Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is set to headline the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 5 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium—India's first international gold‑level javelin meet . The global field includes 2016 Olympic gold medallist Thomas Röhler and 2015 World champion Julius Yego alongside top Indian throwers Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal, and Yashvir Singh . Chopra, who recently exceeded 90 m in Doha (90.23 m), aims to spark a series of elite competitions in India . Only 1.6 % of elite throws clear 90m—a rare feat Chopra could repeat at home . The event, co‑organized with JSW Sports and AFI, is a pivotal moment for Indian athletics. (PC: PTI)  

Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon campaign concluded in a gripping third-round match on July 4, 2025. The British No. 1 battled valiantly but fell to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7‑6(7‑6), 6‑4 on Centre Court . Raducanu saved seven set points in a marathon first-set tiebreak before leading 4‑1 in the second, only for Sabalenka to reel off five consecutive games . Sabalenka’s victory means she has now reached at least the fourth round in 11 straight women’s Grand Slams—the first to do so since Serena Williams . Sabalenka will face Elise Mertens next. Despite the loss, Raducanu highlighted her progress, while Sabalenka lauded her resilience and denied any upset jitters. (PC: Sky News)

Reigning World Chess Champion D. Gukesh showcased his dominance yet again by winning the Rapid segment of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. Gukesh displayed exceptional consistency and composure across all rounds, outperforming top global contenders. This victory further strengthens his position as the sport’s rising titan following his historic World Championship win. The young Indian prodigy has been lauded for his strategic brilliance and calm demeanor under pressure. His performance in Zagreb adds to India's growing influence in international chess. (PC: PTI)  

For the first time in 148 years, Wimbledon will break its all-white dress code, allowing players to wear black armbands in tribute to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota. Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3. The brothers’ Lamborghini veered off-road and burst into flames. Authorities suspect a tire blowout during an overtaking attempt. Jota was reportedly heading to Santander for a ferry to England after being advised not to fly post-surgery. Wimbledon’s gesture marks a rare tradition break, as global tributes pour in for the late Portuguese striker. (PC: India Today)

India surged ahead in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston as Mohammed Siraj claimed 6 wickets to bowl England out for 407, giving India a commanding 180-run first-innings lead. Siraj struck early on Day 3, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive balls. Akash Deep supported with 4 wickets. Despite England’s collapse to 84/5, Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) rescued the innings with a 303-run stand. Their effort helped England avoid the follow-on, but India remain in control. The match now heads into a crucial fourth day, with India eyeing a 2-0 lead in the series. (PC: BCCI)

On Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, India pacer Akash Deep finally ended England’s massive 303-run stand by dismissing Harry Brook for 158. Jamie Smith, however, remains unbeaten and is closing in on a double century as England reached 395/6 in 85 overs. Earlier in the day, Mohammed Siraj rattled England with two back-to-back wickets, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes when they were just 84/5. But Smith and Brook rebuilt the innings with resilience. Smith also notched the joint third-fastest Test century by an Englishman. India’s Shubman Gill earlier stunned with a record 269-run knock. (PC: BCCI)

Day five at Wimbledon 2025 showcases pivotal third‑round clashes under warm, sunny skies. Naomi Osaka finds her grass‑court groove, comfortably advancing early. Centre Court headlines feature former champions: Carlos Alcaraz aims for a hat‑trick against Jan‑Lennard Struff, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka meets British hope Emma Raducanu, seeking redemption after outlasting Marie Bouzkova earlier. Britain’s singles contenders remain thin: Cam Norrie and Sonay Kartal follow Draper’s exit to Marin Cilic, with Norrie facing Mattia Bellucci and Kartal up against Diane Parry. Naomi Osaka battles Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, while Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys also strive for deeper runs. A mix of emerging talent and seasoned stars fuels steady drama at SW19. (PC: The Guardian & BBC)

On Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, England resumed at 77/3, trailing India’s mammoth 587 declared, powered by Shubman Gill’s majestic 269 off 387 balls. India’s highest individual Test score in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 and breaking a 46‑year record. Gill’s innings included partnerships of 203 with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and 144 with Washington Sundar (42), rescuing India from 211/5. Indian bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj reduced England to 77/3, with Root and Brook mounting a minor recovery at stumps. England’s Bazball strategy yielded mixed returns on a flat pitch, while clear skies and a fired‑up crowd set the tone for a pivotal Day 3. (PC: BCCI, X & NDTV Sports)

Wimbledon has moved into the digital age. From June 30 to July 13, 2025, the All England Club has replaced human line judges after 147 years with Hawk‑Eye Live electronic line calling on all 18 match courts. The system uses pre‑recorded voices to announce “Out” and “Fault,” promises near‑instant and consistent decisions, and aligns Wimbledon with other Grand Slam events. Fans and players including John McEnroe, Aryna Sabalenka, and Cam Norrie commend its precision and black‑and‑white clarity. Some traditionalists lament the loss of human presence and worry about officials’ career paths. CEO Sally Bolton says it’s not cost‑cutting but evolution. The French Open remains the only Slam retaining judges. (PC: BBC, The Guardian & CNN)

Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota (28) and his brother André Silva were killed in a Lamborghini crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3. The car reportedly suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the A‑52 motorway, and caught fire. Jota had married childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 22 and had three children. Having failed to arrive in Benavente, a relative alerted authorities, prompting discovery of the crash. Due to unidentifiable license‑plates and charred remains, Rute was called to identify the bodies and personal effects. She has since been given psychological counselling. The Civil Guard is probing the accident; initial reports indicate no other cars were involved. (PC: Liverpool FC)