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.
Margao: It was fitting that on one of the many memorable nights for Goan football at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, it was a local footballer who had the crowd up on its feet.The fans expectedly cheered Al-Nassr's global football stars like Joao Felix, Sadio Mane and Inigo Martinez, all of whom took the field against FC Goa at different stages in the AFC Champions League Two clash. But the biggest roar came in the 41st minute when Brison Fernandes scored the club's first goal in Asian football's second-tier club competition.At that time, Goa were down by two goals, their backs against the wall. A goal in the tenth minute, then an injury to Javier Siverio ten minutes later. Another goal from Al-Nassr followed. Everything seemed lost, until Brison showed remarkable composure to finish from inside the box."I love Brison, he has a bright future," coach Manolo Marquez said after the 2-1 loss at Fatorda on Wednesday. "He played in lot of pain, he has injuries, and I substituted him only to save him for the Super Cup (starting later this month)."This clash between Al-Nassr FC - captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the world's best footballer alongside Lionel Messi - and FC Goa generated plenty of buzz. Fans were out in numbers even though Ronaldo did not make the trip to India.The attendance for games at Fatorda has been dwindling since the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world in 2020.When international football returned to Goa last week after eight years, the official attendance read a mere 2,036 at a venue that can occupy 19,000 spectators. But Wednesday was different with the attendance pegged at 14,389. The crowd was loud, possibly even proud."The only thing I did not like about the crowd was that they cheered the Al-Nassr players when their names were announced (before kickoff). But it's football, I can understand," joked Manolo.Al-Nassr coach Jorje Jesus left the big stars on the bench, instead opting to start with just Inigo Martinez. Felix, Mane and Kingsley Coman were all substitutes, with the first two being used in the second half, much to the delight of the crowd.Goa fans knew they were up against the richest club in Asia. It was a huge challenge, and they showed up in numbers.In the pre-match media interaction, Manolo acknowledged the tough challenge Al-Nassr posed, but acknowledged Indian football needs such games."We know the kind of players that we face, but it's a great step. I think FC Goa and Indian football needs more of these kinds of games," said Manolo. Goa's fan clubs - FC Goa Fan Club and East Lower Army - first provided a loud and colourful reception to the team outside the stadium.While there was a sea of orange around the stadium, supporting Goa, Al Nassr's supporters, mostly from other parts of the country, also made their presence felt. Most of them were Ronaldo fans, proudly wearing their hero's name on the back.Inside the stadium, amid a heavy downpour, fans sang and cheered. It wasn't surprising when the stadium announcer read Al-Nassr's lineup: Mane, Felix and Coman got the loudest cheers, even though the trio were only named on the bench. Trailing 1-2 at half time, Goa stayed alive in the game. Five minutes into the second half, a fan dodged security, climbed the barricades and ran into Felix, who was warming up at the south end of the stadium.Wearing an Al-Nassr jersey, the fan pulled out his phone for a selfie with the Portugues star. The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid frontman gladly obliged, before the fan was escorted out of the stadium by security personnel.In the end, from applauding global stars, the fans were now praising Goa. Not for the win, but for the effort in taking the battle to the opposition."The objective of the match is done, which is to win and pick up three points," said Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. "We won against a team which refused to lose. They have some quick players."
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 >
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 >
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 >
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: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has suggested prioritising women in allocation of deceased donor organs.In a letter to the states/UTs, the apex authority for regulating organ donations and transplants in the country, has said a provision should be made to mark additional points for women recipients of donor organs, to address gender disparity. Studies have shown that while women make up a large percentage of donors, they receive fewer organs than men. "Women are equally vulnerable when it comes to end-stage organ failure due to illness, and it is import ...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, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 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 >
New Delhi, Aug 13: The All India Football Federation has confirmed that Khalid Jamil has signed a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team. With previous head coach Manolo Marquez having taken a dual role with the national team and FC Goa, many questioned whether Jamil will take a similar role with his commitment to Jamshedpur FC. Jamil will exclusively take charge of the national team on a full-time basis and will begin his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in B ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...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 >
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 >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (VOICE) Mumbai City FC are all set to take on Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as the two teams battle it out in the reverse fixture, for bragging rights in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture on Thursday. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in their previous encounter that was played in Mumbai in October, but with the competition intensifying, they will have their eyes on all three points in the forthcoming encounter. Odisha FC, buoyed by consecutive wins, will look to make it three on the bounce, while Mumbai City FC are aiming to extend their ...Read More >
Panaji, Jul 11 (PTI) FC Goa and their captain Odei Onaindia have parted ways after a fruitful partnership, the Indian Super League (ISL) club announced on Friday. The 35-year-old Spanish centre-back has appeared in the vast majority of the club's ISL matches in 2024/2025. Also Read | India vs England Free Live Streaming Online, 3rd Test 2025 Day 2: How To Watch IND vs ENG Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Cricket Match Live Telecast on TV?. Known for his exceptional ability to read the game and composure under pressure, Onaindia joined the Gaurs ahead of the 2023-24 season, reuniting with head coac ...Read More >
Lucknow, Jul 17 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh's capital city has secured the third position in the category of urban spaces with population exceeding 10 lakh, while Prayagraj was adjudged the Cleanest Ganga City in the ninth edition of the Swachh Survekshan. Lucknow also became the first city in the state to achieve a 7-star Garbage Free City rating in the 2024-25 survey. Gorakhpur achieved double success, ranking third in the Safai Mitra Surakshit Sheher category and fourth among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh. Agra has been recognised as the Emerging Clean City of Uttar Pradesh, securi ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Aditi Chauhan says she didn't know that a national women's football team existed in India when she kicked the ball for the first time. Nearly two decades later, she retires as a trailblazer, having become the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe. "Playing football, I didn't know there was a national team first of all. So I started because of the fun of the game," the 32-year-old recalled in an interview with PTI Videos. "When I started, I never imagined that, you know, everything that I achieved... it was not even a dream that I could imagine," ...Read More >