Indian prodigy D. Gukesh stunned World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen with a rapid win at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia in Zagreb, extending his lead to 10 points and reinforcing his supremacy in the tournament . Former world champion Garry Kasparov, commentating, stated this “isn’t just his second loss…it’s a convincing loss,” adding that Carlsen’s dominance is now questionable . Gukesh’s strategic resilience, especially under time pressure, showcased his evolution as a top-tier threat. Carlsen had earlier labeled Gukesh as “presumably weaker” in rapid/blitz—a notion now refuted on the board. (PC: X)

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has criticized India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah and omit Kuldeep Yadav for the Edgbaston Test, calling it “baffling” and urging the return of attacking options . Finch tweeted, “If Bumrah was fit… at least Kuldeep has to be in the XI,” . Meanwhile, former India all‑rounder Irfan Pathan echoed the sentiment, saying players shouldn’t “pick and choose” matches . India countered that the squad change aimed to manage bowling workload and bolster batting depth. India finished Day 1 strongly with captain Shubman Gill scoring a century amid the selection storm. (PC: NDTV)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reportedly advised the BCCI to call off or reschedule the White-ball cricket tour to Bangladesh set for mid-August, citing strained bilateral relations and recent political sensitivities . While cancellation is under consideration, the Bangladesh Cricket Board maintains the ICC Future Tours Programme requires the series, prompting discussions on alternate windows, possibly in August–September . Media rights sales have been paused by Bangladesh, reflecting the uncertainty . A final decision is expected within days as both boards await governmental clearance. (PC: AP)

Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh, delivered a commanding performance at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament in Zagreb. Following an earlier jibe from Magnus Carlsen who downplayed him as “one of the presumably weaker players”Gukesh avenged with back-to-back wins against Carlsen in Round 6 rapid, taking outright lead with 10/12. Earlier, he showcased dominance over Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Fabiano Caruana, marking five consecutive victories and master Garry Kasparov noted this as a “convincing loss” for Carlsen, signalling a potential shift in elite chess . Gukesh now stands two points clear heading into blitz, poised to challenge the legend’s rapid‑blitz reign. (PC: English Bombay Samachar)

Liverpool forward Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, died early on July 3, 2025, after their Lamborghini veered off Spain’s A‑52 motorway near Zamora and burst into flames, reportedly following a tire blowout. Jota, who had just married Rute Cardoso 11 days earlier and was father to three children, recently helped Liverpool win the Premier League, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. The football world mourns deeply, tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, UEFA and fans have poured in. Anfield displayed scarves, flags lowered, and a moment of silence observed at Euro 2025 matches. (PC: Rappler)

Indian chess prodigy and reigning world champion D Gukesh stunned Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round of the Grand Chess Tour in Zagreb, taking sole lead with 10 out of 12 points. The 18-year-old has now won five consecutive games, including victories over Fabiano Caruana and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Gukesh’s win came after Carlsen dismissed his chances pre-match, calling him “presumably one of the weaker players.” Gukesh's performance not only proved Carlsen wrong but reaffirmed his dominance in rapid chess. The Chennai-based grandmaster continues to impress on the global stage with calm, tactical brilliance and mental strength. (PC: HT)

India captain Shubman Gill scripted history on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, scoring a majestic 269 to lead India to 587 all out against England. It was Gill's maiden double century and the highest score by any Indian or Asian captain in a Test match on English soil, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 at The Oval in 1979. Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89) also made strong contributions. England’s Shoaib Bashir claimed 3 wickets, while Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes picked 2 each. Gill’s innings anchored a dominant Indian performance as England prepare to respond. (PC: BCCI)

Wimbledon 2025 Day 4 saw Novak Djokovic dominate Daniel Evans 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 to storm into the third round. The 7-time champion looked unstoppable in a straight-sets victory. Women’s top seed Iga Swiatek was in action against Caty McNally, while Elena Rybakina defeated Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-1 to progress. Rising star Mirra Andreeva also booked her place in Round 3 with a 6-1, 7-6(4) win over Lucia Bronzetti. Corentin Moutet and Grigor Dimitrov battled through a tight second set on Court 3. Emma Navarro and Alex de Minaur continued their campaigns, with high-stakes matchups expected on Day 5. (PC: India Today)

A Sports Ministry source confirmed that despite recent political tensions, Pakistan’s men's hockey team has received all-clearances from the Ministries of Home Affairs, External Affairs, and Sports to travel to India for the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, scheduled from 27 August to 7 September 2025 . This move reflects India’s commitment to uphold the principles of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits excluding nations from multilateral sporting events . The approval similarly extends to the Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai this November–December . While bilateral series remain suspended, officials emphasize that allowing participation in continental tournaments supports sports diplomacy and safeguards India’s standing in global sports administration. (PC: Getty Images)

Global tributes are pouring in after Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain. Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said, “We will miss you so much,” while Cristiano Ronaldo wrote, “It doesn’t make sense.” Prince William and Princess Kate, along with Liverpool FC, Wolves, and FC Porto, expressed shock at the “unimaginable loss.” Jota had been driving to catch a ferry after surgery when the car crashed. Known for his humility and fierce play, Jota’s death has left the football community united in grief and remembrance.(PC: BBC)