R Praggnanandhaa has created history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. Competing against an elite field featuring top grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, he delivered a consistent and composed performance throughout the tournament. Praggnanandhaa showcased exceptional strategic depth, strong preparation, and calm endgame skills under pressure, which helped him secure crucial victories and draws in key rounds. His triumph marks a major milestone for Indian chess on the global stage, highlighting the country’s rising dominance in the sport. The victory also strengthens his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in modern chess. (PC: Getty Images)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured a key win over reigning World Champion D. Gukesh at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, keeping the open section title race alive until the final round. The victory strengthened Praggnanandhaa’s position among the leaders in a closely contested event held in Oslo, where multiple top players remain in contention. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the women’s title with a round to spare after a dominant performance throughout the tournament. The final round in the open section will decide the champion, with the standings still extremely tight and top contenders separated by a narrow margin. (PC: DD)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan beginning in New Chandigarh. Gambhir said Sudharsan “hasn't got a fair chance” so far and deserves a sustained opportunity in the longest format. The decision reflects India's ongoing transition phase in Test cricket, with the management focusing on nurturing emerging talent. Sudharsan's promotion to the crucial top-order position highlights the team's faith in his technique and temperament as India looks to strengthen its future Test batting lineup. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Rishabh Pant after his removal as India's Test vice-captain, stressing that the wicketkeeper-batter should not alter his natural attacking style. However, Gambhir emphasized the importance of adapting to match situations and playing with greater awareness in the longer format. While KL Rahul has reportedly taken over the vice-captaincy role, Gambhir made it clear that Pant remains a key leader within the dressing room. The coach's remarks come ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, where Pant will be expected to balance aggression with responsibility as a senior member of the squad. (PC: X)

The BCCI is reportedly preparing a significant leadership change in India's T20I setup, with Shreyas Iyer expected to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Reports suggest Suryakumar could be dropped from the squad due to a prolonged dip in form and a suspected wrist injury. The selection panel is also considering appointing Tilak Varma as vice-captain, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may receive his maiden national call-up. The move signals BCCI's long-term leadership planning as India begins preparations for future ICC events and the Asian Games. (PC: X)

  Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa strengthened his Norway Chess 2026 title challenge by defeating reigning World Champion D Gukesh in Round 9, securing a third consecutive classical victory and climbing to second place with 15 points. The 20-year-old now trails tournament leader Wesley So by just half a point. After earlier defeats to Gukesh and So, Praggnanandhaa staged a remarkable comeback, registering consecutive wins against Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja and Gukesh. He credited improved time management and calculation for his resurgence. With So, Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa separated by narrow margins, the title race heads into a dramatic finish. Bibisara Assaubayeva clinched the women's title.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) plea challenging the Delhi High Court order that allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials, terming the petition “infructuous” as the trials have already concluded. Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the High Court’s decision, enabling Phogat to compete in the May 30–31 trials. Although she participated, she failed to qualify. The Court also clarified that the Delhi High Court’s observations against the WFI were not endorsed by the Supreme Court and that related legal issues remain open for consideration in ongoing proceedings.

India's T20I team could be headed for a major transition, with reports claiming that Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lose the captaincy and may also be dropped from the squad. According to The Indian Express, the BCCI selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir have decided to move towards a younger leadership group despite India's recent T20 World Cup triumph under Suryakumar.   The report says concerns over the 35-year-old's form and long-term future influenced the decision. His omission from India's 30-member probable squad for the Asian Games has further fuelled speculation.   Suryakumar struggled for consistency during the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026. He scored 270 runs in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians as the franchise finished ninth, raising questions about his place in India's future T20 plans. (PC: HT)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa created history at the Norway Chess 2026 by defeating Magnus Carlsen for the second time in the same tournament and the third time overall in Norway Chess events. Playing with the black pieces in Round 8, Praggnanandhaa capitalised on Carlsen’s time trouble to force a decisive victory, becoming the first Indian to beat the world No.1 three times. The win kept him third with 12 points, behind Wesley So and Alireza Firouzja. Meanwhile, D Gukesh lost to Firouzja, while Koneru Humpy won her Armageddon tie-break and Divya Deshmukh slipped to third in the women’s standings.

India will again miss the FIFA World Cup in 2026, but the tournament will feature a notable Indian connection through four players of Indian heritage representing different nations. New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, born to Punjabi parents, headlines the list. Qatar winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, whose family hails from Kerala, is among the youngest players in the competition. Australia winger Nishan Velupillay carries Tamil and Anglo-Indian roots, while DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy traces his ancestry to the Tamil community. Their participation ensures Indian heritage will have a visible presence at football’s biggest event despite India’s absence. (PC: MSN)