Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh after she won the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025, calling her an inspiration for the youth. Divya beat Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a thrilling all-Indian final. PM Modi praised both players, calling the match historic. He said Divya's victory will motivate many young Indians. President Droupadi Murmu also lauded Divya, calling her win a proud moment for Indian women. The final went into rapid tie-breakers, where Divya claimed the title. With this win, she also secured a place in the Candidates Tournament and became India’s 88th Grandmaster. (PC: ANI/FIDE)

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, 19, won the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, defeating top seed Koneru Humpy in the rapid tiebreaks. With this victory, she secured her final Grandmaster norm, becoming the 88th Indian and fourth Indian woman to earn the GM title. Starting as the 15th seed, Divya’s remarkable run included defeating several higher-ranked opponents. The final’s classical games ended in draws, but Divya capitalized on Humpy’s endgame errors under time pressure to clinch the title. Her performance signals the rise of a new generation of Indian chess stars making waves on the global stage. (PC: X)

England captain Ben Stokes clarified his controversial draw offer during the final minutes of the 4th Test at Old Trafford. With India at 386/4 and the match heading toward an inevitable draw, Stokes approached Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both nearing centuries to end play early. India declined, choosing to bat on and complete their milestones. Stokes later explained he didn’t want to risk injury to his frontline bowlers with one Test remaining. He replaced them with part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root. Jadeja and Sundar went on to score unbeaten centuries, sealing a dramatic draw and earning praise for their resilience and composure under pressure.

In a dramatic final hour at Old Trafford, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to end the 4th Test as a draw with 15 overs remaining and India at 386/4. Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined, opting to play on and complete their centuries. The umpires relayed Stokes’ offer, but India stood firm. Jadeja reached his hundred with a six off Harry Brook, followed by Sundar’s maiden Test century. The match ended in a draw, but not before tensions flared and England’s frustration showed. India’s refusal turned a routine stalemate into a statement of pride, resilience, and individual milestones.

India pulled off a historic draw in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, finishing at 425/4 after trailing by 311 runs. Centuries from Ravindra Jadeja (107)* and Washington Sundar (101)*, along with Shubman Gill’s 103, anchored India’s resistance. England had declared at 669, with Ben Stokes scoring 141 and taking five wickets, becoming only the third player with 7000+ runs and 200+ wickets. England offered a draw late on Day 5, but India refused, allowing Jadeja and Sundar to reach their milestones. The match ended with both teams shaking hands, setting up a thrilling series decider at The Oval.

On Day 5 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, India has refused England’s informal request to call the match a draw, choosing instead to fight on. As of the latest update, India stands at 425/4, leading by 105 runs. Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar reached towards century anchoring India’s survival hope. Earlier, Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 103, his fourth century of the series joining legends like Bradman and Gavaskar. KL Rahul added 90 before falling to Ben Stokes. England, having posted 669 in the first innings, now needs six wickets to win. With two sessions remaining and no rain in sight, India’s bold decision has set up a dramatic finish.(PC: NDTV Sports & Sports Tak)

On Day 5 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, India trails England by 88 runs with six wickets remaining. Captain Shubman Gill scored a resilient 103 marking his fourth century of the series, matching legends like Bradman and Kohli. KL Rahul added 90 before falling to Ben Stokes. Despite early setbacks, including a double duck start, India’s middle order steadied the innings. England, having posted 669 in the first innings, needs four more wickets to clinch the series. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar now anchor India’s hopes of survival. With rain unlikely, the final two sessions will decide whether India escapes defeat. (PC: My Khel)

India's injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will bat on Day 5 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester despite a fractured right foot, confirmed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Pant had earlier scored a gritty half-century on Day 2 after sustaining the injury. India ended Day 4 at 174/2, trailing by 137 runs, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill leading a strong fightback. Kotak praised their determination and Gill’s changed mindset. Meanwhile, England is uncertain about Ben Stokes' bowling availability due to cramps. His absence could affect England’s chances on a slow pitch heading into the final day of the Test. (PC: BCCI)

Shreyasi Joshi from Pune made history as the first Indian to win gold in Classic Slalom at the 2025 Asian Roller Skating Championships in South Korea, scoring an impressive 83.33 points . Her performance has garnered acclaim from Khelo India, calling it “incredible,” and the internet is buzzing with admiration . A 10‑time national champion since starting to skate at age three, Joshi debuted internationally at 12 and has since climbed to world No. 4 in inline freestyle . A third-year CSE student at MIT-WPU Pune, her dedication is inspiring young athletes across India.

Indian football is facing its deepest crisis in years, with the national team coachless and the Indian Super League (ISL) on the brink of collapse due to unresolved rights disputes. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who returned from retirement at 40, voiced concern over the sport’s uncertain future. India’s FIFA ranking has plummeted to 133, with just one win in 16 matches. The ISL’s paralysis affects over 5,000 stakeholders, while TV ratings and sponsor interest decline. Mismanagement within the AIFF is blamed for the turmoil. FIFA’s Arsène Wenger advocates earlier grassroots training. Despite past Olympic success, India remains a “sleeping giant,” struggling to awaken amid growing fears and fading hope.(PC: Al Jazeera & Olympics.com)