Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated Kolkata event on his GOAT India Tour 2025 was overshadowed by crowd mismanagement and unrest at Vivekananda Yuvabharati Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered hoping to see the Argentine star, but restricted access and poor planning led to frustration. Supporters threw bottles and broke poster hoardings after being unable to get a proper view, forcing heightened security and a swift exit for Messi, who stayed less than 10 minutes. Many fans left disappointed after waiting for hours, with the celebratory mood turning tense despite the football legend’s presence. 

Argentina captain Lionel Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue at Kolkata’s Sreebhumi Sporting Club during his India tour, drawing huge fanfare. The statue celebrates Messi’s legendary football career and global influence, with fans gathering despite heavy security. Messi, along with teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, participated in promotional events across Kolkata and Hyderabad, marking his first India visit. Authorities managed crowds carefully after previous concerns over stampedes at large events. The statue installation aims to inspire young footballers in India while commemorating Messi’s status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

JioStar and ICC jointly dismissed reports claiming the broadcaster plans to withdraw from its $3 billion ICC media rights contract ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Reliance-Disney joint venture affirmed full commitment to contractual obligations, stating preparations for upcoming events proceed as planned with no impact on viewers, advertisers, or partners. Both organizations issued statements clarifying their existing agreement remains fully in force, with JioStar continuing as ICC's official Indian media rights partner. The joint statement emphasized focus on delivering "uninterrupted, world-class coverage" while maintaining regular communication on operational, commercial, and strategic matters. Earlier reports had suggested JioStar informed ICC about withdrawal intentions due to financial losses. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi arrives in India on December 13, 2025, for a three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour spanning Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The 38-year-old will be accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Kolkata kicks off with a 1:30 AM arrival, followed by meet-and-greet sessions and virtual unveiling of his 70-foot statue at Sreebhumi Sporting Club. Shah Rukh Khan, Sourav Ganguly, and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will attend Salt Lake Stadium events. The tour includes seven-a-side football matches, Padel GOAT Cup at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium, charity fashion show, Argentina 2022 World Cup memorabilia auction, and concludes December 15 at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium with a meeting with PM Modi. (PC: Instagram/@gqsports)

India's junior men's hockey team delivered a stunning comeback to secure bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, overcoming a 0-2 deficit to defeat Argentina 4-2 in Chennai's third-place playoff. Trailing deep into the match, the hosts unleashed four unanswered goals in the final quarter, clinching their first bronze medal at the tournament and ending a nine-year podium drought. The dramatic victory on home soil demonstrated India's resilience and attacking prowess, transforming what appeared to be a lost cause into a memorable triumph. This marks a significant achievement for Indian junior hockey, breaking nearly a decade without a podium finish at the prestigious tournament.

India's 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi shattered world records by scoring 171 off 95 balls against UAE in the U-19 Asia Cup Group A match at ICC Academy Ground. The Bihar southpaw smashed 14 sixes, the most in Youth ODI history, breaking Australia's Michael Hill's 2008 record of 12. His century came in just 56 balls with nine fours. Suryavanshi broke Afghanistan's Darwish Rasooli's U-19 Asia Cup record of 10 sixes (2017) and posted the second-highest Indian Youth ODI score after Ambati Rayudu's 177* (2002). India posted 433/6 in 50 overs after captain Ayush Mhatre's early dismissal, with Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra contributing 69 each. (PC: X)

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat announced her comeback on December 12, 2025, targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after retiring following her heartbreaking Paris 2024 disqualification. The 31-year-old was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her 50kg gold medal bout, despite becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her CAS appeal failed, leading to retirement and election as Haryana MLA from Julana. Phogat revealed "the fire never left" her, stating she needed time away to reflect. She welcomed a son in July 2025 with husband Somvir Rathee, calling him her "biggest motivation." The three-time Olympian holds Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced her return to competitive wrestling, reversing her retirement with a focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 31-year-old had retired after a controversial disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where she was 100 grams over the weight limit, losing a chance at a medal despite reaching the final. After an 18-month break, including childbirth, Phogat revealed she has rediscovered her passion and determination for wrestling. She plans to resume training and competition, aiming to fulfill her Olympic dream. Her comeback is a major boost for Indian wrestling. (PC: India Today)

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) unveiled two new stands named after Indian cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on December 11, 2025, before the second T20I between India and South Africa. Harmanpreet’s stand celebrates her leadership in winning the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, while Yuvraj’s honours his role in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs and his iconic career. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann presided over the ceremony, which also saw cash rewards given to World Cup-winning teammates. 

India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted overreliance on Abhishek Sharma cost India the 2nd T20I, as South Africa won by 51 runs to level the series 1-1. Chasing 214, India collapsed to 162 all-out in 19.1 overs after losing Shubman Gill (golden duck), Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar (5) early. Quinton de Kock's blazing 90 and Ottniel Baartman's 4-24 powered South Africa's victory. Suryakumar took responsibility, stating "Myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we can't rely on Abhishek all the time." He acknowledged Gill's struggles and emphasized other batters must step up. The third T20I is scheduled for Dharamsala on December 14.(PC: NDTV)