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.