The Press Editor

New Delhi: India's Special Olympics Bharat team for athletes with intellectual disabilities left for Sweden on Friday, July 10, to defend its Special Olympics Trophy title at the Gothia Cup 2026. Playing for the first time in 2024, the team clinched the title in successive years and now attempts to become the first side to win the competition three years in succession. The tournament will be held in Gothenburg from July 12 to 18, with India entering as one of the favourites. The contingent comprises 10 athletes and two coaches representing nine states and Union Territories. Notably, the players were…

Los Angeles: Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino struck late to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a hard-fought quarter-final in the early hours of Saturday. The win set up a last-four meeting with France in Dallas. Notably, Merino settled the contest in the closing minutes after Belgium had battled back from a goal down to level the match before halftime. The midfielder reacted quickest after Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort, smashing home the rebound to end Belgium's resistance. Spain had earlier taken the lead in the 30th…

Monaco (France): Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare became only the fourth Indian athlete to finish on the podium at a Diamond League. He finished third on his debut at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday, July 10 ater the jumper cleared 2.26 metres. The 31-year-old successfully negotiated 2.12m, 2.16m, 2.20m, 2.23m and 2.26m, clearing each bar with his first attempt. His challenge ended at 2.28m after three unsuccessful efforts. The result continues an impressive season for the Maharashtra athlete, who has rapidly established himself among the world's leading high jumpers. Late last month, Kushare set a new Indian national record…

Los Angeles: Pedri has been left on the bench for Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium as coach Luis de la Fuente opted for a change in the midfield. It is purely a tactical call as he brought in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz into the starting XI. Ruiz has been selected to partner Rodri in the centre of midfield in the high-voltage clash, with Spain looking for greater balance and control in their knockout clash in Los Angeles. The decision means Pedri, one of Spain’s most recognised midfielders and considered to be one of the best in…

Los Angeles: Spain will face Belgium in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in the early hours of Saturday. Playing at the Los Angeles Stadium, both European heavyweights look to secure a place in the last four of the tournament. The winner will eventually meet France in the semi-final. Spain enter the contest as one of the strongest defensive sides at the World Cup, having not conceded a goal in the tournament so far. Their ability to dominate possession while maintaining defensive discipline has been a defining feature of their campaign. Notably, Luis de la Fuente's side reached the…

Los Angeles: Belgium have been forced into a late change before their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Spain after Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up. The Aston Villa midfielder was ruled out of the starting XI, with Hans Vanaken brought into the lineup as his replacement. Tielemans had been expected to play a key role in Belgium's midfield structure against Spain, providing defensive work rate and distribution from the centre of the pitch. His late withdrawal means coach Rudi Garcia has had to adjust his plans moments before kick-off. Vanaken's inclusion offers Belgium a different profile in…

London: Defending champion Jannik Sinner stormed into the Wimbledon 2026 men's singles final with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in Friday's semi-final at the All England Club. The world No. 1 produced a clinical straight-sets display to end Djokovic's bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title and book his place in a second successive Wimbledon final.  Sinner, who won the title last year, will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's championship match after the German defeated British wildcard Arthur Fery in the other semi-final earlier in the day. More to follow..