ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 in Italy sees Indian gold
The ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 was held in Porpetto, Italy, marking the 10th edition of the event. Indian shooter Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won the gold medal in the Men’s Trap Junior event, finishing with a competitive score that edged Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio by a single hit. The competition brought together young shooters from around the world, offering a platform for emerging talent. The event concluded on 18 September 2026. This success follows India’s growing presence in youth shooting on the international stage. Rozgar Mela details were announced in India for 19 September 2026. ([issf-sports.org](https://www.issf-sports.org/news/5222?utm_source=openai)) ([ddindia.co.in](https://ddindia.co.in/2026/09/yugan-sakthivel-muthukumaar-wins-gold-in-mens-trap-at-issf-junior-world-cup/?utm_source=openai))
ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 held in Porpetto, Italy
10th edition of the competition
Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won Men’s Trap Junior gold
Final score: 27 hits for gold; close contest with Italian rival
Event concluded on 18 September 2026
Sep 18, 2026
Abhishek Sharma sets fastest Indian T20I century
On 17 September 2026, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored the fastest T20I century by an Indian and one of the quickest in international cricket. He reached 100 in 34 balls against Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, finishing on 108 off 34. The innings broke Rohit Sharma’s Indian record of a 35-ball hundred set in 2017 against Sri Lanka. Sharma’s rapid hundred helped India post a strong total and showcased his attacking stroke play. The performance added to his rising reputation in white-ball cricket and highlighted the depth of India’s batting lineup. Commentators noted the speed of his transition from promising talent to match-winner.
Date: 17 September 2026; venue Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Sharma scored 108 off 34; 34-ball hundred.
Shortest Indian T20I hundred; surpasses Rohit Sharma's 35-ball record.
Against Afghanistan; part of a big total for India.
Mark of Sharma's rapid rise in white-ball cricket.
James Rodríguez retires from international football
Colombian football star James Rodríguez announced his retirement from international football in September 2026, ending a 15-year national team career. Rodríguez made his senior debut for Colombia in 2011 and rose to global fame at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals and earned the tournament's Golden Boot. He represented Colombia at three World Cups and leaves the national team with 131 international appearances. FIFA records mark him as Colombia's all-time leader in international assists and World Cup goals. His retirement marks the end of an era for Colombian football as the country continues to rebuild its attack with new talents.
Retired from international football in September 2026.
Made senior debut for Colombia in 2011; rose to fame at 2014 World Cup.
Scored six goals in the 2014 World Cup and won Golden Boot.
131 international appearances for Colombia.
FIFA records him as Colombia's all-time assists leader and World Cup goals.
Sep 17, 2026
Brendan Taylor Extends ODI Career to Break Tendulkar Record
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Brendan Taylor has broken Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI career record by extending his own ODI tenure to 22 years and four months, surpassing Tendulkar’s 22 years and three months. Taylor’s longevity spans across international cricket and multiple continents since his ODI debut in 2004. Analysts note that such long careers reflect consistency, fitness, and adaptability enabling sustained performance at the highest level. Tendulkar’s record had long been a benchmark in one-day cricket. Taylor’s milestone is celebrated by Zimbabwean fans and the global cricket community as a notable development in ODI history, underscoring the era of enduring careers in the format.
Brendan Taylor: ODI career length 22 years 4 months.
Past record held by Sachin Tendulkar at 22 years 3 months.
Taylor debuted in 2004 and has played across continents.
Longevity indicates consistency, fitness, and adaptability.
Celebrated by fans and cricket communities worldwide.
Sep 16, 2026
Alexander Zverev wins 2026 US Open men’s title in four-set final
Germany’s top seed Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in a dramatic four-set final to win the 2026 US Open men’s singles title. The match, played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, lasted three hours and 33 minutes with set scores of 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2. This victory marks Zverev’s second Grand Slam title, following his Roland Garros triumph earlier in the year. The American challenger Shelton fought hard with his serve, forcing the tie-break in the second, but Zverev prevailed in the fourth, sealing the championship and extending the long-standing drought for American men at the tournament.
Zverev defeats Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the title
Duration: three hours and 33 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium
This is Zverev’s second Grand Slam title, after Roland Garros 2026
Final marked a continuation of the American title drought at the US Open
Second-set tiebreak decided the momentum in favor of Zverev
Sep 15, 2026
Global Chess League 2026 final held in Bengaluru; Ganges Grandmasters win
The Global Chess League (GCL) 2026 concluded with Bengaluru, Karnataka hosting the final of the fourth edition. The Ganges Grandmasters claimed their maiden GCL title after defeating Alpine APL Pipers by 7–5 on overall score. The team-based competition brings together leading chess clubs and players from several countries to compete in fast-paced formats over a season. The win marks a historic milestone for the Ganges Grandmasters, highlighting the growing popularity of chess in India and among regional clubs. Several players praised the format for fast games and audience engagement.
GCL 2026 final held in Bengaluru (fourth edition).
Ganges Grandmasters win 7–5 against Alpine APL Pipers.
Event features team-based, fast-format chess.
Boosts popularity of chess in India and region.
Players praised fast games and audience engagement.