The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has clarified that ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat will only be allowed to participate in selection trials for the 50kg weight category. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions over her preferred competition category and preparations for upcoming international tournaments. WFI officials stated that the federation has strictly followed existing selection policies and medical guidelines while finalising eligibility. The move effectively rules out Vinesh from competing in higher weight divisions during the current trials cycle. The development has sparked debate within Indian wrestling circles, with supporters questioning the federation’s handling of one of India’s most decorated female wrestlers. (PC: PTI)

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a stunning knock of 94 off just 46 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2. The 14-year-old shattered multiple tournament records with his fearless innings, becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in IPL playoffs and one of the youngest to dominate a knockout clash. Sooryavanshi narrowly missed a sensational century before getting dismissed in the final overs. Supported by aggressive middle-order hitting, Rajasthan Royals finished with a massive 214/6. Gujarat Titans now face a daunting chase in the high-pressure knockout encounter to secure a place in the IPL 2026 final. (PC: NDTV)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants with immediate effect after the team finished last in the IPL 2026 standings. The franchise confirmed that Pant himself requested to be relieved of leadership duties, and management accepted the decision. Bought for a record ₹27 crore before IPL 2025, Pant struggled both as captain and batter during his two-season stint with LSG. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons, managing only four wins in 14 matches this year. LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody said the franchise will now focus on “rebuilding and restructuring” ahead of the next season. (PC: BCCI)

Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the team finished 10th in IPL 2026. The franchise confirmed that Pant requested to be relieved of leadership duties, and the decision was accepted with immediate effect.   Pant joined LSG for ₹27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He captained the team in 28 matches across two seasons and won 10 games.   LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody thanked Pant for his contribution as captain. He said the franchise will now focus on rebuilding and restructuring the team for future seasons. (PC: Creimas)

According to a report, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is set to leave the franchise after IPL 2026. Sources claimed that Pandya informed the team management of his decision during the season.   The report said the 32-year-old felt "mentally stressed and completely exhausted" after a difficult campaign. He also reportedly suffered a back injury. Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs, adding to the disappointment.   Pandya took over as captain in 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest both Pandya and the franchise have reached an understanding to part ways ahead of next season. (PC: BBCI)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will captain the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement ends doubts about Messi's participation after a recent injury scare while playing for Inter Miami.   Messi, 38, is set to play in his sixth World Cup, extending his record. Medical tests showed he is dealing with muscle fatigue, but Scaloni played down concerns over his fitness.   Argentina have named a 26-player squad for the tournament. The defending champions will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 in the United States. (PC: Reuters)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa delivered a major statement at Norway Chess 2026 by defeating world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in round three, earning three full points in a tense classical contest. The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa to sole second place with 4.5 points, behind tournament leader Alireza Firouzja, who stands at 7.5 points. The win continues Praggnanandhaa’s impressive rise after strong performances in Bucharest and marks another classical victory over Carlsen following his breakthrough success at Norway Chess 2024. Meanwhile, reigning world champion D Gukesh endured another setback, losing to Firouzja in Armageddon after a marathon classical draw. Praggnanandhaa later described defeating Carlsen as a “really big win” and admitted feeling fortunate.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30-31. The Supreme Court bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the matter on Friday. Earlier, the Delhi High Court criticised WFI’s selection policy as exclusionary and unfair towards athletes returning from maternity leave, directing the federation to permit Phogat’s participation and ensure transparency through video recording and independent observers from SAI and IOA. Phogat had challenged WFI’s decision declaring her ineligible for domestic competition till June 26, 2026, under anti-doping return regulations. (PC: Reuters)

Rajasthan Royals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at New Chandigarh to book a place in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a blistering 97 off just 29 balls, helping Rajasthan post a massive 243/8. He also broke Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season. In reply, Hyderabad collapsed under pressure despite resistance from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy, eventually getting bowled out well short of the target. 

India’s rising tennis star Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is set to compete at the Junior French Open as part of her long-term development plan rather than a pursuit of immediate results. The 16-year-old, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy, views the clay-court Grand Slam as an opportunity to gain experience and strengthen her transition toward professional tennis. Maaya has already shown promise with junior successes on European clay and valuable exposure at Grand Slam junior events. Supported by a professional coaching team and government backing, she believes every match contributes to her growth. Her focus remains on improving her game, adapting to higher competition, and building a foundation for a future career on the WTA Tour. (PC: X)