Legendary LeBron lands in China with ‘NBA’ to apease the tension between China and USA
China is subtly reopening the door to U.S.–China cultural exchange through sports. As the NBA returns to Macao next month, it’s acting as a strategic soft-power move to ease growing trade friction between the world’s two largest economies. On 10th and 12th October, 2025, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns are scheduled to play preseason games at Macao’s Venetian Arena. It significantly marks the NBA’s return to Chinese territory for the first time since the fallout over a tweet by Daryl Morey in 2019. These matchups are part of a multi-year collaboration between the NBA and Sands China Ltd., aimed at regaining the league’s presence in the region. This comeback occurs against the backdrop of escalating U.S.–China trade tensions. Former President Donald Trump had proposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods, which elicited retaliatory threats from Beijing. Though the president delayed them by 90 days, negotiations stay in delicate array. Along with a potential summit between U.S. and Chinese leadership that might be around the corner. Amid these geopolitical pressures, the NBA’s return offers an alternate path—one rooted in culture rather than coercion—to revive dialogue and mutual engagement. Adding significance to the moment, LeBron James said, in China’s official state newspaper, “Basketball is not only a sport but also a bridge that connects us.” Wherever tension rose when he was the first NBA player to write for the party-run publication. However, later it was declared that James did not write any op-ed for publication; rather, it was a compilation of various interviews he had given to the reporters in China. “It’s super humbling for me to be able to come here, so far away from home, and get the reception and the love. I just wanted to pour it back to the community and to this country,” Xinhua, the official news agency, published about James as he wrapped up his visit in Chengdu.
No Negative Campaign for Trump!; President Awarded with Boos
Extra security checks, long queues, screening bags and chaos – it was the picture of Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, all because President Trump was set to visit the stadium. Bending rules for the president is nearly not a new story. However, it was certainly a new spectacle to see when the President got booed from the spectators even after strict measures of not broadcasting the protesting spectators. Trump was set to visit the Grand Slam after being invited by a sponsor for the tournament. However, sparkling concerns of protest were under the provision of the broadcasters not focusing on the spectators. Regardless, Trump’s visit bore gifts of hour-long queues, metal detectors, and advanced security check-ups from federal security officers. As a result, the match, set to start at 2 pm EDT, began 30 minutes late due to it. ABC’s broadcast showed him stepping out of a box to wave, though the network did not carry the crowd audio. Later, ESPN’s coverage captured the moment again—this time with the cheers and boos clearly audible. Kevin, a man from Brooklyn working in private equity, said he waited 1.5 hrs and blamed the President for the delay. “One hundred per cent him. Very selfish. He should know an event like this would be held up for him, especially in a city that hates him,” he said to Reuters. Another source told Page Six that the event was absolute chaos. “Cars can’t get into parking lots, and people are walking miles. Even celebs are waiting like everyone else.”
Sachin Tendulkar Honours His Three Mentors of Life on Teachers Day
The Indian cricketing genius Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards his three lifelong mentors on Teachers’ Day. In the list, he thanked his father, Ramesh Tendulkar; the first coach, Ramanand Vitthal Achrekar; and his brother, Ajit, on the auspicious event of Teachers’ Day, honouring them for their unwavering support throughout his cricketing career. The cricket legend shared his appreciation and heartfelt wish through his ‘X’ and Instagram account on 5th September. Captioning, “The journey started with a coin, a kit bag, and three guiding hands: my father, Achrekar sir, and Ajit. Grateful, always. #TeachersDay,” While Ramesh Tendulkar passed away almost 26 years ago. And his coach, Achrekar, passed away in 2019. His elder brother Ajit was instrumental in shaping his early cricket journey. Under the watchful eye of coach Ramakant Achrekar, Sachin Tendulkar refined his technique and grew into one of cricket’s all-time greats. Across a glittering career, he amassed 34,357 runs in 664 international matches at an average of 48.52. Tendulkar’s list of records is unmatched. He remains the highest run-scorer in international cricket, the only man with 100 centuries to his name, and the first to register a double hundred in ODIs. He also became the first player to feature in 200 Test matches. In ODIs, he scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, decorated with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. His Test career is even more remarkable: 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, including 51 centuries and 68 fifties. Tendulkar’s World Cup journey began in 1992, but the crowning moment came nearly two decades later in 2011. On that night in Mumbai, when India defeated Sri Lanka to lift the ICC Cricket World Cup, Tendulkar’s lifelong dream was finally fulfilled.
Chasing One Rupee Coins to Earning ‘Zen State’ ; Puranik Scripts His Breakthrough
At five years old, Abhimanyu Puranik wasn’t dreaming of grandmasters or world titles. The present chess sensation rather dreamt of earning a one-rupee coin from each match. Growing up in Pune, his childhood chess academy awarded him with a small prize for each match he won, turning the enthusiastic Mumbai-born boy into today’s Grandmaster. The relentless competition and decades of unwavering practice and talent have earned him an International Master title in 2015, Grandmaster status in 2017, and now, perhaps, his most telling victories yet. However, in a dramatic change of events on 4th September, Puranik found himself across the board from a familiar face — 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, fresh from her Women’s World Cup triumph in Batumi. The mentor-protégé pairing made for a rare spectacle in the first round of the Grand Swiss. Divya, the wildcard entrant, carried the aura of a rising star. While Puranik carried both experience and a point to prove. Six hours later, it was the 25-year-old who walked away with a win, his black pieces inching him closer to what he calls his “Zen state”. A month earlier, Puranik had joked to the Times of India about his Disneyland vacation: “The way I’m approaching the tournament is that I just had a month-long vacation. There’s a saying in the X-Men movies—to focus properly, you need the mental state between rage and serenity. You’re Zen, but laser-focused. That’s what I aim for.” That balance of calm and fight has been years in the making. His path to chess maturity wasn’t built on shortcuts but with continuous grinding and a lot of discipline — daily hours at Velankar sir’s class, then Jayant and Chandrashekhar Gokhale’s academy. He also stated that he has spent long evenings absorbed over Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual or Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors. When Viswanathan Anand clashed with Vladimir Kramnik in the 2000s, Puranik was a chess lover taking notes. For him, chess was never “heavy”. As he puts it, it’s like, “Slowly, I started competing in world school events and other tournaments. There was never really a question of doing something else—it just happened naturally,” he said. Puranik earned the International Master title in 2015 and became a Grandmaster two years later. Against Divya, his young protégé, Puranik displayed the same perseverance that defined his rise. And yet, even in victory, he found space for generosity. “I did whatever little I could to help her, and I’m glad. She has evolved so much, with an amazing mindset. Look at her results — national championship, Asian championship, Olympiad gold. She’s already a star, and she’ll be an even bigger one.” But this moment is also Puranik’s. With every move that changed one-rupee coins are now chasing to script history in that chess fraternity.
After Suresh Raina ED summons Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday due to his alleged link with an illegal betting app, 1xBet. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to record Shikhar Dhawan’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with its probe into the betting platform 1xBet. The 39-year-old former India opener had reportedly been associated with the app through endorsements, and investigators now seek clarity on the nature of his involvement during questioning. The agency is further investigating various such cases involving these illegal betting applications. Which has raised concern in recent times about being accused of defrauding several individuals and investors of crores of rupees or evading substantial taxes. Previously, Suresh Raina was questioned in the same case by the federal probe agency. The Union government recently banned using real money in online gaming apps through legislation. The agency further called for the representatives of Google and Meta, asking for their part in this activity. ED has conducted multistage research on Tuesday for another betting app named Parimatch. The agency is investigating several cases linked to illegal betting platforms that are accused of defrauding people and investors of crores of rupees and evading large amounts in taxes. Market research and probe estimates suggest that nearly 22 crore Indians have used such betting apps, with about half of them—around 11 crore—identified as regular users. The Indian online betting industry is valued at over USD 100 billion and is expanding at an estimated annual rate of 30 per cent, according to experts.
Amit Mishra says Goodbye to his 25 years’ Cricket Journey
Amit Mishra, the veteran legspinner, bids his farewell to his 25-year cricketing career. He admitted to struggling with depression after being sidelined for almost 5 years. The seasoned player also admitted his wish to make a comeback earlier. Mishra came into the international limelight after his ODI debut against South Africa at Dhaka during the TVS Cup, 2003. After this moderate debut stage, he almost disappeared from the public eye for nearly 5 years. As the room left little scope for Mishra to establish himself while his fellow mates like Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble rose into the limelight. While talking to ANI, Mishra noted, “After my debut, there was a 5-year gap in my career. If it wasn’t there, I could have played more matches. I made my debut in Bangladesh in a one-day match in 2003. After that, there was a 5-year gap. I couldn’t return to the Indian team in five years. I was performing and doing everything. But I can’t say I regret it. I can say that if I had made my comeback earlier, 3-4 years ago or two years ago, then I could have played more matches and performed better. So, that’s one thing. There is no regret.” During his five-year exile, Mishra toiled relentlessly for Haryana in the domestic circuit, striving to catch the selectors’ eye. His singular focus was on performing, even when doubts lingered about his abilities. A moment of self-reflection gave him clarity and resilience, helping him endure the tough phase until he eventually forced his way back into the side. “Whenever I got a chance, I performed. Even though I played in such a big league, played in such big places, and played all over the world, I proved myself there. I performed there when people didn’t believe in me. After that, every team started to keep two left-spinners in their team. So, I am really happy with my career. Yes, there were ups and downs in my career,” he added. More than two decades after his debut, Mishra carries no regrets. Though he battled depression for over a year, he eventually found ways to stay motivated even when a comeback seemed unlikely. His focus turned towards simply enjoying the game while working on his shortcomings, particularly fitness and batting. “But I have no regrets. I gave my 100 per cent whenever I got a chance. And I always proved what I was told. I focused on performing. Although I was depressed for 1-1.5 years. I was angry. I was performing. At that time, it was a little limited. But I was a little worried. But after 1-2 years, I talked to myself. I said, ‘I want to play cricket.’ I am playing cricket. “And I am performing,” he stated. Mishra represented India in 68 matches across formats, claiming 156 wickets during his international career. On the domestic front, he was a dependable force for Haryana and went on to establish himself among the leading wicket-takers in IPL history.
Rajgir’s Hockey Asia Cup is No Less Than a Political Campaign
The Hockey Asia Cup tournament is less of a hockey competition and more of a political campaign. The tournament took off with 150 players on 29th August in Rajgir, Bihar, with Nitish Kumar’s face plastered all around. Bihar is heading for elections later this year. While the SIR controversy is about tolls, it didn’t stop the Chief Minister, who is serving the 5th consecutive year, from decorating the 99.7-acre, RS 600 crore complex with refined pictures of himself. From the banners at the entrance of the stadium to the buses, lamp posts, and water tanks everywhere, Kumar has solidified his presence. Along with these physical banners, he also appeared during the matches on digital ad boards that are placed around the field, and his face looks out from a massive hoarding placed just behind the north stand. One will alsou spot him on the state government’s official website, endorsing the Asia Cup. The head of the Janata Party has announced the tournament mascot, the trophy and the logo. To support the event, he also travelled to Rajgir to inaugurate the Asia Cup and communicated with the audience through waving hands for 15 minutes. He expressed hope that the Asia Cup would help position Bihar as a “global” destination. In a statement shared by Hockey India earlier this year, he remarked that “The tournament’s arrival in Bihar underscores the state’s growing prominence on the global sports stage.” While this is not a new ordeal to boost the promotion of politics rather than sports. The Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Raveendran Sankaran told the Indian Express that the tournament was already scheduled way before it was not-nearly ‘election-orientated’. “I beg to differ. If this would have happened in haste, thinking that elections are around the corner, it would have been a different story. But we started two years ago,” Sankaran stated. While in the rapidly growing ecosystem of sports, Bihar has been the straggler. The state has yet to produce any international hockey players and ranked 28th at the previous National Games held in Uttarakhand. While talking, Sankaran stated that the true motivation of this event was the sporting fortune of the state and creating new opportunities for sports in Bihar.
Messi’s brace helps Inter secure victory and the record of consecutive 15-match winning streak!
Lionel Messi extended his record scoring streak in Major League Soccer with two more goals in a 2-1 victory for host Inter Miami over Nashville SC on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Messi’s brace helped Inter Miami (11-3-5, 38 points) snap a club-record of unbeaten streak of 15 matches across all competitions for Nashville (12-5-5, 41 points), which lost for the first time since April 19 at Seattle. Messi scored two or more goals for the fifth consecutive time in an MLS match — a league record. Inter Miami improved to 4-0-1 in its last five matches with Nashville while also winning its fifth consecutive MLS match overall. Miami has won three in a row since Paris Saint.-Germain eliminated it in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on June 29. Messi capitalised on a major mistake by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis to score the eventual decisive goal in the 62nd minute on Saturday. Willis chested a ball and tried to clear it out of his zone, but kicked it right in Messi’s direction. Messi intercepted it with his left foot, then worked the ball around Willis and fired it home to put Miami ahead for good. The goal came 13 minutes after Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar tied the game at 1 with a perfectly timed header off a pinpoint cross from distance by Andy Najar. It was Mukhtar’s 10th goal of the season. Patrick Yazbek also had an assist. Messi’s first goal came in the 17th minute on another spectacular free-kick goal. Messi fired a ball precisely through a gap in the wall set up by Nashville’s defenders, and it found the mark just out of the reach of a diving Willis. Messi’s 16 goals are tied for the most in the league with Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who was kept off the scoresheet on Saturday. Messi has 23 goal contributions in MLS games this season and has 22 goals across all competitions.
Mourning Pedro does not want to participate in the quarterfinal!
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday that forward Pedro Neto will decide whether to play in Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal against Palmeiras, as the Portuguese international mourns the tragic death of his close friend and teammate Diego Jota. Jota, a Liverpool forward, and his brother were killed in a car accident in northwestern Spain on Thursday morning when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire. Neto, deeply affected by the loss, was excused from training but chose to remain with the squad in Philadelphia. “It’s a difficult moment. You feel helpless,” Maresca said in a press conference. “Pedro is more than sad, and we are all here to support him. Any decision he makes—whether to play or not—is the right one, and we will back him fully.” Neto’s potential absence adds a layer of uncertainty for Chelsea, which is preparing to face a Palmeiras side featuring 18-year-old winger Estevao Willian, a player set to join the Blues after the tournament. Estevao was signed last year for an initial 34 million Euros, with add-ons potentially bringing the deal to 67 million, according to British media.
Shubman Gill Reflects on Batting Depth, Missed Opportunity, and Bowling Consistency
In a recent press interaction, Indian skipper Shubman Gill opened up about the challenges faced by the team, especially the lack of depth in the lower order batting. “It’s been one of the things that we always talk about, especially without batting depth, our lower order sometimes isn’t able to contribute as much as other teams,” Gill said during the post-match presentation. Speaking about his impressive 147-run knock in the first innings against England, Gill admitted there was potential to score even more, particularly if a solid partnership had been built with Rishabh Pant. “I was batting on 147, and the way I got out, maybe I could have scored 50 more with a partnership with Rishabh. But having said that, you can also look at the other side — if you get a good ball and get out, that’s fine.” Gill also emphasized the added responsibility that falls on the top-order batters due to the weaker lower order. “Once you’re set, and you know the team doesn’t have that much depth in the batting order, maybe the top order could take a little more responsibility and take the game completely away from the opposition. When your last five or six don’t contribute much, it becomes easier for the opposition to come back into the game.” On the bowling front, Gill reflected on the importance of consistency, especially against an aggressive England batting lineup. “The important thing is how consistently you bowl in one area. Against a team like England, they can hit both good and loose balls. So it becomes difficult to maintain consistency, especially when the ball and wicket conditions don’t match. The key is to keep hitting the right areas consistently.”
