The Delhi High Court has allowed Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials, delivering a major setback to the Wrestling Federation of India. The court strongly criticised WFI’s eligibility rules, calling them “exclusionary” and questioning whether they unfairly targeted Phogat after her maternity break. A bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya observed that motherhood cannot become a reason to sideline athletes. The court also objected to WFI describing Phogat’s Paris Olympics exit as a “national embarrassment.” The trials, scheduled for May 30–31, will now proceed with Phogat’s participation under independent observation. 

India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly facing an uncertain future as selectors debate moving on from him after a prolonged slump in form. According to reports, several BCCI selectors believe he no longer deserves a place in the playing XI purely as a batter, with his average dropping below 18 in recent T20 matches. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir is said to remain supportive of Suryakumar, making him a key voice in the final decision. Despite India’s recent T20 World Cup success, selectors are reportedly focusing on long-term planning ahead of future global tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

India’s T20I captaincy discussion has intensified, with reports naming Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma as leading long-term leadership candidates. While Shreyas Iyer’s strong IPL performances and captaincy credentials have impressed experts like Ricky Ponting, reports suggest head coach Gautam Gambhir may not fully back Iyer for the role. Gill’s calm leadership with Gujarat Titans and Tilak’s growing influence in India’s T20 setup reportedly make them strong contenders. The debate comes as selectors plan India’s future white-ball leadership transition beyond Suryakumar Yadav, with IPL performances heavily influencing decisions ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments. 

A tense moment between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during the IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad sparked major controversy after Kohli appeared to ignore Head’s post-match handshake. The drama reportedly began during RCB’s chase when the two exchanged heated words on the field. Reports claim Head challenged Kohli aggressively, prompting a sharp response from the RCB star. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan later said the incident “could’ve been avoided,” adding that Kohli’s intense, aggressive approach often mirrors Australian-style competitiveness. The viral moment quickly triggered debates across social media and cricket circles. (PC: NDTV)

India is set to secure broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a deal worth around USD 30-35 million. An official announcement is expected next week. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will feature 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time. FIFA sees India as an important market because of football’s growing popularity, especially among young viewers in cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru and Goa. Despite the Indian football team’s recent poor performance, interest in European football and the World Cup remains strong. Fans across India are expected to get full access to the matches. (PC: Getty Images)

East Bengal FC won the Indian Super League 2025-26 title after defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 in a tense final-day clash. Inter Kashi stunned the title contenders with an early goal from Alfred Planas, putting East Bengal under pressure. However, the Kolkata giants mounted a strong comeback in the second half, with Youssef Ezzejjari leading the turnaround. The victory secured East Bengal’s first-ever ISL crown after an intense five-team title race that went down to the final matchday. Arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant also remained in contention until the closing stages, adding more drama to one of the most thrilling finishes in ISL history. (PC: X)

Teenage Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed the meaning behind his viral “A” celebration after smashing a stunning 93 off 38 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old said the gesture was spontaneous and emotionally connected to his mother, whose name begins with “A.” His explosive knock powered Rajasthan Royals to a seven-wicket victory while keeping their playoff hopes alive. The innings also helped him break multiple IPL records, including becoming the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes in a single season. Fans and cricket experts widely praised the youngster’s fearless batting and maturity under pressure. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that his viral ‘A’ celebration during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants was dedicated to his mother. The 15-year-old batter made the hand gesture after reaching a milestone during his explosive 93-run knock off 38 balls in Jaipur. Fans had widely speculated about the meaning behind the sign, with some linking it to India A selection hopes. However, in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi clarified that the gesture represents the first letter of his mother’s name. His heartfelt tribute quickly won praise on social media.

Satadru Dutta, organiser of Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour, has filed a Rs 100 crore case against former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas and others over alleged sabotage of the Kolkata event held in December 2025. The complaint, lodged at Bidhannagar South Police Station, also names former DGP Rajeev Kumar, councillor Juin Biswas and IAS officer Santanu Basu. Dutta alleged that mismanagement and interference led to chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Messi’s appearance. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said further legal action is being examined. (PC: X)

Vinesh Phogat failed to secure immediate relief from the Delhi High Court on Monday in her plea seeking permission to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games scheduled for May 30-31. The court declined to intervene without hearing the response of the Wrestling Federation of India and the Centre, but allowed Phogat to submit a comprehensive reply to the federation’s show-cause notice. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed WFI to conclude proceedings by July 6. WFI had declared her ineligible until June 26, 2026, citing anti-doping rules requiring a six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement. Phogat argued the policy unfairly ignored maternity-related breaks and hinted at targeted treatment linked to past controversies. (PC: PTI)