From securing international teams to managing logistics, sponsorships and ticket sales, the recent high-profile international football matches that brought Panama, Brazil and Uruguay to India are expensive propositions. The promoter explains why commercial returns are not always guaranteed and why government backing could be crucial to building the market.
India’s Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag won the silver medal in the women’s compound doubles event at the Asian Para Games on Wednesday. The 19-year-old Indian pair lost 141-150 to China’s Xu Xueqing and Zhao Jing in the final.
On October 21, India aims to build on its momentum during the Asian Para Games. A variety of athletes are set to compete across disciplines such as athletics, swimming, and powerlifting. Following a successful previous day, the team is eager to boost its medal count, with numerous medal events lined up that highlight emerging talent across various sports.
India's para archer Sheetal Devi broke a seven-year-old world record by scoring 149 in the women's compound elimination round at the Asian Para Games 2026. Sheetal surpassed the previous record of 148, set by Jessica Stretton, during her pre-quarterfinal match against Chan Yuen.
Bhavina Patel won a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 4-5 table tennis event at the Asian Para Games 2026. She lost in the semi-finals to Zhang Bian of China, finishing her singles campaign. Previously, Bhavina was the flag bearer for India at these Games. Her notable achievements include winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics and gold at the Commonwealth Games.
Asian Para Games 2026:India’s para-athletes are set to participate in a full day of events at the Asian Para Games. Key competitors like Nishad Kumar and Avani Lekhara will compete in various sports throughout the day. Events include para athletics, swimming, badminton, and archery among others, with several medal opportunities available. India’s men’s blind football team will also play against Thailand in a preliminary matchup.
Travis Kelce’s $5.35 million Ohio mansion faces fresh scrutiny as local officials continue reviewing plans for the historic lakeside estate. While the revised six-foot privacy fence received approval in September, the proposed rear landscaping remains unresolved. Neighbors have raised concerns about tree heights and potential damage to shared sewer lines. Bratenahl’s Architectural Review Board is scheduled to revisit the landscaping proposal on November 10, 2026, leaving parts of the property improvements pending.
Pakistan last reached the final of an ICC tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where they lost to England in Melbourne.
Gerard Piqué has expanded his sporting investments by joining FYERS American Gambits as a strategic shareholder in August 2026. The former Barcelona defender, who previously invested in Freestyle Chess, brings experience from building the Kings League. His latest move coincided with American Gambits finishing third in the Global Chess League’s fourth season in Bengaluru.
Indian cricketers have had a busy couple of months, playing several bilateral series as well as competing at the Asian Games in Japan.
In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com, China’s No. 1 Wei Yi opens up about the exhaustion of competing in his maiden Candidates Tournament, describing the end of the gruelling 14-round event as a relief. The Grandmaster reflects on his performance in Cyprus, the pressures of elite chess, why players sometimes need extended breaks to recover, and more.
From Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba to Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, several football legends have secured UAE Golden Visas and built connections with the region beyond the pitch. From business ventures and youth development to media careers and sports investments, explore how 10 footballers have used their long-term residency to expand their professional and personal ties with the Emirates.
Chirag Baretha, a decorated para-badminton player, and fellow para-shuttlers have filed a petition after being excluded from India’s 2026 Asian Para Games contingent despite meeting the selection criteria. Alleging unfair treatment and procedural irregularities, they have challenged the roles of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI), raising questions about transparency in the selection process.
Teenage cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went viral after jokingly warning airport paparazzi, “Reel ke chakkar mein thuk jaoge,” urging them to prioritise safety over filming. He was in New Delhi to meet PM Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony for India’s Asian Games contingent. Modi encouraged athletes to inspire children, highlighting sports’ role in teaching discipline, resilience and perseverance through his message, “Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega.”
Former India spinner R Ashwin criticised the team management for dropping Kuldeep Yadav from the last two T20Is against the West Indies, saying the decision “lacks a bit of common sense.” Ashwin argued Kuldeep’s variations troubled the visiting batters and could have saved India 15–20 runs. However, he supported Kuldeep’s exclusion in Indore due to the ground’s small dimensions.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan set a new record with 238 runs in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, surpassing Abhishek Sharma’s 229 runs. Despite Farhan’s third consecutive half-century, Pakistan lost the final match by eight wickets. Kusal Mendis starred with an unbeaten 87, helping Sri Lanka win the match, while Pakistan secured the series 2-1.
Laycock finished with career-best figures of 6/26, including a record of four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in South African T20 cricket.
South Africa faced a significant defeat against Australia by 214 runs in the first Test at Durban. This loss caused South Africa to drop to third place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Australia, with nine wins from eleven matches, remains at the top of the table. Matt Renshaw was instrumental in Australia's success, scoring 190 runs in the first innings.
Kolkata will host Barcelona Legends vs Real Madrid Legends at Salt Lake Stadium on November 25, bringing El Clasico nostalgia to India. Luis Figo, Carles Puyol and Iker Casillas are among the names reportedly expected, though official squads remain unconfirmed. The exhibition follows last year’s meeting in Mumbai, where Real Madrid Legends won 2-0, and adds another chapter to Kolkata’s rich footballing history.
Sumit Nagal apologised to the Maia crowd and Portuguese player Henrique Rocha for making a “talking gesture” after his hard-fought first-round win at the Maia ATP Challenger. Nagal called it a heat-of-the-moment reaction and confirmed he had apologised personally to Rocha. The incident comes after India's disappointing Asian Games tennis campaign ended without a medal for the first time since 1986.
Former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died in Harare at 36 after months in hospital following a medical procedure. She represented Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014 before becoming an international umpire. In 2023, she became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate a World Cup final and later worked at the 2024 and 2025 women's World Cups.
Mohammed Shami has been out of favour with the national selectors, but he said he would continue playing wherever he gets an opportunity instead of worrying about his return to the Indian team. The Bengal fast bowler made the remarks after taking four wickets against Delhi in Bengal's opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season in Kalyani on Sunday. His figures of 4/30 helped Bengal bowl Delhi out for 240 on the first day.
Erling Haaland’s new Abu Dhabi home has raised questions about whether the Manchester City striker could secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through property investment or his sporting achievements. With a separate residency pathway for elite athletes and strong ties to Abu Dhabi through City, Haaland has several potential routes to explore, although no visa approval or special arrangement has been confirmed.
Manchester United recorded their worst league start in nearly 40 years after drawing 1-1 with Tottenham, collecting just six points from six matches. Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead before Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time, despite Tottenham playing with 10 men. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi praised his team's fighting spirit, while Michael Carrick lamented United’s failure to secure victory.
Real Madrid’s VinÃcius Júnior apologised to teammates and fans after being sent off for pulling Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba’s hair during Saturday’s 1-0 win. He could miss the October 25 El Clásico against Barcelona, depending on his suspension. Meanwhile, Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0, extending their perfect LaLiga start to eight wins and strengthening their lead at the top.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson criticised Gautam Gambhir for frequently changing India’s playing XI and batting order, saying it affects team consistency. However, he praised Gambhir for backing players like Sanju Samson. Meanwhile, West Indies defeated India by six wickets after chasing 250, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten 102 to level the five-match T20I series at 1-1.
Australia's 18-member squad has an average age of around 32.6, with only three players under 30.
Recent amendments by the International Cricket Council aim to combat time-wasting tactics in cricket, thereby accelerating the rhythm of matches for a more enjoyable spectator experience. Additionally, a possible pink-ball trial in Test formats will be negotiated in upcoming bilateral series. Umpires are charged with the responsibility of imposing penalties for slow over rates, illustrating cricket's dynamic shift to align with modern-day requirements and audience demands.
Naman Dhir had scored 318 runs in IPL 2026 but did not bowl a single over during the tournament. His international debut showed that he can offer India another option with the ball. Former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Dhir’s emergence could seriously hurt Washington Sundar’s chances in white-ball cricket.
India's remarkable performance, securing 21 gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, showcases the extraordinary talent of athletes who triumphed largely on meager resources. Archers Kumkum Mohod and Sahil Jadhav exemplify this feat, earning a mere Rs 50,000 through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Their success story, alongside other boxers and sailors, underscores the determination to succeed amidst financial constraints, highlighting athletes' potential to shine even with limited support.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed why he left Portugal’s camp, claiming Jorge Jesus broke promises over his playing time and then contradicted their private agreement publicly. Ronaldo said the situation left him feeling unwanted and that continuing would harm the team. He apologised for leaving, accepted responsibility for his actions and insisted he remains available to compete for Portugal after his suspension.
India’s 6–1 defeat to Uruguay was painful, but Anirudh Thapa provided a rare moment of history by ending the country’s 44-year wait for a goal against La Celeste. His rebound made him only the second Indian scorer against Uruguay, joining Manas Bhattacharya, who struck in 1982. For Thapa, the landmark goal also marked his first international strike since 2023.
Virat Kohli is 15 centuries away from becoming the first batter to reach 101 international hundreds, with ODI cricket now his only route to Sachin Tendulkar's record. India have 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, while the Asia Cup offers additional opportunities. A possible six-match South Africa series in the new FTP could give India further preparation before the World Cup, but the century chase remains a difficult one.
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Al-Nassr training after leaving Portugal’s camp amid his dispute with Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old was pictured smiling with teammates as the Saudi club prepares to face Al-Diriyah. Jesus has left the door open for Ronaldo’s international return, but the final decision rests with the forward, who says he will explain his departure 'in due time'.
Lionel Messi is set to play his final Argentina match against Benin, but his farewell reportedly came with reservations. Messi was initially reluctant over concerns that the AFA was using his name for financial gain. He ultimately agreed to the tribute, which will bring together former teammates and Argentina’s next generation as he closes an extraordinary international career.
Former India batter Hanuma Vihari urged India to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami after the team failed to defend 351 against West Indies. He warned against relying too heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, calling the bowling performance a wake-up call. Vihari believes experience and stronger backup options are crucial with the 2027 World Cup approaching.
English fast bowler Craig Miles has retired from professional cricket at 32 to prioritise his mental health. The Gloucestershire pacer, who last played in June, ends a 15-year career with more than 500 wickets. Miles said mounting pressure, self-doubt and high expectations made continuing difficult. He reflected proudly on his career, while Gloucestershire praised his courage and backed his decision.
Brazil supporters from across India and beyond travelled to Kolkata for a rare chance to watch the Samba Boys play India and painted the Salt Lake Stadium yellow and green.
Yash Kumar Chauhan, an Indian kurash athlete, faces provisional suspension after testing positive for several banned substances during the Asian Games on September 27. His samples revealed prohibited drug metabolites, confirmed by the International Testing Agency, which has begun proceedings against him under anti-doping regulations. Chauhan retains the option to contest this suspension and request testing of his B-sample for further scrutiny.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius has made T20 cricket history with his phenomenal score of 188 runs off 79 balls while playing for the Titans against the Knights. This feat breaks Chris Gayle's former record of 175 runs, showcasing Pretorius's exceptional talent as he maintained a striking rate of 237.97. His recent century for South Africa further underscores his remarkable consistency and prowess on the field.
AB de Villiers shared his excitement over Virat Kohli's stellar performance in the ODIs against the West Indies, where Kohli's unbeaten 139 runs were pivotal for India's triumph. De Villiers highlighted the shift in Kohli's mindset, noting his newfound aggressiveness and positive outlook. He views this stage of Kohli's career as a remarkable resurgence, appreciating the strategic evolution he has undergone over the years.
