The UK and 32 other countries have expressed serious concern over the International Paralympic Committee's decision to lift suspensions on Russia and Belarus. IPC President Andrew Parsons explained the reinstatement wasn't linked to the Ukraine war but to reduced evidence of using Paralympic sport for promoting the conflict. The initial 2023 suspension occurred because both nations promoted what Russia called the "special operation" through Paralympic sports. Parsons noted that banning countries for launching wars isn't a breach of IPC constitution, despite government beliefs otherwise. Russia and Belarus were banned from Beijing 2022 Paralympics after Ukraine's invasion. However, no Russian or Belarusian teams will compete at Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics due to ongoing federation bans. (PC: Reuters)

India will face Pakistan in a major T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 15 in Colombo. Both teams are in Group A with USA, Namibia and Netherlands. India will open their campaign against USA on February 7 in Mumbai, followed by Namibia on February 12 in Delhi. After the Pakistan match, India will play the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad. The tournament starts on February 7 and the final is set for March 8 in Ahmedabad, but it will shift to Sri Lanka if Pakistan reach the title match. Matches will be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. (PC: NDTV)

Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal postponed their wedding after her father suffered a serious heart issue. Soon after, Smriti deleted all wedding posts from Instagram, which sparked online rumours. Unverified screenshots claiming to show Palash chatting with another woman began spreading on social media. More anonymous posts on Reddit accused him of flirting with a choreographer and even kissing another woman days before the engagement. None of the claims are confirmed. Fans have reacted strongly and are supporting Smriti. Both families have not spoken about the rumours and have asked for privacy due to health emergencies. (PC: X)

India struggled again in the second Test in Guwahati after South Africa set a massive target of 549. The pitch suddenly helped bowlers, and India lost both openers early. Yashasvi Jaiswal was hit on the fingers by a sharp bouncer from Marco Jansen, while Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul with big turn. India ended Day 4 at 27 for 2, with Sai Sudharsan and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav unbeaten. South Africa had declared at 260 for 5 after building a strong lead. India now face a near-certain whitewash, with their batters lacking confidence throughout the series. (PC: India Today)

India’s women’s kabaddi team etched history by winning back-to-back Women’s Kabaddi World Cup titles, defeating Chinese Taipei 35–28 in Dhaka. Calm from the start, India’s defense absorbed early pressure while raiders struck with precision. Captain Ritu Negi controlled tempo, vice-captain Pushpa Rana delivered fearless raids, and teammates Champa Thakur, Bhawna Thakur, and Sakshi Sharma ensured consistency. Their semifinal against Iran was equally dominant, showcasing India’s supremacy. Coaches Tejaswi and Priyanka shaped a disciplined, united squad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team’s grit and dedication, noting their victory will inspire youth to dream bigger. India’s women reaffirmed themselves as the undisputed queens of kabaddi.

India secured its second consecutive Women's Kabaddi World Cup title with a commanding 35-28 victory over Chinese Taipei in Dhaka. The team displayed tactical discipline throughout, taking a narrow halftime lead before intensifying attacks post-break to prevent any comeback. Captain Ritu Negi and vice-captain Pushpa Rana provided stellar leadership with sharp on-court decisions, supported by Champa Thakur, Bhawna Thakur, and Sakshi Sharma's all-round contributions. Head coach Tejaswi and assistant coach Priyanka's structured strategies proved crucial, particularly during the semifinal against Iran where India enforced early all-outs and maintained defensive pressure. This back-to-back championship reinforces India's global dominance in women's kabaddi, showcasing collective discipline, tactical depth, and emerging talent on the international stage.

India's women's kabaddi team secured its second consecutive World Cup title Monday, defeating Chinese Taipei 35-28 in the final. The unbeaten squad dominated the 11-nation tournament, having previously beaten Iran 33-21 in the semifinals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, stating their victory would "inspire countless youngsters to pursue Kabaddi, dream bigger and aim higher." Home Minister Amit Shah praised the "stupendous victory" as proof India's sporting talent is "second to none." The team demonstrated dominance throughout, defeating Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany, and Uganda in league stages. This marks India's second major title in 2025, following their Asian Championships triumph in March, showcasing remarkable progress in women's kabaddi globally.

India’s cricket team is struggling under coach Gautam Gambhir’s constant changes in batting order and player selection. Many players have been moved out of their regular positions, creating confusion and inconsistency. Even after good performances, some players were dropped or shifted, adding to the instability. Experts say this nonstop experimentation is hurting the team’s confidence and form. India now faces the risk of another home series defeat. Critics warn that Gambhir’s approach is damaging both batters and bowlers, with no clear long-term plan. Fans worry the team cannot succeed without stability and trust in key players. (PC: India Today)

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana deleted all wedding and engagement-related Instagram posts, including her proposal video, amid family health crises. Her father Shrinivas Mandhana and fiancé Palash Mucchal were hospitalized, though Palash has been discharged. Teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil also removed announcement videos. The November 23 wedding in Sangli, Maharashtra was indefinitely postponed after Shrinivas became unwell during breakfast and required hospitalization. Mandhana's manager confirmed she decided against proceeding until her father recovers, emphasizing their close bond. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Earlier casual photos with Palash remain on her Instagram. The couple's families are focusing on Shrinivas's recovery.(PC: NDTV Sports)

India won the first Blind Women’s T20 World Cup after a strong seven-wicket win over Nepal in Colombo. Nepal scored 114 for five, but India chased the target in just 12 overs. Captain Deepika Gaonkar broke down in joy as the team celebrated the historic win. The victory comes weeks after India won its first Women’s ODI World Cup. Players said the win will inspire more women and people with disabilities to take up sports. Many team members come from small towns and villages and learned cricket recently. The squad received a warm welcome in Chennai and will be honoured again in Bengaluru. (PC: BBC)