The Times of India

Donald Trump has unveiled a custom championship belt and White House arena plans for UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14 as part of Americas 250th anniversary celebrations. UFC stars Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane joined Trump at the Oval Office ahead of the historic event, which will feature fights staged on the White House South Lawn.

Saudi Arabias decision to end funding for LIV Golf after 2026 has sparked wider scrutiny of its global sports spending. However, TKO Group executives insist Saudi backing for UFC, WWE and boxing remains secure, with planned events in the Middle East continuing. The move reflects a possible strategic shift within the Public Investment Fund amid rising costs and changing priorities.

Former Manchester United power development coach Mick Clegg has revealed that Wayne Rooney was left in tears after the 2008 Champions League final, believing he had underperformed despite Uniteds penalty shootout victory over Chelsea. Clegg also reflected on Rooneys intense dedication to fitness, his response to comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, and his determination during injury recovery ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

Two Lanarkshire businessmen who publicly projected success through sponsorships and luxury branding were unmasked as organisers of an 11 million cocaine trafficking network after EncroChat messages exposed their operation. Despite maintaining a respectable corporate image, greed and excess drove their criminal enterprise. Their prison sentences reinforce a warning: organised crime eventually collapses under scrutiny, regardless of wealth, image or influence.

Ted Turner, the media mogul behind CNN, TNT, and TBS, has died at 87. He transformed professional wrestling by turning WCW into a national rival to WWF, launching Monday Nitro and the nWo era. Turners hands-off approach, cultural insight, and media empire permanently reshaped wrestling and television. He is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Timothe Chalamet has unveiled the first teaser for Adidas 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Instagram, featuring Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Bad Bunny and others. The cinematic clip presents a star-studded crossover linking football, music and film, with a full campaign release expected tomorrow ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

New sparring footage of Conor McGregor and former UFC contender Dong Hyun Kim has surfaced online ahead of McGregors expected return this summer. McGregor appeared to control much of the session at SBG Ireland, though fans debated his sharpness and pace. He is reportedly set to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July.

FOX Sports has announced a nationwide search for a Chief World Cup Watcher, offering $50,000 to watch all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The selected applicant will stream games in 4K from a Times Square studio, create social media content, and begin work June 6. Applications are open until May 17 via Indeed.

Wu Yize became the second-youngest World Snooker Champion after a dramatic 1817 win over Shaun Murphy at the Crucible, earning 500,000. The 22-year-old reflected on his familys sacrifices and his early struggles in Sheffield, where he moved at 16. He now plans to invest his prize money in property in Sheffield rather than luxury spending, marking a grounded start to his reign.

Speculation over a Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway rematch for UFC 329 intensified after EA Sports released the UFC 6 trailer featuring a simulated version of their bout, showing Holloway finishing McGregor. The footage, released ahead of International Fight Week, has fuelled talk around McGregors potential return after a long injury absence, with Holloway also acknowledging interest in the matchup.

Tensions between top tennis players and the Grand Slams are escalating ahead of the 2026 French Open, with Aryna Sabalenka warning of a potential boycott over prize money and player welfare. Despite a 9.5% increase at Roland Garros, players argue their revenue share continues to decline, citing inadequate consultation, insufficient welfare provisions, and a growing disconnect between tournament earnings and competitor compensation.

Usain Bolts quote, I dont think limits, reflects a mindset shaped by injuries, setbacks, and discipline throughout his career. Beyond sprinting, it challenges people to resist early self-imposed ceilings, rethink whats possible, and focus on solutions over judgment. Bolts approach emphasizes consistent effort, mental resilience, and refusing to let temporary setbacks define long-term potential, both on and off the track.

Saudi Arabia has implemented stringent new penalties, including hefty fines and deportation for foreign residents, for attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit. These measures aim to enhance pilgrim safety and manage overcrowding during the annual pilgrimage, with strict enforcement beginning from Dhu Al Qi'dah.

UAE schools are merging the Eid Al Adha holidays with the mid-term break. This creates an extended holiday for students and families. Schools are adjusting revision plans and exam schedules. Many students could get up to nine days off. This period is expected to see a travel rush.