Author: WebDesk

By Mahit Anand, Partner at GameChanger Law Advisors India, a nation with 1.4 billion people and over 600 million under the age of 25, remains a paradox in global sport. While it celebrates success stories like Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold and PV Sindhu’s consistent podium finishes, the wider sporting landscape is marked by neglect, inequity, and chronic underfunding. Franchise leagues like the IPL, ISL, and Pro Kabaddi may attract billions in media rights and sponsorships, yet grassroots development continues to struggle due to overreliance on government funds, inconsistent policy implementation, and lack of private-sector engagement. If India truly aspires for…

India 1 (4) (Singamayum Shami 2’) beat Bangladesh 1 (3) (Md Joy Ahamed 61’) YUPIA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH: It was a final that had everything! Early drama, missed chances, a fierce fightback, and a heart-stopping finish! Eventually, the India U19s showed nerves of steel to outlast Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties, after it ended 1-1 post regulation time. The Blue Colts successfully defend their SAFF U19 Championship crown at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The match had ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a nervy penalty shootout. Buoyed by a raucous crowd, India had taken the lead in…

The Blue Tigresses recently welcomed a special guest to their training camp in Bengaluru – Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the senior men’s national team. As the women’s team continues their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers set to take place next month, Chhetri took time to share some motivating words with the squad. In a gesture of appreciation, the Blue Tigresses presented him with an India jersey signed by all the players. Under the guidance of head coach Crispin Chettri, the senior women’s national team is currently holding its camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports…

PKL Season 12 to begin (PC: WORDSWORK) The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has revealed the list of retained players ahead of the Season 12 auction, which is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1. The announcement includes names across three key categories: Elite Retained Players (ERP), Retained Young Players (RYP), and New Young Players (NYP), as franchises prepare to build competitive squads for the upcoming season. A total of 83 players have been retained, with 25 in the ERP list, 23 in the RYP group, and 35 falling under the NYP category. Among the prominent…

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Governing Board met on Saturday and approved several key components for the upcoming inaugural edition of the Shooting League of India (SLI). The board discussed and finalised elements such as the league’s governance model, disciplines, competition format, player categories, agency appointments, branding, and prize structure. This marks a significant step in establishing a professionally-run and commercially sustainable shooting league in the country. A transparent governance framework was adopted to align with NRAI’s broader vision, paving the way for structured private investment while maintaining regulatory standards. The board underscored SLI as a milestone initiative…

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has finalized a significant transfer to Real Madrid for a reported fee of £50 million. The deal sees the 20-year-old depart the Vitality Stadium and return to Spain, where his youth career included a stint with Malaga. Real Madrid’s acquisition of Huijsen is part of a long-term strategy to integrate promising young talent into their squad. The club and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer, with the player set to be tied to Real Madrid for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The Spanish giants moved swiftly…

It was a moment of prophecy fulfilled and history made at the Wanda Diamond League in Doha on 16 May 2025. Both Julian Weber and Neeraj Chopra crossed the 90-metre mark for the first time in their careers—an achievement Weber had predicted nearly eight months ago. Back on 15 September 2024, the German javelin star had tweeted about his and Chopra’s exceptional 2024 season, confidently stating that they would both breach the 90m barrier the following year. On a humid evening in Doha, that foresight came alive. Weber finished first with a spectacular 91.06m throw, securing the top spot in…

Barcelona cliched their 28th Laliga title – second only to Real Madrid’s 36 – with a hard-fought 2-0 victory in the Catalan derby at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium. Goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez gave Hansi Flick’s team an unassailable seven-point lead at the top of the standings with only two rounds of matches remaining. Espanyol had two gilt-edged openings early on, but Barcelona then began to control the game despite not creating too many clear-cut chances. They had to wait until the 53rd minute for the breakthrough, with Yamal picking up the ball near the right touchline, cutting in…

Multiple conversations have been heard in the Kolkata Maidan regarding Mumbai City FC’s defensive stalwart, Mehtab Singh. Although Mehtab still has one year left on his contract with the Islanders, both Kolkata giants — Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC — have identified him as a prime target to bolster their defensive line for the upcoming season. Much like last summer’s transfer saga involving Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), where both arch-rivals locked horns off the pitch, a similar battle could be on the cards — this time for Mehtab. The 25-year-old has consistently been one of Indian football’s standout…

Cricket Australia has given their players the option to choose between returning to India for the completion of the 2025 IPL, or to opt out of the tournament. There is uncertainty surrounding the return of players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood. The statement issued by CA comes in the backdrop of BCCI announcing the resumption of IPL from May 17 in the aftermath of the ceasefire announced by India and Pakistan. Australia are also scheduled to play the World Test Championship final against South Africa, starting on June 11, at Lord’s. So, the Australian…