FIFA WC 2026: 'Messi is fuelled by his hunger for glory', says Rodriguez

IANS | June 5, 2026 5:00 PM

Buenos Aires, June 5 (IANS) Former Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez believes Lionel Messi remains driven by the same hunger and determination that helped him become one of football’s greatest players, saying the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still motivated by the dream of winning another FIFA World Cup.

ITTF World Youth C'ships 2026 to be held in Istanbul from Nov 21-28

IANS | June 5, 2026 4:42 PM

Lausanne, June 5 (IANS) The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Friday said the World Youth Championships 2026 will be held in Istanbul, Turkiye, from November 21 to 28 after a change of host from Bahrain, with the event dates remaining unchanged.

FIFA World Cup Group E preview: Nagelsmann looks to restore glory for Germany

IANS | June 5, 2026 4:08 PM

Berlin, June 5 (IANS) Four-time champions Germany heads to the FIFA World Cup looking to move beyond the disappointments of 2018 and 2022, while a resilient Ecuador side that proved throughout qualifying it gives nothing away will provide a stern test to its Group E rivals. Cote d'Ivoire also possesses enough quality to trouble any opponent, while Curacao is shaping up as one of the tournament's potential Cinderella stories.

'We will give him a longer rope': Gambhir backs Sudharsan at No. 3

IANS | June 5, 2026 2:37 PM

New Chandigarh, June 5 (IANS) India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind young batter Sai Sudharsan, confirming that the left-hander will occupy the crucial No. 3 position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan beginning here from Saturday.

IGPL Bharath Classic: Kochhar one behind leader Runchanapong; Aryan Roopa also in Top-10

IANS | June 5, 2026 2:17 PM

El Jadida (Morocco), June 6 (IANS) Karandeep Kochhar of India posted a fine round of 6-under 66 and positioned himself in the tied second place after the first day of the USD 500,000 IGPL Bharath Classic at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. The 26-year-old from Chandigarh is one shot behind the leader, Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong, who carded 7-under 65 that included eight birdies against one bogey.

'We will expect him to be the way he is': Gambhir on Pant's Test vice-captaincy snub

IANS | June 5, 2026 2:06 PM

New Chandigarh, June 5 (IANS) India head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence on Rishabh Pant's removal as Test vice-captain, saying that the team management does not want the wicketkeeper-batter to change his natural style of play, but the 28-year-old must improve his ability to read match situations in international cricket.