Japan Becomes the First Team to Qualify for the 2026 World Cup after Host Nations
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium.
At its eighth successive World Cup, Japan joined co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Kirsty Coventry New President of the International Olympic Committee
Former Olympic champion swimmer from Zimbabwe, Kirsty Coventry, was elected as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Greece, after she received 49 out of the 97 possible votes to win with an overwhelming margin.
In the organisation's 130-year history, this is the first time a woman — and an African — has been elected to the all-important post.
IPL 2025: Major Rule Changes and Their Impact on the Tournament
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced several key rule changes for IPL 2025 that are expected to significantly impact the dynamics of the tournament.
One of the most significant rule changes for IPL 2025 is the revocation of the saliva ban, which was initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as a health and safety measure.
To counter the dew factor, which has often given an unfair advantage to teams batting second, the BCCI has introduced a rule that allows the use of a second ball in the second innings of evening games.
In matches where dew conditions significantly impact the game, umpires will have the discretion to introduce a new ball after the 11th over of the second innings.
The Impact Player rule, which was introduced in IPL 2023, has now been officially extended till 2027. This rule allows teams to make a strategic substitution of one player during a match, providing flexibility in team combinations.
Mar 21, 2025
Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 2nd Khelo India Para Games 2025
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, declared the 2nd Khelo India Para Games 2025 open at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in New Delhi.
More than 1300 para-athletes are taking part in six sports disciplines in this eight-day-long championship March 20 to 27, 2025).
The opening ceremony featured athletes, coaches and support staff from all over the country. Secretary (Sports) Sujata Chaturvedi and senior officials of the Sports Authority of India were also present at the opening ceremony.
Mar 20, 2025
Israeli's Sapir Berman Becomes First Transgender to Officiate International Football Match
Sapir Berman created history by becoming the first transgender referee to take charge in an international game. The 30-year-old officiated in the game between Women's Under-17 Euro qualifier between Northern Ireland and Montenegro in Belfast.
IOC Board Approves Boxing for Inclusion in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) executive board approved the inclusion of boxing in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, ahead of its 144th session.
The decision from the IOC EB follows the recommendation made by the Olympic Programme Commission and the provisional recognition granted in February 2025 by the IOC EB to World Boxing as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.
Mirra Andreeva Tops Aryna Sabalenka for Indian Wells Title
Russia's Mirra Andreeva toppled world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 and captured her second WTA 1000 title at Indian Wells.
Andreeva, who last month become the youngest ever player to win an elite 1000 level crown with her triumph in Dubai, ended a frustrating run against the Belarusian to ensure she will rise to a career-high sixth in the world.
Mar 19, 2025
Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Begins in England
The much-anticipated Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is set to commence in England this evening, marking a historic milestone as the tournament is being hosted outside Asia for the first time. The Indian men's team will begin their journey against Italy at Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom.
The tournament will span seven days, featuring over 60 matches across multiple venues, including Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.
The men's event will feature 10 teams, split into two groups: Group A and Group B. India has been placed in Group B alongside Italy, Scotland, Wales, and China. Group A consists of Pakistan, England, Canada, Iran, and Kenya.
The women's event will include six teams, divided into two groups: Group D and Group E. The Indian women's team will compete in Group D along with Wales and Poland. Group E includes England, Canada, and Kenya.
Norris Triumphs in a Chaotic Australian GP Opener
The 2025 Formula 1 season began with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris secured a dramatic victory for McLaren amid changing weather conditions, multiple crashes, and a late-race downpour. Despite losing the lead temporarily to Max Verstappen, Norris regained control to claim his first victory of the season. The race saw several retirements, strategic pit stops, and last-minute twists, making it a memorable start to the year.
Indian Long-Distance Runner Archana Jadhav Banned for Four Years Over Doping Violation
Indian long-distance runner Archana Jadhav has been handed a four-year ban by World Athletics' Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned substance, Oxandrolone. The decision, which came into effect on January 7, 2025, follows her failure to contest the doping charges despite multiple reminders.
Archana Jadhav's sample was collected during the Pune Half-Marathon in December 2024 and later tested positive for Oxandrolone. This substance, a synthetic anabolic steroid, is commonly used to enhance muscle growth and increase protein production.
The test results led to her provisional suspension, effective January 7, 2025. Despite repeated notices, she did not contest the findings, leading the AIU to consider this as an acceptance of guilt.
City Union Bank Becomes Exclusive Banking Partner of Sunrisers Hyderabad
City Union Bank (CUB) has officially partnered with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as its exclusive banking partner. This strategic collaboration aims to provide SRH fans, players, and staff with customised financial solutions, exclusive offers, and enhanced digital banking services. The partnership also marks a significant step in connecting sports with financial innovation, strengthening CUB's presence among sports enthusiasts in India.
As part of this partnership, City Union Bank will introduce exclusive financial solutions tailored for SRH fans. The bank will offer: customised savings accounts designed specifically for SRH supporters, specialised loans with benefits for SRH fans, and co-branded credit cards with SRH-themed designs, offering unique rewards and discounts.
Mar 18, 2025
Lionel Messi to miss World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil
Argentina's footballing maestro Lionel Messi will not feature in the national team's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil, as announced by coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday. The 37-year-old was absent from the 25-man squad, raising questions among fans and media alike.
Despite speculation, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) did not provide an official reason for Messi's exclusion. However, Argentine media reports suggest that the star forward suffered a sore left thigh during Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Sunday. Messi played the full 90 minutes, scoring the opening goal in his return to the starting lineup after missing three consecutive matches due to "load management."