New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) After falling short in three consecutive ICC finals in as many years, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt believes her side will walk in hungrier than ever to taste the silverware at the Women’s T20 World Cup next month, while also stating that the return of veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail will help the side to lift the trophy.In the lead-up to the marquee event, South Africa have derived major inspiration from a 4-1 T20I series win against Harmanpreet Kaur and Co.”Reachin…

Paris, May 26 (IANS) World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her French Open campaign with a strong performance, quickly defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 in just 1 hour and 15 minutes on Tuesday. The top seed showcased her skills on Court Philippe-Chatrier, marking her 22nd consecutive first-round victory at Grand Slams.Sabalenka arrived in Paris following a somewhat uneven clay-court season compared to her dominant form earlier this year. She made history as only the fifth woman in the Open …

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could play a decisive role for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans, saying his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a serious threat to GT’s top order.Bangar said Bhuvneshwar’s new-ball spell could prove crucial against Gujarat’s strong batting unit, particularly against top-order batters Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, and …

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) As the archery squads have been locked for the Asian Games after rigorous selection trials,  the world number three ace compound archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam has backed her younger teammates  Taniparthi Chikitha and Prithika Pradeep, stating that the new-look Indian squad possesses the temperament and experience to replicate their 2022 Asiad success in Japan.Jyothi, who won three gold medals in the Hangzhou Asian Games, will compete at her fourth Asian Games alongside …

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Indian archers Olympian Dhiraj Bommedevara and Asian Games gold medallist Jyothi Surekha Vennam praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sports schemes and reforms, which led to a seismic shift in the country’s sporting ecosystem, noting that athletes and federations no longer have to beg the system for world-class equipment, foreign exposure, or monetary support.Dhiraj, who will represent India at the Asian Games 2026 in the recurve category, has received overall support …

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Former head coach of the Indian men’s basketball team and FIBA, Veselin Matic, believes India’s school ecosystem can become the foundation for long-term basketball development, provided the focus shifts towards structured coaching, regular competitions, and stronger grassroots systems.Matic, who is leading the PE Educators Upskill Program launched by International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) Academy in collaboration with FIBA (International Basketball Federati…

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) In a historic milestone for Indian sport and global wellness, the first-ever World Yogasana Championship (WYC) 2026, dedicated to Yogasana as a competitive sport, was officially launched today in New Delhi. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled it in the presence of Federation leaders.WYC 2026, set for June 4–8, 2026, at Eka Arena in Ahmedabad, will host top Yogasana athletes and delegations from more tha…

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Gujarat Titans (GT) will head into Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 as slight favourites against defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), citing the Dharamshala conditions and the strength of Gujarat’s pace attack.RCB and GT will clash in the first qualifier on Tuesday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, with a place in the IPL 2026 final at stake.Speaking ahead of the high-profile…

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Indian archery pioneer Shyam Lal Meena, a member of India’s first-ever Olympic archery team at the Seoul Games in 1988, passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 61.Shyam Lal Meena, who had been battling liver-related complications in recent years, breathed his last in a hospital after his condition deteriorated. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian archery history, with the former Olympian remembered as one of the sport’s earliest tra…

Perth, May 26 (IANS) Australia will enter their ODI series against Pakistan with another change in leadership as Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, which clears the way for Josh Inglis to captain the team in the three-match series starting on Saturday.Marsh was expected to lead Australia in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins. He sustained the injury during the IPL and has returned to Perth for further assessment and treatment. The all-rounder missed the Lucknow Sup…