India to Host 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar
The 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 13 to 17 May 2026, marking India’s first host nation participation in 44 years. About 180 athletes from 28 countries are expected, with India, China, and Sri Lanka fielding the largest squads (16 lifters each). Chinese Taipei will send 15 competitors. India's team includes Bindyarani Devi, Ajith Narayana, Nirupama Devi, Lovepreet Singh, and Bedabarat Bharali. Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu will miss the event due to injury. The championships also serve as a key qualifier for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Event dates: 13–17 May 2026 in Gandhinagar
Approximately 180 athletes from 28 countries
India, China, Sri Lanka have the largest squads (16 each)
Mirabai Chanu out due to injury
Serves as qualifier for Commonwealth and Asian Games
Rahul Dravid named owner of Dublin Guardians in ETPL
Cricket legend Rahul Dravid was announced on 12 May 2026 as the owner of the Dublin Guardians, the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The ETPL is ICC-sanctioned and designed as a multi-country league spanning Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, with six city-based franchises: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Dravid leads an Indian consortium to operate the Dublin franchise, as the league plans its 2026 launch and a season running through August and September. This marks Dravid’s first major foray into franchise ownership and aligns with ETPL’s goal of expanding cricket in Europe and creating development pathways. ([etplofficial.com](https://www.etplofficial.com/news/dublin-has-dravid-rahul-dravid-announced-as-owner-of-dublin-guardians?utm_source=openai))
Owner announced: Rahul Dravid for Dublin Guardians
League: European T20 Premier League (ETPL), ICC‑sanctioned
Six teams across Europe: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, Amsterdam
Launch window: 2026 with matches in August–September
Significance: Dravid’s first major franchise ownership venture
May 11, 2026
Barcelona win La Liga after defeating Real Madrid in El Clasico 2-0
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in the El Clasico on 10 May 2026 to clinch the La Liga title. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres scored in the first half to give Barcelona the win under coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona moved 14 points clear of second‑placed Madrid with three matches remaining. The Clasico win effectively decided the championship that day, a rare instance of a Clasico determining the title. The report notes Real Madrid as a record 36‑time La Liga champion, though they finished trophyless this season. Madrid had been involved in disruption after a head injury to Fede Valverde following a training‑ground incident with Aurelien Tchouameni.
Barcelona won 2-0 in the Clasico to clinch La Liga.
Scorers: Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres (first half).
Barça led Madrid by 14 points with three games left.
Real Madrid is described as a 36‑time champion in the report.
May 09, 2026
India to participate in inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
India has signed a participation agreement with FIFA for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for 21 September to 6 October 2026. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accepted the invitation and awaits further tournament details. The competition will feature a two-division format, with Indonesia hosting Division 1 and Hong Kong hosting Division 2. Fourteen teams are expected, including invited nations such as China and Hong Kong. Prize money for Division 1 winners is US$1 million, Division 2 winners US$300,000, and a guaranteed participation fee of US$125,000 for all 14 teams. The tournament will fall within FIFA’s international windows.
Event: Inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup (Sept 21–Oct 6, 2026)
Format: Two divisions; 14 teams total
Hosts: Indonesia (Division 1), Hong Kong (Division 2)
India's role: AIFF participation confirmed
Prize: US$1 million (Div 1), US$300,000 (Div 2)
Note: All teams receive US$125,000 participation fee
May 08, 2026
Delhi to host 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in 2026
Delhi will host the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship (CTTC 2026) from 27 July to 2 August 2026 at Thyagraj Stadium. The seven-day event is organized by the Delhi government and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). The CTTC 2026 invites participation from more than 35 Commonwealth countries. Expected teams include England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Singapore. Thyagraj Stadium, a multi-sport venue in Delhi, will host the matches. The event supports India’s growing table tennis profile and offers opportunities for local volunteers and spectators. Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Gujarat visit scheduled for 10-11 May 2026.
CTTC 2026 scheduled for 27 July–2 August 2026 in Delhi.
Venue: Thyagraj Stadium; organized by Delhi government and TTFI.
Participation from 35+ Commonwealth countries expected.
Teams include England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore.
Event aims to boost India’s table tennis profile.
May 05, 2026
France reach first Thomas Cup final as India’s bid ends in semifinals
France defeated India 3-0 in the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals, ending India’s campaign and earning bronze. The encounter was marred by Lakshya Sen’s injury, limiting India’s ability to mount a comeback. France advanced to its first-ever Thomas Cup final, showcasing disciplined play and tactical execution. In the opening singles, Ayush Shetty lost to Christo Popov, while Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy also fell in straight games to Alex Lanier and Popov respectively. The result marks a historic milestone for France in men’s badminton and leaves India seeking its next title challenge in future editions.
India loses 0-3 to France in Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals
Lakshya Sen injury cited as a factor in India’s defeat
France reaches its first-ever Thomas Cup final
Ayush Shetty, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth all lost in straight games