Sports

28

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Veteran Nilakanta Sharma confirms retirement after India’s ACT Hockey 2026 campaign

Veteran Indian midfielder Nilakanta Sharma has announced that he will retire from international hockey following India's campaign at the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy. Hockey India midfielder Nilakanta Sharma confirmed his retirement plans on Tuesday, revealing that he will step down from international hockey after the nation's campaign at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab.The 31-year-old Nilakanta from Manipur was part of India's gold medal-winning campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and is now competing in his farewell campaign in his home nation.Nilkantha announced his decision right after India's tournament-opening win over Bangladesh, which sealed a commanding 13-0…

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28

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Mandeep fires a treble as India demolish Bangladesh 13-0 in ACT hockey clash

Five-time champions India launched their Asian Champions Trophy title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Bangladesh 13-0 in a one-sided contest at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Mandeep Singh returned to form with a fine hat-trick as five-time champions India hammered minnows Bangladesh 13-0 to start their title defence at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on a rousing note here on Tuesday.Mandeep struck in the third, 10th and 54th minutes, while skipper Harmanpreet Singh (2nd, 44th), Dilpreet Singh (43rd, 44th) and vice-captain Hardik Singh (60th, 60th) scored a brace each.Shilanand Lakra (15th), Abhishek (18th), Nilakanta Sharma (26th)…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Abhishek’s jet-set hundred, Vaibhav’s fiery knock power India to 3rd T20I win over NZ

India continued their dominance over New Zealand with a convincing six-wicket win in the third T20I in Wellington, securing an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series. India clinched a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20 international fixture on Tuesday in Wellington, with batters Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's incredible bowling stand troubling the Blackcaps' bowling line-up during the chase.The Men in Blue's six-wicket win has helped them clinch an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series, effectively sealing a series victory with two matches remaining.New Zealand deliver 198 in 20 oversAfter India opted to bowl…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Mbappé issues apology after backlash over ‘ill-judged’ Mao Zedong remark: ”

Kylian Mbappe has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism in China over remarks he made about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. France and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has apologised to China and the country's people on Tuesday for his remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, whom he referred to as a 'dictator'.The controversy erupted after a video showed Mbappe reacting to a famous meme which involved his face being photo-shopped onto what he described as "some guy -- I think he's a Chinese dictator."The French striker apparently joked about Zedong, a Chinese communist revolutionary, which triggered…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Chinese firms end partnerships with Mbappé after accusations of hurting national sentiments emerge

Kylian Mbappe has found himself at the centre of a major controversy in China after a video surfaced online showing the Real Madrid star apparently making light-hearted remarks about a meme involving Mao Zedong. Kylian Mbappe was dropped on Tuesday by major Chinese brands after a video circulated of the Real Madrid and France superstar apparently joking about Mao Zedong.There were also signs of broader repercussions, with state-run The Paper reporting that public television was suspending broadcasts of matches from Spain's La Liga.The offending video shows Mbappe saying that the funniest internet meme he had seen involving him was of…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Virat Kohli applauds ‘friend’ Harry Kane after Ballon d’Or triumph: ‘You deserve every bit’

Superstar India cricketer Virat Kohli joined the football world in celebrating Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or triumph, praising the England captain's resilience, hard work and professionalism. Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli on Tuesday congratulated Harry Kane for winning the Ballon d'Or, describing the English footballer as a resilient and hard-working player who deserves "every bit" of the prestigious award.Kohli and Kane endorse the same sports apparel brand."Harry my friend, you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which you've carried yourself through all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you."God…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026 results accidentally leaked hours ahead of men’s award ceremony

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony was overshadowed by an embarrassing blunder after several winner-related articles were accidentally published on the official website hours before the gala in London. The Ballon d'Or organisers scored an epic fail after multiple winners of the men's awards were published on their website hours before the ceremony kicked off on Monday in London, England.In a historic departure from tradition, the Ballon d'Or organisers took its award ceremony beyond Paris, France, with The London Palladium in London, England, being chosen as the host venue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of football's most prestigious individual award.Organisers scored…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Complete winners list and the top 10 in men’s & women’s rankings revealed

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony marked a historic chapter in football history as the prestigious awards gala left Paris for the first time to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony saw history being made after the gala moved out of Paris, France, in a significant gesture to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the most prestigious individual award in global football.A total of 13 winners were awarded on Monday night at the Ballon d'Or gala, with star sportspersons in attendance.Kane, Lamine & Alexis win big at Ballon d'OrEngland captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane eclipsed the likes…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Harry Kane savours ‘special feeling’ after receiving 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or: ‘Best in the world’

Harry Kane etched his name into football history after winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the prestigious award. England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane expressed delight on Monday after winning the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, calling it an unforgettable, incredible feeling.It was a special night for England as London hosted the Ballon d'Or gala, and one of their own won the prestigious individual award. Kane delivered an exceptional performance throughout the 2025-26 season, excelling for both his club and country.Kane's captaincy and performance at the 2026 World…

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27

Oct

By The Press Editor

Sports

Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or 2026, ends England’s 25-year wait; Messi finishes fifth

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane beats Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while Lionel Messi finishes fifth. Alexia Putellas wins her third Women’s Ballon d’Or Harry Kane won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or on Tuesday, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim football’s most prestigious individual award. The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who came second, and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who secured third place. Lionel Messi finished fifth.The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event took place in…

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