Khalid Jamil has been named the head coach of the Indian national men’s football team, marking the first time in 13 years an Indian has held the position. The AIFF executive committee chose the former India international from a shortlist, succeeding Manolo Marquez. Jamil’s first challenge will be the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, starting August 29.
Football icon Lionel Messi is set to visit Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14 for a ticketed event. The Mumbai Cricket Association has granted permission, and superstar cricketers may also attend. Messi’s India tour includes visits to Kolkata and Delhi, with a potential felicitation by West Bengal’s Chief Minister. He may also conduct football workshops.
A 27-member Indian wushu contingent is stranded in Shanghai after Typhoon Co-May caused flight cancellations and travel disruptions. The team, returning from the 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships where they won nine medals, is awaiting confirmation of their rescheduled flight home. They were accommodated in a hotel in Shanghai amid fears of coastal surges.
Karun Nair marked his return to Test cricket after eight years with an unbeaten 52 on Day 1 of the fifth Test against England, his first fifty-plus score in nearly nine years. This comeback follows his remarkable 303 not out in 2016. Despite promising starts in previous matches, Nair’s resilient innings helped India cross 200.
Divya Deshmukh’s Grandmaster title highlights a gender disparity in Indian chess. Only four Indian women have achieved this rank, compared to over eighty men. Experts cite societal pressures, lack of support, and financial constraints as key factors. They emphasize the need for inclusive policies, coaching, and financial aid. This will encourage more women to pursue chess professionally.
India’s team selection for the final Test against England at The Oval sparked debate, especially regarding Arshdeep Singh’s continued absence despite regaining fitness. While Arshdeep remained patient, Kuldeep Yadav and Abhimanyu Easwaran also awaited their opportunities. Ultimately, India opted for a pace-heavy attack, reflecting the recent dominance of fast bowlers at The Oval, as they aimed to level the series.
Pakistan defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the first T20I, fuelled by Mohammad Nawaz’s game-changing three-wicket over and Saim Ayub’s impressive 57 runs. After posting 178, Pakistan restricted West Indies to 164-7, despite late hitting from Holder and Joseph. This loss extends West Indies’ struggles in T20Is, having lost 17 of their last 19 matches.
Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, aged 12, has become the youngest athlete to win a World Championships medal, securing bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Singapore. Yu also achieved fourth place in both the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley finals.
Sunil Gavaskar has voiced concerns about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting technique after his recent dismissal in the fifth Test. Gavaskar highlighted flaws in Jaiswal’s footwork and shoulder positioning, impacting his ability to handle inswinging deliveries. India’s top order struggled, leaving them at 204 for 6, needing a lower-order fightback to post a competitive total.
The BCCI is considering a policy change regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s selection, potentially requiring him to be available for entire series due to challenges in planning his workload. Despite initial agreements, the team management faced difficulties managing Bumrah’s availability during the England tour. He is currently not part of the India XI for the fifth Test at The Oval.