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FIDE World Cup 2025 in India: PM Narendra Modi says 'Chess is gaining popularity among our youth'

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three Candidates Tournament spots and a $2 million prize pool. The event features chess giants like D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, and R Praggnanandhaa. India boasts a strong contingent of 21 players, including Viswanathan Anand, as the World Cup returns to India after 23 years.

201 international wickets, one favourite: Sachin Tendulkar's pick will surprise you

Sachin Tendulkar, celebrated for his batting, also possessed valuable bowling skills. Despite limited opportunities, he claimed 46 Test wickets, with a cherished moment arriving in the 2004 Multan Test. Asked about his favorite wicket, Tendulkar recalled dismissing Moin Khan with a deceptive googly on the day's final ball.

Chess | It’s official! Goa to host FIDE World Cup with Rs 17.5 Cr prize pool

Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize and 3 qualifying spots for 2026 Candidates Tournament. This eight-round knockout event marks a significant moment for Indian chess, following recent triumphs like D Gukesh's World Championship and team victories at the Chess Olympiad.

'Fresh challenge': Hanuma Vihari joins Tripura after leaving Andhra Pradesh

Hanuma Vihari, celebrated for his resilience against Australia in 2021, is set to represent Tripura in all formats for the 2025-26 season, leaving Andhra Pradesh due to perceived favouritism. Vihari aims for consistent performance and fresh opportunities after a Test career of 839 runs and a strong domestic record of over 9,500 first-class runs.

‘Ghar ki murgi daal barabar’: Virender Sehwag’s son recalls father’s humorous words – Watch

Aryavir Sehwag, son of legendary cricketer Virender Sehwag, is currently playing in the Delhi Premier League. He acknowledges that he is beginning to grasp the magnitude of his father's accomplishments as he pursues a career in professional cricket. Aryavir expresses admiration for his father's extraordinary achievements and draws inspiration from his illustrious career.

Sunil Gavaskar hits out: ‘Focus on your country’s cricket, let us worry about ours’

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized overseas cricketers for commenting on India's team selection, particularly Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad. The legend questioned the need for foreign voices to judge decisions made by Indian selectors, emphasizing that Indian cricket is strictly an Indian affair. He also argued that such foreign players hardly comment when it pertains to matters of their own country.

Virat Kohli’s emotional note for Cheteshwar Pujara: ‘Thank you for making my job easier at 4’

Virat Kohli paid tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Indian batting order, especially at the No.3 position. Kohli highlighted Pujara's role in easing his own batting at No.4 and their memorable partnerships. The former Indian skipper congratulated him on his career and wished him well for the future.

'He's a hypocrite' - Former India cricketer lambasts India coach Gautam Gambhir - here's why

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has strongly criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir, labeling him a "hypocrite" for India's upcoming Asia Cup match against Pakistan. Tiwary highlighted Gambhir's previous stance against playing Pakistan, questioning his current role as coach.

Sinquefield Cup: R Praggnanandhaa takes joint lead with Fabiano Caruana; D Gukesh drops to bottom half

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa showcased a dominant performance, defeating Alireza Firouzja and surging to joint first place in the Sinquefield Cup alongside Fabiano Caruana with a score of 4.5. However, D Gukesh faced a setback, losing to Wesley So and dropping to the bottom standings in the standings. With three rounds remaining, the competition intensifies as Caruana and Praggnanandhaa lead, followed closely by Wesley So and Levon Aronian.

One ball, two sixes, 13 runs! Sanju Samson does the unthinkable ahead of Asia Cup - Watch

Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, including a rare achievement of 13 runs in a delivery, has reignited debate about his inclusion in India's Asia Cup squad. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 89 off 46 balls, continuing his impressive run. While Ajinkya Rahane supports Samson's inclusion, other pundits believes Shubman Gill's return seals his fate, likely keeping him out of the playing XI.

After blasting Gautam Gambhir, ex-India player accuses MS Dhoni of favouritism - 'He did not like me'

Manoj Tiwary has accused MS Dhoni of favoritism, claiming he wasn't backed despite strong performances, including a century. Tiwary suggests Dhoni's preferences influenced team selection, preventing him from securing a consistent place in the playing XI. He expressed his confusion and disappointment, highlighting a perceived lack of support during Dhoni's captaincy.

'Shreyas Iyer can captain India to a World Cup win': Stunning prediction on Iyer after Asia Cup snub

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts a strong comeback for Shreyas Iyer. Iyer was ignored for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Lobo believes Iyer's horoscope indicates a potential captaincy. He suggests Iyer could lead India to a major tournament victory, possibly a World Cup. Lobo warns selectors against overlooking Iyer's talent.

Premier League: Anthony Gordon apologises after reckless tackle on Virgil Van Djik

Anthony Gordon took to social media to apologise for his horrendous tackle on Virgil van Djik, which resulted in him being sent off. He admitted that he got caught up at the moment.

Could've played one more game in England, can do anything for Test cricket: Siraj

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj revealed the secret behind his hunger to bowl tireless long spells in Tests and spoke about his love for Test cricket.

No regrets over last 2 years, proud to have played for India in 100 Tests: Pujara

In an exclusive interview, Cheteshwar Pujara said he took the decision to retire a week after contemplating the big call. The Test specialist added that he has no regrets about his career, including the last two years when he was not selected for the senior national team.

As India bans real-money gaming, Usman Khawaja urges Australia to curb gambling ads

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has urged the government to curb gambling ads in sport, warning of their impact on young fans. His call comes after India banned real-money gaming under the Online Gaming Bill 2025.

Watch: Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut shocks tennis world – Frances Tiafoe says ‘it’s terrible!’

Carlos Alcaraz, aiming for his second US Open title, debuted a shaved head as he began his campaign against Reilly Opelka. Venus Williams is also set to mark her 25th appearance at the tournament. Alcaraz's new look drew reactions, including playful criticism from friend Frances Tiafoe, adding a lighthearted note to the competition's start.

'Inshallah...': Pakistan bowler warns India ahead of Asia Cup clash in UAE

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has stirred the pot ahead of the Asia Cup clash with India, confidently proclaiming victory in both anticipated matches. While Pakistan gears up for the tournament and a preceding tri-series, a surprising squad selection sees Salman Agha appointed captain, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan notably absent.

US Open Day 2 recap: Alcaraz's shiny haircut, ageless Venus at 45 and Kvitova, Garcia head into sunset

Carlos Alcaraz's new haircut stole the show at the US Open, overshadowing his first-round win over Reilly Opelka. Venus Williams inspired with her return, while Madison Keys suffered a shocking defeat. Additionally, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Garcia retired, marking the end of their careers. A lost racket dampener also caused a brief on-court search. That and more on Day 2 at Flushing Meadows.

Duleep Trophy Preview: India’s fringe stars eye Test openings in Bengaluru

The 2025–26 domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, a tournament doubling as auditions for vacancy in India's Test line-up. With questions over No. 3, No. 6 and pace depth, batters like Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfraz Khan, along with bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, aim to impress selectors ahead of home Test series against West Indies and South Africa.