India captain Shubman Gill is on the verge of a major career milestone ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan. Gill needs just 47 runs to complete 3,000 ODI runs and could become the second-fastest batter in history to reach the landmark. The 26-year-old has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the format, boasting an impressive average and multiple centuries. If he achieves the feat in the opening match, Gill will join an elite list of batting greats and further strengthen his reputation as one of the leading ODI batters of his generation. (PC: X)

Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been selected for the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to cricket. Rohit, one of India's most successful captains and batters, has played a key role in numerous international triumphs, while Harmanpreet has transformed women's cricket through her leadership and match-winning performances. The honour reflects their impact on the sport and their inspiration to future generations. Both players were among several sportspersons named in the 2026 Padma Awards list announced by the Government of India.

Arunachal Pradesh’s rising MMA star, Sonam Zomba, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming South Asia’s top-ranked female mixed martial arts fighter. Hailing from Jang village in Tawang district, Zomba overcame a career-threatening four-year injury layoff before making a stunning return to competition in 2022. She went on to win and successfully defend the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Women’s Strawweight Championship, establishing herself as one of India’s leading combat sports athletes. Her latest victory, an armbar submission against Brazil’s Maristela Alves at MFN 18, further cemented her dominance and inspired aspiring fighters across Northeast India. 

Football fans could witness one last FIFA World Cup showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, depending on how Argentina and Portugal progress in the expanded 48-team tournament. According to the possible draw scenarios, the two legends could meet in the Round of 16, quarter-finals or even the final based on their group-stage finishes and knockout results.   The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the last for both stars. While Messi enters the tournament as a World Cup winner with Argentina, Ronaldo will be chasing the only major trophy missing from his remarkable career. (PC: HT)

Around 180,000 tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been listed on the tournament's official resale platform, according to a Financial Times report, raising concerns about attendance at some matches. The growing number of resale listings has also pushed ticket prices lower, with the median resale price falling in recent weeks.   The report suggests that demand has been weaker than expected for certain games despite the global popularity of the tournament. FIFA has promoted its official resale system to give fans a secure way to buy and sell tickets, but the large volume of available seats has sparked questions about stadium occupancy during the competition. (PC: X)

India dominated the inaugural World Yogasana Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, securing an extraordinary 114 medals, including 102 gold, nine silver and three bronze, reinforcing its status as the global powerhouse in competitive yogasana. The championships featured more than 400 athletes from 78 countries and highlighted India's growing preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, where yogasana is expected to be a medal sport. Supported by intensive training camps organised by the Sports Authority of India, Indian athletes showcased exceptional strength, endurance and technical skill. Officials now plan to establish five Centres of Excellence as India eyes long-term international success and potential Olympic inclusion.

Iran's football federation has claimed that FIFA revoked its allocation of fan tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage just days before the tournament begins. According to the federation, participating nations are entitled to distribute 8% of match tickets to their supporters, but Iran says it can no longer provide those tickets despite already starting sales.   The federation called the move unfair and accused organisers of allowing political issues to influence the tournament. The dispute comes amid growing tensions over travel restrictions linked to the Middle East conflict. Iran has also complained about visa denials for several team officials and has shifted its training base from the United States to Mexico before the World Cup. (PC: BBC)

India's Men's U-18 hockey team clinched the Asia Cup title after defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final at Kakamigahara. Ashish Tani Purti produced a match-winning performance with a brilliant hat-trick, helping India dominate the title clash on Japanese soil.   The victory underlined the strength of India's emerging hockey talent and added another major achievement to the country's rich hockey legacy. Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament's top scorer, while goalkeeper Ayush Rajak earned the Best Goalkeeper award, making it a memorable campaign for the young Indian side. (PC: X)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay felicitated Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa in Chennai after his historic victory at Norway Chess 2026, awarding him Rs 50 lakh on behalf of the state government. During the ceremony, Vijay surprised Praggnanandhaa by playing an impromptu game of chess, earning praise from the champion for his unexpected skill. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win Norway Chess after a remarkable comeback, overturning a 5.5-point deficit and defeating elite opponents including Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh and Alireza Firouzja. The triumph has further cemented his place among the world's top chess players.

Newly appointed India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer said that leading the national side will not change his personality or approach to the game. Speaking after India’s victory under his captaincy, Iyer expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized that he would remain calm, confident, and true to himself despite the added responsibility. The batter credited his teammates and support staff for helping create a positive environment. Iyer’s appointment marks a new chapter for India’s T20 setup, and he said his focus will be on team success, consistent performances, and fostering a strong dressing-room culture as India prepares for upcoming international assignments. (PC: Reuters)