India’s men’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH World Cup semifinal race after losing 1-3 to reigning Olympic champions Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday. India defended strongly in the first half, but Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam scored to seal the Dutch victory. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal from a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. India needed a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive but remain without points in the second round. They will face Argentina on Monday before playing the fifth-eighth place classification matches. (PC: X)

India’s Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won bronze at the BWF World Championships after losing their women’s doubles semi-final in New Delhi. The Indian pair beat three seeded teams on their way to the last four. They started strongly against world No.1 and defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning. Treesa and Gayatri won the first game 21-18. The Chinese pair then changed their approach and won the next two games 21-13 and 21-8. The bronze is India’s first women’s doubles medal at the championships since 2011. Treesa and Gayatri called the tournament a memorable experience.

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during a heated match. The incident happened in the 101st minute of Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the neck during a tense exchange. MLS rules ban players from hitting an opponent’s head, neck or face. Messi was fined an undisclosed amount. Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s red card was overturned after an independent review. Messi scored one goal and provided an assist in the match.

India suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in their first second-round match at the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup. The loss has left India’s semi-final hopes in serious danger. The Netherlands controlled much of the match and scored three goals. Thijs van Dam scored the third goal after a quick counter-attack. India’s only goal came from captain Harmanpreet Singh through a penalty corner. India had earlier beaten Wales and Pakistan but lost to England in the first round. They now need a strong result against Argentina in their next match to keep their campaign alive.

The BCCI is struggling to find a title sponsor for India’s home cricket matches. The board received no satisfactory bids by the August 13 deadline, reports said. The BCCI has set a base price of ₹4.75 crore per match. This is higher than the ₹4.2 crore paid by current sponsor IDFC First Bank. The new deal would run for two years and cover about 35 matches. Google Gemini, Spinny and SBI Life are reportedly in talks with the BCCI. Some firms have also bought the tender documents. The high price is believed to be the main reason for weak interest.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been asked not to attend a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic. The request came from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani. In a letter, he said Infantino’s presence could take attention away from the children’s matches. The dispute is linked to reported plans to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup venture to private investors. The proposal has caused criticism from several football bodies. CONCACAF, along with European and Asian football confederations, has questioned Infantino’s leadership. FIFA has not commented. A FIFA presidential election is due next year. (PC: Getty Images)

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has urged patience with 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stressing the importance of developing his red-ball skills alongside his success in T20 cricket. Dravid believes Sooryavanshi should gain extensive domestic experience before being considered for Test cricket. The youngster is set to represent East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, providing an important opportunity to strengthen his first-class game. Dravid also highlighted the wider challenge facing Test cricket as T20 leagues expand globally, saying players capable of succeeding across formats are increasingly important. He believes Sooryavanshi could become an exciting future prospect for Test cricket if developed carefully. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an incident with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on August 19. In stoppage time, Messi approached Sullivan during a heated exchange and appeared to slap the back of his neck. MLS ruled that Messi violated its policy prohibiting contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The referee did not issue a card during the incident, and Messi has not been suspended. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Messi had scored and assisted in the match. (PC: X)

Brazil’s football authorities have confirmed that the national team will not withdraw from its scheduled friendly against India despite calls for a boycott. The match is set for October 3 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged fans to boycott the fixture, questioning the reported ₹50–70 crore expenditure and arguing that the money should instead support grassroots football and infrastructure. However, sources close to the Brazilian Football Confederation said the boycott controversy would not affect the fixture. Brazil officials also inspected the Kolkata stadium and said concerns about the pitch would not alter the match schedule. (PC: Getty Images)

FIFA has imposed a combined 21-game ban on several Argentina players and support staff following a brawl involving Spain players after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which Spain won to claim their second title. Leandro Paredes received the heaviest punishment, a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Right-back Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension and a $30,000 fine. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. Spain midfielder Gavi, who was involved in the fight, was also banned for one game and fined $30,000. Argentina was additionally fined over a Falklands Islands banner displayed after their semi-final win over England.