Indian Football Team Stumbles in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Indian men's football team faced a significant setback, enduring an embarrassing 0-1 loss to Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. This defeat marks India's first against Bangladesh in 22 years, raising concerns about their campaign.

India A Cruises into Asia Cup Semifinals

In a more positive development, the India A cricket team secured its spot in the semifinals of the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Their qualification came after a comfortable victory over Oman, where Harsh Dubey played a pivotal role, scoring a composed fifty. This win ensured a much-needed turnaround for the squad after an earlier loss.

Ranji Trophy Witnesses Strong Individual Performances

The ongoing Ranji Trophy saw several noteworthy individual performances. Star batter Rinku Singh slammed an unbeaten 98 against Tamil Nadu, showcasing his adaptability and skill in first-class cricket. Additionally, Shahbaz's fine form continued for Bengal against Assam, while Shreyas Gopal and Shikhar Shetty were instrumental in Karnataka's massive win.

Indian Boxers Shine on the International Stage

Indian pugilists delivered strong performances in international boxing events. Preeti Pawar achieved a significant victory by beating Olympic medallist and world champion Huang Hsiao-Wen of Chinese Taipei. In another impressive feat, Pawan Bartwal stunned Altynbek Nursultan in the World Boxing Cup, contributing to India's medal tally. Arundhati also made headlines by knocking down Triple World Cup Medalist Leonie Müller.

Chess: Arjun Erigaisi Enters Tie-Breaks

On the chess board, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi entered tie-break territory in the FIDE World Cup, keeping his hopes alive in the prestigious tournament. Veteran Viswanathan Anand is also set to participate in the Jerusalem Masters 2025.