Lionel Messi (Screengrab) Lionel Messi put any lingering concerns about his fitness to rest on Tuesday, marking his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026.The Argentina captain, who had been sidelined after suffering muscle fatigue and a minor strain in…
Vaishali’s mother Nagalakshmi, Pranesh M, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Vaibhav Suri (Photo by Michal Walusza) NEW DELHI: A visa issue has cast uncertainty over Indian chess prodigy Pranesh Munirethinam’s participation in the upcoming FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Hong Kong, prompting an urgent appeal from coach RB Ramesh.Taking to X on Tuesday,…
Vaishali’s mother Nagalakshmi, Pranesh M, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Vaibhav Suri (Photo by Michal Walusza) NEW DELHI: A visa issue has cast uncertainty over Indian chess prodigy Pranesh Munirethinam’s participation in the upcoming FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Hong Kong, prompting an urgent appeal from coach RB Ramesh.Taking to X on Tuesday,…
Pakistan captain Babar Azam with Shaheen Shah Afridi (PTI Photo) Pakistan have entrusted Sahibzada Farhan with the captaincy for the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, during September and October. The selectors have opted for a youthful and largely experimental 15-member squad, with several uncapped players…
India’s Hardik Pandya (PTI Photo) TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming three-ODI series against Afghanistan due to a leg sprain. It is understood that the premier all-rounder was at peak fitness and had been training hard at the BCCI Centre of Excellence since June 2. He was supposed to link…
The FIFA World Cup Trophy (AP) There is no sporting event in the world that enjoys such a feverish build-up to the main event. Such is the global appeal of the ‘beautiful game’ and the FIFA World Cup. However, the 2026 edition, the first to feature as many as 48 teams, has struggled to adhere…
India captain Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir (Getty Images) Mohali: When India’s ODI team assembles here in Mohali on Wednesday, it will be the formal onset of their preparations for the ODI World Cup in South Africa in Oct-Nov 2027. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are expected to be declared fit for the three-match ODI…
England’s Ben Stokes (AP Photo) Ben Stokes has found himself at the centre of fresh scrutiny after reports linked the England captain to a nightclub incident involving a Saracens rugby player. The controversy has sparked questions about both his leadership role and his long-term future in the game.Stokes, along with England fast bowler Gus Atkinson,…
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has ended in disappointment after their massive €150 million offer was turned down by their city rivals.The Spanish giants confirmed the bid in an official statement on Tuesday, making public what would…
Serena Williams of the United States (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) After nearly four years away from professional tennis, Serena Williams made an impressive return to the court on Tuesday, reminding fans why she remains one of the sport’s greatest players.Playing at Queen’s Club in London, the 44-year-old teamed up with rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko in…