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.
Kolkata: With the future of the season called into question, the past few months have been some of the most miserable for football in India. Column inches were devoted to court hearings, FIFA threatening more than a rap on the knuckles, clubs saying winding up was a possibility and commercial partners' diktat that they couldn't continue because, well, uncertainty was the only certainty. The silver lining was how wonderfully defiant the performance on the pitch was. From Thailand to Tajikistan, from Yangon to Phnom Penh, Sangita Basfore to Sandesh Jhingan, India's men, women, the U20 women and East Bengal defied odds to earn a podium finish, secure Asian qualifications and a berth among the continent's elite women clubs. Segueing into that can-do spirit was Anirudh Thapa's assertion on Monday "that whatever was happening (off the field) doesn't define our preparations." With that the Mohun Bagan Super Giant and India midfielder set the tone for his club and FC Goa who will start their campaigns with home matches in the Asian Champions League 2 over the next two days. "That's the point, isn't it," said Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina. "We want to show that we are not just a big team in India but that we can compete in Asia." Speaking from Goa, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez told HT: "For the club to grow, playing these tournaments are very important. Which is why our preliminary target was to qualify. No disrespect to our opponents in India but you want to play bigger and stronger teams and now we are guaranteed six matches against them including three at home." Scratched last season because they did not want to travel to Iran citing safety concerns, Molina had said Mohun Bagan's target would be to make the ACL2 finals again. That was last November when Mohun Bagan were six matches old in ISL having barely shaken off a very wobbly start. The club and their head coach have kept their word and their journey begins at Salt Lake stadium on Tuesday against Turkmenistan's Ahal FK. One day later, FC Goa host Iraq's Al-Zawraa. If underdogs punching above their weight is the zeitgeist of football in India, it is worth remembering that Al-Zawraa were tamed 2-6 by East Bengal in an Asian Cup Winners' Cup home match in 1993; their reputation as defending league and cup champions in Iraq torn to ribbons by the late Carlton Chapman's speed, skill and hattrick. Along with Bengaluru FC making the 2016 AFC Cup final, Dempo being the first Indian team to make the semi-finals of that tournament, which has morphed into ACL2, in 2008 and East Bengal doing that in 2013, that victory is among the handful of highs for Indian clubs in Asia. Can FC Goa and Mohun Bagan add to that? "Theoretically, a team from Iraq is much stronger than one from India. But we have shown that it is possible to beat such teams," said Marquez referring to FC Goa's 2-1 win against Oman's Al-Seeb in August that helped them make it two teams from India in ACL2 for the first time. It was an exhibition of heart, low block defending and goals against the run of play. "Expect more of the same," Marquez said. "We will enjoy and we will suffer." India's third-place finish in the CAFA Nations Cup will be an "inspiration" said Thapa who along with six of his club teammates were not released for that tournament. Instead, Mohun Bagan trained for four weeks for ACL2 and added Brazilian forward Robson Robinho and India defenders Mehtab Singh and Abhishek Singh Tekcham to the roster. Apart from not being able to play matches - Mohun Bagan and FC Goa played a closed-door friendly - Molina said he was happy with the preparations. "I can feel that the team is ready for tomorrow." Mohun Bagan will miss Manvir Singh who is injured, Molina said. FC Goa's injury list is longer. Jhingan, Seriton Fernandes, Mohammed Yasir and Ronney Kharbudon are unavailable, said Marquez, adding that new signing Jerry Lalrinzuala will start on the bench. Ahal FK are second in the Yokary Liga. "We have come here to get three points," said coach Eziz Awamuhamedov, speaking through an interpreter. Turkmen league leaders Arkadag did that against East Bengal in an ACL2 qualifier last year. Young forward Enver Anayev who played in that 2-1 win is now here with Ahal, said the coach. In a tournament where there is no restriction on the number of foreign players that can be fielded, Ahal have only Turkmen on the roster. Around half of the 23 here are either part of Turkmenistan's Olympic team or the senior national team, said the coach. Asked if Ahal having gams in a regular season was an advantage, Molina said: "We will see tomorrow."
Dehradun: Junior world champion Parth Rakesh Mane was shooting in a world of his own during the 10m air rifle final at the National Games, oblivious of the fact that the competition included two Paris Olympians and the 2022 world champion. After 10 shots, Mane jumped into the lead with 106.3 points. The 17-year-old had logged 10.6 or more in eight of his 10 shots to firmly put himself on course to clinch the gold medal. With a perfect 10.9 squeezed in between, he was more than two points ahead of second-placed Rudrankksh Patil (104.1). The steady domination continued till the end. Only once ...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. Also Read | Which Team Saqib Mahmood is Part of in IPL 2025? Know Details About Which ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Troubles mounted for former champions Mumbai City FC as they were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Friday night. The Islanders played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possession in this match. This was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this ...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 >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (UNI) Bengaluru FC suffered a tough 4-2 defeat against Odisha FC in their latest Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday night. The Kalinga Warriors continued their scoring spree, netting ten goals across their last two games as Diego Mauricio's brace and strikes from Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Isak Vanlalruatfela dismantled Bengaluru FC's defence in a 4-2 win. Despite a spirited second-half response, goals from Sunil Chhetri and Edgar Mendez were not enough to rescue The Blues. The home side secured their third consecutive win against Beng ...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 >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday. It was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result, as stated in a release from ISL. The Islanders, on the other hand, played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possess ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...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 >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday. It was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result, as stated in a release from ISL. Also Read | Why Did Harshit Rana Bowling in IND vs ENG 4th T20I 2025 Despite Not Featuring in India's Playing XI? Know Reason. The Islanders, on the other hand, played their seventh draw of the season and are ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (VOICE) Troubles mounted for former champions Mumbai City FC as they were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Friday night. The Islanders played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possession in this match.This was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result. Ea ...Read More >
Kolkata: Another win for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, another small step towards the league shield of the Indian Super League (ISL). But viewed in conjunction with where the rest are, the 3-0 win through Liston Colaco's goal between a Jamie Maclaren brace could prove to be a giant stride on way to being the first to retain the shield. With four rounds to spare, Mohun Bagan have booked a play-off berth. They have played nine at home this term and won them all. After 20 matches, Mohun Bagan have 46 points, 12 ahead of Jamshedpur FC, who have two games in hand. Dogged in their resistance till the ha ...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 >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (PTI) Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw by East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League here on Friday. East Bengal have moved to 10th in table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result. The Islanders, on the other hand, played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possession in the game. East Bengal FC picked up pace earlier on as their entire frontline functioned in tandem to slice open the Mumbai City FC defence in the 1 ...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 >
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 >
Tura, July 12: The iconic Durand Cup trophy arrived in Tura on Friday as part of the ongoing roadshow for the 134th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. The event, organised by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, aimed to celebrate the tournament's rich legacy and boost excitement ahead of the matches. The roadshow commenced from the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre and passed through key areas of the town including Nazing Bazar, Araimile, Tetengkol, Hawakhana, the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, before culminati ...Read More >
Kolkata, July 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) East Bengal FC have completed the signing of Indian national team attacker Edmund Lalrindika from Inter Kashi FC on a three-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. He will wear jersey number 10. Returning to the Red & Gold Brigade after a five-year hiatus, Edmund previously represented East Bengal during the 2019-20 I-League season, on loan from Bengaluru FC. He showcased his potential with an assist on his debut in a Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan on January 19, 2020. Unfortunately, an injury in the same game cut his stint short. Excited about his ...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 >