Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale and 150 other shooters set for national trials

IANS | January 18, 2026 12:56 PM

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) The Indian domestic shooting season continues on Monday as the country’s top rifle and pistol shooters, more than 150 competitors across eight Olympic events plus the exclusive 50m rifle prone event for men and women, gather at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (DKSSR) in the national capital for the Group A National Selection Trials 1&2, set for January 19 to 25.

Aqil Khan Obaid replaces Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan’s U19 squad

IANS | January 18, 2026 12:40 PM

Windhoek, Jan 18 (IANS) Right-hand batter Aqil Khan Obaid has replaced Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan’s U19 World Cup squad after the latter was ruled out of the tournament owing to a wrist fracture that he sustained during the team’s campaign opener against South Africa.

Australian Open: Zverev overcomes Diallo challenge to reach second round

IANS | January 18, 2026 12:20 PM

Melbourne, Jan 18 (IANS) World Number 3 Alexander Zverev started his Australian Open campaign on a high note. The German tennis star shook off an early setback to produce a composed four-set win over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in the first round at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

'Showed the maturity he's got, really brilliant’: Mhatre on Sooryavanshi’s match-winning knock vs BAN U19

IANS | January 18, 2026 11:12 AM

Bulawayo, Jan 18 (IANS) India’s U-19 captain Ayush Mhatre commended his team’s star hitter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for demonstrating professionalism, highlighting how he managed the high-pressure situation with confidence. The 14-year-old played a vital role for India by scoring 72 off 67, helping his side beat Bangladesh at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

Aus Open: World No. 185 Arthur Fery upsets 20th seed Cobolli

IANS | January 18, 2026 10:44 AM

Melbourne, Jan 18 (IANS) World No. 185 and British qualifier Arthur Fery delivered the first major upset of the Australian Open 2026, defeating 20th seed Flavio Cobolli 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1 on the opening day of the Grand Slam tournament.

‘Got the benefit of being an all-rounder,’ says Ayush Badoni on maiden India call-up

IANS | January 18, 2026 10:38 AM

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Delhi cricketer Ayush Badoni believes that his decision to take up bowling a couple of years ago transformed him into an all-rounder, which helped him earn his maiden India call-up. The 26-year-old was added to India’s ODI squad for the ongoing three-game series against New Zealand after Washington Sundar was ruled out due to an injury after the first ODI.

WPL 2026: Mandhana's masterclass keeps RCB unbeaten with fourth win

IANS | January 17, 2026 11:35 PM

Navi Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) Smriti Mandhana fell heartbreakingly short of a maiden Women's Premier League (WPL) century, but her commanding 96 set up Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) emphatic eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals, as RCB made it four wins in as many matches to remain unbeaten at the top of the WPL 2026 points table at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.