India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the BWF World Championships quarterfinals in New Delhi. The Chinese pair won 21-18, 21-9 in 36 minutes. Satwik and Chirag started strongly and controlled the pace in the first game. However, Liang and Wang changed their tactics and slowed down the rallies. They also used effective spin serves and strong net play. The Indians struggled with their serves, returns and finishing shots. The loss ended India’s hopes of a third men’s doubles medal at the championships. Liang and Wang advanced to the semifinals.

UEFA and CONCACAF have begun discussions to create a combined Nations League featuring all 96 member nations from Europe, North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The biennial tournament could launch as early as 2028, following the European Championship. The proposed format would include multiple leagues, a knockout stage and a Final Four, bringing teams such as Spain, France, England and Germany against Mexico, the United States and Canada. Matches would use existing international windows to limit scheduling disruption, with revenue shared among participating nations. The plan also reflects growing cooperation between UEFA and CONCACAF amid tensions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. (PC: Getty Images)

India’s Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand produced a remarkable comeback to defeat China’s fourth-seeded Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian in the women’s doubles quarter-final at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi. The Indian pair lost the opening game 16-21 but responded strongly, winning the second 21-15. They dominated the deciding game 21-13 to complete a 16-21, 21-15, 21-13 victory. The result sends Treesa and Gayatri into the semi-finals and guarantees India a medal at the World Championships. Their victory also marks a significant achievement for Indian women’s doubles badminton. (PC: NDTV)

Indian international Ryan Williams has expressed his determination to help the Blue Tigers improve their position in the FIFA rankings. The Australian-born forward, who became an Indian citizen to represent the country, believes his experience and performances can contribute to India’s progress on the international stage. Williams wants to make the most of every opportunity with the national team and help India compete more strongly against higher-ranked opponents. India were ranked 138th in FIFA’s latest official men’s ranking on July 20, 2026. Williams’ focus comes as the team looks to rebuild and improve its international results.

India secured qualification for the second round of the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup after holding England to a tense 0-0 draw in their final Pool D match in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India needed only a draw to progress and produced a disciplined defensive performance despite sustained English pressure, particularly in the closing stages. England created several opportunities, while India also had goals disallowed. The result saw India finish second in Pool D behind China, with five points from three matches. India had earlier drawn 2-2 with China and defeated South Africa 6-1. England’s campaign ended with the draw. (PC: X)

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has received praise during the 2026 BWF World Championships after facing heavy criticism during the India Open earlier this year. The venue, which was disrupted by birds, a monkey and complaints over facilities, has undergone a significant turnaround. Four days into the World Championships, players and BWF officials have described the stadium as clean, well-organised and capable of hosting a world-class event. BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund has also praised the improvements. The successful transformation highlights efforts by organisers to address previous shortcomings and deliver better standards for one of badminton’s biggest international tournaments. (PC: BAI)

India is planning a cricket stadium near Thiksey in Ladakh at an altitude of around 11,800 feet. The proposed project, estimated to cost about ₹100 crore, could become the world's highest cricket stadium if completed as planned.   The stadium is expected to boost sports infrastructure and create new opportunities for young athletes in Ladakh. Its high-altitude location could also make it a unique venue for cricket and help attract tourists.   However, official confirmation and detailed project information were not immediately available in the sources reviewed. Ladakh has been expanding sports infrastructure, including stadium projects in Leh.  

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer, claiming 10 wickets in only his second Test. He took 4/76 in Sri Lanka’s first innings before producing a match-winning 6/55 in the second, as the hosts were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372. Suthar’s overall figures of 10/131 are the best by an Indian bowler in Sri Lanka, surpassing records held by Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin. (PC: X)

India and Pakistan renew their iconic hockey rivalry on August 19 at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The Pool D clash is crucial, with a place in the next round at stake. The teams have met five times at the World Cup, with India winning three and Pakistan two. Their only World Cup final came in 1975, when India won 2–1. India have dominated recent encounters, winning 17 of their last 19 meetings since 2016, with two draws. Pakistan have not defeated India in a decade, adding significance to this highly anticipated contest. 

India produced a historic 6-1 victory over South Africa at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, securing the biggest World Cup win in the country’s women’s hockey history. China’s earlier 4-2 victory over England opened the door for India to move top of Pool D. Six different Indian players scored in the emphatic victory, lifting the team’s goal difference to +5. Sjoerd Marijne’s side now needs only a draw against England in its final pool match to secure a place in the second round. The result gives India a major advantage heading into the decisive fixture, after China’s win dramatically reshaped the Pool D standings. (PC: DD News)