The fighting between the Taliban and a combined force of US-backed Afghan National Army and private militias in northern Afghanistan escalated as the last American and Nato soldiers left Bagram airbase on Friday. The airbase had been Washington’s nerve centre in the almost two-decade war on terror against militants in the country.
Italy set up a Euro 2020 semi-final clash against Spain after first half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne led the Azzurri to a 2-1 win over Belgium on Friday in an entertaining encounter in which both sides created a number of chances. Italy will face the Spaniards on Tuesday in London for a place in the final.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon was the hero as Spain edged past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 on penalties on Friday to set up a Euro 2020 semi-final against either Belgium or Italy. After a 1-1 draw in Saint Petersburg which saw the Swiss play for 43 minutes a man down, Simon made two saves in the shoot-out to help keep Spain's bid for a record fourth European crown alive.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a rocky third set to defeat American qualifier Denis Kudla to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon for the 13th time on Friday.
Mariyappan Thangavelu, the 2016 Rio Gold medalist in the men's high jump category, has been named as the captain of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, set to be held from August 25-September 5.