Category: SPORTS

New Delhi, January 20:
A basic lighting issue at the ongoing India Open badminton tournament on Monday raised questions about the infrastructure preparedness at the venue. Players and officials reported intermittent lighting fluctuations during matches, which briefly disrupted gameplay and caused delays, highlighting potential gaps in the facility’s operational readiness.

Tournament organisers assured that corrective measures were taken immediately and that the issue did not affect match outcomes. However, the incident has prompted calls from players, coaches, and sports analysts to review and upgrade stadium infrastructure to ensure consistent lighting, better safety standards, and a seamless experience for both athletes and spectators in future events.

Dubai, January 20:
Uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 amid an ongoing controversy, with Scotland openly stating that it is fully prepared to step in should the need arise. Officials from Cricket Scotland have indicated that the team remains on standby and is ready to participate at short notice if the ICC decides to make a change to the tournament lineup. However, they clarified that no official communication has been received from the ICC so far, and any decision regarding participation rests entirely with the global governing body.

The ICC has not issued a formal statement on the matter, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board has maintained silence as speculation grows within the cricketing fraternity. Sources said the situation is being closely monitored, as any alteration to the lineup would have significant implications for tournament scheduling and preparations. With the T20 World Cup still some time away, stakeholders expect the ICC to take a considered decision in line with established qualification rules and governance norms, even as uncertainty keeps fans and teams on edge.

Melbourne, January 20:
Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud has indicated that he may walk away from the Australian Open if the birth of his first child coincides with the tournament. Ruud, who is expecting a baby with his wife Maria Galligani, said his participation in the Grand Slam depends on the situation at home, adding that he is prepared to leave Melbourne immediately if required. The world No. 12 stressed that while he remains committed to performing well on court, family responsibilities will take priority during this crucial period.

The 28-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, said he is staying focused on his matches but is keeping himself ready for a sudden departure if his wife goes into labour. Ruud remarked that becoming a father is a life-changing moment and acknowledged that there are occasions when personal milestones outweigh professional commitments. Despite the uncertainty, he continues to compete with determination, while remaining mindful of the responsibility awaiting him off the court.

New Delhi, January 19: India’s cricket coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, has come under intense criticism following remarks he made about team captain Rohit Sharma. The comments, perceived by many fans and analysts as undermining the star batter’s leadership and performance, have sparked a wave of debate across social media and sports circles.

Critics argue that Ten Doeschate’s statements could impact team morale ahead of key tournaments, emphasizing that public criticism of senior players is unusual in Indian cricket culture. Supporters of Rohit Sharma have defended the captain, highlighting his consistent record and experience on the international stage. The controversy has prompted calls for clarification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with cricket enthusiasts closely watching how the situation unfolds ahead of India’s upcoming matches.

Mumbai, January 19 : Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has identified poor execution in crucial moments as the main reason behind India’s ODI series defeat, while refraining from singling out individual players. Speaking after the series loss, Gavaskar said the team failed to capitalise on key situations with both bat and ball, which ultimately tilted the contest in the opposition’s favour.

The batting great stressed that modern international cricket leaves little room for repeated mistakes, adding that consistency and decision-making under pressure remain vital at the highest level. While acknowledging the talent within the Indian squad, Gavaskar noted that addressing these lapses will be essential as the team prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup, where margins between victory and defeat are extremely fine.

New Delhi, January 19 : Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir faced sharp questions from the media after India suffered an ODI series defeat, with one query on Virat Kohli’s run-scoring consistency dominating the interaction. Asked pointedly, “How many matches will Virat Kohli score in?”, Gambhir chose to deflect the focus from individual numbers and instead highlighted the need for a stronger collective batting effort.

Responding to the criticism, Gambhir said cricket is a team game and results cannot hinge on one player’s performance alone. He emphasised that Kohli continues to be a match-winner of proven calibre, but consistent contributions from the entire batting line-up are crucial for success. Gambhir added that the team must use the setback as a learning phase, address execution under pressure, and work towards better balance and consistency in the build-up to future ODI challenges.

January 19, 2026 | New Delhi

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has highlighted a major area of concern for Team India as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking about the road ahead, Karthik pointed out that finding the right team balance and clearly defined roles remains a significant challenge in the shortest format of the game.

Karthik stressed that while India has an abundance of talent, the real test lies in settling on a consistent playing XI amid frequent experimentation and injuries. He noted that the rapid evolution of T20 cricket demands adaptability, especially in areas like finishing, bowling at the death, and fielding under pressure. According to him, clarity in roles and backing players through lean phases will be crucial if India are to mount a strong title challenge in the tournament.

He further added that conditions, opposition analysis, and managing player workload will play a decisive role in the lead-up to the World Cup. Karthik underlined that addressing these challenges early would allow the team management to build confidence and momentum, essential ingredients for success on the global stage.

Barcelona produced a thrilling performance to defeat arch-rivals Real Madrid 3–2 in a high-octane Spanish Super Cup clash, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski delivering standout displays in a pulsating encounter. The match lived up to the El Clásico hype as both sides traded blows in an end-to-end contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Raphinha played a decisive role with his pace and creativity on the flanks, while Lewandowski once again showcased his lethal finishing, finding the back of the net at a crucial moment to tilt the game in Barcelona’s favour. The Catalan side displayed sharp attacking intent and resilience, managing to hold off late pressure from Real Madrid despite conceding twice in the contest.

Real Madrid fought hard and mounted a late comeback attempt, but Barcelona’s composure in key moments proved decisive. The victory not only handed Barcelona an important Super Cup triumph but also served as a major morale boost ahead of the season, reaffirming their competitiveness against their biggest rivals on the big stage.

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has showered rich praise on former India captain Virat Kohli, calling him a leader who truly “walks the talk” and leads by example both on and off the field. Speaking about Kohli’s influence in the Indian dressing room, Iyer said the senior batter’s work ethic, discipline, and hunger for excellence continue to inspire players across generations.

Iyer highlighted that Kohli’s intensity during training sessions and matches sets the benchmark for the entire team. According to him, Kohli does not just speak about fitness, commitment, or match preparation but consistently lives up to those standards, motivating younger players to raise their own levels. He added that Kohli’s passion for the game remains unchanged, regardless of form or role in the team.

The Indian batter also credited Kohli for creating a culture of self-belief and professionalism within the squad. Iyer said that sharing the dressing room with Kohli has helped him grow mentally and technically, describing the former captain as someone whose presence alone lifts the confidence and mindset of the team.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy arrived in India as part of its global tour, marking a significant moment for football fans across the country. The prestigious silverware was unveiled at a special event attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya along with senior FIFA officials, highlighting India’s growing engagement with global football.

Speaking at the occasion, Mandaviya said the arrival of the trophy reflects the rising popularity of football in India and the government’s commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots and professional levels. He noted that such global events inspire young athletes and strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem, aligning with the vision of developing a strong sports culture nationwide.

FIFA representatives also emphasised India’s importance as a key market for football, citing the country’s massive youth population and increasing participation in the sport. The trophy tour aims to connect fans with the world’s biggest football event and build excitement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.