The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has rejected claims it failed to submit the names of excluded Asian Games tennis players to the IOA, with TimesofIndia.com accessing a July 3 letter seeking their inclusion. AITA argued event-specific selections would maximise medal prospects, but the Sports Ministry has stood by its strict Asia-ranking criteria despite criticism from ex-player Rohan Bopanna.
Morne Morkel provides a crucial update on Rishabh Pants shoulder injury and praises Prasidh Krishna after his impressive spell in Colombo.
England captain Joe Root is deeply disappointed by another player's off-field incident. Fast bowler Brydon Carse was seen in handcuffs outside a nightclub early Sunday. This event has prompted an investigation by the England Cricket Regulator. Root stated that these recurring mistakes detract from the team's on-field performance. He acknowledged the need for players to understand their responsibilities away from the game.
Sri Lanka's stubborn lower order turned a seemingly straightforward day into a gruelling Test for India, leaving the visitors with 12 wickets to take and limited time to force a 2-0 series win.
Gameweek 1 delivered landmark wins, dramatic late goals and standout individual milestones. Arsenal began their title defence strongly, while Arteta reached 150 Premier League victories. Hull stunned Manchester United, Liverpool extended their unbeaten opening-day streak to 14 seasons, and Ipswich ended a 30-year wait. Chelsea also made history with Joo Pedros 31-second opener, while promoted sides made an impressive early impact.
Rishabh Pant is dealing with a severely bruised shoulder that is affecting his performance as a wicketkeeper. On day three of the Test match, India's bowlers had a challenging time dismissing the Sri Lankan team, but Prasidh Krishna exhibited commendable skill with his energetic spells. Mohammed Siraj also put in a tireless effort on a tough pitch, as India pushe for a swift end to enforce the follow-on.
After years in the wilderness, Zeeshan Ansari's IPL and India A exposure has helped the leg-spinner understand his craft better, with the UP T20 league providing the breakthrough that revived his career.
India have made a strong start to their ongoing series in Sri Lanka, leading 1-0 after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs. They have also taken control of the second Test after a big batting effort. Rahul Dravid feels the Sri Lanka series is an important first step, but India still have plenty of work to do.
Stephen Fleming had been in charge of CSK for close to 16 years and guided the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League crowns. However, after a couple of disappointing seasons, Fleming stepped down. Hayden described the decision as a bold one while praising the partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni.
P.R. Sreejesh, the former goalkeeper, has raised serious concerns about the Indian hockey management's strategies following the failures of both the men's and women's teams. With the men's squad falling short against Argentina, and the women's team drawing against Australia, neither team advanced to the World Cup semifinals. These disappointing results highlight the urgent need for reevaluation to enhance India's competitive edge in international hockey.
Dhruv Jurel opens up after his century, discussing his partnership with Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Sirajs support, the pressure of representing India and his farmer-soldier family roots.
Dhruv Jurels stunning hundred has come at the perfect time. Heres why his big knock could be a major relief for Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill.
Indias mens hockey team exit the 2026 World Cup semi-final race after losing 3-5 to Argentina. Two early goals put India on the back foot, while poor passing and missed penalty corners hurt their comeback hopes. Sukhjeet scores twice and Hardik adds a penalty stroke, but Argentinas five-goal haul seals victory. India now play for seventh or eighth place.
The recently concluded BWF World Championships in New Delhi highlighted the complex task of scheduling elite badminton, as injuries, television demands and player recovery constantly reshaped the order of play. While Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly were rushed to court in an eventual win, France's Toma Junior Popov questioned uneven recovery time, exposing the delicate balance tournament referees must strike.
With his place under pressure and Sarfaraz Khan breathing down his neck, Dhruv Jurel delivered when India needed him most. His hard-earned hundred in Colombo could be the knock that turns a make-or-break series into a career-defining one. India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 as only 53 overs were possible on Day 2.

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