Raised in a sports-loving family, Soham Bhagawati’s journey into football began at an early age. Born in Guwahati and raised in Dubai, he grew up surrounded by sporting influence: his father was a tennis player and his grandfather was a footballer. This unwavering family support helped turn a childhood passion into a serious career pursuit. Now based in Spain, the young footballer is steadily building his path towards a potential India debut.Soham moved to Spain about two and a half years ago to improve his football skills and gain exposure at a higher level. At the same time, he is continuing his studies and pursuing a degree in sports management, which helps him learn more about the sport both on and off the field.

Soham was called up for trials with the India Under-19 team in 2020, a significant milestone in his career. He considers wearing the Indian jersey a major achievement and a moment of pride, further motivating him to push himself.The 22-year-old currently plays for Terrassa FC, representing the club’s B team in the second division of Catalonia, while the senior team competes in Spain’s fourth division.According to him, football in Spain has helped him grow both technically and mentally, and the competitive environment has been a valuable learning experience.Soham named Brazilian star Neymar as his early inspiration. However, with time and a deeper understanding of the game, he feels that every player brings something different to it. Today, rather than idolising one individual, Soham believes there is something to learn from everyone and focuses on improving by taking lessons from all players he watches and plays alongside.From Indian football, Soham calls Sunil Chhetri “the king” and draws inspiration from his achievements and leadership. He likes FC Barcelona and Argentina’s Boca Juniors, and he dreams of one day representing a club of similar stature through hard work and dedication.

Soham along with teammates during a practice session with Terrassa FC.

He hopes to represent his favourite ISL club, NorthEast United FC, one day. For now, however, his focus is on gaining experience and improving his game.According to Soham, the difference between players from India and Spain is not talent but exposure, which sets them apart. He, though, feels the level of young Indian footballers is steadily improving.“India has talented players and improving facilities, especially with ISL clubs now offering strong infrastructure. However, football does not receive the same level of investment and attention as other sports, which limits growth. Exposure to competitive environments is still the biggest gap,” Soham told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.Soham emphasised how crucial the ISL is for Indian football. He said it not only provides young players with much-needed exposure and professional experience but also keeps fans connected to the sport.“The ISL is the main league people associate with football in India in recent years. Without it, the sport loses visibility and structure. Even though the format and wages have changed, it’s good that players are back on the field — playing matches is what matters most for footballers,” he added.Soham’s short-term goal is to break into his club’s first team, while his long-term aim is to play at a higher professional level in Spain. Representing India at the senior level remains a clear dream — one he believes is achievable through consistent hard work, dedication and belief in his abilities.

Soham in action during a match.

“Representing India at the senior level is everyone’s dream. For me, it could happen very soon if I keep working hard towards it. Let’s see — it takes effort, but if it happens, it will be a proud moment,” Soham added.Soham is optimistic about the future of Indian football. He believes that, with proper focus and commitment, India has the potential to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.“We already have top-quality players like Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte and many more. If we focus well and give everything to it, I believe we can achieve it in the next few years,” he said.Beyond football, Soham is deeply spiritual and credits his faith for keeping him grounded.“I always pray every day and look up to God because He is the one giving us opportunities. We’re truly blessed to have everything we have. There will be bad times, but they always pass. The key is to stay positive, focus on the right things, and always be happy and smile,” he said.

US President Donald Trump said no final agreement was reached for a nuclear deal after having a three-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warned Iran of consequences if negotiations failed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he insisted to Israeli PM Netanyahu during their White House meeting Wednesday that negotiations with Iran continue.“It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues.” Trump said in a social media post. “There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated.Trump also referred to past US military action against Iran, warning of consequences if negotiations failed.“Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, they were hit with Midnight Hammer — that did not work well for them,” he said, referring to the June 2025 US strikes on Iran’s three main nuclear sites.“Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible,” he added.The US President said the leaders also discussed the war in Gaza and wider developments in the Middle East. Iran continued to reel from the 12-day war with Israel in June, after a series of airstrikes, including the US bombing of several Iranian nuclear sites, killed nearly 1,000 people in Iran and almost 40 in Israel.Israel long called for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment, dial back its ballistic missile programme and cut ties to militant groups across the region. Iran always rejected those demands, saying it would only accept some limits on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Washington built up military forces in the region, sending an aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, air defence assets and more to supplement its presence. Arab and Islamic countries, including Turkey and Qatar, urged both sides to show restraint, warning that any strike or retaliation could have destabilising consequences for a region already strained by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, who was a first-round draft pick by the New York Jets, is now at the center of a serious criminal case in Tennessee. Prosecutors have filed charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence against him in connection with the death of his girlfriend, and they are seeking the death penalty as the case moves forward.

On February 5, police and first responders were called to a home in Ooltewah, Tennessee, after a report of someone needing CPR. Officials found a woman inside the home who later died. Investigators determined her death was a homicide and identified Lee as a suspect.Lee was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held without bond and was scheduled for a court hearing on February 11.According to affidavits and police reports, investigators saw signs of trauma and blood inside the residence, and forensic evidence suggested attempts to clean parts of the home. Lee reportedly told deputies he found the woman injured and thought she had fallen, but detectives say the scene did not match that account.Authorities have not released the victim’s identity pending family notification.In this case, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Lee, which is one of the most serious legal steps possible in a criminal prosecution. That means if Lee is convicted of first-degree murder, the state could pursue a capital punishment sentence.Seeking the death penalty does not mean it is guaranteed, it must be proven to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, and there would be a separate sentencing phase if Lee is found guilty. This is part of Tennessee’s legal process for the most serious offenses.At the time of writing, the legal process is still in its early stages:

Cases like this are sensitive and evolving, so updates from official court filings and statements from law enforcement will shape how the story moves forward.Darron Lee is a 31-year-old former professional football player. He was drafted 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Ohio State University. Lee went on to play in the NFL for teams including the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills before his career ended in 2020.His name is familiar to many sports fans because he was a highly-rated linebacker coming out of college and spent five seasons in the NFL. But he is now in the news for a serious criminal case, not his athletic career.

NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry has issued an order stating that all six stanzas of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ — including the last four that were dropped by the Jawaharlal’s Nehru govt, allegedly to maintain the song’s ‘secular’ appeal — shall be sung at all official functions and other occasions.The home ministry order dated 06.02.2026 lays down the ‘official version ’ of the song — encapsulating all six stanzas of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s original composition. “The duration for which the song shall be played or sung shall be 3 minutes and 10 seconds,” the order states while laying down the occasions on which ‘Vande Mataram’ shall be sung or played as well as the protocols to be observed in due honour of the national song.

The MHA instructions on ‘Vande Mataram’ coincide with the celebration of 150th anniversary of the creation of the song.All members of the audience present when the national song is being played must stand in attention pose. However, this shall not be mandatory in cinema halls when Vande Mataram is being played as part of the film or during news reels “as a standing audience interferes with viewing of the film and can lead to disturbance of peace and disorder”.As per MHA’s instructions, the national song is to be played when the national flag is brought to a parade. It will also be played at all civilian award/honour ceremonies, official state functions as well as at events organised by the govt and graced by the President of India. The song shall be played both upon the arrival and departure of the President from such functions.‘Vande Mataram’ shall also be played before and after the President’s address to the nation broadcast on state media like Akashwani and Doordarshan.At the state level, the national song shall be played at all official state functions upon the arrival and departure of the governor or lieutenant governor.In addition, Vande Mataram shall be played at any other occasion in respect of which the govt of India has issued an enabling order.Before the national song is to be played by a band, there will be a drumroll — an instrument like ‘mridang’ or trumpet shall be played. In a marching drill, there will be seven steps leading to start of the national song.In its instructions regarding singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, the MHA said it would be sung at all cultural events and occasions where the national flag is being hoisted. Also it may be sung upon the arrival and departure of the President of India at govt and public functions other than formal state events.All six stanzas of the national song, as per the official version, must be sung at such events, the MHA has instructed.Informal events attended by ministers may also witness group rendition of the song.> The morning school assemblies of all schools must incorporate group singing of the national song, as per MHA guidelines.

The electric atmosphere of Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium played host to a Caribbean masterclass on Wednesday, as the West Indies squared off against England in a high-stakes Group C encounter. In the 15th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the narrative of the evening was written by pure power and tactical resilience. While the English bowling attack started with clinical precision, they eventually found themselves at the mercy of a brutal counter-offensive that shifted the momentum of the tournament.

Sherfane Rutherford lights up T20 World Cup 2026 with brutal assault on England

The headline of the night belonged to Sherfane Rutherford, whose unbeaten 76 off 42 deliveries turned a precarious situation into a position of absolute dominance. Coming in when the West Indies were struggling to find a rhythm, Rutherford played an innings of two halves, initially steadying the ship before launching a calculated riot against the English seamers.

Rutherford’s knock was a highlight reel of modern T20 batting, featuring 2 fours and 9 towering sixes. He reached his half-century in just 29 balls, signalling a shift in gears that left the English captain searching for answers. His ability to manipulate the field and clear the ropes with ease reminded the world why the West Indies remain the most dangerous side in the shortest format. Whether it was lofting Will Jacks over long-on or punishing Jofra Archer’s pace, Rutherford was immovable, ending with a strike rate of 180.95.

Sherfane Ruth-less! 🔥

Sherfane Rutherford brings up his fifty & will look to finish the West Indian innings on a high! 💥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #ENGvWI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/GuO9vjphmZ pic.twitter.com/epOXIpWkaj

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026

Also READ: Fans erupt as Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa dismantle Ireland, powering Australia to a crushing win at the T20 World Cup 2026

West Indies post a formidable total against England

The road to a total of 196/6 was far from smooth. The match began with a shock to the West Indian system as Jofra Archer and Sam Curran dismantled the top order within the first two overs. Shai Hope departed for a duck, followed immediately by Brandon King, leaving the Windies reeling at 8/2.

The recovery began with Shimron Hetmyer, who injected much-needed energy with a quickfire 23, helping the team reach 54/3 by the end of the Powerplay. However, the middle overs were a battle of attrition. Adil Rashid was the standout performer for England, strangling the scoring rate with figures of 2/16 and removing the set Roston Chase (34) via a successful LBW shout that survived a DRS challenge.

The momentum swung permanently during the latter half of the innings. After Rovman Powell fell for 14, Jason Holder joined Rutherford to provide a finishing kick. Holder’s cameo of 33 off 17 balls was instrumental, as the duo shared a blistering 50-run partnership in just 26 deliveries. Despite Jamie Overton picking up two late wickets, the damage was done. The West Indies plundered 69 runs in the final five overs, setting England a daunting target of 197 on a surface that began to favour the bold.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sherfane Rutherford registers his highest T20I score 🔥#cricket #ENGvWI #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/zJC7a1VNtC

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 11, 2026

SHERFANE RUTHERFORD SMASHED 76 IN 42 BALLS.

– 2 fours & 7 sixes, pure domination. pic.twitter.com/4NYVtDz7wz

— A D U (@cricfootadnan) February 11, 2026

Sherfane Rutherford plays a crucial knock against England 🔥🔥

76 off 42 ( 2 4’s & 7 6’s) 🔥🔥

He will be playing at the same venue in 45 days or so…can’t wait for fireworks @mipaltan 🥵💥
pic.twitter.com/GfbgYZ4cFA

— RATrovert🗡️🩸 (@ratrovert26) February 11, 2026

Half-century for Sherfane Rutherford off just 29 balls against England at Wankhede! 🔥

And in just a few weeks, he’ll return to the same venue, that time in a different jersey 💙#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2SFWWnbHJB

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 11, 2026

Sherfane Rutherford is an absolute beast. The kind of power he generates is unreal. Clearing the Wankhede ground might just become routine for him. Start the IPL. pic.twitter.com/WoLAavC0Xc

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 11, 2026

SHERFANE RUTHERFORD 🥶

– A knock to remember, he has been a beast in T20s, ruling for both franchise & country in this year.

76* runs from just 42 balls including 2 fours & 7 sixes. pic.twitter.com/teUoyBdS3N

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Blow for Ireland as Paul Stirling retires hurt during crucial clash against Australia

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the state government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to the family of a sweeper with Manmad Municipal Council (MMC) in Nashik district who died due to Covid-19 in 2021. “Any attempt to delay or defeat the claim on technical considerations shall be viewed seriously,” said a bench of Justices Makarand Karnik and Shriram Modak.The petition was filed by the legal heirs — mother, wife, and two sons — of Unmesh Kulkarni who joined MMC as a class IV employee on June 29, 1990. On January 9, 2021, MMC appointed Kulkarni as force staff to tackle the Covid-19 surge at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar playground and Railway Institute. Kulkarni died in harness due to Covid-19 on March 29, 2021.On February 11, 2022, the state issued a government resolution granting Rs 50 lakh ex gratia payment to the family members of municipal employees who died due to Covid-19. Kulkarni’s family submitted the required documents, but their claim was rejected as his name was not uploaded on ICMR’s portal by Iqra Hospital, where he was admitted. The hospital tendered an apology saying it happened due to lack of training and subsequent attempts failed. After obtaining the hospital’s certificate, the MMC, on November 22, 2021, submitted the proposal to the district administrative officer. The family’s advocate, Alankar Kirpekar, said thereafter it was not considered.The govt’s advocate Pooja Patil said the collector will have to scrutinise MMC’s proposal and authenticity of submitted documents and then make recommendations to govt for consideration.The judges said, “However, in the peculiar facts of this case, we are not inclined to adopt such a course.” They said no doubt the earlier proposal was incomplete for want of necessary documents, but the hospital had tendered an apology and issued a certificate that Kulkarni died of Covid-19.MMC’s advocate Shriram Kulkarni said it does not doubt the genuineness of the certificate. The judges found MMC’s communication, forwarding the proposal, “clearly mentions the cause of death as Covid-19”. They said there is no reason to doubt the genuineness of the certificate merely because it was issued by a private hospital. The proposal is pending since 2021. “At this distance of time, to again subject the proposal to a detailed verification and scrutiny would amount to adding to the agony of the family of the deceased employee who had served for 31 years as a sweeper with the municipal council,” the HC said. When the MMC has already scrutinised the proposal, the court was disinclined to subject it “for further verification and scrutiny by the collector and then by the state government”.The HC directed the Nashik collector to process MMC’s proposal immediately and forward it within four weeks to the urban development department (UDD). Thereafter, within four weeks, the UDD will grant approvals. The compensation “shall be paid to the petitioners” within 10 weeks from February 16, the HC said.

Novak Djokovic (AP Photo)

Novak Djokovic’s belief did not waver, even as he walked off Rod Laver Arena defeated for the first time in an Australian Open final on 1 February. The 38-year-old Serbian lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, ending his perfect 10-0 record in Melbourne finals and denying him a record 25th Grand Slam title. Speaking immediately after the match, Djokovic made it clear that his faith in himself remains intact. “I always believe I can,” he said during his post-match media conference. “If I didn’t believe I wouldn’t be competing. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five in the semifinals and really battle Carlos in four close sets.” Djokovic had stormed through the opening set with vintage authority. But Alcaraz responded with power and relentless movement, breaking early in the second set and steadily taking control. The Spaniard eventually sealed his first Australian Open title and became the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam. “I’m disappointed with the way I felt in the second and third after an incredible start,” Djokovic admitted. “Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.” He also hinted at uncertainty ahead. “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six or 12 months.” Still, the hunger remains. “I have belief, confidence and vision to win another Slam anywhere,” he said. “It also feels good a little bit not being the favorite to win Slams.” For now, family comes first. “The best way to deal with anything after I finish a competition is to be with my family… just go back to hug my close ones.” Defeat may have come, but belief remains untouched.