Esha Singh wins ISSF World Cup Gold; Manu Bhaker bronze
Indian shooter Esha Singh won the gold medal in the women's 25-metre pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, in July 2026, delivering a final score of 40 hits. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker secured the bronze, giving India a double podium finish. The victory strengthens India's reputation in international shooting competitions. The Hangzhou event showcased young talent and consistent training across the national team, reinforcing confidence ahead of future assignments and rankings in world events.
Esha Singh wins gold in Hangzhou World Cup
Manu Bhaker wins bronze; India tops podium
Final score: 40 hits in the final
Contributes to India’s standing in ISSF circuits
Boosts confidence ahead of future events
Raja Muthupandi wins Commonwealth Games silver
Indian weightlifter Raja Muthupandi won silver in the men's 65 kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, lifting a total of 286 kg to finish second behind Malaysia's Aznil Bidin, who took gold. The result marked India's fourth medal at the Games and added to the country’s weightlifting campaign. Muthupandi's performance followed national-level preparations and support for weightlifters. Coaches praised his consistency in the snatch and clean and jerk, noting improvements in effort and technique. The event underscored India's prospects for a strong finish, with further training and nutrition support planned for the team.
Muthupandi wins silver in 65 kg category
Total lift: 286 kg; gold to Aznil Bidin (Malaysia)
India's fourth medal at the Games
Strong performance in snatch and clean & jerk
Ongoing training and nutrition support for team
Jul 27, 2026
Anahat Singh Creates Squash History at World Juniors
Anahat Singh won the women’s singles title at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships, held in July 2026 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The 18-year-old top seed defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the final, becoming the first Indian to win a title in any category at the championship. The historic achievement highlights India’s rising talent in squash and is expected to boost development programs at the national level. Coaches, federation officials, and supporters lauded the victory, noting enhanced international exposure and the potential to inspire a new generation of players. The win marks a milestone for Indian squash on the world stage.
Anahat Singh wins 2026 World Junior Squash title.
Final opponent: Ruqayya Salem (Egypt).
18-year-old top seed; first Indian to win in World Juniors.
Event held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, in July 2026.
Win boosts Indian squash’s profile and development.
Mirabai Chanu Wins Commonwealth Games Gold in 2026
Mirabai Chanu won the women’s 48 kg weightlifting gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She achieved a total lift of 190 kilograms, with 85 kg in the snatch and 105 kg in the clean and jerk, setting Commonwealth Games records for the event. This marks her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, following titles in 2018 and 2022. Her achievement boosted India’s medal tally and drew praise from coaches and officials. Chanu dedicated the win to supporters and reaffirmed her training plans for upcoming international competitions. The performance underscores India’s strength in weightlifting at major multisport events.
Chanu wins gold in women’s 48 kg at 2026 CWG.
Total lift 190 kg (85 snatch, 105 jerk) set Games record.
Third consecutive CWG gold (2018, 2022, 2026).
Boosts India’s medal tally and visibility in weightlifting.
Officials commend the performance and training regime.
Jul 26, 2026
Viswanathan Anand Appointed Interim President of FIDE
Viswanathan Anand was named Interim President of FIDE in July 2026. He assumed duties after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was placed on the European Union sanctions list. Anand will perform presidential functions while sanctions remain in force. He is one of India's most celebrated chess players, and his appointment marks the first time an Indian leads the world chess body. The decision followed governance concerns within FIDE and the sanction measures. The interim period will allow time to organize leadership elections and ensure continuity in FIDE operations. Analysts described the move as potentially stabilising leadership during regulatory scrutiny.
Anand named Interim President of FIDE in July 2026
Took over after EU sanctions on Arkady Dvorkovich
First Indian to head the world chess body (in an interim capacity)
Follows governance concerns within FIDE
Interim period to organise elections and ensure continuity
Viewed as stabilising leadership during scrutiny
Jul 24, 2026
Lovlina Borgohain advances to CWG 2026 semifinals, first India medal assured
At the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain moved into the women’s 75 kg semifinals after receiving a bye in the quarterfinals. The match took place on 23 July 2026, with the Commonwealth boxing format awarding bronze to both losing semifinalists. Borgohain’s direct advance guarantees at least a bronze medal for India even before her next bout. Her progress contributes to India’s overall medal tally as Glasgow 2026 unfolds. The event underscores India’s growing strength in boxing and supports national sports momentum ahead of other disciplines during the Games.
Event: Commonwealth Games 2026, Glasgow
Athlete: Lovlina Borgohain, women’s 75 kg
Progress: bye in quarterfinals; advanced to semifinals
Date of advancement: 23 July 2026
Medal status: bronze guaranteed per CWG rules
Impact: boosts India’s medal prospects at CWG 2026
Jul 23, 2026
Messi becomes first footballer to play in six FIFA World Cups
Lionel Messi has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first football player to participate in six FIFA World Cups. The Argentina captain reached this landmark during a 3–0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has since appeared in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. The milestone adds to a long list of records in an international career defined by consistency, longevity and leadership on the field. The match against Algeria underscored Messi’s continued relevance as Argentina pursued further success in the tournament, highlighting his enduring role in national team history.
Lionel Messi participated in six World Cup editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
Milestone achieved during Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.
Messi debuted in 2006 and remains a central figure for Argentina.
The achievement adds to a record-rich international career.