Category sports

Dubai, UAE – Mr. Cricket UAE podcast welcomed international cricket star Moeen Ali as the featured guest on the second episode of its official series dedicated to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where the former England all-rounder shared bold predictions, tactical insights, and strong praise for Indian stars Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.

In an in-depth conversation with Mr. Anis Sajan (Founder of Mr. Cricket UAE), Moeen offered a behind-the-scenes look at the tournament, discussing team combinations, key match-ups, and conditions, with special focus on the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown, one of the most celebrated rivalries in world sport.

Moeen Ali’s Key Insights

On the Premadasa pitch:
“Generally, the Premadasa offers turn. It’s the kind of surface where spinners can get help, but I feel a good wicket will be prepared for this match so that both teams can play their natural game and it becomes a proper contest.” 

On India’s key players:
“If you look at India, Suryakumar Yadav is the batter Pakistan should be most worried about. He can change the game very quickly. And from a bowling point of view, it has to be Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, he’s a match-winner in any conditions.” 

On Pakistan’s team combination:
“I actually feel Pakistan should go with a combination where Fakhar Zaman plays. It’s a bold call, but I believe he can make a big difference. I’d also like to see Shaheen Afridi and Khawaja Nafay in the side, and possibly make a change in the wicketkeeping role to strengthen the balance of the team. In fact, I think Babar Azam should be replaced by Fakhar Zaman for this match to give Pakistan the best chance to counter India’s strengths and Khawaja should also replace Usman Khan as wicket keeper.” 

On India’s team selection:

“For India, I’d definitely want Kuldeep Yadav to play. He’ll be the bigger threat than any other Indian bowler for Pakistan.”

On Pakistan’s bowling threats:
“From Pakistan’s side, I think Abrar Ahmed is someone India should really be aware of. He has that ability to trouble batters. I’d also mention Usman Tariq because he’s very deceptive, and India hasn’t faced him much, which makes him dangerous.” 

On the match result:
“Normally I must say India could win all time against pakistan honestly, like I say for the first time pakistan will win” 

On the tournament outlook:
“My four semifinalists are India, South Africa, England, and Pakistan. I also feel the final could be India vs Pakistan, and I’ll give my final winner prediction when that match happens.”

The episode has generated strong excitement among fans and added a fresh perspective to the ongoing ICC event, with Moeen’s backing of Bumrah and Kuldeep standing out as a major talking point.

New Delhi, Feb 13: The ICC’s Cricket 4 Good initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, has delivered a series of cricket clinics during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, engaging young fans across multiple locations as part of the ICC’s global community outreach programme.

Delivered alongside the tournament and featuring teams participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the clinics provided children with opportunities to engage directly with international players, develop cricketing skills and experience the confidence, joy and life values that sport brings. The sessions reflect the ICC’s commitment to harnessing the power and reach of cricket to create a positive and lasting impact on children and families worldwide.

At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team India offered children a memorable and immersive cricketing experience. They participated in interactive on-field activities, learned basic cricket skills, and engaged closely with the players during a special meet-and-greet session. The clinic also included photo opportunities and informal interactions, giving the young fans a rare chance to connect with their heroes and experience the values of teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship first-hand.

The Mumbai venue also hosted a Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team USA, England, West Indies & Nepal where children participated in cricket-based activities and enjoyed meet-and-greet interactions with the players.

In Chennai, the Cricket 4 Good programme featured clinics with Afghanistan players at High Performance Centre, and with New Zealand players at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Players from both teams spent time playing cricket with children and engaging in informal interactions, with the New Zealand clinic also welcoming specially-abled children, reflecting the initiative’s inclusive focus.

The clinics continued at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where children connected with the Italy team through cricket-based activities, and at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, where young fans interacted with Namibia, enjoying the opportunity to play cricket and spend time with the players.

In Colombo, Cricket 4 Good clinics were delivered across several venues. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, children participated in sessions with Oman, while the Colombo Cricket Club Ground hosted a clinic with Pakistan. A further clinic took place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, where Australia engaged with young fans through cricket activities and meet-and-greet interactions.

Cricket 4 Good is the ICC’s global Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and umbrella programme for community outreach, reflecting the ICC’s ongoing commitment to the Spirit of Cricket and its vision of making cricket the world’s favourite sport. Delivered in partnership with UNICEF, the initiative supports children’s rights, inclusion and wellbeing and works across key focus areas including nutrition and child development, water, sanitation and hygiene, quality education, adolescent empowerment, child protection and child health.

Through Cricket 4 Good, the ICC and UNICEF continue to leverage the platform of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 while also working with local community organisations and partners to deliver activities that extend beyond tournaments, creating lasting and meaningful impact for children and families around the world.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Feb 13: The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has confirmed eight of the 16 competitive game titles for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition, set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2-29, 2026.

The ENC introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format, enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

The confirmed titles are: Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA SPORTS FC, Fatal Fury, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Trackmania. These titles reflect a diverse competitive esports ecosystem, spanning historic strategy, tactical shooters, fighting games, mobile titles, world-class sports simulations, and precision racing format.

Across just these titles alone, thousands of players across the world enter qualification pathways for the ENC 2026 main event over the coming months, competing for the opportunity to represent their nation on the global esports stage. These eight titles represent the Esports World Cup Foundation’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that fuels national fandom, inspires a new generation of heroes, and accelerates the long-term future of the industry:

• Featuring 128 players, the Chess tournament at ENC 2026 (November 2-8) stands as one of the largest international Chess tournaments ever, and will give an unprecedented number of nations the chance to reach new levels as the game continues to evolve as an esport.
• Showcasing elite skill and competition, Counter-Strike 2 at ENC 2026 (November 10-15) will be bolstered by a historic open qualification program featuring more than 15,000 players across 3,000 teams; the largest ever in the game’s two-decade long history.
•  A cornerstone of global esports, Dota 2 at ENC 2026 (November 2-8) will bring elite team competition shaped by international LAN play, with 32 national teams qualifying through rankings, regional qualifiers, and wildcard entries to compete in the main event.
• One of the world’s marquee sports sims, EA SPORTS FC at ENC 2026 (November 17-22) will feature 128 players competing for their nations in Riyadh. Qualification combines open in-game pathways, regional qualifiers, and direct invites via the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Rankings, ensuring global representation.
• An elite fighting game from an iconic franchise, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves at ENC 2026 (November 12-15) will feature 32 players, each representing their nation, competing in a new format designed to support emerging talent and expand national representation within the competitive fighting game community.
• A global pillar of both the mobile and MOBA ecosystems, Honor of Kings at ENC 2026 (November 24-29) will feature 24 elite national teams selected through a combination of the ENC National Team Ranking and rigorous regional qualifiers, culminating in a single-elimination playoff bracket to crown the world champion.
• One of the world’s most widely played esports titles, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at ENC 2026 (November 23-29) will feature 32 national teams competing for a Gold medal in Riyadh through a round-robin group stage and a single-elimination playoff during the closing week of the event.
• Concluding the first wave of announced game titles, Trackmania at ENC 2026 (November 19-22) will introduce high-speed precision and global accessibility to the event, with 32 national representatives competing in in the sport’s signature 1v1v1v1 Cup Mode.

Eight additional game titles will be confirmed in the coming weeks, completing the 16-game competition programme for the inaugural edition.

Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

Gurugram, Feb 10: Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School (LPSSS) successfully hosted its Annual Sports Day 2025–26 at the school playground, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and parents for a vibrant celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event gained special significance with the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Harsh Gill, leading Indian professional boxer and one of the country’s top cruiserweight contenders.

Mr. Gill was felicitated during the opening ceremony and interacted warmly with students. Addressing the gathering, he praised the school’s thoughtful organisation and the energy of the young participants. He reminded students that teachers and parents play an equal role in shaping their future and encouraged them to pursue their goals with discipline, hard work, and consistency.

Founder of Lotus Petal Foundation, Mr. Kushal Chakravorty, highlighted the importance of sports in holistic development. He observed that a person’s conduct on the field often mirrors their character in life, and that sports nurture integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. He urged students to balance academics and sports to grow into confident and well-rounded individuals.

The programme commenced with a formal welcome, followed by the torch lighting ceremony, march past, oath taking, and the National Anthem. Cultural performances added colour to the day, including a Tiny Tots dance, a synchronized Mass PT display by primary students, and an energetic Zumba performance by the senior wing.

A series of track and field events showcased the enthusiasm of young athletes, featuring skipping races, hurdles, obstacle courses, bean balance races, combat races, and inter-house relays. Medal ceremonies across segments celebrated student achievement and fair play. Alumni and PLC participants joined select events, while staff relays and a lively tug-of-war between students and teachers became crowd favourites.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a victory lap by the winning house. For Lotus Petal Foundation, Sports Day remains more than a competition—it is a platform to strengthen resilience, teamwork, and determination among students.

New Delhi, Feb 10:  Indian kickboxing sensation Sudhir Saxena has once again elevated the nation’s standing in combat sports by securing a Silver Medal at the 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup. The elite championship, sanctioned by the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, took place at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from February 4th to 8th, 2026.

Facing a grueling draw against some of the world’s most formidable fighters, Saxena displayed a masterclass in resilience and technique. His silver-medal performance is a testament to his “never-say-die” spirit, proving that grit and discipline can overcome the toughest odds on the international stage.

A Victory Built on Family and Faith

Behind Sudhir’s explosive performance in the ring lies a foundation of immense personal sacrifice and family support. Saxena dedicated this victory to his father, Mr. Suresh Saxena, and his wife, Priyanka Gautam, whose relentless encouragement served as his primary motivation during the most exhausting hours of training.

“Every punch I landed and every round I survived was for my family,” Saxena stated. “My father, Suresh Saxena’s vision and my wife, Priyanka Gautam’s unwavering support have been my greatest strengths. This medal is as much theirs as it is mine.”

Fueling the Dream: PNB and Gauravi Foundation

Success at this level requires world-class infrastructure, and Sudhir highlighted the pivotal role of his sponsors. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Gauravi Foundation for their continued financial and moral sponsorship. Their commitment to nurturing Indian sporting talent has been a cornerstone of his journey from local rings to international podiums.

The Road to Gold

While the silver medal is a significant milestone, Saxena is far from satisfied. With his eyes firmly set on the top of the podium, he is already transitioning back into training mode. “I fought well, but the hunger for gold remains. I am immediately shifting my focus to my upcoming matches, refining my technique to ensure the Indian tricolor flies highest in the next competition,” he added.

Sudhir Saxena continues to be an inspiration for aspiring martial artists across India, proving that with the right backing and a dedicated family, no goal is out of reach.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World Visits the Alma Mater of India’s T20I Skipper Suryakumar Yadav Under the ‘Class of ’26’ Initiative

Navi Mumbai, Feb 07 : The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World marked a significant stop at Pillai College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai, the former college of India’s current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, as part of the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative. The visit celebrated the academic journey of the Indian captain while inspiring students by bringing them face-to-face with one of cricket’s most coveted trophies.

The event was held in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Mahatma Education Society, institutional heads, and faculty members, with students actively participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions, tap-the-ball challenges, and wicket-taking activities, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere around the trophy on campus.

The trophy then travelled to Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, the former college of India all-rounder Shivam Dube. The event was attended by senior dignitaries from the Rizvi Education Society, along with the principal and faculty members of Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce. Students interacted with the official mascots while taking part in competitive engagements.

Another stop on the tour was Delhi Public School, Amritsar, the former school of India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. The visit took place in the presence of Abhishek Sharma’s parents, Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Manju Sharma, along with school dignitaries and faculty members. Students actively participated in activities including trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, making the experience engaging and memorable.

The trophy also visited Karam Devi Memorial Academy, the former school of India bowler Kuldeep Yadav, where the activation took place in the presence of Kuldeep Yadav’s father and his close friend, along with school dignitaries, representatives from the Kanpur Cricket Association, as students participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions.

The trophy further travelled to Chandigarh University, Mohali, the former college of India bowler Arshdeep Singh, where the event was attended by Executive Director Student Affairs and Administration, along with faculty members. Students actively participated in interactive activities such as trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, adding to the excitement around the visit.

Through the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative, the Trophy Tour with DP World inspired the next generation as the team looks to defend its title on home soil.

Fans can follow the journey on the official Trophy Tour social media handle, @icctrophytour.

Fans can secure their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with tickets starting at just INR 100 in India (approximately USD 1.11) and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka (approximately USD 3.26).

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).

New Delhi, Feb 5: The 3rd Delhi State Para-Athletics Championships 2025–26 commenced on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, with over 1,000 para-athletes expected to take part during the three-day championship, reflecting the expanding scale of para-sports in the national capital.

Organised by the Divyang Para Sports Association of Delhi (DPSA Delhi), the championships will run till February 7, featuring track and field events across Under-12, Under-17 (Sub-Junior), Under-19 (Junior) and Above-19 (Senior) categories.

The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Shri Divesh Chandra Srivastava (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police; Ankit Singh (IPS), DCP, Dwarka; and Neeraj Basoya, MLA (Kasturba Nagar). Shri Satya Babu, Director of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Shri V K Dubey – Chairman – VKDL NPA Advisory Council and member of Hindi Advisory Committee, Home Ministry was also present, underscoring institutional support from the national paralympic body.

Senior office-bearers of the Delhi Paralympic Committee, including President Parul Singh, Vice-President Gaurav Choudhary and Treasurer Lalit Kumar, were present throughout the opening day.

Addressing the gathering, Parul Singh, President, Delhi Paralympic Committee, said the championships play a critical role in strengthening the competitive pipeline for para-athletes.

“The scale of participation in this championship is extremely encouraging and reflects the determination of para-athletes across age groups. Their zeal, courage and commitment to sport are deeply inspiring. As an organisation, we remain committed to doing our utmost to create sustained opportunities, competitive exposure and a supportive environment that enables athletes with disabilities to realise their full potential,” she said.

MLA Neeraj Basoya highlighted the importance of translating policy intent into on-ground opportunities.
“Schemes like Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana reflect a shift towards empowerment through self-reliance. Sporting platforms like this provide confidence, visibility and opportunity to athletes with disabilities,” he said.

Competitions will continue over the next two days, with para-athletes vying for state honours and progression to higher levels of competition.

Mumbai, Feb 05: GUC Pickleball successfully concluded Season 1 of its Pickleball League on 31st January, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a strong, inclusive pickleball community in India. The inaugural season witnessed 16 competitive teams, vibrant cultural elements, and overwhelming enthusiasm from GUC members, setting the tone for what promises to be a thriving sporting movement.

Season 1 was designed to go beyond court matches. With cultural touches woven into the experience—music, community interactions, and a celebratory atmosphere—the league reflected GUC Pickleball’s vision of sport as a social and cultural connector. The strong participation and energy from GUC members reaffirmed the growing popularity of pickleball as a sport that brings people together across age groups and backgrounds.

“What made Season 1 special was how naturally people came together. At GUC, we look at platforms like pickleball not just as events, but as communities. This league helped build authentic connections, strengthen team spirit, and create a culture that people genuinely wanted to be part of,” said Maddie, Founder, Glad U Came.

Powered by Strategic Execution

Season 1 of the GUC Pickleball League was conceptualised and executed by How Has Agency, whose strategic planning and on-ground execution played a key role in shaping the league’s structure, engagement, and overall experience. From team formats to community engagement initiatives, the agency helped bring GUC Pickleball’s vision to life.

Building on the success of the first edition, Season 2 of the GUC Pickleball League is already in the works, promising a bigger scale, deeper community involvement, and an even more immersive sporting experience.

Strengthening Team Spirit Through Sport

One of the defining outcomes of Season 1 was the way pickleball fostered collaboration and team spirit. Participants highlighted how the league created meaningful connections, encouraging teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie—reminding players that sport can be a powerful tool to unite people, not just compete.

Jaipur, India, Jan 29:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is pleased to reaffirm its association with the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club through the continued sponsorship of the Raffles Sirmour Cup (14 goals)—one of the marquee tournaments of the Jaipur Polo Season. In 2026, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur come together as co-sponsors, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to heritage-led experiences in India and its enduring belief in preserving and celebrating cultural traditions.

The Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 will be held from 9–15 February 2026, bringing together distinguished players, patrons and polo enthusiasts to celebrate the rich and storied legacy of the sport in the Pink City.

Founded under the patronage of the Royal Family of Jaipur, the Rajasthan Polo Club remains a proud custodian of Rajasthan’s equestrian heritage. Its historic grounds have, over the decades, welcomed global dignitaries including His Royal Highness Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen of England, HRH Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana, and former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, among others. Today, the Club continues to attract exceptional polo talent from India and abroad, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sporting excellence.

For Raffles, supporting the Sirmour Cup reflects a deep respect for the cultural fabric of Rajasthan. Polo, in this context, represents lineage, craftsmanship, camaraderie and pride—values that align closely with the brand’s philosophy. By championing the tournament, Raffles contributes to preserving this living legacy while offering guests an authentic window into a tradition that continues to define the region.

Commenting on the association, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, said,

“The Jaipur Polo Season is one of the city’s most defining winter traditions, and the Raffles Sirmour Cup holds a special place in that calendar. For Raffles Jaipur, this partnership allows us to deepen our role as a cultural partner—connecting guests with Jaipur’s heritage while celebrating the elegance, excellence and spirit of the sport.”

Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, added,

“At Raffles Udaipur, our philosophy is rooted in thoughtful hospitality that honours India’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting the Raffles Sirmour Cup strengthens our commitment to preserving tradition and celebrating a sport deeply interwoven with Rajasthan’s identity. We look forward to contributing to a season that brings together legacy, sport and distinguished company.”

Through this continued partnership, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur honour a cherished sporting tradition while offering guests a refined and immersive glimpse into Jaipur’s most iconic winter moments where heritage, community and the unmistakable charm of Raffles converge on and beyond the polo field.

Rohtak, Jan 24: Rohtak Royals, the franchise representing the city of Rohtak in the inaugural Kabaddi Champions League (KCL), have announced a strong line-up of sponsors for the upcoming season of the KCL. Adroit Sports LLP-owned Rohtak Royals franchisee, has roped in Ixigo as the Official Travel Partner and John Players as the Official Loungewear Partner, while Campus Activewear and MuscleBlaze have come on board as the Official Footwear and Nutrition Partners, respectively. The partnerships mark a significant step for the Rohtak Royals as they prepare for their first-ever campaign in the Kabaddi Champions League, underlining the growing commercial appeal of the franchise and the league.

Commenting on the sponsorship announcements, Aishwarya Bhargava, COO, Rohtak Royals, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Ixigo, John Players, Campus Shoes, and MuscleBlaze to the Rohtak Royals family. These partnerships come at a crucial time as we gear up for the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League. Each of these brands aligns perfectly with our vision of performance, professionalism, and fan engagement, and we look forward to building long-term associations with them.”

Head Coach Surender Nada added,

“Strong support off the mat plays a vital role in a team’s success on the mat. Having reputed brands come on board gives our players added confidence and motivation as we prepare for a challenging season ahead. We are focused on putting up strong performances and representing Rohtak with pride.”

Ixigo, India’s leading online travel platform, comes on board as the Official Travel Partner of Rohtak Royals. Known for its user-friendly interface and data-driven travel solutions, Ixigo will support the team’s travel requirements through the season, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for players and support staff.

John Players, a renowned name in men’s fashion, joins the franchise as the Official Loungewear Partner. With a strong focus on comfort, style, and versatility, John Players’ association adds a touch of modern lifestyle appeal to the Rohtak Royals brand, catering to both athletes and fans alike.

Campus Activewear, one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure lifestyle brands, has been named the Official Footwear Partner of Rohtak Royals. Campus offers a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach.

MuscleBlaze, a pioneer in the sports nutrition space in India, has come on board as the Official Nutrition Partner. Trusted by athletes across disciplines, MuscleBlaze will play a key role in supporting the fitness, recovery, and overall performance needs of the Rohtak Royals squad during the season.

Earlier, KMC Constructions Limited joined hands with Adroit Sports Ventures as the Strategic Partner for Rohtak Royals, combining infrastructure-led expertise with a focused sports development vision aligned with “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab.” Backed by Mr. Shashank Shekhar, Director, KMC Constructions Limited, Adroit Sports Ventures operates across talent identification, high-performance training, event management, and sports infrastructure, guided by Mr. Gajendra Sharma and led by Mrs. Aishwarya Bhargava, with the Rohtak Royals franchise jointly owned by Adroit Sports Ventures and Mr. Surender Malik.

Rohtak Royals will begin their inaugural Kabaddi Champions League campaign against Karnal Kings on January 25, 2026. The Kabaddi Champions League is scheduled to be held from January 25 to February 7, featuring eight teams in the league’s first season.