Indian cricket administrator and Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Jay Shah presents Argentine footballer Lionel Messi with a personalised Indian cricket jerseys next to Argentine footballer Rodrigo De Paul (R) and Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez (L) at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium during the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T Tour on December 15, 2025 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: “What this tells me is that we do love the sport, but perhaps not enough to support own players,” wrote India international and FC Goa’s Sandesh Jhingan on Instagram. That perfectly encapsulates the state of football, and our society to a huge degree, in the past week.As Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul’s three day tour of India wrapped up, having covered Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, with tens of thousands filling up stadiums in each city. Rs 100s of crores were spent by the organisers in bringing the trio to the country. Another tens of crores were spent by the fans to get their glimpse. More, or equivalent, were spent by the sponsors, corporates and broadcasters.

Droves of politicians, corporate honchos and celebrities posed alongside Messi for their moment of social media fame. Cringeworthy videos did the rounds as office bearers, spouse of a state CM and anyone with any clout, desperately looked to get within inches of the magician for their Instagram cred.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!One doesn’t need to go far to look for irony. Bhaichung Bhutia, former India captain and a legend of Indian football, struggled to get inside the stadium in New Delhi, despite being an official guest. As one security official after another failed to recognise him, it only took a late phone call for the man who made 84 India appearances to be brought to the stage.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi (C), Rodrigo De Paul (R) and Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez interact with each other at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium during the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T Tour on December 15, 2025 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

The irony doesn’t end there. With organisers, sponsors, fans, broadcasters all spending big bucks on this tour, a month back, a Request For Proposal (RFP) floated by the All India Football Federation for the Indian Super League — which sought an annual payment of Rs 37.5 crore — didn’t find any takers. Neither did anyone step up for the I-League, the second tier, with an annual payment requirement of Rs 4 crore.Equally ironically, two of the sponsors of the G.O.A.T. Tour – JSW and RPSG Group – are losing amid this logjam in Indian football. Their top bosses had a meet-and-greet with the Argentine, all while their ISL clubs – Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant – are facing uncertainty over their futures.As things stand, there is no timeline on the start of the ISL or the I-League seasons. In the latest meeting with the Sports Ministry and the AIFF, ISL clubs suggested a “financial reset” to get the ball – quite literally – rolling again. The clubs said player salaries, officially capped at Rs 16.5 crore, but breached unofficially, need to be revised.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi plays football with fans during the final leg of his ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

Fans spent upwards of Rs 4000 to get a chance of watching Messi walk, wave, say a few words in Spanish. In contrast, the tickets for an ISL game hover between Rs 100-300 and yet the attendances are dropping. Much like the ranking of the Indian national team but that’s a different, extremely depressing, topic.ISL clubs, which spend approximately Rs 60 crore a year, and suffer losses to the tune of Rs 25 crore, are already bleeding with no active football and no clarity of when it will even resume. “Team owners are hanging on to hope while bleeding finances dry. How is this even a reward for backing a sport that not many would touch?,” wrote Bengaluru FC Director of Football Darren Caldeira.The same amount of fan attendance or sponsorship spends could have funded multiple clubs. Alas it went on a ‘sporting event’, where the football was barely kicked. Where Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul were treated as sidekicks. Where Sunil Chhetri, India’s top scorer ever, got fewer headlines than Sachin Tendulkar. Therein, perhaps, lies the great tragedy. But, again, that is a larger, deeper conversation.For now, Messi is gone. Everyone’s gotten their photos and videos to circulate for months at end. The euphoria will subside. Everyone will move on, except Indian football. That, for a myriad of reasons, has hit a roadblock. “I hope this occasion sparks a deeper conversation not just about loving football, but about sustaining it at home,” added Jhinghan in his Instagram note.

To say there is no interest in football, or purchasing power for Indian fans, is inaccurate. And this Messi tour has made it abundantly clear. Unfortunately, there are no takers of Indian football. Maybe, Indian football is not sexy enough for the social media cred of our politicians, celebrities and sponsors.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, players Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson after the team’s victory (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

NEW DELHI: India ended the T20I series against South Africa on a high by winning the fifth and final match and sealing the five-match series 3-1 on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this win, India have managed to extend their unbeaten streak. They are now on a streak of 10 consecutive series wins (including major tournaments).

With the 4th T20I in Lucknow being abandoned earlier because of heavy fog, everyone wanted to see a full game, and the players didn’t disappoint at all.India put up a big total of 231 for 5 after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The batting effort was led by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Tilak played a steady and attacking knock, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls. Hardik provided the late surge with a quick 63 off just 25 balls, hitting five 4s and five 6s. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma also gave India a strong start at the top.Chasing 232, South Africa began well. Quinton de Kock was in fine form and attacked the Indian bowlers from the start. South Africa matched India’s Powerplay score and stayed in the hunt. When Dewald Brevis joined de Kock, the visitors picked up momentum. The pair played freely and took South Africa to 118 runs at the halfway mark, putting pressure back on the Indian side.At that point, the match seemed evenly balanced. That is when India captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to his most trusted bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah made an immediate impact by dismissing de Kock with a sharp return catch. That wicket changed the game.South Africa suddenly lost their rhythm. From 120 for 1, they slipped to 135 for 5 in a short span. The middle order could not recover from the collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy added to South Africa’s problems with an impressive spell, picking up four wickets and breaking key partnerships.While Varun took the wickets, Bumrah’s spell stood out in a high-scoring match. He finished with excellent figures of 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs, controlling the game when it mattered most.South Africa eventually finished on 201/8 in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.With this victory, India won the match by 30 runs and closed the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya, who also took one wicket during his bowling, has been named the Man of the Match.

NAVI MUMBAI: A Vashi based social worker and activist, Madhu Shankar, who had earlier complained against illegal parking by certain commercial establishments in sector 29, was physically attack by a woman on Thursday, which injured Shankar’s wrist.The activist has now sent written complaints to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Vashi police station about this assault, and demanded stringent action against such illegalities in this locality.

“A woman who is associated with a fitness centre in Vashi has aggressively come towards me and twisted my arm that resulted in breaking of my glass bangles, and caused a wrist injury. The woman also snatched my bag and phone, but later returned them as I warned her of legal consequences,” said Shakar.She had been regularly writing to the NMMC and the traffic police department about illegal parking in sector 29, which had resulted in lane blockage. While the traffic cops had later taken action against the illegal parking, some of the local residents were angry at this activist and had also verbally threatened her.On her formal complaint to the NMMC commissioner, Kailas Shinde, the case was transferred to the civic encroachment department which has now assured that they will install a ‘No Parking’ notice at the Vashi site.On the other hand, the Vashi police said that they could immediately take down Shankar’s complaint on Thursday because their “computer server was down”, however, a non-cognizable complaint will be soon registered.Meanwhile, Shakar added: “Earlier, I had also got threats from illegal hawkers in Vashi after I complained against them. Some locals who were inconvenienced by my official complaints had also started a signature drive against me. However, I will continue to fight against illegal activities.”

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-armed-forces-are-ndtv-indian-of-the-year-2025-operation-sindoor-op-sindoor-9850834” on this server.

Reference #18.2ef63717.1766170938.5640b01

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2ef63717.1766170938.5640b01

Dense fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday, leading to the cancellation of at least 177 flights and delays to more than 500 services, PTI reported citing officials.An official said the cancellations included both departures and arrivals, covering some international flights as well. Data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed that nearly 500 flights were delayed through the day due to poor visibility conditions.The civil aviation ministry said it was closely coordinating with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with operational decisions being taken based on real-time weather forecasts. In a post on X, the ministry said airlines were cancelling some flights in advance and informing passengers to avoid unnecessary travel to airports. It added that full refunds and free rescheduling were being offered, and airport directors had been instructed to ensure adequate passenger support.Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the IGIA, said in a post on X at 7.10 pm that airport operations were running normally without disruption, even as flights continued to operate under CAT III conditions due to dense fog. “Both arrivals and departures are taking place, though some flights may experience delays or disruptions,” DIAL said earlier in the day.Air India Express said it cancelled multiple flights from Delhi to destinations such as Pune, Ranchi, Bagdogra, Indore, Patna, Goa, Varanasi and Jodhpur, citing fog conditions. IndiGo also warned of slower operations, saying fluctuating visibility over Delhi NCR and parts of north India had led to changes in flight schedules, with ground teams prioritising safety and visibility norms.IGIA, the country’s busiest airport, typically handles around 1,300 flights daily.

Artem Oganov, Chairman of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee

The VYZOV Prize has expanded its international footprint in 2025, drawing applications from researchers across 40 countries and reinforcing its evolution from a national award into a global scientific honour.The prize, which recognises high-technology research with potential for practical application within the next decade, received 632 applications this year. The international “Discovery” category recorded the highest number of submissions, reflecting growing participation from outside Russia. Applications came from countries including the United States, China, India, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and Iran, as well as Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Venezuela.“The VYZOV Prize is an important step towards international scientific unity. I would like to note the increase not only in the quantity but also in the quality of applications this year, particularly in the international category. Indian science and technology have a great history and a great future – we got quite a few applications from Mumbai and Delhi this year, and I’m looking forward to receiving many strong submissions from India next year,” said Artem Oganov, Chairman of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee.The VYZOV Prize features five categories covering a wide range of scientific fields. In the Engineering Solution category, Mikhail Skupov was recognised for developing industrial production of nitride nuclear fuel. The Breakthrough award went to Ilya Yampolsky for research into the molecular mechanics of bioluminescence, leading to the development of glowing plants with biomedical applications.The Scientist of the Year award was given to Stepan Kalmykov for advances in radiochemistry aimed at safer radioactive waste management. Vera Vil received the Future Prize for developing environmentally friendly chemical synthesis methods, while the International Discovery award went to Valery Fokin of the United States for pioneering click chemistry, a technique used in diagnostics and cancer research.Each laureate will receive a prize of $150,000.Organisers said the growing international participation highlights the role of cross-border cooperation in advancing scientific research. Applications for the next edition of the VYZOV Prize are scheduled to open in February 2026.

NEW DELHI: A Hindu youth was beaten to death by a mob and his body set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Thursday night following allegations of blasphemy, BBC Bangla reported, amid continuing unrest in the country and growing concerns over attacks on minorities and media institutions. The incident took place in the Dubalia Para area of Square Master Bari in Bhaluka upazila. Police identified the victim as Dipu Chandra Das, who worked at a local garment factory and lived in the area as a tenant.

“A group of agitated people caught him and beat him up around 9 pm on Thursday for insulting the Prophet. Then they set his body on fire,” Ripon Mia, duty officer of Bhaluka police station, told BBC Bangla. He said the attackers tied the body to a tree before setting it ablaze.Police reached the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The body was recovered and sent to the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. No case has been filed so far. “We are searching for his relatives. If they come and file a case, action will be taken according to the law,” Mia said.The interim government condemned the incident in a statement on X, which is also the first response to the ongoing unrest in the country. “We wholeheartedly condemn lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crimine will not be spared,” the statement read.The killing comes amid a broader wave of violence across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old student leader and key figure in last year’s uprising. Hadi, who was shot by masked gunmen earlier this month, died in hospital on Thursday, triggering large-scale protests in Dhaka.Also read: Yunus govt reacts to lynching of Hindu man; urges for peaceSeveral buildings in the capital, including those housing leading newspapers Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, were vandalised and set on fire. Journalists were trapped inside smoke-filled newsrooms as firefighters carried out rescue operations. “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me,” Daily Star reporter Zyma Islam wrote on Facebook.Firefighters brought the blaze at the Daily Star building under control around 1.40 am, rescuing 27 employees. “For the first time in the newspaper’s history, the publication had to be halted,” consulting editor Kamal Ahmed told AFP. Prothom Alo executive editor Sajjad Sharif said the attack was “an attack on freedom of the press, expression, dissent and diversity of opinion”.The violence has drawn international concern. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was alarmed and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and hold those responsible accountable.In New Delhi, a parliamentary standing committee on external affairs said the situation in Bangladesh was “complex and evolving” and flagged continued attacks on minorities, media groups and intellectuals. “The political events of August 2024 have created significant instability and uncertainty with incidents of violence, attacks and intimidation of minorities, tribal communities, media groups, intellectuals, journalists, academicians, etc., becoming the norm,” the panel said in a report presented in Parliament.The ministry of external affairs told the committee that India remains concerned about extremism and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, even as it continues engagement with the interim government and seeks to insulate bilateral ties from recent political developments.Police in Bangladesh have launched a manhunt for Hadi’s attackers and announced a reward for information leading to their arrest, as authorities struggle to contain unrest that has raised fresh questions about law and order and minority safety in the country.

India struck a crucial blow just after the powerplay as Reeza Hendricks fell just when South Africa were beginning to steady their innings. The breakthrough came through a moment of sheer athleticism in the deep, lifting the Ahmedabad crowd instantly. It was the kind of wicket that shifted momentum sharply in India’s favour.

IND vs SA: Shivam Dube’s one-handed stunner ends Reeza Hendricks’ stay

The dismissal arrived in the 6.3rd over, off Varun Chakravarthy, and it was as much about fielding excellence as it was about clever bowling. Varun slowed the pace of the delivery, and the ball appeared to grip slightly on the surface, stopping just enough to hurry Reeza Hendricks. Looking to chip the ball over midwicket, Hendricks failed to get full bat on it, mistiming the stroke under pressure. Positioned inside the circle, Shivam Dube reacted in a flash, sprinting swiftly to his left and launching himself with perfect balance.

With his body fully stretched and momentum carrying him sideways, Dube extended one hand and clutched the ball cleanly, completing a sublime one-handed catch that left both the batter and the crowd stunned. It was a high-difficulty chance taken with remarkable composure, showcasing Dube’s improved agility and awareness in the field. Hendricks, who had struggled to time the ball cleanly and never truly looked settled, departed for 13 off 12 balls, ending a tentative stay at the crease. The wicket reduced South Africa to 69/1 and gave India exactly the opening they needed at a crucial juncture, halting the visitors’ early momentum and underlining how sharp fielding can decisively influence a T20 contest.

Here’s the video:

India tighten grip after Varun Chakravarthy dents South Africa’s chase

Chasing a daunting 232, South Africa came out with intent, riding on Quinton de Kock’s explosive 65 to stay ahead of the required rate early in the innings. The opening stand threatened to take the game away from India until a decisive moment in the 7th over shifted the momentum sharply. Varun Chakravarthy’s slider stopped on Reeza Hendricks, forcing a mistimed chip towards midwicket, where Shivam Dube produced a sublime one-handed catch while moving swiftly to his left.

That wicket broke South Africa’s rhythm and opened the floodgates in the middle overs. Varun followed it up with a devastating spell, removing Markram, Ferreira and Linde in quick succession, turning a promising chase into a scramble. Jasprit Bumrah’s return further tightened the noose, as he dismissed de Kock and later Marco Jansen with clinical precision. Despite brief resistance from Brevis and Miller, regular wickets kept pushing South Africa behind the curve. At 177/8 in 16.1 overs, the asking rate has ballooned beyond comfort, and India now hold a commanding position with 55 needed off 23 balls, firmly tilting the contest in their favour as the match heads towards its conclusion.