Seventeen-year-old Naisha Mehta from Mumbai created history by securing India’s first Junior Girls Solo Dance gold medal at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championship in South Korea, winning with a commanding 6.72-point lead on her international debut. Starting her skating journey at just 4½ years, Naisha has already won 10 national, 28 state, and 23 district-level golds. Alongside sports, she excels in academics, topping Olympiads in math and science while preparing for NEET 2026. Despite balancing rigorous training with studies, her discipline, passion, and versatility in dance and gymnastics have shaped her remarkable journey. (PC: Rediff)  

Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin superstar, delivered a modest 85.01 m in last week’s Diamond League final in Zurich—well below the 90 m benchmark he needs to defend his world championship title in Tokyo this month. Despite six consecutive top-two finishes and a personal best of 90.23 m earlier this year under new coach Jan Zelezny, his recent performances fall short of expectations. Chopra remains optimistic: “This was not too bad... In Tokyo, everything will be different,” he reflected after Zurich, eyeing peak form for the championship challenge ahead. 

An old Irfan Pathan interview has gone viral again, reigniting debate about his relationship with former Indian captain MS Dhoni. In the resurfaced clip, Pathan suggested that Dhoni smoked hookah and allegedly favored players who participated. This has sparked widespread trolling and renewed scrutiny of team dynamics . The controversy is further fueled by renewed attention to a past incident where Pathan criticized Dhoni for wearing army-insignia gloves during a match . Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has weighed in—launching a scathing attack on Dhoni and other legends for allegedly mistreating fellow players—and backed Pathan’s claims.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in a money laundering case linked to the betting app 1xBet. Officials said Dhawan promoted the platform on social media and has been asked to clarify his role. The 39-year-old former India opener will have his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is investigating several cases where betting apps allegedly duped people of crores and evaded taxes. Many celebrities, including Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Vijay Deverakonda, have also been questioned. The government recently banned real-money gaming through new legislation. (PC: PTI)

India’s winning run in the Asia Cup 2025 ended after a 2-2 draw against defending champions South Korea in Rajgir. Hardik Singh scored a fine solo goal early, but Korea equalised through Jihun Yang, who later struck again to give his side the lead. India pushed hard but wasted several chances before Mandeep Singh scored late in the final quarter to secure a point. Heavy rain delayed the match, adding to India’s struggles. Earlier, Malaysia beat China 2-0 while Japan defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0. India will face Malaysia next in the Super 4s stage. (PC: India Today)

Cricket legend Wasim Akram put an end to comparisons with India’s Jasprit Bumrah, likening the debate to “begano ki shaadi mein Abdullah deewana”—a way of saying the comparisons are inevitable, but pointless. Speaking on GEO TV’s Haarna Mana Hai, Akram praised Bumrah’s unique action, pace, and the management by the Indian board, calling him a “modern-day great” and noting that cross-era comparisons—Bumrah bats right-handed, while Akram bowled left-arm—don’t hold much meaning . Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron echoed this praise, saying Bumrah has already surpassed Akram in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) wicket tallies—an endorsement of his extraordinary talent. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

India will host the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi in August 2026, the Badminton World Federation announced. This will be India’s second time hosting the event after 17 years, with Hyderabad staging it in 2009. The announcement came during the closing of the 2025 edition in Paris. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India’s only medal in Paris, taking bronze in men’s doubles. PV Sindhu reached the quarterfinals, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also impressed in mixed doubles. The Badminton Association of India promised to deliver an event matching the standards of Paris. (PC: PTI)

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)