Bhambri reaches first-ever Grand Slam quarters in the US Open
Yuki Bhambri reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, progressing to the last eight of the US Open men’s doubles competition with partner Michael Venus. The 14th-seeded Indo-New Zealand combination knocked out the fourth-seeded German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 23 minutes. They will next take on Croatia’s Nikola Mektic and American veteran Rajeev Ram, who are the 11th seeds in the draw. In his injury-marred singles career, the 33-year-old Indian could never go beyond the first round, but in doubles, he has been doing better. He reached the third round of the French Open and Wimbledon this year. Meanwhile, in the ongoing junior US Open, the promising Maaya Rajeswaran Revathi gave a scare to second seed Hannah Klugman of Britain before going down in the girls’ singles second round 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-3. She battled for two hours and two minutes. Maaya had an opportunity to break Klugman when the British player was serving for the match, but she found a way to survive, consistently attacking the backhand of the Indian.
Chanu Ends India’s Three-year Medal Draught; Wins Silver
At last! Mirabai Chanu put a halt on India’s three-year-long medal hiatus. This Thursday, she secured a silver at the World Weightlifting Championships in the women’s 48kg category in Forde, Norway. The gold was secured by the defending champion Ri Song-gum of DPR Korea with a new world record of 213 kg (91 kg + 122 kg). While Chanu opened with 84 kg in snatch, he failed twice at 87 kg. She successfully lifted 109 kg and 112 kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with 115 kg to claim silver in both the event and the overall standings. This silver marks India’s 18th medal at the World Championships, all won by women, taking the overall tally to three gold, 10 silver, and five bronze. Regardless, the weightlifter’s illustrative career remains remarkable. She became India’s first world champion since Karnam Malleswari in 1995, securing a gold in Anaheim in 2017 (194 kg), and later in 2022 claimed a silver with 200 kg. However, she skipped the consecutive year after weigh-in to skip any injury during the Olympic qualifying season. Chanu made her comeback last month at the Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad, lifting 193 kg to win gold and secure direct qualification for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Supreme Court paves way for ISL 2025-26 to kick off in December; directs AIFF to stick to the calendar
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure that the 2025–26 football season commences on time with the Super Cup and other domestic competitions under its control. A Bench of Justices PS Narsima and Joymalya Bagchi also directed the AIFF to conduct an open, competitive, and transparent tender process for selecting a commercial partner to run the Indian Super League (ISL). The Court passed the order after AIFF and its long-term commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), presented a joint resolution for the upcoming season. The two entities faced uncertainty due to an earlier embargo from the Court, which prevented AIFF from entering fresh binding contracts until its new constitution was finalised. As a result, the ISL, India’s top-tier league, lacked clarity on its future. The Court was informed that both sides agreed the 2025–26 season would begin with the Super Cup, a domestic tournament controlled by AIFF. This measure was intended to keep players and clubs active while the ISL process continued. The ISL rights themselves will now be put out to tender by October 15, 2025, in line with FIFA and AFC regulations, the National Sports Code, and the new National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The Bench recorded that FSDL had waived its contractual rights under the existing master rights agreement, including first negotiation and matching rights, and had issued a no-objection certificate allowing AIFF to bring in a new partner. FSDL also confirmed it had cleared its financial dues and would advance payments if needed to support AIFF in running the season. Explaining why these directions were necessary, the Court said, “We direct AIFF to take such measures as may be necessary for the timely commencement of the football calendar and to maintain competitive continuity for the 2025–2026 season with respect to Super Cup and other competitions under its control.” On the transparency required for ISL rights, the Court highlighted its expectation of global best practices. “The AIFF shall also issue necessary tenders inviting bids for an open, competitive, and transparent process for selection of its commercial partner to conduct the Indian Super League,”the order stated. The Bench noted the assurances from both AIFF and FSDL and acknowledged the rare cooperation between the two as a milestone for Indian football. “We have no hesitation in recording that their collaborative effort is a significant step in the evolution of Indian football. This shared commitment will go a long way in institutionalizing domestic, national, and international events.”
