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: Despite being away from the top tier of Indian football for eight years, Dempo Sports Club remain one of the most successful teams in the country with five national league titles.The club is now in the I-League after climbing their way up from the second division," said Dempo president Shrinivas Dempo at the club's academy in Ella, Old Goa, on Friday. "(Coach) Samir and his team have made a new beginning. From last season, we are back in the I-League. We hope to clinch more I-League titles in the future."Shrinivas was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the AC Milan Grassroots Football Coaching Program, which was conducted by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), in collaboration with Dempo SC. The initiative, supported by Optimax Aces, Events Unlimited, Bhaichung Bhutia, and the Embassy of Italy, marked a significant milestone in promoting grassroots football and fostering India-Italy sporting cooperation.Dempo first won the National Football League in 2004-05 and 2006-07. When the league was rechristened as the I-League, Dempo did it again on three occasions (2007-08, 2009-10, 2011-12).However, when the Indian Super League was launched as a tournament in 2014, AIFF made the ISL the top-tier league in 2019, and its roadmap left no opportunity for clubs below to rise to the top. Dempo pulled out in protest and instead turned its focus on grassroots and youth development with the launch of an academy.Now the road is clear: win the I-League and qualify to the top on sporting merit."Due to a clear roadmap for football at the national level, we have restructured and placed greater emphasis on grassroot development. I don't know what the future of ISL is, but if we ever had the opportunity of getting into ISL (we will take it). So, that's the dream of the club to get into the most premier tournament," said Shrinivas.The Dempo president praised former coach Armando Colaco -- who served the club first as a player and then successful coach - for winning all five national titles.Armando, who won the Dronacharya Award recently, was felicitated on Friday."I remember when the club was doing extremely bad (in 2000) and (we) had second thoughts about closing the club. We went through a rough patch like every club does and that is the time when a few well-wishers of the club said, 'why don't you involve Armando into the club and get him as a coach'. Till today, on record, we have the largest number of I-League titles in the country, and I think a large part of that credit goes to Armando because he used to provide that leadership," said Shrinivas.Armando served Dempo as a player from 1975 to 1985 and made it to the national team.After retirement, Alberto Colaco introduced him to coaching with Salcete FC, and the rest, as they say, is history."I dedicate my Dronacharya Award to Alberto Colaco and Shrinivas Dempo, who established my coaching and always pushed and encouraged me. He gave me all the necessary freedom," said Armando.
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
CHENNAI: The first week of 134th IndianOil Durand Cup promises to be an exciting one with 10 matches slotted across five host cities Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal from July 23. This was shared by the organising committee of Saturday. Top Indian Super League (ISL) teams Emami East Bengal FC (16-time former winners) and Jamshedpur FC (former ISL League Winners Shield winners) kick-off one after another on the first two match days, while at least three local derbies, featuring other top local contenders like Mohammedan Sporting (former champions), Shillong Lajong FC and Ner ...Read More >
The 134th Durand Cup Organising Committee announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpu at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) of the 134th Durand Cup has officially announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpur, starting with a full-capacity opening match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. All 22,500 seats will be made available through complimentary passes, ensuring an inclusive and festive start to Asia's oldest football tournament. Thi ...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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) After stepping down as Indian men's football team head coach earlier this month, Spaniard Manolo Marquez on Friday re-joined FC Goa to helm the club for the 2025-26 season. FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. "No one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back Boss," FC Goa posted on their social media handle. "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 ...Read More >
Nagpur: Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned the govt's priorities on Tuesday, highlighting the increasing number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra. He accused the govt of neglecting agrarian crisis while approving Rs20,000 crore for Shaktipeeth highway project."Money is available for massive infrastructure projects, but where is the budget for farm loan waivers as promised by the BJP before last year's assembly polls to the farmers?" Wadettiwar asked while moving an adjournment motion in the Legislative Assembly. He cited official data showing that between January and ...Read More >
Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited applications from coaches for the vacant position of head coach, senior men's national team.The AIFF mutually parted ways with Manolo Marquez as the India coach early this week and have now kickstarted the process to find his replacement.According to an advertisement on the federation's website, coaches need to mandatorily have a minimum of AFC/UEFA Pro license or equivalent, and have 10-15 years of experience at the elite youth and senior level football."Experience as the first team coach (head coach) of the senior national team wil ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 12 (PTI) Joe Burns' career was heading nowhere when Queensland omitted him from the contracted players' list in April 2024. It was a body blow for the Australian as he was mourning the tragic death of his brother in February that year. In an emotional Instagram post, Burns admitted that it was a "daily battle that I often lose." Also Read | ISL 2025-26 Season Put on Hold After IMG Reliance and AIFF Haggle Over Renewal of Commercial Rights Deal. But then sports often gives tiny escape routes to the truly committed ones, and for Burns it came in the shape of his link to Italy t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Inter Kashi were on Friday declared I-League champions after the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee's decision of awarding the title to Churchill Brothers of Goa. The AIFF had announced Churchill Brothers as the I-League champions after its Appeal Committee ruled against Inter Kashi in a matter related to the fielding of an 'ineligible player'. The Varanasi club had ended at second spot after points were deducted from their tally. ...Read More >