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.
New Delhi, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey on Friday convened a meeting with deputy secretary general, M. Satyanarayan, technical director Syed Sabir Pasha, director of national teams Subrata Paul, Indian women's national team head coach Crispin Chettri and assistant coach Priya PV, to chart the women's national team's preparation plans for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. AIFF said that the 2025-26 Indian Women's League season, featuring eight teams playing 14 matches each, will run from September 2025 to January 2026. The Indian U20 women's team will also participate in the IWL. The earlier-than-usual scheduling would allow for ample preparation time in the lead-up to the AFC Women's Asian Cup, scheduled for March 1 to 21, 2026. It also added that the women's team will undergo 83 days of preparation camps, conducted in three phases. This will include 10-12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams. To effectively manage this calendar, the AIFF will engage with all IWL club owners to seek their support and cooperation in releasing players for the camps as and when required for the national interest. With this plan, each player is projected to play at least 30 matches between August and February, combining both club and international commitments. To facilitate uninterrupted national team preparation in the lead-up to the AFC Women's Asian Cup, it was also suggested that the senior women's national football championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025-26 be scheduled after the conclusion of the continental tournament. India sealed a historic return to the AFC Women's Asian Cup after 22 years with a 2-1 win over hosts Thailand in their final Group B qualifier in Chiang Mai. Sangita Basfore scored twice, guiding India past a strong Thai side in a virtual playoff. This marks India's first qualification since 2003, excluding their host entry in 2022.
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 >
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 >
BENGALURU, July 18 (Reuters) - Inter Kashi have been named champions of India's I-League after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of the club in their dispute with the All India Football Federation. In May, the AIFF named Churchill Brothers winners of the country's second division, after the governing body's appeals committee ruled against Inter Kashi for fielding an 'ineligible player' in Mario Barco. According to reports in Indian media, Inter Kashi registered Barco twice, signing the Spaniard before the season and then replacing him when he suffered an injury, only to brin ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) FC Goa have confirmed that former India head coach Manolo Marquez will continue to lead the Gaurs in the 2025/26 season through a social media post. The Spaniard was working on a dual role with FC Goa after being appointed the national team head coach in 2024, on a two-year-deal, before season after parting ways with the All India Football Federation. "I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club footbal ...Read More >
Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed his last in a city hospital on Thursday following a prolonged illness, excelled in both sports and academics. The death of Dr Vece Paes, a member of India's bronze medal-winning men's hockey team at the 1972 Munich Olympics and father of tennis legend Leander Paes, has cast a pall on the Indian sporting fraternity. Social media was flooded with tributes to the legendary midfielder from the golden era of Indian hockey, whose contribution to sports go beyond his individual on-field brilliance. Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes, who breathed h ...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 >
Hyderabad, July 18 (UNI) In view of the ongoing heavy rains in Hyderabad, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed all concerned departments to stay on high alert and ensure swift response to public grievances. The Chief Minister instructed officials from GHMC, HMDA, Water Works, Electricity, and Police departments to work in close coordination to prevent any rain-related disruptions. He also emphasised the need for immediate action in areas facing waterlogging, power outages, or other rain-induced issues. CM Revanth Reddy further directed the deployment of SDRF, NDRF, Hydra teams, and ot ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): The Indian men's futsal team were defeated 2-7 by Lebanon in the first of two friendlies in Beirut as part of the preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for later this month. The match was played at the Al Sadaka Sporting Complex in the Lebanese capital. Both Indian goals were scored by debutants Seaon D'Souza and Mahip Adhikari, as per the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Also Read | Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh Batter Jaker Ali Admits Top-Order Batting Failure Led To Defeat Against Sri Lanka, Say ...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, 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 >
New Delhi, July 17: Gene-testing of aspiring athletes to figure the best sport for them besides performance-based funding were among the suggestions before Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya sought a five-year plan from every national federation by the end of next month. The inaugural one-day 'Khelo Bharat Conclave' had the top stakeholders of Indian sports under one roof for a good six hours during which ideas, both old and new, were discussed at length to chart the way forward. The ambition -- make India a top five sporting nation by 2047 after elevating the country to the top 10 by the 203 ...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 >
BENGALURU (Reuters) -Inter Kashi have been named champions of India's I-League after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of the club in their dispute with the All India Football Federation. In May, the AIFF named Churchill Brothers winners of the country's second division, after the governing body's appeals committee ruled against Inter Kashi for fielding an 'ineligible player' in Mario Barco. According to reports in Indian media, Inter Kashi registered Barco twice, signing the Spaniard before the season and then replacing him when he suffered an injury, only to bring him back ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Aug 25 (UNI) "No excuses, only teamwork" -- that is the mantra Indian men's football head coach Khalid Jamil has set for the Blue Tigers as they gear up for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 in Tajikistan, beginning August 29. Formally introduced to the media here today by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President NA Haris and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan, Jamil underlined adaptability, professionalism and collective spirit as the foundation of India's challenge in the Central Asian tournament. "For me, there is no excuse. Everyone is working hard. We will play as a team, a ...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 >
NEW DELHI, AUG 1: Former India player Khalid Jamil was on Friday appointed coach of the struggling national men's football team, a month after Spain's Manolo Marquez stepped down following poor results. Jamil, 48, was preferred over England's Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic of Slovakia, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a statement. AIFF committee members, including president Kalyan Chaubey, said they believed that Indian coaches "need to be given a fair chance to prove themselves". "AFP ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey believes it is a matter of pride that an Indian becomes a coach for India's national team, reflecting on Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach for the Indian Senior Men's National Team. AIFF earlier this month confirmed the signing of Khalid Jamil for a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team. Jamil took charge of the national team on a full-time basis ...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 >
Kohima, Aug 1 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting football and other sporting disciplines across the state. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 24th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium here, Rio said that astroturf football grounds are being developed in all districts, with six already completed in Dimapur, Phek, Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Chümoukedima. He also said that 28 futsal courts and 31 multipurpose sports buildings are under construction across the state, with more projects ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar / Keonjhar (Odisha) [India], August 6: Sweta Rani Mahanta of Jindal Sports Hostel was felicitated by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for winning Bronze Medal in the 48 kg category at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championship held in China. The Chief Minister felicitated her during the closing ceremony of the 64th Senior Men's Inter-District Football Championship Final for the Sahani Cup, held at Keonjhar Stadium. Also Read | 'Come via Proper Channel': Election Commission Tells Asaduddin Owaisi, Randeep Surjewala As They Flag 65 Lakh Voters Being 'Left Out' During SIR ...Read More >
Chiang Mai (Thailand), Jun 28 (PTI) Coming off a thumping victory in its tournament opener, the Indian team will look to continue the winning momentum in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers when it takes on Timor Leste here on Sunday. The five-team Group B is currently led by Iraq, who are on four points after a 5-2 victory over Mongolia and a 0-0 draw with Timor Leste. India, who beat Mongolia 13-0, and Thailand, who beat Timor Leste 4-0, are on three points each. Despite Timor Leste being ranked 158th, 32 places below Mongolia, India coach Crispin Chettri believed that the Southeast ...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 >
IMAGE: Khalid Jamil signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC. Photograph: AIFF/X The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday said Khalid Jamil has taken charge of the senior men's team on a full-time basis for a period of two years with an option to extend his contract by one year depending on results. The AIFF said Jamil has signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC. Jamil will begin his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravi ...Read More >
Kolkata: The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year's tournament will increase three times to Rs 3 crore. This year IndianOil Durand cup, oldest in Asia, will kick off on July 23 and will be played in five states-Assam, Meghalaya, Shillong, Bengal and Jharkhand. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the grand finale on August 23. Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee, said, "I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has sign ...Read More >