Lionel Messi is officially returning to India for the first time since 2011. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the Argentine World Cup champion will visit Mumbai on December 14, 2025, as part of the GOAT Tour. The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner sent Fadnavis a personally signed ball ahead of the visit. Young under-14 footballers from across Maharashtra will be selected to train directly with Messi, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring players. Additionally, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed Argentina's national team, including Messi, will play a friendly match in Kerala during the November 2025 FIFA International Window, expanding his India tour.

During the Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai between India and Pakistan, Pakistani batsman Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century by pointing his bat like a gun — widely interpreted as mimicking an “AK-47”. Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf later gestured “0-6” in the field, a symbolic reference many believe alludes to claims of downed Indian jets amid the recent Operation Sindoor conflict. The gestures sparked outrage in India, with several political leaders demanding that the country should have boycotted Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup. BJP and opposition figures exchanged sharp criticism over the match and its symbolism.     

Indian judoka Himanshi Tokas has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian, male or female, to attain the World No. 1 ranking in the junior women's 63 kg category. This remarkable achievement was confirmed in the latest International Judo Federation (IJF) World Junior Rankings, where Tokas leads with 610 points. Her ascent to the top spot follows her victory at the Asian Junior Championships 2025 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tokas, a 20-year-old athlete supported by the Reliance Foundation, has been training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal. Her dedication and consistent performance have significantly contributed to India's growing prominence in the international judo arena.   

India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, but Pakistan's media controversies continue escalating. Pakistan's Media Manager Naeem Gilani avoided Indian journalists' questions for the second time, while PCB skipped two pre-match press conferences against UAE and India. This biased treatment contrasts sharply with India's Media Manager Moulin Parikh, who allows Pakistani journalists to ask questions freely. Gilani faces ICC scrutiny for filming Pakistan's meeting with Match Referee Andy Pycroft, violating regulations. Venue Manager Emmad Hammed, a Pakistan-born former PCB communications member, failed explaining Pakistan's behavior. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi only said "We will talk soon" when questioned about irregular press conferences. (PC: Times Now & Business Standard)

India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash in Dubai. Abhishek Sharma starred with a brilliant 74 off 39 balls, smashing 5 sixes and 6 fours. He reached his fifty in just 24 balls. Shubman Gill also had a heated exchange with Shaheen Afridi, while Abhishek clashed with Haris Rauf. Pakistan posted 171/5, with opener Sahibzada Farhan scoring 58. Shivam Dube took 2 wickets for India. Despite dropping 4 catches, India chased the target with ease and stamped authority over their arch-rivals once again. (PC: BCCI)

In a high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai, Pakistan set India a target of 172 runs after scoring 171 for 5 in 20 overs. India won the toss and chose to field. Pakistan got early reprieves as India dropped four catches. Sahibzada Farhan scored a half-century, while Shivam Dube was India’s best bowler with two crucial wickets. Controversy continued as India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided a handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss, repeating last week’s incident. The match now hinges on India’s response to the competitive total. (PC: NDTV)

In the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match at Dubai, India captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl after winning the toss against Pakistan. He sparked controversy by avoiding a handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Agha, repeating his actions from last week’s group-stage clash. Even after the match, Team India did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The gesture came in the backdrop of rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The move has reignited debate among fans and media, highlighting off-field drama alongside the cricketing contest. (PC: NDTV Sports)

India and Pakistan meet again in the Asia Cup Super 4 on Sunday in Dubai. The build-up has been tense after the recent handshake row involving Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan even threatened a boycott, adding to the off-field drama. Despite this, India enter as strong favorites after a clear win in the group stage. Pakistan struggles with form and consistency, while India look balanced with the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. The pitch favors spin, making bowlers key. Fans expect another intense battle in cricket’s most famous rivalry, both on and off the field. (PC: India Today)

Former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas emerges as frontrunner for BCCI president following Saturday's key stakeholders meeting in Delhi. The gathering aimed to finalize candidates for vacant positions ahead of September 28 AGM. Manhas, who scored 9,714 first-class runs averaging over 45 with 27 centuries, previously served as JKCA director of cricket operations. Karnataka's Raghuram Bhatt and former wicketkeeper Kiran More are also in contention for various posts. The BCCI seeks successors for president Roger Binny and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, who faces mandatory cool-off after six years. Additionally, Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh will join Ajit Agarkar's selection committee from September 28, replacing departing members ahead of West Indies Test series. (PC: IANS LIVE)

At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, 25-year-old Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav secured fourth place with a personal best of 86.27 meters, surpassing Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who finished eighth. Yadav's performance has drawn comparisons to javelin legend Jan Železný, with Uwe Hohn—Chopra's former coach and the only athlete to have thrown over 100 meters—predicting that Yadav could achieve throws exceeding 95 meters. Hohn emphasized the need for Yadav to refine his technique, rhythm, and body position to reach his full potential.