India's Gukesh Dommaraju won the title of the 18th FIDE World Chess Championship by defeating Ding Liren after three weeks of exciting moves and games on Thursday. By winning the championship event, Gukesh also surpassed Garry Kasparov as the youngest champion in classical chess.

In brief tournament play, the FIDE World Chess Championship is the ultimate proving ground for chess supremacy and that formula has determined the greatest minds in the game for more than nine decades.

Also Read: 9-year-old Aarit Kapil becomes the youngest Indian chess player to defeat Grandmaster

Gukesh is the second Indian World Chess Champion

Before Gukesh's feat, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world chess champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Gukesh is the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Anand, a five-time world champion, had last won the crown in 2013.

World Chess Championship history

The championship dates back to 1886, when Wilhelm Steinitz was declared the first official World Chess Champion. However, the current FIDE (Federation International des Echecs) system of world championships was firmly established as early as 1948.

The qualifying system was internalized by FIDE, thus, the structure of the World Chess Championship was changed from 1948 to 1993.

The organization devised an easy-to-predict 3-year cycle, a mechanism for selecting the best players for the title of world champion and participants in certain tours.

The key moment of separation came in 1993 when Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short separated and founded the Professional Chess Association, causing the championship landscape to disintegrate.

This breakup resulted in rival World Champion titles being divided until 2006, when unification eventually brought back the sole clear championship.

The 21st century Chess World Champions

The 21st century witnessed a new generation of champions. Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen redefined the game with their innovative styles. Carlsen’s reign, lasting a decade from 2013 to 2023, established him as a modern chess legend. 

In 2023, Ding Liren became the latest champion, marking a new chapter in the championship’s illustrious history. 

Since the inaugural title match in 1886, the championship has evolved, producing iconic champions who defined eras in chess. The table below takes a look at all Chess World Champions from 1886 to 2024.

Chess World Champions List (1886-2024)

FIDE Chess World Champions (1993-2006)

India got off to a stellar start to their campaign at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Bangkok on Tuesday with national record holder Gulveer Singh taking the lead by winning the country's first gold medal in the men's 10,000m event. Earlier in the day, Servin Sebastian opened India's medal account by winning bronze in the men's 20km walk.

Also Read: List of athletes to participate in Neeraj Chopra Classic

Gulveer brings third gold for the country

Gulveer, the 26-year-old 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist, produced a composed performance to top the 10,000m. He won the gold medal in a race that lasted the last few laps, clocking 28 minutes 38.63 seconds. 

Though his time was well short of the national record of 27:00.22 he set earlier this year, the win marked a major achievement for Indian long-distance running on the continental stage.

This is India's third gold in the men's 10,000m race at the Asian Athletics Championships, after Hari Chand (1975) and Govindan Lakshmanan (2017).

Suzuki of Japan got silver

Mebuki Suzuki of Japan won the silver medal with a time of 28:43.84, while Albert Kibichi Rop of Bahrain won the bronze medal with a time of 28:46.82. With a brilliant acceleration in the final 800m, Gulveer overtook Suzuki and Rop.

Sebastian gave a tough fight

On the other hand, Sebastian gave a tough fight in the fiercely contested men's 20km walk and won India's first medal (bronze) in the event in his personal best timing of 1 hour 21 minutes and 13.60 seconds. His earlier best timing (1:21:23) came when he won the gold medal at the Uttarakhand National Games in February this year.

Wang Zhaozhao of China won the gold medal with a time of 1:20:36.90, while Kento Yoshikawa of Japan won the silver medal with a time of 1:20:44.90. Sebastian stayed in the leading group for most of the race and managed to hold off a late challenge from the chasing group to finish on the podium. 

Amit Khatri, the other Indian in the event, finished fifth with a time of 1:22:14.30, out of medal contention but still a solid performance.

Annu Rani disappointed in women's javelin throw

Meanwhile, Asian Games gold medallist Annu Rani disappointed in the women's javelin throw final and finished fourth out of twelve athletes. Annu's best throw was 58.30 metres, falling short of a podium finish by 64 centimetres. Annu's performance was well below her personal best and national record of 63.82m.

Su Lingdan of China won the gold medal with a personal best performance of 63.29 metres, while Momone Ueda of Japan won the silver with a throw of 59.39 metres. Japan's Sae Takemoto won the bronze with 58.94m. 

Also Read: Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Full Schedule

India sent a 58-member team

India has sent a 58-member contingent to the Asian Athletics Championships this year, aiming to add to its haul of 27 medals won in the last edition. Gulveer and Sebastian put up a stellar performance on day one, which has now raised expectations as the rest of the Indian team will look to add to the medal tally in the days to come.

The championship will continue till Saturday, with India eyeing strong performances across all categories in track, field and mixed relay events.

The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.

Also Read: Players with the most champions league titles

Golden Boot: Rules

The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.

The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.

Historical Overview

Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.

Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.

Most Golden Boots win

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet

Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)

1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.

From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list. 

Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list. 

1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)

IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).

The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.

The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.

The intensity of a must-win clash! 🔥#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! 🗣️💢

Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? 🏏

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/qihxZlIhqW #IPLRace2Playoffs 👉 #LSGvSRH |… pic.twitter.com/TG6LXWNiVa

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 19, 2025

Post-match Handshake

During the post-match handshake, Sharma and Rathi were seen having a conversation and shaking hands, displaying true sportsmanship.

Read Also: Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

2. Hardik Pandya & Sai Kishore (MI vs GT)

A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.

After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.

Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."

GAME 🔛

Hardik Pandya ⚔ Sai Kishore - teammates then, rivals now! 👀🔥

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/2p1SMHQdqc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 29, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Both players hugged it out during the post-match handshakes, clearing out all the ongoing heat and confusion.

Read Also: Most times defending 200+ totals in IPL history

3. Jasprit Bumrah & Karun Nair (MI vs DC)

A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.

The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.

The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section 🫣

Don't miss @ImRo45 's reaction at the end 😁

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QAuja88phU#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/FPt0XeYaqS

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."

Sab theek hai bhai 🫂 pic.twitter.com/8pi2zFkh1w

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 14, 2025

4. Virat Kohli & KL Rahul (RCB vs DC)

While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC. 

This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.

Things are heating up in Delhi! 🔥#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. 💪

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/2H6bmSltQD#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star… pic.twitter.com/Oy2SPOjApz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2025

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

Post-match Handshake

DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.

However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.

That “achha hua out ho gaya” from KL 🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/OGFB4AQ4Lx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 28, 2025

5. Glenn Maxwell & Travis Head (PBKS vs SRH)

IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.

It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.

Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.

Watch the clip on: reddit.com

6. Shubman Gill & Umpires (GT vs SRH)

Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.

The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.

What's your take? 👇✍🏻#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! 👀

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBVUf#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on SS-1, SS- 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/TPiALXJu8O

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team. 

Chaos at the centre! 😳#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires!
A review going #SRH’s way has sparked some serious drama! 🧐

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBo4H#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, &… pic.twitter.com/KX68eec2ZB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

7. Virat Kohli & CSK Pacers (RCB vs CSK)

This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.

The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025. 

KING REMEMBERS! 😁

Come for Virat 🆚 MSD, stay for Virat 🆚 Khaleel too! 🍿

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/dl97nUeINj #IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/khdozY9jMg

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2025

Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.

1st ball – 😮‍💨
2nd ball – 6️⃣

That’s what it’s like facing the GEN GOLD! ❤

Classy counter from #ViratKohli! 🙌🏻

Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 3 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/MzSQTD1zQc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2025

While the spotlight always shines on the top performers of the IPL, every season also sees a team finish at the bottom of the points table. Some have a record of never ending at the bottom, while some have appeared the most times.

Explore the teams to finish last in IPL points table every season and track the count for each team.

Team with the most last-places finishes

Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) stands out with most last-place finishes in IPL history. Despite having a good reputation of finishing at the top in the years like 2009 and 2012, along with reaching the finals in 2020, they still has the highest number of bottom finish record.

The franchise have finished last 4 times in IPL points table, in the following years:

• 2011: lost 9 out of 14 matches
• 2013: lost 13 out of 16 matches
• 2014: lost 12 out of 14 matches
• 2018: lost 9 out of 14 matches

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

Teams with fewest last-place finishes

Chennai Super Kings finished last in points table for the first time in IPL history in 2025. They joined hands with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, both having one last-place finish each.

• CSK: in IPL 2025 season 
• KKR: in IPL 2009 season 
• RR: in IPL 2020 season

Beyond the current active teams, 2 former franchises, Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors India, also registered only one last-place finish during their respective IPL tenures.

Read Also: Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?

Teams with no last-place finish ever

Only the newer franchises, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, introduced in 2022, have never finished last in IPL points table.

GT has turned out to be very successful since their inaugral season. They won the title in 2022, and qualified for the playoffs 3 out of 4 times in their IPL seasons so far.

Read Also: Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

Teams to finish last in IPL Points Table (2008-2025)

Novak Djokovic has now played 430 Grand Slam matches, taking sole possession of the record for the most singles matches played in the Open Era, ahead of Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423). No other player has reached 400 matches. Let's take a look at the top 10 players who have the records of most matches played in Grand Slam in the Open Era.

Also Read: Youngest Grand Slam Champion (Men) | Top 10 List

Most Matches Played in Grand Slam

10. Stan Wawrinka | 221

Stan Wawrinka, who turned professional in 2002, played a total of 225 Grand Slam matches. He is a three-time Grand Slam champion and appeared in 50-straight Grand Slams before missing the 2017 US Open with two season-ending left knee surgeries. He is one of just three players to have defeated Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal at Grand Slams. Wawrinka reached four Grand Slam singles finals in his career to date, winning three, the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open; each time he defeated the reigning world No. 1 in the championship match (Rafael Nadal once and Novak Djokovic twice, respectively).

9. Stefan Edberg | 225

Swede Edberg competed in only 225 Grand Slam matches and he won 178 of those. Edberg, who turned professional in 1983 and retired in 1996, won two Wimbledon titles, two US Open trophies and two Australian Open titles during his 13-year career. In total he played 1,071 career matches for a win-loss record of 801–270 (74.8%)

8. Pete Sampras | 241

Pete Sampras has competed in 241 matches at Grand Slam tournaments. He compiled a 762-222 career singles record (77.4%) putting him in the top-10 all-time for the Open Era. Sampras captured 64 tour singles titles in 265 overall tournaments (was also a finalist in 24 tournaments). At the age of 19 years and 28 days, Sampras became the youngest US Open men’s singles champion in history, defeating his career-rival Andre Agassi.

Also Read: Oldest Grand Slam Champion | Top 10 List

7. Andy Murray | 257

Andy Murray has played 257 Major matches (200-57) from the 1,001 total singles matches he has competed in (739-262). Among the four Grand Slam events, the Brit has played the most matches at Wimbledon (74), where he has a 61-13 record.

6. Ivan Lendl | 271

Ivan Lendl competed in 271 Grand Slam matches (222-49) from the 1,340 matches tour-level matches he played in total (1,068-242). The Czech-American contested more matches at the US Open (86) than any other Grand Slam and compiled a 73-13 record at Flushing Meadows.

5. Andre Agassi | 277

Andre Agassi contested 1,144 singles matches overall in his career (870-274), with 277 of these being played at Grand Slam events (224-53). Among the four Majors, the American played the most matches at the US Open (98), where he accumulated a 79-19 record.

Also Read: Grand Slam record: Most wins in grand slams

4. Jimmy Connors | 282

Jimmy Connors played an ATP record 1,557 matches in his career (1,274-283), with 282 of these coming at Majors (233-49). The American contested more matches at the US Open (115) than any other Grand Slam and amassed a 98-17 record at the New York showpiece.

3. Rafael Nadal | 358

Rafael Nadal has competed in 358 matches at Grand Slam tournaments (314-44) from the 1,300 matches he has played in total (1,075-225). The Spaniard holds a 112-4 record at Roland Garros, where he has played more matches than at any other tournament.

Also Read: Most Wimbledon Titles in Open Era (Men)

2. Roger Federer | 429 

Roger Federer is the legendary player who had the record of most matches played in Grand Slam but Djokovic beat him recently. He played 1,526 matches in total in his career (1,251-275), with 429 of his matches coming at Grand Slam events (369-60). The Swiss earned over 100 victories at both Wimbledon (105-14) and the Australian Open (102-15), while he also amassed 89-14 and 73-17 records at the US Open and Roland Garros respectively.

1. Novak Djokovic | 430

Following his third round win at Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic surpassed his great rival Roger Federer. Djokovic has contested 430* matches at Majors (371-49) from 1,325 matches overall (1,106-219). The Serbian has won more than 90 matches at the French Open (96-16), the Australian Open (94-9), and Wimbledon (93-11), while he holds a 88-13 US Open record.