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.
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], October 21 (ANI): It was a bitter evening for the Indian senior women's team as they slumped to a 0-2 defeat against Iran in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Women's International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday. Two second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sank the hosts and handed Iran a victory after the first half ended goalless, as per the official website of All India Football Federation (AIFF). Also Read | Will Ousmane Dembele Play Tonight in Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Match? Here's the Possibility of French Star Featuring in Starting XI. For India, the match was a return to action after a historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification campaign earlier this year and the first challenge in their preparations for next March's Asian Cup in Australia. The Blue Tigresses looked off-colour and tentative. Iran, by contrast, were composed, physically superior on the ball, and dictated the rhythm of the game almost from the outset. Every time the visitors attacked, India's defence wavered. Also Read | Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Live Streaming Online & Match Time in India: How To Watch UCL Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. The tone was set as early as the fourth minute. A routine cross was fumbled by Panthoi, allowing Fatemeh Shaban Ghohrood to pounce on the loose ball. Only a desperate clearance from Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi prevented Iran from taking the lead, the ball glancing the post and going out of danger. Iran grew in confidence, stringing together flowing moves, while India struggled to build anything meaningful in the final third. Iran's persistence paid off in the 64th minute. Melika Motevaliitaher floated in a precise cross from the right, and India's backline switched off. An unmarked Zahra Ghanbari rose to head against the crossbar. The ball fell kindly for Sara Didar, also unmarked, who acrobatically smashed home the rebound. In the 74th minute, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi misjudged the bounce of a routine clearance at the top of the box, allowing Didar to snatch the ball. The forward showed no hesitation, rifling a low strike past Panthoi to make it 2-0 and break Indian resistance again. As the clock ticked down, India's lack of cutting-edge became painfully clear. Their first real test of Iran goalkeeper Raha Yazdani came only in the 89th minute, when Lynda Kom Serto's low free-kick was parried away. The visitors even came close to adding a third in stoppage time, with Ghohrood racing down the left and rattling the post. By then, the match had long slipped away from India, who play their next game against Nepal on October 27. Iran will meet Nepal on October 24. (ANI) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)
Bhubaneswar: BJD President and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik has congratulated Indian Football Team on winning SAFF U19 Championship 2025 after defeating Bangladesh 4-3 in penalty shootout. "Congratulate Indian Football Team on winning SAFF U19 Championship 2025 after defeating Bangladesh 4-3 in penalty shootout. May the team continue its winning momentum and bring glory for the country. Best wishes", Naveen wrote on his 'X' handle. The Indian men's football team won the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 title after defeating Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties at the Golden Jubile ...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 >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
Kylian Mbappe has come under increased scrutiny after a difficult start to his Real Madrid career, with his underwhelming performance in the Champions League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday fueling criticism. The Frenchman missed a pivotal penalty in the second half, as Real Madrid fell to a 2-0 defeat, with many fans and pundits quick to question his adaptation to life at the Santiago Bernabeu. Several former football stars, including Bacary Sagna and Gareth Bale, have come forward to show their strong support for Kylian Mbappe. Sagna, in particular, drew comparisons between Mbappe and ...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 >
Ludhiana, Jun 8 (PTI) Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Sunday asserted that his party will win the Ludhiana West assembly bypoll, scheduled to be held on june 19, with a "record margin". "Congress practically has no competition here", he claimed. Warring, who is also the Ludhiana MP, said that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was badly mistaken that the Congress would allow it to abuse power and misuse the official machinery for the elections. "First of all, we will not let any misuse of the official machinery and second, in case any official is found to be misusing ...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 >
Delhi residents breathed easier Thursday as air quality improved to 'moderate' after a month of severe pollution. The AQI dropped to 161, though some areas still experienced 'poor' air quality. Cooler temperatures and mist accompanied the improved air, with the minimum temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius. The Supreme Court maintained GRAP-IV restrictions, demanding compensation for construction workers from NCR states.Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality inde ...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 >
Kaza (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): The Spiti Cup 2025 concluded with an action-packed finale, where teams fiercely competed across Men's, Women's, and U-18 Boys' categories showcasing the finest grassroots Ice Hockey talent from the Lahaul Spiti region. Sham Zone clinched the Men's title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Center Zone, while the Women's championship was decided on goal difference, with Center Zone emerging as the winner. Tod Zone claimed the U-18 Boys' title. With standout performances from players like Tanzin Solden and Kunga Wangpo and stellar goalkeeping by Abhi ...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 >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Actor Madhurima Tuli on Sunday called the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' an excellent initiative and said that there can be no better option than cycling as it is affordable. Participating in 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' with Indian Railways flagged off from Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, actor Madhurima Tuli said, 'I just participated in today's 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle', which is an excellent initiative... It is essential to spread awareness across the world of how important it is for us to stay fit. There can be no better option than cycling because it ...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 >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 8 (ANI): The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, will dock at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Monday morning and will be berthed until Tuesday. This monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation on May 2. Also Read | MSC IRINA, World's Largest Container Ship, To Make Historic Debut at Vizhinjam International Seaport. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 2 ...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 >
The honour is part of FIFPRO's Annual Merit Awards that recognise players giving back to their communities. The global soccer players' union will donate $10,000 to Onana's foundation. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has won the FIFPRO Impact Award for humanitarian work, for the medical care his foundation provides to underprivileged communities in Cameroon and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Doctors have performed more than 1,200 surgical operations over the past three years in collaboration with the 28-year-old's Andre Onana Foundation, which works with medical professionals ...Read More >
The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with "anti-India international forces," citing a Mediapart report on OCCRP's funding and Gandhi's meetings with alleged Modi government critics. The party highlighted the timing of reports critical of India coinciding with parliamentary sessions, including those on farmers, Pegasus, Hindenburg, and the BBC documentary.BJP on Thursday accused Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of colluding with 'anti-India international forces'. The ruli ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): India witnessed a strong increase in its overseas financial assets during the financial year 2024-25, mainly driven by higher overseas direct investments, currency and deposits, and reserve assets, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The data also highlighted that more than 72 per cent of the total growth in India's foreign financial assets came from these three components, with reserve assets alone accounting for over 54 per cent of the increase. Currency and deposits, along with direct investments, also contributed sig ...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 >
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI) In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled financial fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested one Rohit Vij, identified as one of the masterminds behind a Chinese app-based investment scam involving the fake mobile application 'LOXAM. As per a statement from the ED, the accused lured unsuspecting investors with promises of unrealistically high returns, defrauding them through the fraudulent app. Vij, the mastermind in the conversion of proceeds of crime into forex (foreign exchange), was arrested on June 30 and has been accorded five-day ED custody by a ...Read More >
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 is back and Bayern Munich is all set to host PSG at their home at the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich had a topsy turvy start to their UCL 2024-25 campaign as they have lost two games against Aston Villa and Barcelona and won two games against Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb. Currently at the 19th position in the UCL 2024-25 league table, Bayern Munich will look to get crucial three points in this game and try to secure direct qualification to the Round of 16. They are in a good-form in the Bundesliga but doesn't seem to be adapting with the demands of the European com ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): A friendly cricket match between Parliamentarians under Rajya Sabha Chairman XI and Lok Sabha Speaker XI is being played at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday. BJP MP Anurag Thakur captained Lok Sabha Speaker XI while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led Rajya Sabha Chairman XI. The friendly affair has been named 'TB Mukt Bharat awareness cricket match'. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Several of our MP colleagues have come here. With the mantra of fitness...this event has been scheduled to fill people with vigour through sports. ...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 >
New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): India's javelin star Kishore Jena has been ruled out of the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 due to an ankle injury, with Yashvir Singh coming in as his replacement in the final line-up. "Kishore Jena has been ruled out of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 due to an ankle injury. Yashvir Singh has been named as his replacement in the final lineup," Neeraj Chopra Classic said in a statement. Also Read | ZIM vs SA 1st Test 2025 Day 3 Stumps: Visitors Set Target of 537 Riding on Wiaan Mulder's Century, Hosts 32/1 at End of Day's Play. Yashvir a ...Read More >
Baramulla, Jul 5: Hundreds of mourners from Delina and its neighbouring villages Saturday participated in the Muharram procession, the 9th day of the month of Muharram-Ul-Haram at Delina area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The procession was one of the series of processions being held in the month of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar. Dressed in black and carrying flags bearing religious inscriptions, participants from the villages of Hygam, Bulgam, Bohripora, Syedpora, Uri, Boniyar and other villages marched from new Imambargah through the National Highway NH-1 to the ma ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): Air India announced on Thursday that it has added more flights to Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu to meet the growing passenger demand. Effective July 7, 2025, Air India will add a sixth daily flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, increasing frequency from 35x weekly to 42x weekly. Air India will add a second daily flight between Delhi and Colombo, doubling the route's frequency from 7x weekly to 14x weekly. The Tata Group airline will add a third daily flight between Mumbai and Bangkok, increasing frequency from 13x weekly to 18x weekly. Air India said in a ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said his party is ready to come together with anyone who will work to protect the interests of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos, his statement coming amid the rapprochement buzz between the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Talking to reporters here, Thackeray accused the BJP of "swallowing" Mumbai and Maharashtra. He said injustice is being meted out to Maharashtra by the BJP. "We have been saying this consistently. We are ready to work with anyone, any party that is ready to ...Read More >