Sport

Deportivo Alaves and Sevilla began their La Liga campaigns with victories. Alaves defeated Getafe 3-0, while Sevilla produced a late comeback to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1. Both teams made winning starts as Spain’s top-flight season got underway.

Novak Djokovic suffered a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Argentina’s Thiago Tirante at the Cincinnati Open, citing health issues in hot, humid conditions. The 39-year-old expressed uncertainty about returning, with the US Open his next scheduled tournament

The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium is ready for the BWF World Championships, returning to India after 17 years. Chinese players praised the revamped venue after Saturday’s practice, while organisers highlighted improved court conditions and enhanced facilities for players

Hitesh Reddy of Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club won the Children-1 dressage category at the second HPRC Equestrian Challenge in Gandipet. Dhruva Potineni won Children-2, while Myra Alapati and Apeksha Matcha topped their respective Hacks categories

British cueists Kelly Fisher and Gareth Potts retained their titles at the $400,000 Apex Sports 3rd Heyball World Championships in Pune. Fisher beat Waratthanun Sukritthanes in a shootout, while Potts defeated Jordan Shepherd 7-4 in the final

The Dr Talimeren Ao Junior Girls’ National Football Championship 2026-27 will be held from September 10 to October 7. Anantapur will host Tier 1, while Tier 2 will take place in Narainpur, with 33 teams participating across both tiers

Pratika Rawal will miss her planned Warwickshire One-Day Cup stint after earning her maiden T20I call-up for India’s Asia Cup campaign. The 25-year-old replaces injured Jemimah Rodrigues and will join India in Dubai ahead of their tournament opener against Thailand

Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket with an unbeaten maiden century as India dominated Sri Lanka on the opening day in Galle. India reached 288/2 after KL Rahul made 77 before retiring hurt and bad light ended play early

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will retain their aggressive style despite Satwik’s recurring shoulder injury as they target a better medal at the World Championships on home soil. The Indian duo also identified opening exchanges as crucial to their campaign

Devdutt Padikkal smashed his maiden Test century on his return to the format, scoring an unbeaten 131 to guide India to 288/2 against Sri Lanka on the opening day in Galle. KL Rahul also contributed with a patient 77

Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal said India must improve its position in the global medals tally to be recognised as a sporting nation. She called for better funding, coaching, sports psychology support and financial security for athletes across disciplines

Josh Hazlewood backed Australia’s chances of a comeback despite Bangladesh dominating the Darwin Test. The hosts trail by 67 runs after Day 3, while Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes restricting Australia’s lead will help secure a historic victory

India vice-captain KL Rahul retired hurt after suffering severe cramps during the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Rahul scored 77 and shared a 150-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal before leaving the field

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal produced contrasting unbeaten knocks to put India in command on the opening day of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. Their 150-run partnership helped India reach 197/1 at tea as Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled

2026 FIFA World Cup-winning Spain forward Ferran Torres has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a contract until 2031. The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal against Argentina in the final, takes the No. 9 shirt after leaving Barcelona.

Six years ago, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket at 7:29 pm on Independence Day, ending a celebrated 15-year career. India’s only captain to win all three major ICC limited-overs trophies left behind an enduring legacy of leadership and composure

India U17 women will play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on August 27 and 30 as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. India are drawn alongside Malaysia, Syria and Iraq.

India U17 women will play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on August 27 and 30 as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. India are drawn alongside Malaysia, Syria and Iraq.

Six years ago, MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket at 7:29 pm on Independence Day, ending a remarkable 15-year career. From three ICC trophies to unforgettable finishes, Dhoni left behind a legacy defined by leadership and composure.

Bangladesh moved closer to a historic Test victory in Australia after reducing the hosts to 161-4 on Day 3 of the opening Test in Darwin. Josh Hazlewood claimed his 300th wicket, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud kept Bangladesh in control

India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has credited senior players, including Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, for providing stability ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup. He said years of playing together have strengthened trust, communication and confidence within the squad.

Play in the India-Sri Lanka opening Test will resume at 2pm after rain delayed the second session in Galle. India reached 101/1 at lunch, with KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten after building a 54-run stand.

Venus Williams’ singles losing streak reached 13 matches after she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Colombian qualifier Emiliana Arango in the Cincinnati Open first round. Williams will continue in the tournament in doubles alongside sister Serena and mixed doubles.

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal steadied India after Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out following a mix-up, taking the visitors to 101 for one at lunch on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.