India’s 21-year-old powerlifting star Keyaa Kunal Banerji made the nation proud after lifting 140kg, more than three times her 45.70kg body weight, to win silver in the deadlift at the IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in South Africa. Competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, Banerji finished fifth overall with a total of 280kg. Her remarkable performance marks another major step in her rapidly rising career. The young athlete has steadily improved her strength over the past year, turning hard work and determination into an international medal for India.  

Amardeep Kumar, a 29-year-old throwball player from Jharkhand, has won four international gold medals for India but continues to face financial hardship. His victories include the Asian Junior Throwball Championship in Malaysia in 2015, the Indo-Nepal Throwball Championship in Kathmandu in 2017, the South Asian Throwball Championship in Bengaluru in 2019 and another title in Ranchi in 2026. Despite his achievements, Amardeep works as a taxi driver and helps his family sell vegetables at Ranchi’s Argora Chowk. He said he has borrowed money to participate in competitions and has spent years seeking government employment and financial assistance. His journey began after a local athlete trained him at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. (PC: X)

Indian powerlifter Keyaa Kunal Banerji won a silver medal in the deadlift at the 2026 IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa. The 21-year-old lifted 140kg despite weighing 45.70kg, raising more than three times her body weight. Competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, Banerji finished fifth overall with a total of 280kg, including a 90kg squat and 50kg bench press. Her silver came after France’s Ines Herbaux won gold with a 165kg deadlift. India’s Joshua Ngoka also won gold in the men’s 120kg category. (PC: Economic Times)

India have announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson returning to the side. Shreyas Iyer will captain the team, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana have also been selected, subject to fitness clearance. The series will be played on September 13, 15 and 17 at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, with Afghanistan officially hosting. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retains his place, while Prabhsimran Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna and Prince Yadav miss out. Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav remain unavailable. India will seek a turnaround after consecutive T20I series defeats to England and Ireland. (PC: Times Now)

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina’s national football team, ending an international career that spanned nearly two decades. The 39-year-old said the decision “hurt and still hurts deep inside” but felt it was the right time to step away. Messi won the 2022 World Cup and played in six World Cups, leading Argentina to the 2026 final, where they lost to Spain. In his message, Messi thanked Argentina’s fans, family, teammates and coaches. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until 2028.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after 20 years with Argentina. The 39-year-old shared his decision on Instagram on August 31. Messi said he decided to retire two days after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. He added that the death of his father made him even more certain about the decision. Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals. He led the team to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América trophies. He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi has announced that he will retire from international football after a 20-year career with Argentina. His final match for the national team was the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0.   Messi said he made the decision two days after the final. The death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain.   The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. He also won two Copa América titles and the Finalissima. Messi scored 125 goals in 207 matches. He will continue playing for Inter Miami.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another record to his growing list of achievements, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in Duleep Trophy history. The 15-year-old reached his fifty in 42 balls during East Zone’s semifinal against Central Zone, hitting five fours and three sixes. At 15 years and 157 days, Sooryavanshi broke a 57-year-old record held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored a Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969. Sooryavanshi also briefly captained East Zone after Ishan Kishan left the field following a blow to his wrist. (PC: NDTV)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly instructed its players not to comment publicly on jailed former captain Imran Khan during their ongoing England tour. The issue intensified after Imran’s sons gave an interview to former England captain Michael Atherton, which SKY Sports broadcast during the lunch break on the second day of the second Test. The interview was filmed inside Lord’s a day before the match began. Reports said the PCB attempted to prevent the broadcaster from airing it and threatened to boycott the match, but the interview was shown and Pakistan’s players returned for the second session. The development follows former Pakistan stars Javed Miandad and Moin Khan publicly speaking in support of Imran. (PC: AP)

Former India captain Sunil Chhetri said he will watch the national team’s upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay with “a little jealousy”, as he never got such an opportunity during his nearly 20-year international career. India face five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 before playing Uruguay three days later. Chhetri urged the current generation to make the most of the opportunity. The 42-year-old also called on players, coaches, officials and the media to stop blaming one another for Indian football’s problems. He said everyone must take responsibility and work together to improve the sport. (PC: India Today)