national record of 10.09 seconds. He had arrived with hopes of breaking the ten-second barrier internationally. Ghana's Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu emerged as fastest qualifiers.
Former BCCI CEO Rahul Johri on Indian cricket, IPL, media rights and more | Bombay Sport Exchange
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.

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