Indian weightlifting ace Mirabai Chanu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad on August 25, 2025. She lifted a total of 193 kg—84 kg in the snatch and 109 kg in the clean and jerk—breaking Commonwealth Championship records in all three lifts: snatch, clean and jerk, and total . Returning after a year-long hiatus following the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Tokyo silver medallist ensured direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. (PC: PTI)

Dream11, the fantasy sports giant, has officially ended its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and related advertising . BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination and stated the board will refrain from partnering with similar organizations in the future . With the Asia Cup beginning on September 9, BCCI is urgently seeking a new title sponsor—but may face the tournament without one . Meanwhile, industry voices joke that sponsoring Team India’s jersey is a true “brand survival test” amid such volatility. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its sponsorship deal with Dream11 following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating the board will no longer engage with such organizations. The bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, introduces stricter regulations on online gaming platforms, prompting Dream11 to part ways with Indian cricket. This marks a significant shift in BCCI’s commercial partnerships, as Dream11 had been a prominent sponsor across formats. The move reflects growing scrutiny of online gaming in India and its intersection with sports sponsorship. (PC: The Financial Express & The New Indian Express)

Sanju Samson smashed a brilliant 42-ball century in the Kerala Cricket League, scoring 121 runs off 51 balls with 14 fours and 7 sixes. His knock powered Kochi Blue Tigers to their third straight win, chasing a massive 237-run target. Samson, set to feature in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, has strengthened his case as an opener with this innings. Despite sharing the crease with his brother, his celebration was ice-cold. Meanwhile, reports suggest Samson may leave Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026, with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders showing interest, though no final deal has been made yet. (PC: HT)

Cheteshwar Pujara has retired from all formats of cricket after playing 103 Tests for India. The 37-year-old revealed he thought about retirement for just a week before making the decision on August 24. Pujara scored 7,195 runs in Tests at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. He last played for India in 2023 during the World Test Championship final. Speaking to Aaj Tak, Pujara said, “This was my personal call.” He added that he wants young players to get more opportunities. Pujara ends his career as India’s eighth highest run-scorer in Test cricket. (PC: India Today)

Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has stepped down as the lead sponsor of the Indian men’s cricket team ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The decision comes after the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may invite fresh bids for jersey sponsorship. If no replacement is finalized before the tournament, Team India will play without a lead sponsor. Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal with BCCI in 2023. The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in the UAE. (PC: NDTV)

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket at the age of 37. In a moving social media post, Pujara reflected on the honor of wearing the Indian jersey and the emotional weight of singing the national anthem before matches. Known for his grit and classical technique, Pujara last played Test cricket in June 2023. His retirement closes a chapter defined by resilience, patience, and match-saving innings that anchored India’s rise in red-ball cricket. Fans and fellow cricketers have poured in tributes, celebrating a career that embodied the spirit of Test cricket. (PC: Cricbuzz)

On August 24, 2025, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career defined by patience, resilience, and classical technique . Over 103 Test matches, Pujara amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries, making him India’s eighth-highest Test run-scorer . His standout achievement came as Player of the Series in India’s historic 2018–19 Test series victory in Australia, where he scored 521 runs and anchored India’s batting . The news marks the close of an era for one of modern cricket’s most steadfast bearers of Test-match spirit. (PC: BCCI)  

Sprinter Animesh Kujur, aged 22, clinched gold in the men’s 200 m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai, clocking 20.63 s, securing his spot at the World Championships beginning September 13 in Tokyo, and becoming the first-ever Indian male sprinter to qualify for this event . This season, he shattered national records in both 100 m (10.18 s) and 200 m (as low as 20.32 s), won bronze at the Asian Athletics Championships, and competed in the U-23 200 m at the Monaco Diamond League . His coach, Martin Owens, emphasized that Tokyo is “just for the experience,” adding there's “no expectation” on Animesh’s performance at this stage. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Argentina’s national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will visit Kerala for a FIFA international friendly scheduled between November 10 and 18, 2025, with Kochi being the likely venue . This will mark the first time in nearly 15 years Argentina plays in India, generating excitement among fans nationwide. The opponent is yet to be decided, though Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed that several FIFA top-50 teams, including Australia, have shown interest . The match promises to be a milestone in Indian football lore. (PC: Reuters)