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.
New Delhi, April 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian senior women's team reached Nairobi on Tuesday, ahead of the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya, scheduled for the April FIFA International Women's Match Window. The Blue Tigresses will take on hosts Kenya in the semifinal on April 11 at 20:30 IST, while Australia and Malawi will play the other semifinal earlier on the same day at 16:30 IST. The semifinal winners and losers will clash in the final and the third-place play-off, respectively, on April 15. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Any match that ends in a draw will go straight to a penalty shootout, with no extra time. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Among the four participants, India are the second-highest ranked side in the FIFA world rankings at 67th. Australia are ranked 15th, while Kenya and Malawi, the two African sides, are 133rd and 153rd, respectively. Launched in 2024, the FIFA Series is an international friendly tournament that features national teams from separate confederations. The purpose of the FIFA Series is to facilitate meaningful friendly matches between national teams from different confederations that would not normally compete against one another. As per FIFA, the ultimate objective of the FIFA Series is to allow more international football interaction, making a concrete contribution to global football development. Crispin Chettri has been re-appointed as the head coach of the Indian women's national team. Chettri has named a 22-member squad for the friendly tournament. India's squad for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya: Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda. Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam. Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam. Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar. Semi-final 2 -- 20:30 IST, April 11: Kenya vs India Third-place match -- 16:30 IST, April 15 Final -- 20:30 IST, April 15
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 >
New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI) The All India Football Federation on Sunday announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the senior Indian women's team following their historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time through the qualifiers. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign, winning all four matches convincingly to seal their spot at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. Also Read | Did Akash Deep Clean Bowled Joe Root on No-Ball During IND vs ENG 2nd Test 2025? Here's All You Need To Know About MCC Law's Regarding Controversial Dismissal. India's last appearance at ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women's National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand on Sunday, according to a release from AIFF. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign, convincingly winning all four matches. India recorded emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0) before clinching the group stage with a crucial 2-1 win against the higher-ranked hosts, Thailand. While the results may have ...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 14 (PTI) Dr Vece Paes, a member of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games bronze-winning Indian men's hockey team and father of legendary tennis player Leander Paes, died here on Thursday morning owing to age-related ailments. He was 80. Paes, who was also suffering from Parkinson's disease, was admitted to the Woodlands Hospital here on Tuesday morning. His last rites will be performed either on Monday or Tuesday, as the family will wait for the arrival of his two daughters, who are both settled abroad. He was married to Jennifer, a former India basketball team captain. Paes, who donn ...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 >
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 >
New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): The Indian men's futsal team were defeated 2-7 by Lebanon in the first of two friendlies in Beirut as part of the preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for later this month. The match was played at the Al Sadaka Sporting Complex in the Lebanese capital. Both Indian goals were scored by debutants Seaon D'Souza and Mahip Adhikari, as per the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Also Read | Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh Batter Jaker Ali Admits Top-Order Batting Failure Led To Defeat Against Sri Lanka, Say ...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 >
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 >
Aditi Chauhan, the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, has retired after a 17-year career. A decade after becoming the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, Aditi Chauhan has announced her retirement from the game, concluding a 17-year career. The former India women's team goalkeeper, now 32, aims to work off the pitch to create a "stronger pathway and ecosystem" for future players. "Thank you, football -- for shaping me, testing me, and carrying m ...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 >
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: 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 >
New Delhi: Protest at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) against a recently announced fee hike, the long-standing suspension of students' union elections and calls for administrative accountability have entered their sixth day, with students boycotting classes and staging sit-ins at the Bab-e-Syed gate (the iconic entrance of the varsity). The fee structure for different courses has witnessed a sharp revision. Students say the hike ranges from 25% to over 60% across various programmes. Many claim they first learned of the revised fees only while trying to pay through the university's online ...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 >
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 >
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 >
There was no dearth of support from the stands as home side Bodoland FC curved out a 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC -- another club from the Assam hinterland -- in their Durand Cup clash at SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Thursday.Having failed to make it out of the group stage in their debut season last year, Bodoland began their campaign at the 134th edition of the tournament with a win and three points that took them to the second spot on the Group D table, with the same points and ...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 >
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 >
The Indian Super League has thrilled fans for a decade, with the final weeks of the season featuring a tense race to the playoffs. Teams often defy pre-season predictions, with strategic changes and coaching leading to remarkable turnarounds, as seen with Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC. The Indian Super League (ISL) has captivated fans over the past decade, delivering stunning goals, fierce rivalries, and dramatic playoff races. As the season cu ...Read More >