Firoz Mirza

CHENNAI: In what could be another shocking and embarrassing incident, a top Indian weightlifter failed a dope test recently. It is understood that the weightlif

CHENNAI: Drug abuse has reared its ugly head again and this time only a couple of months ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games triggering fear of non-participation of Indian athletes in a few weight categories in the weightlifting event. As reported by this daily, weightlifter N Ajith (71kg), Commonwealth and Asian Championships medallist, tested positive for banned substance during an out-of-competition test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency last month. It is learnt that Ajith was part of the national camp when he underwent the test. The lifter from Tamil Nadu has left the camp after returning dope positive.

CHENNAI: Not long ago, former India captain Rohit Sharma criticised commentators terming the way they speak 'disappointing'. And Rohit is not alone to feel that way. His Mumbai teammate and India pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur vented his ire during a press conference after an IPL match in 2025 saying critics should review their own playing statistics before being overly preachy about a bowler's execution. The list is endless with Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag being the latest entrant.

NEW DELHI: A day before the much-anticipated wrestling selection trials for women to pick the national team for the 2026 Asian Games, the Indira Gandhi Stadium in the national capital wore a deserted look on Friday. The women wrestlers, who have been camping here for the past few months, were in their hostel rooms instead of the training arena in the evening. Maybe they preferred to rest ahead of the high-intensity bouts.

NEW DELHI: Soon after losing the 53kg semifinal bout against Meenakshi Goyat, wrestler Vinesh Phogat went straight to her corner before returning to the mat a few seconds later. On her way back, she gave a friendly but short smile to her victorious opponent before reaching closer to Wrestling Federation of India president, Sanjay Kumar Singh, who was seated next to the mat along with a few dignitaries.

NEW DELHI: A few wrestlers with their families and coaches had already reached Gate 18 of the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi by 6AM on Saturday but the security guards sprung into action the moment Vinesh Phogat's SUV halted there around 20 minutes later. As they did to other wrestlers, the security personnel didn't open the gate for the vehicle causing Vinesh and her husband Somvir Rathi to get down and walked a few steps towards guards.

NEW DELHI: For the first time in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, the final will be an all-India affair as far as match officials are concerned. The experienced Nitin Menon and KN Ananthapadmanabhan will be the on-field umpires while J Madanagopal will be the reserve umpire. Virender Sharma is going to be reserve umpire for the summit clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

CHENNAI: As expected, all the top men freestyle wrestlers made it to the India squad for the 2026 Asian Games, winning trials in their respective weight categories on Sunday. The trials were held at SAI centre in Lucknow and newly-appointed men's freestyle coach Shako Bentinidis also reached the venue to oversee the competition.

CHENNAI: Only a few days ago, the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) organised selection trials to pick the national team for the IWF World Youth Championsh

CHENNAI: Aadhaar seems to have become an effective tool for Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to verify age of wrestlers. The federation has disqualified arou