Sports Week

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Sports Week: India’s Test Triumph, Bangladesh’s Historic Win and Northeast Football Take Centre Stage

From Manav Suthar’s match-winning spell in Galle to Bangladesh’s historic victory in Australia, the Durand Cup drama in Shillong and India’s campaign at the Badminton World Championships, the sporting week has delivered plenty of memorable moments.

The sporting world has witnessed another action-packed week, with major developments across cricket, football, badminton, fencing, hockey, basketball, karate, chess and table tennis.

India celebrated a commanding Test victory over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh created history in Australia, the Durand Cup reached its semifinal stage, and New Delhi became the centre of global badminton as the 2026 BWF World Championships returned to India.

The Northeast has also remained firmly in the sporting spotlight, with NorthEast United FC producing a stunning comeback against Shillong Lajong in the Durand Cup.

Here is a look at the biggest stories from the week.

India Beat Sri Lanka by 165 Runs to Take 1-0 Lead

India have made a winning start to their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, defeating the hosts by 165 runs in Galle to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The victory was powered by an outstanding performance from young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who claimed six wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings to finish with a remarkable 10-wicket match haul.

India had set Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs, and the hosts struggled to withstand the pressure from India's bowling attack.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 206, handing India a comprehensive victory. The result also strengthened India's position in the World Test Championship standings.

Suthar had already taken four wickets in the first innings before producing another six-wicket performance in the second. His ability to extract turn and maintain pressure throughout the innings proved decisive.

India's batting provided the foundation for the victory.

Devdutt Padikkal scored a maiden Test century, while KL Rahul made a valuable contribution. Rishabh Pant also reached a major milestone, becoming the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.

Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja added another landmark to his career by becoming only the fourth cricketer in Test history to complete the double of 4,000 runs and 350 wickets.

With the second Test still to come, India have put themselves in a strong position to claim the series.

For Sri Lanka, the challenge now is to regroup and find a way to counter India's powerful spin attack.

Bangladesh Create History in Australia

One of the biggest cricket stories of the week came from Darwin, where Bangladesh defeated Australia by nine wickets in the first Test.

The victory was Bangladesh's first-ever Test win on Australian soil and only their second Test victory against Australia.

Bangladesh produced an impressive all-round performance to put the hosts under pressure throughout the match.

Hasan Mahmud played a crucial role with the ball, while all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed with both bat and ball, including a five-wicket haul in Australia's second innings.

Australia fought back through Cameron Green, who scored a determined century, but Bangladesh remained composed and completed one of the most significant victories in their Test history.

The result has been widely described as a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket and a major setback for Australia.

The second Test is scheduled for Mackay on August 22, with Australia looking to respond and Bangladesh hoping to complete a historic series victory.

England Begin a New Test Era

England are also entering a new chapter in Test cricket.

With Ben Stokes stepping down as Test captain and Brendon McCullum leaving his coaching role, England are moving into a new leadership phase.

Joe Root returns as Test captain, while Stephen Fleming takes over as head coach.

England are expected to look for greater balance in their batting approach, particularly when deciding when to attack and when to absorb pressure.

Their three-match series against Pakistan provides an immediate test of the new setup, beginning at Headingley before moving to Lord's and Birmingham.

The series will offer an early indication of how England's new era develops.

India to Host Afghanistan in September

India are scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series in September.

The matches are planned for Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.

The series gives Afghanistan another opportunity to compete against one of international cricket's strongest sides while providing India with additional T20 preparation.

For Afghanistan, matches against India are particularly valuable as the team continues to establish itself among the world's leading white-ball sides.

Dibrugarh Warriors Reach Assam Premier League Semifinals

Closer to home, Dibrugarh Warriors have become the first team to qualify for the Assam Premier League semifinals.

Chasing 133 against Jorhat Stallions, Dibrugarh reached 134 for five in 18.2 overs to secure a five-wicket victory.

Ranjan Bikash Das and Jitumoni Kalita played important roles with the ball, while Sidhartha Sankar Baruah provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 24 from just nine deliveries.

Dibrugarh's consistent campaign has taken them to the top of the table with 12 points from eight matches, making them one of the teams to watch as the competition moves towards its knockout stage.

BCCI Tightens Anti-Corruption Monitoring

The BCCI is strengthening its anti-corruption measures across domestic cricket.

The board's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is expanding its monitoring to state-level T20 leagues, with increased scrutiny of players, officials and technology.

The move follows breaches involving mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Players have also been warned about wearable technology such as smart glasses, which could potentially be used to record or transmit information.

The increased monitoring reflects the growing need to protect the integrity of domestic cricket as T20 competitions expand across India.

Cricket’s Associate Nations Face a World Cup Challenge

The future of Associate nations remains an important issue in international cricket.

Proposed changes to the 2027 Men's 50-over World Cup qualification structure have raised concerns among emerging cricket nations.

Cricket Scotland and the Netherlands Cricket Board have opposed the proposed format, arguing that it could make the path to the World Cup more difficult for Associate teams.

For smaller cricket boards, World Cup qualification is about much more than participation.

It can bring sponsorship, revenue, international exposure and opportunities for young players.

The debate highlights a larger question for world cricket: How can the sport expand globally while ensuring that emerging nations have a realistic route to the biggest tournaments?

FOOTBALL

Durand Cup Reaches the Semifinals

The 135th Durand Cup has reached its semifinal stage, with four teams remaining in the competition.

The semifinal line-up features East Bengal, SC Delhi, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC.

East Bengal will face SC Delhi, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant will meet NorthEast United FC.

SC Delhi have impressed with their attacking football, while East Bengal have combined an impressive scoring record with strong defensive performances.

The second semifinal will have special significance for football fans in the Northeast.

NorthEast United Complete Stunning Comeback Against Shillong Lajong

NorthEast United FC produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 and reach the Durand Cup semifinals.

Shillong Lajong led 2-1 at half-time, raising hopes of another major upset at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

But the Highlanders completely changed the game after the break, scoring four goals to secure a commanding victory.

Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the star of the evening, scoring a hat-trick. NorthEast United's second-half attacking display overwhelmed Lajong and secured their place in the semifinals.

For Shillong Lajong, the result was another painful chapter in their recent Durand Cup rivalry with NorthEast United.

The victory means NorthEast United have reached the semifinals for the fourth consecutive edition of the tournament.

Mohun Bagan Survive Penalty Drama

Mohun Bagan Super Giant also booked their place in the semifinals after overcoming Jamshedpur FC in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The match finished 1-1, forcing the contest into penalties.

The shootout eventually went into sudden death, with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith making the decisive save before Tekcham Abhishek Singh converted the winning penalty.

Mohun Bagan's ability to survive the pressure has set up an exciting semifinal against NorthEast United.

Shillong Premier League Set to Resume

The Shillong Premier League 2026 will resume following the Durand Cup break.

Defending champions Langsning FC will be among the teams looking to maintain their challenge, with Meghalaya Police also targeting a strong campaign.

The league will continue until October 10, giving football supporters across Shillong and Meghalaya another extended season of local football.

Football Meets Wildlife Conservation

Football is also being used to promote wildlife conservation in the Northeast.

The forest departments of Assam and Meghalaya, along with Aaranyak, organised the fourth Elephant Cup Football Tournament to mark World Elephant Day.

The event brought together football and conservation, demonstrating how sport can be used to build awareness around protecting elephants and their habitats.

The tournament is another example of how sporting events can create social and environmental impact beyond the playing field.

INDIA SHINES IN FENCING

Indian fencers enjoyed an impressive campaign at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos.

India collected three gold, one silver and one bronze medal, taking the overall tally to 29 medals — eight gold, seven silver and 14 bronze.

Kanaglakshmi won gold in women's foil, while Joys Ashitha claimed silver.

Rajendran Shanthimol Sherjin secured gold in men's epee, while Singh Karan Singh won gold in men's sabre.

The performance provides further evidence of India's growing strength in fencing.

DON BOSCO DOMINATE TURA BASKETBALL

The Don Bosco Basketball Academy of Tura enjoyed a successful campaign at the seventh Buccieri Memorial Basketball Tournament.

Don Bosco won three of the four titles — Under-14 Boys, Above-14 Girls and Above-14 Boys.

The Under-14 Girls title went to Sherwood School, Tura, who defeated Don Bosco 14-5.

The tournament brought together 20 teams from the Garo Hills and neighbouring areas.

For young players, competitions such as these provide an important platform to develop confidence, teamwork and competitive experience.

KARATE ATHLETES LOOK AHEAD TO NATIONAL GAMES

Meghalaya's karate athletes are also preparing for major competitions.

The state's athletes competed at the All India Independence Cup Karate Championship in New Delhi, gaining valuable experience ahead of the 39th National Games.

Meanwhile, young karateka Aaleina Sen of Durgapur won gold in the Under-11 Kumite above 45-kilogram category and bronze in Under-11 Kata.

The championship featured nearly 2,000 competitors, underlining the growing popularity of karate among young athletes.

BADMINTON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO INDIA

New Delhi is currently at the centre of world badminton as the 2026 BWF World Championships take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23.

The prestigious tournament has returned to India for the first time since 2009.

Indian players have already provided plenty for home supporters to cheer about.

Among the notable performances, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have progressed in women's doubles, while India's leading men's doubles combinations continue their campaign.

The tournament gives Indian shuttlers the opportunity to compete for world honours in front of a home crowd.

PRAGGNANANDHAA CONTINUES CHESS CAMPAIGN

In chess, R Praggnanandhaa continues to compete against the world's elite at the Sinquefield Cup.

The Indian Grandmaster has established himself as one of the country's leading young players and continues to test himself against some of the strongest names in international chess.

India's chess boom has also been reflected in the country's growing list of elite players, including Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi.

INDIA PREPARE FOR HOCKEY RIVALRY

Indian hockey is also heading towards another high-stakes encounter against Pakistan.

India have three points from two matches and need at least a draw to progress, while Pakistan need victory to keep their campaign alive.

India's campaign has included a 3-1 win over Wales and a defeat against England.

Defensive organisation and penalty-corner conversion will be crucial as India look to secure their progress.

Meanwhile, India's women's hockey team will face South Africa after holding Olympic silver medallists and world number four China to a 2-2 draw.

India will be looking for improved possession, ball retention and attacking efficiency in the next match.

TABLE TENNIS FACES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGE

Indian table tennis has also seen significant administrative developments.

The Sports Ministry has suspended recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India, citing governance concerns.

The Indian Olympic Association has been asked to form an ad-hoc committee in consultation with the International Table Tennis Federation until a proper governance structure is restored.

The developments highlight the importance of effective administration and transparent governance in Indian sport.

SWIMMING FOR ALL AGES

And finally, a sporting initiative in Meghalaya is proving that competitive sport has no age limit.

True North will organise its first Open Swimming Competition and Masters Meet in Meghalaya on September 11 and 12.

The event at Lapalang will include Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior and Masters categories.

Participants can range from seven years old to more than 70.

The competition aims to promote swimming as a healthy, competitive and enjoyable activity for people of all generations.

It is also a reminder that sport is not only about professional athletes and major trophies. It can be about fitness, friendship, confidence and bringing communities together.

The Week in Sport

It has been another remarkable week across the sporting world.

India have taken a 1-0 lead over Sri Lanka after a 165-run Test victory in Galle, with Manav Suthar emerging as the star after his 10-wicket match haul.

Bangladesh have created history with their first Test victory on Australian soil.

The Durand Cup has reached its semifinal stage, with NorthEast United's spectacular comeback against Shillong Lajong providing one of the tournament's biggest talking points.

New Delhi is hosting the world's best badminton players, while Indian athletes continue to make their presence felt across fencing, basketball, karate, hockey and chess.

And here in the Northeast, the message is equally encouraging.

From football in Shillong and basketball in Tura to conservation initiatives and grassroots sporting competitions, the region continues to demonstrate the depth of its sporting talent.

Sport is ultimately about more than results.

It is about discipline, determination, teamwork and the belief that every young athlete has the potential to achieve something extraordinary.

That is what makes every match, every tournament and every new sporting season worth following.

This is Sports Week — bringing you the stories, results and people shaping the world of sport.