2011 ODI World Cup winning coach Paddy Upton praised India's hockey team's exceptional dedication, claiming they have "18-20 Virat Kohlis" in terms of fitness and physicality. Currently serving as mental strength coach during Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, Upton compared the hockey squad's discipline in diet, sleep, and training to cricket teams, stating they're "five leagues above" the Indian cricket team. India dominated their league stage, qualifying for Super Four after defeating Kazakhstan 15-2. Upton revealed plans to continue with the team for 2026 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics, working with head coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh to help players manage distractions during major tournaments.(PC: The Bridge & Britannica)

Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals to focus on Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc, 35, played 65 T20Is, taking 79 wickets, and was part of Australia’s 2021 World Cup-winning side. He last featured in the format at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Starc said Test cricket has always been his priority and he wants to remain fresh for major tours, including India, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Selectors praised his T20 career, calling him a key match-winner with his wicket-taking ability. (PC: ICC Via Getty Images)

Oman captain Jatinder Singh, originally from Ludhiana, is set to lead his team against cricket giants India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. Having moved to Oman in 2003, Jatinder has played 64 T20Is and 61 ODIs, scoring over 3,000 runs. He expressed excitement about facing stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, calling it a “dream come true.” Oman, placed in Group A, will play India on September 19. Jatinder praised the growth of cricket in Oman, driven by infrastructure, youth engagement, and strategic management. He believes the team’s hunger and fearlessness will surprise many, showcasing Oman’s readiness to compete at the highest level. (PC: Instagram)

Shubman Gill, India’s Test captain, and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah have cleared the pre-season fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. ODI captain Rohit Sharma and other players, including Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur, also passed the tests. Apart from the Yo-Yo test, a DXA scan was done to check bone strength. Gill, recovering from fever, will travel to Dubai for the Asia Cup starting September 9. Jaiswal and Washington are on standby, while Thakur will play the Duleep Trophy semifinal for West Zone. Dhruv Jurel is still under medical watch. (PC: AFP)

India achieved a historic milestone at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship by winning a record-breaking 50 gold medals. The remarkable performance featured outstanding contributions from both senior and junior shooters, enabling India to dominate the medal chart. This unprecedented success represents the country's strongest showing at the continental championship, demonstrating significant progress in shooting sports development. The stellar results across multiple categories highlight India's growing depth in shooting talent and improved training infrastructure. The achievement signals immense promise for Indian shooting on the global stage, potentially translating into future Olympic and World Championship success. The record haul underscores India's emergence as a shooting powerhouse in Asian competition, setting new benchmarks for excellence. (PC: X)

Minerva Academy's U-14 team from Punjab has made Indian football history by becoming the first team ever to win Europe's three major youth tournaments in one season: Gothia Cup (Sweden), Dana Cup (Denmark), and Norway Cup (Norway). The team achieved a 26-match unbeaten streak, scoring 130 goals in Norway Cup alone and setting multiple records including the fastest goal (3.8 seconds). Their success came through extreme preparation including daily 3 a.m. training sessions to adapt to Scandinavian time zones. Led by founder Ranjit Bajaj and coach Vineet Kumar Kantiwal, the academy combined rigorous physical training with sports science and psychological conditioning, proving Indian football can compete globally when properly structured and prepared. (PC: Hindustan Times & India Today)

Two-time World Cup-winning former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been offered a significant mentorship role at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), according to CricBlogger reports. This latest development represents a broader, long-term engagement unlike his previous short-term stint during the 2021 T20 World Cup. The legendary wicket-keeper batsman, who led India to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup, could bring his extensive experience and leadership skills to Indian cricket's administrative framework. The offer marks BCCI's recognition of Dhoni's invaluable contribution to Indian cricket and his potential to guide future generations through institutional mentorship rather than temporary tournament-specific roles. (PC: CricTracker)

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revised match timings for the Asia Cup 2025, with 18 of the 19 matches now starting at 8:00 PM IST to avoid extreme Gulf heat and boost primetime viewership. The only exception is the UAE vs Oman clash on September 15, which will begin at 5:30 PM IST. The tournament, held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, features eight teams split into two groups. The marquee India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for Sunday, September 14 at 8:00 PM IST in Dubai. The final will be played on September 28, with a reserve day on September 29 to accommodate weather disruptions. (PC: X/@Narendramodi)

Rahul Dravid, the former India captain, has stepped down as head coach of Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise announced today that, following a structural review after a disappointing 2025 campaign—where the Royals finished ninth with just four wins in 14 matches—Dravid declined an offer to take on a broader strategic role within the setup . Dravid first joined as a player in 2011, later serving as captain, mentor, and team director before returning as head coach for IPL 2025 . The franchise praised his influence on team values and culture, thanking him for his lasting contribution. (PC: PTI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced Rs 25 lakh financial aid for families of 11 fans who died in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during IPL 2025 title celebrations on June 4. The tragic incident occurred after RCB's historic first IPL championship victory, ending their 18-year wait by defeating Punjab Kings 190-184 in Ahmedabad. RCB launched "RCB CARES," a long-term commitment program honoring victims' memory through meaningful action. The franchise expressed deep grief, calling deceased fans "part of the RCB family" whose absence will echo forever. This compensation represents RCB's first major response since breaking social media silence after 84 days of grieving. The initiative promises ongoing compassionate support beyond financial assistance. (PC: News X & Mint)