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.
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 1 (ANI): Established in 1986 with the aim of uplifting tribal communities from the remote Abujhmarh region of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashram has quietly grown into an unlikely cradle for football talent. The Ramakrishna Mission Football Academy (RKMFA) in the Ashram is about 250 km from the state capital Raipur and its impact was visible at the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, where more than a dozen players across the men's and women's football squads represented Chhattisgarh after being groomed at the Ashram, according to a release. While the women's team qualified for the final, the men's team has also entered the semifinals. Also Read | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2026 Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast. Notably, the Khelo India Tribal Games began on March 25 and will conclude on April 3. The Games are being held in Chhattisgarh. "There are about 12-13 players from the academy in each men's and women's football teams competing in the KITG 2026," said Chhattisgarh Football Association (CFA) assistant general secretary and AIFF executive committee member Mohan Lal. Also Read | Kolkata Weather and Rain Forecast for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Match. Located in the Bastar region, once synonymous with isolation and conflict, RK Mission has for decades worked to bring education and opportunity to children from some of the most remote tribal villages, many of them deep inside forested areas with little or no access to formal schooling. The Ashram provides them with free education, while also nurturing their interests in music and sports. Beyond academics, sports have become a key pillar of the Ashram's development programme. Children are introduced to various disciplines at an early age and are given structured training alongside their education, allowing them to pursue careers in sports while continuing their studies. Every year, around 50 to 60 students from the institution earn the chance to compete in national-level tournaments, reflecting the steady pipeline of talent emerging from the residential campus. According to Mohan Lal, the Ashram has built a strong sporting infrastructure to support its students. The campus houses three football grounds, including an astro-turf facility, along with indoor arenas for badminton, table tennis, kho-kho and mallakhamb. Mohan Lal believes that sport has played a transformative role in the lives of many children who come from areas affected by the long-running conflict due to Naxalism. Today, the Ashram is home to more than 2,700 children across different age groups, offering them not only education but also a chance to dream of future as doctors, engineers, sportspersons or academicians. "In many ways, it is one of the best residential schools in the country," Mohan Lal said, highlighting the Ashram's unique role in shaping lives through education and sport. "There are approximately around 2700 students, ranging from all age groups, and classes 1 to 12 in the school, and a number of the products of the school have been absorbed by several top companies, and many are studying in the top institutions around the country," he added. Lal said that the sporting facilities in the academy also garnered attention when the Ramakrishna Mission Football Academy (RKMFA) became the first football club from the state to participate in the Under-17 Youth Cup in 2022-23, conducted by the All India Football Federation. (ANI)
Seven Maoists including two women were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Thursday, a senior police official said. IMAGE: District Reserve Guards of the Chhattisgarh police celebrate after an anti-Maoist operation in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, November 22, 2024.Photograph: ANI Photo The gunfight broke out around 3 am in the forest of south Abujhmad along the border of Narayanpur and Dantewada districts, inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sunda ...Read More >
Raipur: Five of 31 Maoists slain in Sunday's encounter with security forces in a forest falling under Indravati National Park in Bijapur district in south Bastar of Chhattisgarh have been identified, police said on Monday. West Bastar Division secretary Hunga Karma, who was in the rank of divisional committee (DVCM) member carrying a bounty of Rs eight lakh, was among the five slain Naxals who have been identified so far, police said. The other three deceased Naxals, who have been identified, were in the rank of commander in the Maoist cadre and carried a reward of Rs five lakh each. They a ...Read More >
Nagpur: Forced or allured conversion is violence, and bringing tribal brethren back to their original fold is correction, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat during the valedictory function of RSS' Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II at Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises in Reshimbagh on Thursday.Bhagwat was responding to concerns raised by the chief guest, former Congressman and minister in Indira Gandhi's govt, Arvind Netam, who warned the gathering of swayamsevaks that widespread conversions threaten the identity and existence of India's tribal communities. "If this contin ...Read More >
New Delhi: The first warship in the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft series, equipped to conduct subsurface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations, is set to be inducted into the Indian Navy on June 18, officials said on Friday. The commissioning ceremony of 'Arnala' at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan. "The warship incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content and integrates advanced systems from leading Indian defence firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L& ...Read More >
RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday met with Chhattisgarh's senior police and intelligence officers who played a pivotal role in recent anti-Naxal operations in LWE affected regions. Shah felicitated Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Vivekananda Sinha, additional DG (Anti-Naxal ops), P Sundarraj, Bastar range inspector general of police and three SPs.The meeting took place in New Delhi, where Shah personally congratulated the team on what is being hailed as one of the most significant counter-insurgency successes ever in the fight against Left-Wing Extremis ...Read More >
Mumbai Indians (MI) made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, securing New Zealand pacer Trent Boult for ₹12.50 crore. MI owner Akash Ambani praised Boult’s invaluable skill in swinging the new ball, acknowledging the team’s struggles when he wasn’t playing for them in recent years. The franchise also acquired England’s Reece Topley for ₹75 lakh and New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner for ₹2 crore. MI further strengthened their spin department by signing young Afghan talent Allah Ghazanfar for ₹4.80 crore, who has impressed with his performances in international cricket. ...Read More >
Parth Jindal penned an emotional farewell note for Rishabh Pant who played nine years for the Delhi Capitals. After nine years with the Delhi franchise, Rishabh Pant will play for the Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL season. Delhi Capitals' co-owner Parth Jindal on Tuesday (November 26) lamented Rishabh Pant's departure from the franchise and hoped to reunite in the foreseeable future. Capitals had released their captain Pant ahead of the IPL mega auction where he drew a record bid of Rs 27 crore from LSG. DC even tried to get their captain back on day one of the auction but could no ...Read More >
A statement issued by the Bijapur police said the incident took place in Somnapalli village under Farsegarh Police Station area of the district. According to the statement, the Maoists dragged 35-year-old Kudiyaam Mado out of his house and strangled him to death. Mado was the district vice president of Bharatiya Janata Kisan Morcha -the farmers' unit of the BJP. Police said that they have also recovered a pamphlet issued by the banned CPI (Maoist)'s Bijapur National Park Area Committee, in whic ...Read More >
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday, January 14, announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was murdered in Bijapur district earlier this month. Talking to reporters at the helipad in police lines, Sai said a building will be constructed for scribes and named after the slain journalist. Sai said, "The deceased journalist's family will be given Rs 10 lakh assistance. A building will be constructed for journalists, and it will be named after him." 33-year-old freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar went missing on January 1. His body ...Read More >
Raipur: Following a significant success with the elimination of 27 Maoists, the District Reserve Guard (DRG) intensified their campaign, shifting focus to Bijapur in Chhattisgarh, where another fierce encounter unfolded on Thursday. Reports indicate that DRG forces have cornered a group of Maoists in Bijapur, with continuous gunfire reverberating through the region. Amid the confrontation, one Maoist has been confirmed dead, while two brave jawans have sustained injuries. Police officers have not yet confirmed, but said a detailed report will be issued soon. In a bold and relentless crackdo ...Read More >
NEW DELHI : Shreyas Iyer's off-field value is rising in tandem with his on-field success. Punjab Kings' second appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final after an eleven-year wait will likely boost Iyer's brand value by 20-25%, according to talent consultants. With his unbeaten 87-run captain's knock in the qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians on 1 June, Iyer achieved the rare feat of leading three different IPL teams into the final -- a first in the history of the world's second-richest sports league. Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 and Delhi Capitals to their fir ...Read More >
Bijapur, June 6: In a blow to naxalism in Chhattisgarh, the death of a top naxal leader and Central Committee Member (CCM), Sudhakar (alias Gautam), in Bijapur district marks the second such successful high profile anti-naxal operation by security forces in just over 3 weeks, Bastar's Inspector General P Sundarraj said. Gautam, the leader of the banned CPI(Maoist) organisation, was neutralised by security forces on June 5 during an operation in Bijapur's national forest area. Just 3 weeks ago, on May 21, security forces had recovered the body of a Central Committee Politburo member and CPI (Ma ...Read More >
Bijapur, Jun 7 (PTI) Five Naxalites were killed in two encounters with security forces in an ongoing operation in the Indravati National Park area of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Saturday. With the latest casualties, seven Naxalites, including top leaders Sudhakar and Bhaskar, were neutralised in the operation in the last three days, they said. "Security forces have recovered the bodies of seven Maoists during the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in the Indravati National Park area of the district," a senior police official said. On Saturday, two bodies were recovered follow ...Read More >
Raipur, Jun 7 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Saturday that he discussed two proposed irrigation projects in the state with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Delhi and sought the Centre's nod for them. Sai, who returned to Raipur in the morning, said the PM assured that he would consider the two projects - Bodhghat and Indravati-Mahanadi interlinking work. Crucial for the development of the Bastar region, where Naxalites are retreating, they have been proposed for implementation as national projects, he said. "I met PM Modi ji in Delhi on Friday and sh ...Read More >
Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, welcomed new purchase KL Rahul with open arms and vowed to treat the experienced India batter with 'love and respect'. Rahul had a controversial exit from his previous franchise Lucknow Super Giants. The post-match scenes from the last IPL - which captured LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka publicly having an outburst on his captain, Rahul - were indications of cracks forming between the two. They even met at a dinner soon after to sort everything out, but it only lasted a little while. Finally, when the franchise did not retain Rahul, it became clear that th ...Read More >
Chhattisgarh (Bastar), Dec 12 (UNI) Seven Naxals were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the South Abujhmarh area of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in the wee hours of Thursday. So far, seven bodies have been recovered, including that of a top Naxalite, who was part of the red ultras' Central Committee. Since 3 am, there has been intermittent firing between security forces and the Naxals, police said. According to the police, a joint team of the Special Task Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and District Reserve Guard from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Jagdalpur, and Kondagao ...Read More >
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 15 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the ceremony here on Sunday to present the President's Colour Award to Chhattisgarh Police. Shah embarked on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh from December 14 to 16, during which he will chair a high-level security review meeting. Also Read | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Death Anniversary 2024: Priyanka Gandhi Pays Tribute to Former Congress President on His 74th Punyatithi. The Chhattisgarh Police has been honoured with the prestigious 'President's Police Colour' award, recognizing their remarkable 25-yea ...Read More >
Mumbai, May 20 (PTI) Around 65 per cent of fans of T20 cricket league IPL polled expect to see a new trophy winner this year with Royal Challengers Bangalore emerging as the favourite, according to a survey. The survey of more than 5,000 cricket fans, including Gen Zs, till May 5 found that 12 per cent of fans want to see Delhi Capitals as winner while 7 per cent rooted for Punjab Kings, the 23 Watts Insights Studio, which conducted the poll, stated. The survey, The IPL Pulse, explores how India's Cricket fandom, especially Gen Zs, are engaging with the league, reacting to its evolving forma ...Read More >
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 12 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma on Thursday reported significant progress in combating Naxalites, stating that actions are taken based on credible information. He said that in the last five years, 219 Naxalites were killed, and this year alone, 220 have been eliminated. Additionally, seven Naxalites were killed in an ongoing encounter. "Today, action is taken on the basis of information... In the last 5 years, 219 Naxalites were killed and this year 220 Naxalites have been killed...7 Naxalites have been killed in the encounter ...Read More >
Nagpur: In a significant blow to the Maoist movement in the Dandakaranya region, 12 senior Maoists surrendered before chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during his visit to Gadchiroli district on Friday. The event, attended by state minister and Gadchiroli's co-guardian minister Ashish Jaiswal, marks a milestone in the state's ongoing efforts to curb Naxalism through its surrender and rehabilitation policy, in place since 2005.The surrendered Maoists include high-ranking members, including Sapna al ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheeted another accused in the Magadh (Zone) CPI (Maoist) revival attempts case, the agency said in a statement. Binod Shankar alias Vinod Shankar Singh, a resident of Kaimur district of Bihar, is the 6th accused to be chargesheeted in the case, the agency said. The chargesheet was filed on Monday. Also Read | Pune: Doctors Perform Rare Laser Surgery on Woman Pregnant With Monoamniotic Twins To Save Healthy Foetus at KEM Hospital. A supplementary chargesheet has been filed against him under various sections o ...Read More >
Bijapur: Two former sarpanchs, who were earlier abducted, were found dead in two areas of Bastar division of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district and some Naxalite pamphlets were recovered near the bodies, police said on Thursday. Bodies of Parsa Suklu and Sukhram Avalam were found this morning in Bhairamgarh and Naimed police station areas respectively. Parsa was a resident of Adavada village in Bhairamgarh and pamphlets issued by Bhairamgarh area committee of Naxals were found near his body. Taking responsibility for the murder, the pamphlets stated that Parsa was associated with the BJP. Simil ...Read More >
Bengaluru [India], : For Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who will be returning to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the second time after being picked in the Indian Premier League 2025 auction, feels, it is more than just a professional opportunity it is a heartfelt homecoming and a very special one. Interestingly, both the players have worn the RCB jersey before but never shouldered the bowling responsibilities at the 'Chinnaswamy' in any of the past seasons of IPL. Both are eager ...Read More >
The Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2025 is just around the corner as the highly-anticipated season of the most popular T20 league on the planet is less than two months away. Over the course of 17 seasons, numerous renowned batters have lit up the IPL, but only a select few have produced standout performances that are etched in the history books. As pitches have become more favorable to batting in recent years, batters have fully capitalised on the conditions. This has led to several high-scoring matches and the breaking of numerous batting records. ALSO ON ABP Live | BGT: ICC Rates Four ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday signed New Zealander Tim Seifert as a replacement for England batter Jacob Bethell, who will be unavailable for the IPL play-offs due to national commitments. The replacement will be effective from May 24, the BCCI said in a statement. Seifert, who has scored 1540 runs in 66 T20s for the Blackcaps, has played only three games in the IPL previously and last featured in the tournament in 2022. He will join RCB for Rs two crore. "Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Tim Seifert as Jacob Bethell is set to leave from TATA I ...Read More >
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 6 (ANI): In a blow to naxalism in Chhattisgarh, the death of a top naxal leader and Central Committee Member (CCM), Sudhakar (alias Gautam), in Bijapur district marks the second such successful high profile anti-naxal operation by security forces in just over 3 weeks, Bastar's Inspector General P Sundarraj said. Gautam, the leader of the banned CPI(Maoist) organisation, was neutralised by security forces on June 5 during an operation in Bijapur's national forest area. Just 3 weeks ago, on May 21, security forces had recovered the body of a Central Committe ...Read More >
The IPL 2025 mega auction, held on November 24-25 in Jeddah, saw a record-breaking total of Rs 639.15 crore spent by 10 teams on acquiring 182 players. Among the 577 players up for grabs, 13 Australians were sold, with pacer Josh Hazlewood fetching the highest bid at Rs. 12.50 crore from Royal Challengers Bangalore. Other notable signings included Mitchell Starc (Rs. 11.75 crore, Delhi Capitals), Marcus Stoinis (Rs. 11 crore, Punjab Kings), and Mitchell Marsh (Rs. 3.4 crore, Lucknow Super Giants). Punjab Kings made a significant splash, purchasing five Australian players, including Glenn Maxwe ...Read More >
The IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah saw records shattered, with Indian players dominating the headlines. Arshdeep Singh broke Yuvraj Singh's nine-year-old auction record, fetching ₹18 crore, only for Shreyas Iyer to surpass it with ₹26.75 crore. Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player, bought for ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants. However, Jitesh Sharma's IPL salary hike was the talk of the auction, as he secured ₹11 crore, a staggering 5500% increase from his previous ₹20 lakh. Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked him up as a wicketkeeper-batter to replace Dinesh Karthik. Other big earners inc ...Read More >
Naxalites have killed two former heads of village panchayats in separate incidents in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Thursday (December 5, 2024). Naxalites in their pamphlets claimed former Sarpanch Suklu Parsa was a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker. They accused the other deceased, Sukhram Avlam, of helping police in setting up a police camp. Parsa was killed on Wednesday (December 4, 2024) in Bhairamgarh police station limits, while Avlam was murdered the same day in the Na ...Read More >
RAIPUR: Security forces have gunned down seven Maoists in Abujhmarh forests of Bastar region, two days before Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the state. Taking the Maoist death toll to 220 this year, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai saluted the valour of security personnel stating that as per preliminary information, a central committee member of Maoists is among those killed. Around 206 Maoists were killed in past five years while the state has recorded 217 killings within a year in Bastar and Dhamtari district, since BJP came to power. Chief minister Sai said that seven M ...Read More >