Sport

M R Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan began India’s BWF World Championships campaign with a win over Ireland. For Arjun, the victory was especially meaningful as his parents watched him play live for the first time in around 13 years

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has backed his under-fire batters after the team’s historic Test defeat to Bangladesh, resisting calls for an immediate shake-up. He said selection decisions would remain measured while acknowledging Marnus Labuschagne needs big runs.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook has reflected on the criticism he faced during his IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Brook said social media scrutiny affected him but also viewed it as a sign that people expected better performances.

Ayansh Abhilashi, Hiyan Shah and Aditya Devarakonda won the boys' Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 titles respectively at the State Ranking Tournament in Hyderabad. V. Parivita claimed the girls' Under-12 and Under-14 titles.

India U20 will face Yemen in two closed-door friendlies in Bengaluru on August 20 and 23 as part of their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. The Blue Colts will then travel to Tashkent on August 26.

Ellyse Perry praised Smriti Mandhana's skill, willpower and mindset, calling her a great competitor. The Australia great also reflected on her career longevity, representing Australia and the growth of women's cricket ahead of the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy.

The Indian Olympic Association has backed India's men's and women's hockey teams competing at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands. P.T. Usha highlighted the tournament's importance ahead of the Asian Games and Los Angeles Olympics.

India's spinners dismantled Sri Lanka's top order to reduce the hosts to 99/5 at lunch on day three of the Galle Test. Manav Suthar took two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja struck as Sri Lanka struggled.

India pacer Prasidh Krishna stressed the importance of keeping the ball dry and maintaining its shine to generate reverse swing in humid Sri Lankan conditions. He also backed disciplined line and length and urged the team to focus on one session at a time.

Sri Lanka needed just four deliveries to dismiss India for 462 on day three of the Galle Test. Asitha Fernando removed Prasidh Krishna for two, while Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten on 13 as India’s innings ended in less than three minutes.

India vice-captain KL Rahul praised Devdutt Padikkal after the left-hander hit his maiden Test century, a 167 against Sri Lanka. Rahul called the achievement special, while stressing preparation, teamwork and the need to remain focused as conditions become tougher.

Kandi Ravi won the Shoppers Stop and Titan Chess Tournament at Sainikpuri in Hyderabad, topping a 94-player field with six points from six rounds. Y. Aditya finished second with five points and Rasaraj Kataki third with four points.

Iga Swiatek extended her winning streak to seven with a dominant Cincinnati Open victory over Emiliana Arango. Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina also advanced, while Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Mirra Andreeva and Joao Fonseca progressed in the tournament

India U20 will play two closed-door friendlies against Yemen in Bengaluru on August 20 and 23 as part of preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers before departing for Tashkent later this month

Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season could be his last, saying he wants to leave a "spectacular legacy". The Portugal captain also spoke about his plans after retirement, including spending more time with family and pursuing interests beyond football

SC Delhi recovered from an early setback to thrash FC Raengdai 5-1 and book a Durand Cup semi-final against East Bengal, who defeated Indian Army FT 1-0. Joseph Sunny's second-half brace inspired Delhi's emphatic comeback in Ranchi

Hyderabad Black Hawks’ Under-21 team won the Guardians Trophy in Goa after defeating hosts Goa 3-1 in the final. Sarthak Singh starred for the champions, winning MVP and Best Attacker honours as the team completed a remarkable title campaign

Hyderabad swimmer Kadiyala Kumara Swamy won gold in the 50m butterfly event at the Telangana Masters Inter-District Swimming Championship held at Amberpet Swimming Complex.

West Bengal emerged as the strongest state in the U-11 section of the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur, producing 11 qualifiers. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other states also showcased promising young talent ahead of the main draw

Archi Horse Riding riders dominated the Equestrian Challenge at Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club, winning the 40 cm Open and 105–110 cm classes. HPRC riders also impressed with podium finishes across all three show jumping categories contested on Sunday

A. Rishi Ram and Kaashvika Nomula won the Under-8 boys’ and girls’ titles at the Independence Cup chess tournament organised by Telangana Chess Academy. Winners were announced across Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 categories after competitive matches in Hyderabad

Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliant 167 helped India post 460 for nine on a rain-shortened second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Despite a late fightback from Lankan spinners, India remained in control with valuable contributions from Dhruv Jurel and Manav Suthar

Lakshya Sen is targeting a deep run at the BWF World Championships in Delhi, banking on home support after an inconsistent season. Satwik-Chirag and rising star Ayush Shetty are also aiming for strong performances as India hosts the event

Bangladesh scripted history by defeating Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud starred with the ball as the visitors secured their first Test win on Australian soil and only their second victory over Australia