From the electrifying victory of the Indian cricket team in the recent T20 series to the rising star power of young badminton sensations, India's sporting landscape is ablaze with action! This week alone saw record-breaking performances in the Pro Kabaddi League, showcasing the nation's unwavering passion for indigenous sports. The upcoming Asian Games are generating immense anticipation, with athletes across disciplines sharpening their skills and aiming for glory on the international stage. We delve into the crucial role of sports sponsorships in nurturing talent and boosting India's sporting infrastructure. Furthermore, debates rage on about the future of cricket's dominance in India's sporting ecosystem, with other sports like hockey and football vying for increased attention and investment. Stay updated on all the latest scores, match analyses, and exclusive interviews with your favorite athletes. Explore the dynamic world of Indian sports—from the bustling stadiums to the quiet dedication of rising stars—right here. Discover the stories that shape the nation’s sporting spirit and witness the unfolding drama of the sporting year.
PANAJI: Manolo Marquez's tenure as coach of the national football team ended after just eight games as the Spanish coach and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) mutually decided to part ways.The decision was endorsed during the AIFF executive committee meeting in the Capital on Wednesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Under Manolo's watch, India won just one international friendly against Maldives, while losing both games - Thailand and Hong Kong - as full-time coach since last month. The coach had two years left on his contract."We are parting ways without any financial implication to either of the two parties," AIFF deputy secretary general Satyanarayan M told TOI. "We will now advertise for a new national team coach, inviting applications from those interested in the job."When AIFF followed a similar process last year following the sacking of Igor Stimac, it received 291 applications, which included 100 with UEFA Pro License diplomas, 20 with Asia's highest coaching degree and three with from South America.Facing a cash crunch, the AIFF eventually decided to rope in Manolo as coach of club-and-country.Some members, including those in the technical committee, are now in favour of an Indian as coach, with Khalid Jamil and Sanjoy Sen among the two names on top of that list. Sources, though, said no decision has been made if the next coach will be an Indian or foreigner."We will need someone with experience of Indian football," said one member who attended the meeting. "It's never easy for a foreign coach to understand the country, its culture and the mindset. He will need at least six months (to settle down), and by that time the crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign would have been decided."India are at the bottom of the four-team group with just a point from the first two games. Only the group winners qualify for the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia.Manolo, who did a dual job last season also coaching FC Goa, took charge of the national team in July last year. But while expectations were high, given his stint with FC Goa and Hyderabad FC, where he won the ISL trophy and developed several players, his record as national team coach left a lot to be desired. His eight games in charge include one win, four draws and three losses, two of them last month as India's full-time coach.This is the second time that Manolo has walked away from a top job. In 2017, as coach of Las Palmas in the La Liga, the Spaniard quit after just six matches though his contract was till the end of the season."It was a nice experience, a short one, but I realized that this was not the correct moment to be there," Manolo had told TOI during a Townhall early this year. "The dressing room was very dangerous. Now, since it's been some years, I can laugh about this but in those moments, I could not sleep."Manolo has not yet spoken on why he was reluctant to continue with the national team.Meanwhile, the AIFF executive committee proposed to increase match time for Indian players, particularly strikers, by reducing the number of foreign players in both leagues.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play Mohammedan SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The Mariners will look to complete a league double over Mohammedan SC, having bagged a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture on October 5, 2024. If they manage to do so, it will mark the sixth team they have registered a league double over in their first attempt in the ISL, a press release from the ISL stated. Also Read | Which Team Saqib Mahmood is Part of in IPL 2025? Know Details About Which ...Read More >
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Saturday asserted that Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will visit the state as announced by the government earlier, and that the sponsor has paid the match fee for the event. He said the World Cup winner is likely to come in October or November this year, and they would be treated as state guests. The government would meet their security, accommodation and other facilities. The news would come as a fresh ray of hope for football fans in one of India's surviving football hubs. Earlier, several media reports had claimed that Argentina's scheduled visit ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) The All India Football Federation on Sunday announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the senior Indian women's team following their historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time through the qualifiers. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign, winning all four matches convincingly to seal their spot at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. Also Read | Did Akash Deep Clean Bowled Joe Root on No-Ball During IND vs ENG 2nd Test 2025? Here's All You Need To Know About MCC Law's Regarding Controversial Dismissal. India's last appearance at ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women's National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand on Sunday, according to a release from AIFF. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign, convincingly winning all four matches. India recorded emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0) before clinching the group stage with a crucial 2-1 win against the higher-ranked hosts, Thailand. While the results may have ...Read More >
Shillong, July 7: Football fever is set to grip Shillong once again as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium gears up to host Group E matches of the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup. Local favourites Shillong Lajong FC will kick off their campaign on July 26 against the Foreign Services Team, marking the city's return as a key venue in India's oldest football tournament. Adding further excitement to the local calendar, Shillong will witness a high-voltage derby clash between city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC on July 29 -- a match expected to draw massive local support ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 11: Indian football, already reeling because of poor results and the plunging ranking of the senior men's team, landed in further turmoil on Friday with the organisers of the Indian Super League putting the 2025-26 edition on hold because of delay in renewal of its contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the IMG Reliance subsidiary that organises the Indian Super League (ISL), has put the upcoming 2025-26 season of ISL on hold because of the stalled negotiations over extending its deal with the All-India Football Federati ...Read More >
Leh (Ladakh) [India], January 8 (ANI): Padma Desal delivered a stellar performance, scoring six goals to lead Sham Eagles to a commanding 8-3 victory over Chiktan Queens in the women's category of the Ice Hockey League Season 2. The Eagles kicked off their campaign impressively, setting a new season record for the highest-scoring match. In the men's category, Changthan Shans maintained their perfect start, defeating Zangskar Chadar Tamers 7-2 to remain unbeaten after three games. Purig Warriors ended Sham Wolves' unbeaten streak with an impressive 5-2 victory, while the match between Humas War ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 (UNI) Amid swirling speculation over the possible cancellation of an exhibition match involving global football icon Lionel Messi, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Saturday reaffirmed that the much-anticipated event is very much on. "World Champion Argentina football team will visit Kerala," the minister said in a social media post, adding that Messi -- fondly known as King Leo -- is confirmed to participate in the match. His clarification comes in the wake of reports suggesting uncertainty around the event, prompting concern among fans and stakeholders. The ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) The All India Football Federation have mutually parted ways with national team head coach Manolo Marquez after his tenure saw India fall down to 127 in FIFA rankings. The AIFF executive committee met on Wednesday and approved the decision as per reports. His exit follows after AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had confirmed that Marquez's tenure will be under review at the said meeting. Despite a poor run of results, concerns finally arose after India's poor start to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers as the men in blue played out a draw against Bangladesh in the ope ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian football, already reeling because of poor results and the plunging ranking of the senior men's team, landed in further turmoil on Friday with the organisers of the Indian Super League putting the 2025-26 edition on hold because of delay in renewal of its contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the IMG Reliance subsidiary that organises the Indian Super League (ISL), has put the upcoming 2025-26 season of ISL on hold because of the stalled negotiations over extending its deal with the All-India ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): Launched to bring the excitement of street cricket to a professional platform and showcase the country's cricketing talent, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) became an instant success during its inaugural season earlier this year. According to a press release, the league's second season is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from January 26 to February 15, 2025. "Indian Street Premier League is a great platform for India's cricket talent, and the inaugural season highlighted the immense potential of this tournament. ISPL not only created oppor ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play Mohammedan SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The Mariners will look to complete a league double over Mohammedan SC, having bagged a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture on October 5, 2024. If they manage to do so, it will mark the sixth team they have registered a league double over in their first attempt in the ISL, a press release from the ISL stated. The Mariners have won 12 games and drawn four times in their 18 league encounters so ...Read More >
Kowloon (Hong Kong), June 8 (UNI) India and Hong Kong, China's meeting on Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 is billed as the highest-stakes clash of Group C as they are the top two ranked sides in the four-team group, and are aiming for the first win of their campaign. Placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, India, ranked 127th, got off to a slow start with a draw against Bangladesh in March. Meanwhile, Pot 2 side Hong Kong, ranked 153, could also only manage a point in Singapore, meaning there is still nothing to separate the four sides after th ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Jun 8: The Indian Premier League needs a 12-16 week operating window to match the brand value of top sporting leagues in the world including the NFL, NBA and Premier League, reckons Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman. At USD 16.8 million, the IPL is only behind NFL (USD 36.8 million) in terms of per-match value but needs to catch up with its global rivals like NFL and leading European football leagues when it comes to the overall brand value pecking order. According to leading investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL is valued at roughly USD 16 billion while one NFL franchise Dalla ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said authorities cannot go against demolition orders issued by courts and stressed that displaced residents have been provided accommodation.Her words came in the wake of the recent Madrasi Camp demolition for which the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised her. AAP has targeted Gupta, and alleged that the displaced Madrasi Camp residents were provided homes in faraway Narela, and those lack basic amenities.Attending an event to mark the construction of a Jan Sewa camp at a slum cluster in the Haiderpur area, Gupta told reporters: "In t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) Under-fire India football head coach Manolo Marquez stepped down on Wednesday after reaching a "mutual agreement" with the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) following a string of poor performances by the national team. The AIFF Executive Committee, in its meeting here, agreed to relieve Marquez after he expressed his desire to do so despite one year still left in his contract. Also Read | WI vs AUS 2025: Daren Sammy Holds No 'Grudges' Against TV Umpire After Barbados Fallout, Says 'I Wish He Has an Awesome Game'. "The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways ...Read More >
Imphal, July 10: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday highlighted the state's legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasised the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments. The Governor, while addressing the trophy showcase Ceremony of the 134th Edition Durand Cup 2025 held at City Convention Centre in Imphal, commended the Indian Army's consistent role in promoting sports and national integration. He expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region. Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, further stated that hosting ...Read More >
Aditi Chauhan, the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, has retired after a 17-year career. A decade after becoming the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, Aditi Chauhan has announced her retirement from the game, concluding a 17-year career. The former India women's team goalkeeper, now 32, aims to work off the pitch to create a "stronger pathway and ecosystem" for future players. "Thank you, football -- for shaping me, testing me, and carrying m ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) About 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting culture among students, Union Education Minister Dharemndra Pradhan has said. The minister announced this on Sunday at the PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William in Kolkata, where he flagged off the distribution of FIFA footballs as part of the Football for Schools (F4S). "Approximately 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country, aiming to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting cult ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 3 (ANI): FC Bengaluru United (FCBU), one of Karnataka's leading football clubs, has reappointed Nallappan Mohanraj as head coach, ahead of the club's preparations for the upcoming domestic season. A respected figure in Indian football, Mohanraj brings back his deep experience as both player and coach. He holds an AFC 'A' Diploma and has previously coached India's U-19, U-20, and U-23 teams, in addition to leading Tamil Nadu to a Santosh Trophy final round after an eight-year gap, as per a press release from FC Bengaluru United. Also Read | WI vs AUS 2nd Te ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Argentina's World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi paid tribute to Liverpool striker Diogo Jota following his demise in a car accident. Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota died in a car accident on Thursday in Spain at the age of 28. At the time of the accident, Jota was with his brother in the car, as reported by Sky Sports. Premier League and Liverpool Football Club took to their official social media and paid their condolences to the footballer. Also Read | Shubman Gill Records: Here's List of Achievements of Team India Test Captain During His Record-Breaki ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Indian football has found itself in jeopardy, again. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) which manages India's premier football competition -- Indian Super League (ISL) -- has officially put the 2025-26 season on hold, citing uncertainty in the Master Rights Agreements (MRA) with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which is set to expire at the end of the year. A letter addressed to clubs on Friday revealed that the FSDL is uncertain on holding the league beyond the agreement's expiration date - December 8 2025. "Given this situation, we regret to inform you (the ISL clu ...Read More >
Indian Football: Manolo Marquez has stepped down as head coach of the Indian men's football team, ending his tenure with the national side by mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The decision was made official on Wednesday following an AIFF Executive Committee meeting held in New Delhi. Although Marquez still had a year left on his contract, he had expressed his desire to exit the role, prompting the federation to accept his request. "The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways without any financial implications to any of the two parties. So, he is relieved f ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals, which are set to be held on August 16 and 17. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC on Friday announced the departure of Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez by mutual consent. The Spanish striker had joined ahead of the 2024-25 season, tasked with replacing Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos. Despite a tough campaign for the team, Jimenez hit the ground running and instantly made his mark. He found the back of the net in nine of his first 12 ISL matches, missing out on the scoresheet just three times during that period. Also Read | Italy National Cricket Team Players: Meet The Squad Which He ...Read More >
Chandigarh, Jan 8 (PTI) Long-jump great Anju Bobby George was on Wednesday named chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India's nine-strong athletes commission that features six women with javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra being its most prominent male member. The other women in the new panel are runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, hurdler MD Valsamma, steeplechaser Sudha Singh and runner Sunita Rani. George, a 2003 world championships bronze-winner, is also a senior vice president in the AFI. Also Read | FC Goa vs Hyderabad FC, ISL 2024-25 Live Streaming Online on J ...Read More >
Jamshedpur, January 17: Stephen Eze's sensational solo goal helped Jamshedpur FC secure a 1-1 draw against league leaders Mohun Bagan SG in a fiercely contested Indian Super League (ISL) match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday. This marked Jamshedpur FC's first draw of the season, elevating them to second place on the points table with 28 points from 15 matches, while Mohun Bagan SG remains on top with 36 points from 16 matches. The highlight of the match came in the 60th minute when Eze came up with a fantastic run that culminated in a goal for Jamshedpur. The towering defender interc ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. Also Read | Highest Test Match Aggregates for Batter, From Shubman Gill to Wiaan Mulder; Check Full List. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two b ...Read More >
Chandigarh: Punjab chief ministerBhagwant Mann on Thursday said the government will table a bill in the assembly on Friday to introduce harsher punishment for religious sacrilege. However, the law will not be enacted immediately, as the government plans to hold consultations with stakeholders before finalising the legislation.Mann said the decision was taken in a meeting of the cabinet earlier in the day. After the legislation is tabled, Punjab govt will gather suggestions on the law from stakeholders, including religious organisations and people, he added.Sources said said the new legislation ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC (CFC) on Thursday announced that they have mutually parted ways with head coach Owen Coyle. Coyle leaves the club after a two-season tenure, having joined the club in 2023. Owen Coyle first took charge of Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 season, when he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround by lifting the club from the bottom half of the table to a dramatic run into the ISL final. Upon his return in 2023, Coyle once again made an immediate impact, guiding the team to the playoffs for the first time in four years. They ...Read More >