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.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Messi conundrum surrounding Argentina's much-hyped visit to India has taken a fresh twist, with sponsors confirming that ace footballer Lionel Messi and his team will not be coming to Kerala in November. The clarification came soon after the Argentina Football Association (AFA) announced that the national team would play only in Angola next month. The confirmation has poured cold water on weeks of excitement in India with fans eagerly awaiting the football G.O.A.T's arrival in the country and both the Kerala government and private sponsors announcing a high-profile friendly match in Kochi November 17. According to reports in the Argentine media, AFA officials attributed the cancellation to Kerala's "lack of readiness" and delays in completing logistical arrangements within the agreed timeline. While organisers have now suggested that the visit may be rescheduled to March 2026, the latest development has once again raised questions about planning, coordination and communication between the stakeholders. A political controversy has also erupted, with the Congress leadership accusing the state government of prematurely announcing the event without formal confirmation from the AFA. The episode underscores a recurring challenge in international sports engagements -- balancing political optics with procedural clarity. For Indian fans, the setback is particularly disappointing, given the massive local fan base for Argentina and Messi in Kerala and in the country. This would have been Messi's first match in India since 2011, when he captained Argentina against Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, a landmark game that marked his debut as national captain. For now, the wait for Messi continues and with it, Kerala's hopes of scripting a historic football moment remain in suspense. With the next likely date of March 2026 now surfacing, it remains to be seen if that is going to be feasible, as during that time Kerala and the entire political leadership will be busy with the Assembly polls, which in most likelihood will happen in April or latest by May.
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 >
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 >
Kolkata, Aug 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) I-League side Shillong Lajong FC will kick off the knockout quarterfinals stage of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament with a clash against Indian Navy FT at the Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Shillong on Saturday (August 16). As per the draw unveiled by the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC), the eagerly awaited quarterfinal fixtures of the 134th Durand Cup will be played across four cities on August 16 and 17. A few hours after Shillong Lajong battle it out with the Indian Navy, another side from the Northeast and a first-time quarterfinalists, ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) As Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India as part of the "GOAT Tour of India 2025 is confirmed, with the three-city tour set to kick off on December 13, the Argentine star recalled his last visit to the country 14 years ago and said he has "good memories of a very special country". The three-day tour from December 13 to 15 will feature Messi's appearances in Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, with a fourth city to be announced, tour's event manager said. This will be the Argentine great's first trip to India since 2011 when he visited the country with h ...Read More >
Kolkata: Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an "honour" to revisit the "passionate football nation" country where he last played 14 years ago. "It is such an honour for me to make this trip. India is a very special country, and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago -- the fans were fantastic. "India is a passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the ...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 >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 16 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) will begin their AFC Champions League Two campaign against Turkmenistan's Ahal FK on Tuesday, with their latest signings expected to play a crucial role in the team's continental ambitions, according to the Indian Super League's (ISL) official website. The Mariners are entering the ACL 2 with high ambitions, and their new signings will be crucial to their success on the continental stage. Under the stewardship of Spanish head coach Jose Molina, MBSG enjoyed a monumental 2024-25 season, successfully defending th ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 16 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to begin their AFC Champions League Two campaign on Tuesday when they host Turkmenistan's Ahal FK at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, as per the official website of the Indian Super League (ISL). The Kolkata giants will be featuring in Asia's second-tier competition for the second successive season, having booked their place by successfully defending the ISL Shield last season. The Mariners finished with 56 points from 24 matches in the ISL, eight clear of second-placed FC Goa, to secure a direct berth i ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 19 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant's 22-year hiatus for the IFA Shield title concluded with a 5-4 win on penalties against arch-rival East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The two rivals remained inseparable after the 90 minutes and added time, forcing the game to be decided in a penalty shootout. Mohun Bagan lifted their 21st Shield Crown and their first since 2003, during which they also defeated East Bengal for the prized accolade. MBSG's historic win denied East Bengal, adding a record-extending 29th title to their trophy cabinet. The 125 ...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, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...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 >
Shillong, July 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday unveiled the Durand Cup Trophies and flagged off the Trophy Convoy for the 134th edition of this historic tournament. The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President's Cup which the winners keep permanently, will be taken on a roadshow, covering Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura, later in the day. Shillong Lajong FC, Ryntih Sports Club and the Meghalaya Police Football Team are three teams from Meg ...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 >
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 >
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey believes it is a matter of pride that an Indian becomes a coach for India's national team, reflecting on Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach for the Indian Senior Men's National Team. AIFF earlier this month confirmed the signing of Khalid Jamil for a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team. Jamil took charge of the national team on a full-time basis ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Argentina football team, along with Lionel Messi, is likely to play against Australia in Kochi in November, according to the news agency PTI. No date has been fixed for the exhibition match, but the match is likely to be played between November 12 and 18. There were some controversies around the Argentina team's visit to Kerala, with some early reports suggesting that the team would not visit the country. However, some months later, the Kerala sports minister, V Abdurahiman, said that the Kerala state team would arrive in Kerala in November. It will be a moment of celebration ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 23 (PTI) The Lionel Messi-led Argentina team will most likely face Australia in the eagerly-awaited friendly match in Kerala come November, official sources in the state's sports department said on Tuesday. No date has been fixed for the game, but it will take place in Kochi on any day between November 12 and November 18, the sources said. They added that Australia will most likely be the opponent of the South American giants. Another source said that a member of the Argentine support staff is expected to land in Kochi on Wednesday "for venue inspection." There were ...Read More >
Shillong, Oct 17 (UNI) When Shillong was chosen for the friendly between India and Maldives earlier this year it was often said that this would be the city's first international football match. Devoted fans of the game knew that this was not entirely accurate, however, as it was only the first men's international because Shillong had already played host to the women's football events at the South Asian Games in 2016. On February 15, 2016 India won the final and the gold medal by beating Nepal 4-0 at the JN Stadium here in front of a packed crowd of 20,000-plus fans. Nine and a half years on, ...Read More >
It was a tough night for the Indian women's football team in Shillong, as they fell 0-2 to Iran in their opening match of the Tri-Nation Women's International Friendlies. Two second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sealed the deal for Iran and left India chasing shadows for much of the match. This game marked India's first outing since their historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification campaign earlier this year -- but instead of building on that momentum, the Blue Tigresses looked rusty a ...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 >
Bhubaneswar / Keonjhar (Odisha) [India], August 6: Sweta Rani Mahanta of Jindal Sports Hostel was felicitated by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for winning Bronze Medal in the 48 kg category at the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championship held in China. The Chief Minister felicitated her during the closing ceremony of the 64th Senior Men's Inter-District Football Championship Final for the Sahani Cup, held at Keonjhar Stadium. Also Read | 'Come via Proper Channel': Election Commission Tells Asaduddin Owaisi, Randeep Surjewala As They Flag 65 Lakh Voters Being 'Left Out' During SIR ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. Also Read | Highest Test Match Aggregates for Batter, From Shubman Gill to Wiaan Mulder; Check Full List. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two b ...Read More >
Chandigarh: Punjab chief ministerBhagwant Mann on Thursday said the government will table a bill in the assembly on Friday to introduce harsher punishment for religious sacrilege. However, the law will not be enacted immediately, as the government plans to hold consultations with stakeholders before finalising the legislation.Mann said the decision was taken in a meeting of the cabinet earlier in the day. After the legislation is tabled, Punjab govt will gather suggestions on the law from stakeholders, including religious organisations and people, he added.Sources said said the new legislation ...Read More >
IMAGE: Khalid Jamil signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC. Photograph: AIFF/X The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday said Khalid Jamil has taken charge of the senior men's team on a full-time basis for a period of two years with an option to extend his contract by one year depending on results. The AIFF said Jamil has signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC. Jamil will begin his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravi ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 17 (ANI): The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year tournament will increase three times to ₹3 Crore. The announcement was made during the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata as the City of Joy geared up to host Asia oldest football tournament. Along with the winners and runners up, teams reaching the semi-finals and quarterfinals along with three individual awards will also receive a share of the prize pool, as per a release from Durand Cup. The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showca ...Read More >