Sports
60 briefs · reviewed, positive, calm dispatches.
Chinnaswamy and Chepauk shortlisted to host Duleep Trophy 2026 final
The BCCI is understood to be considering Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium and Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium as potential venues for the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, exploring an option to play the showpiece match in front of spectators.
Marijne’s ‘unity’ band gives India fresh belief at Women’s Hockey World Cup
A simple red-and-yellow ‘unity’ band introduced by coach Sjoerd Marijne is becoming a quiet symbol of togetherness for India’s women’s hockey team at the World Cup—helping players stay connected, composed and confident in big moments.
Lalremsiami becomes first from Mizoram nominated for the Arjuna Award
Indian hockey player Lalremsiami has earned a proud milestone, becoming the first athlete from Mizoram to be nominated for the Arjuna Award. The recognition highlights her journey and the growing sporting pathway for talent from the North-East.
Padikkal: Seize the chance and help the team win
Devdutt Padikkal has underlined the value of making the most of opportunities, saying the focus must stay on helping the team win. The batter also reflected on the adjustments required when switching between white-ball cricket and Tests.
Pramod Bhagat and Rutuja Bhosale welcome expanded Khelo India roadmap
Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat and tennis player Rutuja Bhosale have voiced support for an expanded Khelo India framework, which aims to strengthen India’s sporting pipeline and build momentum towards top-10 and top-five Olympic ambitions for 2036 and 2048.
Facing the No. 1 challenge: India’s athletes focus on process, not pressure
Taking on the world No. 1 is a rare test of skill and mindset. Indian sport is increasingly treating such moments as learning opportunities—building routines, belief and match intelligence—so every big contest becomes a step towards long-term excellence.
Ayush Shetty savours ‘special win’, credits calm mindset and preparation
Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty called his latest victory a ‘special win’, saying he was delighted with how he played. He highlighted mental calm, physical readiness and steady self-talk as key to handling nerves and tough moments.
Facing the No. 1 challenge: Indian sport’s next big test
Taking on the world No. 1 is sport’s toughest assignment—but also its clearest learning window. For Indian athletes and teams, such match-ups sharpen strategy, build belief, and accelerate progress, turning elite competition into a constructive roadmap.
Facing the world No. 1: India’s athletes embrace the toughest test
Taking on the world No. 1 is sport’s sharpest benchmark, and Indian athletes are increasingly treating it as a learning opportunity. The focus is on preparation, clarity and calm execution—turning elite match-ups into stepping stones for sustained progress.
Shameemudheen tops PVL Season 5 auction as biggest buy
Indian volleyball received a timely boost as Shameemudheen emerged as the biggest buy at the Prime Volleyball League (PVL) Season 5 auction. The outcome signals growing confidence in domestic talent and a stronger, more competitive league ecosystem.
Tejasvi Dahiya eyes next step after rapid unbeaten 60 in Delhi Premier League
Delhi Premier League batter Tejasvi Dahiya says he wants to take his game to the next level after a decisive unbeaten 60 off 29 balls helped his side chase 218. His innings underlined growing composure in the middle order.
Indian sports wrap (Aug 17): Vignesh, Saranya lift Asian junior blitz titles
India’s sports diary for Monday, August 17, brought encouraging news from the chessboard as Vignesh and Saranya won the Asian junior blitz championship titles. Here’s a calm, all-in-one wrap of the day’s key updates and results.
T. Natarajan’s slower bouncer: three years of craft, one perfect moment
T. Natarajan’s slower bouncer—refined over three years with former India bowler Sreenath Aravind—came good in a TNPL outing for iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans against Vida Kovai Kings, showing how patient planning can sharpen match-winning skills.
James Maddison returns as Spurs stay unbeaten in Hoffenheim friendly
Tottenham Hotspur received a timely boost as James Maddison made his first pre-season appearance, playing 45 minutes against Hoffenheim after recovering from two serious knee injuries. Spurs completed their friendly schedule unbeaten, adding momentum ahead of the new campaign.
Karnataka announces ₹15 lakh reward for CWG medallist Shilpa K. Shyla
Karnataka has announced a ₹15 lakh reward for Commonwealth Games medallist Shilpa K. Shyla. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara also outlined plans to upgrade Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium and develop a 60-acre sports city near Devanahalli.
Harmanpreet Singh: India won’t overthink penalty-corner reliance, focus on balance
India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh says the team will not overthink talk of over-reliance on penalty corners, stressing a balanced attacking approach and steady improvement. The message underlines calm leadership and process-driven preparation ahead of upcoming challenges.
P. V. Sindhu says 2017-18 World finals defeats helped her build a stronger comeback
India’s top shuttler P. V. Sindhu says her World Championships final defeats in 2017 and 2018 strengthened her mindset and taught her how to return stronger. She is set for the 10th Worlds of her career, and her first before home fans.
India steady at 288/2 at stumps on Day 2 as Galle pitch is covered
India closed Day 2 of the first Test in Galle on 288/2, building a composed platform despite interruptions. With the pitch covered at stumps, the match remains nicely poised, offering India a promising base to convert on Day 3.
Amit Bhatia-led consortium to acquire minority stake in Liverpool F.C.
A British Indian consortium led by Amit Bhatia has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool F.C., partnering with current owners Fenway Sports Group. The move highlights growing Indian-linked participation in global sport, anchored in long-term collaboration.
Julian Weber’s 90.40m javelin breaks European Championship record
Germany’s Julian Weber produced a standout 90.40m javelin throw to set a new European Athletics Championship record. The effort also made him only the second athlete this season to breach the 90m mark, signalling top form at the highest level.
Japan signs off in style with four Shore Temple Classic titles in Mahabalipuram
Japan completed a memorable clean sweep at the WSL Shore Temple Classic in Mahabalipuram, with Ikko Watanabe, Mirai Ikeda, Yuma Nagasawa and Hinata Shimizu lifting four titles on the final day, closing the event on an upbeat note.
Japan completes Shore Temple Classic sweep in Mahabalipuram finale
Japan signed off from the WSL Shore Temple Classic in Mahabalipuram with a clean sweep of four titles. Ikko Watanabe, Mirai Ikeda, Yuma Nagasawa and Hinata Shimizu topped their categories, closing the event on an upbeat note.
DPL: Tejasvi’s brisk 60 powers Superstarz to a thrilling chase
Tejasvi produced a sparkling 29-ball 60 to guide Superstarz to a high-pressure chase, overhauling a stiff target of 218 with two balls to spare. The result underlined the value of calm finishing and fearless strokeplay.
Japan completes clean sweep in surfing, clinches all four titles
Japan underlined its consistency in competitive surfing by sealing a clean sweep of four titles, showcasing depth across categories. The results highlight strong athlete pipelines and raise the bar for Asian surfing, including India’s growing surf community.
Kotak praises Padikkal’s encouraging approach on IND vs SL Test Day 1
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Devdutt Padikkal’s method on Day 1 of the India vs Sri Lanka Test was “really encouraging”, highlighting how batters are being assessed on adaptability, decision-making and composure across changing conditions.
Sarthak Chavan edges Indian National Racing Challenge 2W in a photo-finish
India’s sports results on August 15 brought a strong highlight from motorsport, with Sarthak Chavan clinching the Indian National Racing Challenge 2W by the narrowest of margins. The day’s wrap reflects depth, competitiveness and steady progress across disciplines.
AUS vs BAN, Day 3: Bangladesh resume 351/6, lead Australia by 153 in Darwin
Bangladesh will begin Day 3 at 351/6 in the first Test against Australia in Darwin, holding a 153-run lead. With the lower order still intact, the visitors have a promising chance to build a decisive first-innings advantage.
Refaay and Sohayla clinch PSA Challenger Tour titles in Kolkata
Third seed Refaay produced a strong comeback to beat top seed Mohamed Gohar in Kolkata, winning the PSA Challenger Tour men’s title. Sohayla also emerged champion, capping a positive week for competitive squash in the city.
Praggnanandhaa rebounds with decisive win over Jorden van Foreest
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa produced a crisp bounce-back victory against Jorden van Foreest, moving to 2.5 points from four games in the 10-player, nine-round event—an encouraging lift as the tournament settles into its early rhythm.
Gaganjeet Bhullar stresses strong showing in multi-sport events for Indian golf
Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar has underlined the importance of delivering strong performances in multi-sport events, saying such stages can lift golf’s visibility and inspire new participation. He also highlighted the value of preparation, consistency and representing the country with pride.
Siraj, Tilak Varma lead HCA list for domestic fitness camp ahead of 2026-27
The Hyderabad Cricket Association has named players for fitness assessments and preparatory camps ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. Mohammed Siraj and Tilak Varma headline the senior group, alongside selections for U-23 and U-19 camps.
Priyansh says young cricketers should learn from Abhishek and Sooryavanshi
In a message of steady ambition and growth, Priyansh has urged youngsters to closely observe Abhishek and Sooryavanshi, focusing on discipline, preparation and match awareness. The emphasis is on learning habits that translate into consistent performances.
Chiranth clinches pole for Super Sport 301-400cc Open as weekend builds
Petronas TVS Racing rider Chiranth secured pole position in the Super Sport 301-400cc Open, setting an upbeat tone for the racing weekend. In another strong qualifying performance, Kamal Navas of Team Rockers Racing topped the Super Stock 301-400cc category.
Japan shines at Shore Temple Classic as Higgs keeps Thailand in the hunt
Japan dominated Day 3 of the Shore Temple Classic in Mahabalipuram, stacking the semifinal line-ups across categories. Thailand’s Isabel Higgs stood out as the lone non-Japanese finalist, keeping the international contest lively on Tamil Nadu’s coast.
Indian sports wrap (Aug 14): Shubham Jaglan wins maiden Coal India Open title
India’s sporting day on August 14 brought an encouraging headline as Shubham Jaglan clinched his maiden title at the Coal India Open. Here’s a calm, concise wrap of key updates and results, highlighting steady progress and positive momentum.
Dhananjaya de Silva on Galle challenge: ‘A tough place to keep wickets’
Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva has underlined the unique challenge of wicketkeeping in Galle ahead of the India series, calling conditions demanding for keepers. He also hinted at a possible debut for off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty: ‘We want to go as far as possible’
India’s leading men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty say they are aiming to push as deep as possible at the World Championships, while staying grounded with a one-match-at-a-time mindset and renewed confidence after recent injury concerns.
Sindhu on badminton’s evolution as India prepares to host the World Championships
P.V. Sindhu, who watched the World Championships in Hyderabad as a 14-year-old, says Indian badminton has grown in infrastructure and intent since then. From that early inspiration to her 2019 gold, she sees a home edition as a milestone moment.
Mysuru monsoon racing season to begin on 3 September
The Mysuru monsoon racing season is set to get underway on 3 September, offering a fresh run of race days for fans, owners and trainers. The calendar is expected to add sporting energy and local economic activity through the season.
P.V. Sindhu on dreaming big: ‘Winning on home soil for India is all I could ask for’
P.V. Sindhu says the prospect of winning major honours in India is deeply motivating, as she looks ahead with quiet confidence. In an interview, the Olympic medallist reflects on ambition, preparation, and what representing the country at home would mean.
Durand Cup: Jamshedpur FC marches into the quarterfinals
Jamshedpur FC booked its place in the Durand Cup last eight with a confident group-stage finish, underlining the squad’s growing rhythm and depth. The result keeps the club’s knockout hopes alive and energises fans ahead of the quarterfinals.
P.V. Sindhu on chasing glory at home: “For the country, that’s everything”
In a recent interview, P.V. Sindhu reflected on what a title on home soil would mean, calling it the ultimate dream “for the country”. The Olympic medallist spoke about motivation, preparation, and staying focused on long-term goals.
India women target Hockey World Cup podium with measured expectations
India’s women’s hockey team heads into the World Cup aiming for a podium finish, while keeping expectations realistic. The focus is on disciplined performances, steady improvement, and building momentum through the tournament’s key phases.
Sandeep Warrier set to represent Chhattisgarh in the new domestic season
Experienced seamer Sandeep Warrier will turn out for Chhattisgarh in the upcoming domestic season, adding depth and leadership to their pace unit. The move underlines how domestic cricket continues to open fresh pathways for talent and opportunity.
PV Sindhu on badminton’s evolution as India prepares for home Worlds
Ahead of the World Championships coming to India, P.V. Sindhu reflected on how badminton has grown since she watched the event as a 14-year-old in Hyderabad. From sharper intent to better support systems, she sees a stronger ecosystem today.
Algonquin and Neutralist shine in an encouraging day on the track
Algonquin and Neutralist stood out in a promising day of racing, underlining the depth and preparation in the stables. Their performances offered fans a calm, confidence-boosting snapshot of form and competition building through the season.
Indian sports wrap: New coach education programme launched by Chopra Foundation, Gopichand
India’s sports updates for August 13 highlighted a forward-looking development in grassroots excellence, with the Neeraj Chopra Foundation, Pullela Gopichand and AISTS INDIA coming together to launch a structured coach education programme aimed at building stronger pathways for athletes.
Cameroon to meet surprise finalists Malawi in WAFCON 2026 showdown
Cameroon will play Malawi in the WAFCON 2026 final after Malawi beat Algeria 3-1, powered by two goals from Tabitha Chawinga. Cameroon edged Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a goalless semi-final in a tense finish.
Italy’s Curtis sets new 50m backstroke world record at European Championships
Italian teenager Curtis produced a standout swim at the European Championships, clocking 26.63 seconds in the women’s 50m backstroke semifinal. The time bettered the previous world record held by Australia’s Kaylee McKeown by 0.23 seconds.
Asian Junior Chess Championship draws strong, talented field
A strong and diverse line-up is set for the Asian Junior Chess Championship, underscoring the region’s growing depth in youth chess. For India’s emerging players, it offers a high-quality stage to test preparation, nerves and consistency.
Sachin Baby eyes a stronger return as he targets unfinished business in KCL
Sachin Baby is looking to make the most of his next spell in the KCL, approaching the tournament with clarity and purpose. With experience on his side, he hopes to translate preparation into consistent performances for his side.
Praggnanandhaa outlasts Sindarov in 95-move Sinquefield Cup Round 2 win
Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa produced a patient, high-quality performance to defeat Sindarov in Round 2 of the Sinquefield Cup 2026. The six-hour, 95-move marathon ended in a technically precise Knight-Rook endgame with Pragg winning as White.
Chennaiyin FC adds French playmaker Madih Talal to strengthen attack
Chennaiyin FC has signed French attacking midfielder Madih Talal, bolstering its creative options ahead of the new season. Talal arrives after building a solid ISL footprint with Punjab FC, East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC.
T Dilip: Virat Kohli’s fielding intensity lifts teammates to new limits
India fielding coach T Dilip says Virat Kohli’s “non-negotiable” intensity sets a high bar that inspires at least five others to stretch their limits in the field. His reflexes, dives and presence energise the group culture.
Chaminda Vaas on swing bowling and simplicity in modern cricket
Sri Lanka pace great Chaminda Vaas reflects on why keeping things simple still works in today’s fast-paced cricket. From swing bowling basics to lessons from the 1996 World Cup and the IPL, he shares calm, practical insights for young players and coaches.
Arjun Erigaisi vs Nihal Sarin to open EWC 2026 chess group stage
Indian chess gets a marquee moment at the Esports World Cup 2026 as Arjun Erigaisi faces Nihal Sarin in an all-Indian group-stage opener. In Paris, Magnus Carlsen begins his title defence against Andrey Esipenko.
Pune set to host 16th Junior Women’s National Hockey with 30 teams
Pune will welcome 30 teams for the 16th Junior Women’s National Hockey Championship, organised across Divisions A, B and C. The tiered format supports fair competition and offers a clear pathway for teams to progress through India’s national system.
India adds seven medals on Day 2 of U-23 Commonwealth Fencing
Indian fencers extended a promising run at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing event, adding seven medals on Day 2. Competing in senior individual bouts across women’s Sabre, women’s Épée and men’s Foil, India secured one gold, two silver and four bronze.
Gagan Narang launches ‘Avsar’ initiative, dedicates it to his mother
Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang has launched ‘Avsar’, a new initiative aimed at supporting aspiring shooters. He announced it on July 30—the date he won his Olympic medal in 2012—and dedicated the project to his late mother.
Tolkien and Ranquelino impress in competitive Indian racing action
Tolkien and Ranquelino delivered pleasing performances on the Indian racing circuit, offering a steady reminder of depth in local stables. The results add confidence for connections and fans alike as the season builds momentum.