India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has faced scrutiny after several players suffered injuries, but Head of Cricket VVS Laxman said the facility’s role goes beyond rehabilitation. After meeting BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Laxman said there was no disconnect between the CoE, team management, medical staff and selectors. He explained that players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were selected subject to fitness clearance, with regular updates shared with selectors and coaches. Laxman also revealed that the CoE has struggled to appoint a Head of Sports Science and Medicine since Nitin Patel left. He added that the Bronco Test is being used to monitor players’ fitness during series. (PC: HT)

FIFA has defended president Gianni Infantino against what it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine him and the organisation. The statement came after reports raised allegations about Infantino’s personal life, which FIFA and Infantino strongly denied. Infantino is also facing growing opposition in Europe following the collapse of his FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have created a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights. UEFA says it has lost confidence in him, while Norway’s football chief has called for his resignation. However, Infantino retains support from several football confederations and member associations. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68. Before the match, both teams observed a minute’s silence and Inter Miami players wore black armbands. Messi’s close friend and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul paid an emotional tribute after scoring Miami’s opening goal in the 32nd minute. De Paul removed his jersey to reveal Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt underneath, earning a yellow card. Monterrey later came back to win 2-1. Messi remained in Argentina with his family and his return date to Inter Miami remains unclear. (PC: HT)

India’s Basant Kumar Meghwal won the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The 19-year-old athlete from Anupgarh, Rajasthan, cleared a personal-best height of 2.21 metres, securing his first medal at an international competition. His performance also made him the first Indian high jumper to win a medal at the World U20 Championships. Algeria’s Younes Ayachi took gold, while Great Britain’s Otis Poole claimed bronze, with positions decided by countback. Meghwal’s achievement adds to India’s growing success in athletics at the global junior level. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness, reports said. He passed away on Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s hometown. Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club, confirmed his death and paid tribute to Jorge for his role in supporting his son’s football career. Jorge was closely involved in major decisions throughout Messi’s career, including his move from Argentina to Barcelona and later transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. The family had earlier denied reports of his death during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (PC: India Today)

Ranjit Bajaj has changed his stance on joining India’s U-15 football team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. He had earlier rejected the team manager role, citing differences with head coach Bibiano Fernandes over footballing philosophies. Bajaj has now said he is ready to take up the role if Fernandes is not involved and he is given full control. In an Instagram video, Bajaj said two coaches with different visions cannot work together. He also said his decisions are guided by India’s long-term goals for the 2034 World Cup and 2036 Olympics. (PC: NDTV)

Manipur’s Ariha Pangambam created history by becoming the first Indian to win the senior women’s individual gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships. The 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur scored 19.100 in the final in Tagaytay City, Philippines, securing India’s maiden continental title in the event. Ariha impressed the judges with her artistry, execution and difficulty, scoring 8.650, 7.600 and 2.850 respectively. Her victory came after she finished fourth at the 2022 and 2024 Asian Championships. A multiple-time national champion, Ariha has also represented India at the World Championships and Suzuki World Cup. Her historic gold marks a major milestone for Indian gymnastics.

UEFA has confirmed a six-figure payment to a woman who was reportedly in a relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during his time at UEFA. According to The Telegraph, she received a pay rise and earned around £147,000. UEFA also paid fees for her MBA after she left the organisation. UEFA said the payments followed rules in place at the time. The rules were later tightened. Reports said Infantino was challenged over the alleged relationship by then-UEFA president Michel Platini. Infantino has strongly denied the allegations. A FIFA spokesperson called the claims “categorically untrue” and said no employee had complained about his conduct. (PC: AP)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has responded to Rishabh Pant’s request for help in buying land in the state. Pant had said he wanted to move his base from Delhi to Uttarakhand. He also said he had struggled to find suitable land for three years. Dhami called Pant the “pride of Uttarakhand” and praised his love for his home state. “Your love for your motherland and your sentiment of returning here to contribute are highly commendable,” Dhami said. He added that officials had been instructed to look into the matter. They will contact Pant and provide possible help under the rules.

Former South Africa cricketer Daryl Cullinan has warned Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma that they cannot afford to lose form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their participation in the tournament remains uncertain. Both players have retired from Test cricket and T20Is. Cullinan said they need regular match practice to stay ready. He praised Gautam Gambhir’s approach of keeping players active. “You have to be in the middle because it also keeps that game familiarity alive,” Cullinan said. He also suggested Kohli should play domestic cricket and T20s if required. Kohli and Rohit last played in India’s ODI series against England. (PC: Getty Images)