Sports

Fresh from completing a historic hat-trick of Commonwealth Games gold medals, Mirabai Chanu has set her sights on the one honour still missing from her glittering career, an Asian Games medal. In an exclusive interview with Sports Today's Nikhil Naz, the Olympic silver medallist reflected on the emotions behind her latest triumph, saying nothing compares to the pride of representing India and watching the national flag rise as the anthem plays. Mirabai revealed that the tears on the podium were the culmination of years of sacrifice, injury setbacks and relentless hard work.

While emotions ran high after the FIFA World Cup final, one post-match moment stood out above the chaos. As several Argentina and Spain players were involved in heated confrontations following the final whistle, including one Argentine player being sent off, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal shared a warm embrace with Lionel Messi. The heartfelt exchange, captured on camera, quickly went viral on social media, with many fans describing it as a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Yamal was also seen consoling the Argentine captain in the aftermath of the dramatic contest, offering a striking contrast to the tensions unfolding elsewhere on the pitch. For many viewers, the brief interaction became one of the defining images of the final, highlighting mutual respect and sportsmanship despite the fierce rivalry.

Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia said he was "sad to see Messi cry" after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, adding that the tournament could mark the end of Lionel Messi's international career. In an exclusive conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, Bhutia reflected on Messi's legacy, Argentina's campaign, Spain's World Cup triumph and what the Argentine great has meant to football across generations.

India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai joins football experts Karim Bencherifa, Ranjeet Bajaj, Siddhant Aney and host Nikhil Naz for a special FIFA World Cup final preview. Can Lionel Messi inspire Argentina to glory, or will Spain's young stars complete their fairytale run? The panel discusses it all in this roundtable session.

Kerala's football fever has found a unique local expression during the FIFA World Cup, with football-themed dhotis flying off the shelves alongside team jerseys. Shopkeepers say Argentina, Brazil and Portugal-inspired mundus have become some of the most sought-after items this tournament.

Yastika Bhatia called her historic unbeaten 113 at Lord's a "dream come true" after becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic venue. The landmark knock capped an inspiring comeback from the ACL injury that sidelined her in late 2025.