The Times of India

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah reportedly went missing in Glasgow hours before the national teams departure, with his passport and return ticket remaining with the team manager. Pakistan finished the Commonwealth Games with just one medal, a bronze for Fatima Zahra. Her historic achievement made her the first Pakistani female boxer to win a CWG medal, while Arshad Nadeem missed out.

Sreeshankar Muralis comeback from a career-threatening knee injury has been remarkable, with his father comparing it to preparing for IIT and Civil Services simultaneously. After extensive surgery and rehabilitation, Sreeshankar returned to win Commonwealth Games silver with an 8.09m jump. He now targets the Asian Games, hoping to improve on his previous silver and fight for gold.

The BCCI thanked Ryan ten Doeschate and T Dilip for their service. Both coaches played key roles in the Indian men's cricket team's recent journey. Ten Doeschate has now taken a new role with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Dilip's contract expired after his second spell with the national side. The board wished them success in their future endeavors.

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia said citizens have the right to protest but should avoid abusive language, especially against the Prime Minister. Manu Bhaker also urged youngsters to use respectful words. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, said he did not want the protesters punished, calling their actions mistakes and hoping they would learn from them.

OTD! Mohammed Siraj inspires India to a thrilling six-run victory at The Oval

Sunil Gavaskar lauded Ajinkya Rahane's leadership during India's historic Australia tour victory. Rahane captained the team through significant challenges and injuries to secure a remarkable series win. Gavaskar noted Rahane's exceptional captaincy record, which often went unappreciated by the public. He highlighted Rahane's crucial century after a devastating defeat, inspiring a comeback. Rahane departs cricket with immense respect from all involved in the sport.

Tejaswin Shankar thanked Vinesh Phogat for motivating him after a knee injury ended his high jump campaign at the Commonwealth Games. He later won his second CWG medal in the decathlon with 7,976 points. Meanwhile, Vinesh said women wrestlers will appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs acquittal in a sexual harassment case, alongside co-accused Vinod Tomar.

Former England captain Ben Stokes desires to coach the national team in the future. He is currently pursuing his Level Three coaching qualification while still playing. Stokes confirmed his international playing career has concluded, dismissing Ashes return speculation. He expressed surprise at Joe Root's appointment as Test captain over Harry Brook. Stokes praised Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach and wished Root success.

India's 39-medal Commonwealth Games campaign highlighted the impact of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which funds elite athletes through customised training, competition exposure and sports science support. This TimesofIndia.com explainer details how athletes are selected, funded and reviewed, while outlining the government's enhanced investment in high-performance sport as India builds towards the 2036 Games ambitions.

Team India heads to Sri Lanka for crucial Test series

India's World Test Championship final hopes depend on the Sri Lanka series. A 2-0 loss would significantly hinder qualification prospects for the Indian team. Winning the series 2-0 improves India's standing but not dramatically. Upcoming away series in New Zealand and Australia present further challenges. India faces a tough schedule with little room for error ahead.

Ben Stokes believes cricket's drinking culture is deeply embedded across all levels. He stated this culture has not changed despite increased professionalism in the sport. This discussion follows a recent disciplinary issue involving team curfew breaches. Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson faced suspension for a late-night outing. The ECB subsequently introduced stricter alcohol guidelines for England players.

During an intense moment in stoppage time, Sipho Maseti, the TS Galaxy goalkeeper, was red-carded for handling the ball outside the designated area, likely confusing rugby field lines with soccer boundaries. This quirky incident unfolded in a drawn match that ended at 2-2. Resilient TS Galaxy found a way to stay competitive as substitute Ira Tape made a key save to earn them a well-deserved point.

Javelin rivals Pathirage and Chopra are set to face off once again at the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League meet. This thrilling event will also feature several Commonwealth Games finalists, adding to the anticipation. After recovering from an injury, Chopra is eager to showcase his improved skills. Fans can expect a fascinating showcase of javelin talent and fierce competition.

Pullela Gopichand anticipates a thrilling shift in badminton dynamics due to the new scoring system. Players will be compelled to develop greater agility, strength, and mental toughness for the condensed format. Particularly, doubles teams may face the steepest adjustments. Gopichand raises concerns about the BWF's decision to lessen player workload, suggesting that this change may favour swift rallies over artistic gameplay.

Two prolific domestic seasons have turned Smaran Ravichandran from a promising talent into one of Indian cricket's most exciting young batters. After starring in Karnataka's Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph and proving his credentials across formats, the 23-year-old speaks to TimesofIndia.com about chasing the India dream, dealing with the India A snub, embracing leadership, mastering all-format cricket, and why his mother still reminds him that education matters.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem faced criticism after a poor Commonwealth Games showing. He finished ninth, failing to reach eighty meters in the javelin throw. Reports suggest the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation withdrew support after a coaching dispute. India's Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh secured silver and bronze medals. This highlights systemic shortcomings in Pakistan's sports structure.

Ben Stokes is reportedly set to become the Big Bash League's highest-paid player. The Sydney Sixers are leading the race to sign the former England captain. Stokes retired from international cricket earlier this year and wants to play franchise leagues. A record-breaking contract worth around AUD 600,000 is on the cards. Scheduling conflicts and other global leagues remain potential challenges for him.

The Brazil friendly highlights Indian football's focus on spectacle over substance. Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questions the match's timing and purpose. He notes the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup and club shutdowns. Bhutia emphasises the need to address fundamental problems in Indian football. Players echo concerns about priorities and the game's current state.

Former umpire Anil Chaudhary discussed Virat Kohli's fiery on-field personality. He recalled the 2013 IPL altercation between Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Chaudhary believes aggression is vital for cricket but must not cross acceptable boundaries. Kohli's focus is now exclusively on ODI cricket as India prepares for the next World Cup. He recently won the Orange Cap in IPL 2026 after a stellar performance.

India's Glasgow Commonwealth Games medal count was lower than previous events. Athletics and boxing showed strong performances, contributing significantly to the medal tally. Judokas also achieved historic wins, marking a positive development for the sport. Preparations for Amdavad 2030 will focus on retaining strengths and improving medal performance. India aims to host a better Games than Delhi 2010.

Pakistan is set to appoint Michael Smith as their new batting coach. Smith is expected to join the team for the England tour in August. This appointment aims to fix the team's long-standing batting woes. Pakistan has recently suffered batting collapses in the West Indies series. The board hopes Smith brings stability and resilience to the batting unit.

Jammu and Kashmir bowler Auqib Nabi received his first India Test call-up. He replaces the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka series. Nabi has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for years. His impressive Ranji Trophy and India A performances earned him this opportunity. This selection recognises outstanding domestic cricket achievements.

Smaran Ravichandran interview: India A snub, IPL struggle, Ranji success, & India aspirations

Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers will appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal. The trial court found insufficient evidence and noted witness inconsistencies in the case. Wrestlers faced sustained pressure and intimidation throughout the legal proceedings. They expressed deep sadness over the court's decision regarding the allegations. Their legal battle for justice continues with a planned appeal.

The Army Sports Institute in Pune has achieved remarkable success with its athletes. Indian Army boxers secured an extraordinary eight medals at the Commonwealth Games. This institute integrates elite coaching and sports science for athlete development. Army athletes also achieved historic milestones in athletics and weightlifting events. The institute's model provides a blueprint for India's future Olympic ambitions.

After the recent success of Dilip Gavit and Mohammed Basil, Indian para athletes and coaches have come forward with formal complaints against a member of the IOA media committee. The allegations detail instances of rude behaviour directed at the para athletes, leading to a heated confrontation that spiraled into a brief physical clash. The athletes are calling for the IOA to take action regarding the official's conduct during the Games.

T Dilip concluded his five-year tenure as India's fielding coach with a heartfelt farewell message. He significantly transformed the team's fielding culture during his impactful service. The innovative fielding medal ceremony became a memorable dressing-room tradition during his tenure. Dilip cherished being part of numerous team triumphs across various formats.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey questions the director general's authority. He seeks accountability and transparency in the recent jersey colour change. Tirkey expressed surprise at learning about the redesign through social media. He emphasised the need for governance and consultation for symbolic decisions. The president requested a comprehensive reply with documentary evidence by Tuesday.

Yash Vir Singh arrived in Glasgow with little attention but left with a Commonwealth Games bronze after a personal-best final throw. In this interview with TimesofIndia.com, he opens up about the injury that nearly derailed his career, the months spent in rehabilitation, Neeraj Chopra's words before his medal-winning attempt and the father who has guided him since his first throws with a bamboo javelin.

Mohammad Amirs British citizenship is set to change his status in the Pakistan Super League, with the fast bowler expected to be classified as an overseas player for PSL 2027. That could affect his Rawalpindi contract, as the team may need to use a foreign-player slot, renegotiate his deal or release him. The PCB is yet to clarify.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is working to hold the Senior National Chess Championship in November-December 2026 after it was initially scheduled for March 2027. Following concerns raised by Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, the federation is in talks with stakeholders to finalise dates. AICF said a packed domestic and international calendar had forced the initial postponement.

Arshdeep, who is a regular in India's white-ball teams, was part of the Test squad during the 2025 tour of England but did not make his Test debut because of injury and team combination issues.

Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics, shared a long message on X on Sunday. She did not mention any particular incident but spoke about the increasing use of abusive language in everyday conversations. Manu created history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-Independence era to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.

USA cricketer Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy has been banned from all cricket for eight years after an ICC tribunal found him guilty of three Anti-Corruption Code breaches linked to the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10. He was found to have attempted match-fixing, encouraged a teammate to participate, and deleted evidence during the investigation. His ban is effective from November 21, 2025.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) said it will no longer back Infantino's re-election campaign for the 2027-2031 term, following concerns over the failed investment plan.

On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi replaced injured Jasprit Bumrah in the India squad for the upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka. With his maiden call-up to the senior national team, he became the first player from the valley to get selected in India's Test squad. The J&K seamer's rise is driven by a simple philosophy: if you want to play for India, excuses are not an option.

Wrestlers will challenge the Delhi court's verdict acquitting Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh Phogat expressed disappointment and stated the legal battle is far from over. The court acquitted Singh and Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case. Wrestlers have instructed lawyers to file an appeal in a higher court. They have not lost hope and will continue their fight.

An Indian restaurant deleted its Instagram account after a map error was highlighted. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain pointed out the missing Northeast region on napkins. The restaurant issued a public apology and promised to correct its logo immediately. Boxing Federation of India president confirmed the matter was resolved peacefully. The establishment has a history of hosting visiting sports teams and dignitaries.

A Delhi court acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar. The acquittal came in a high-profile sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. This verdict followed extensive protests and a lengthy legal process over two years. Singh expressed happiness and thanked his legal team for their dedicated efforts. He stated he would await the detailed judgment before commenting further.

India concluded the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with a strong fourth-place finish. Boxers delivered India's best-ever performance, securing ten medals including seven golds. Judo athletes achieved their historic best, winning four medals with two golds. Athletics and para athletics also saw memorable achievements and podium finishes. Overall, India secured thirty-nine medals, marking a successful campaign.

A Delhi court acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. This verdict concludes a significant legal battle involving allegations from women wrestlers. The case stemmed from protests that brought national attention to wrestling administration issues. Police had filed charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against the accused.

Vozinha, a breakout star from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has arrived in Chile. Hundreds of jubilant supporters welcomed the Cape Verde goalkeeper at the airport. His transfer to Colo Colo was delayed on three separate occasions due to documentation issues. The Chilean Football Federation allowed him to wear his nickname on his jersey.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated India's athletes for their 39 medals at the Glasgow Games. India secured fourth place despite fewer sports and a smaller contingent. Gulveer Singh made history as the sole double medallist for India. The Commonwealth Games flag was officially handed over to India for 2030. Ahmedabad will host the prestigious centenary edition of the Games.

Auqib Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.

India's injury crisis shows no signs of easing. Jasprit Bumrah will miss both Sri Lanka Tests, joining Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar on the sidelines, while Sai Sudharsan awaits fitness clearance. With key players breaking down repeatedly, the BCCI is likely to part ways with head physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain and team doctor Dr Rizwan Khan.

Ajinkya Rahane expressed gratitude for fan support following his international cricket retirement. He received numerous messages and tributes from the cricketing fraternity. Virat Kohli praised Rahane as his favorite Test batting partner. Sachin Tendulkar recalled Rahane's dedication and composure during his career. Rahane's leadership during India's 2020-21 Australia Test series win was highlighted.