India's Mehuli Ghosh stunned at the Asian Airgun Championship 2022. She made a hat trick by winning three back-to-back gold medals in this tournament in Daegu, Korea.
In the women's individual 10m air rifle event, Mehuli defeated South Korea's Eunyoung Cho 16-12 in the final for the gold medal. Mehuli, a 2018 Youth Olympics silver medal winner, finished behind Cho in the ranking round with a score of 261.1 as the South Korean topped the table with 262.5. Meanwhile, former world number one and Tokyo Olympian Elavenil Valarivan put up a disappointing performance. She finished sixth in the ranking round.
Meanwhile, in the women's team final, the Indian team of Mehuli Ghosh, Elavenil Valarivan, and Meghana Sajjanar beat South Korea's Jihyeon Keum, Eunyoung Cho, and Eunseo Lee 16-10 to occupy the top podium. The junior women's air rifle team comprising Nancy, Ramita, and Tilottama Sen then added the icing on the cake when it crushed yet another South Korean team. The Indian trio won by 16-2 in the final. While, in the men's 10m air rifle team, the trio of Arjun Babuta, Kiran Ankush Jadhav, and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil also clinched gold after defeating Kazakhstan's Ilya Fedin, Konstantin Malinovskiy, and Islam Usseinov 17-11.
On Saturday, Sheersh Kashyap, Parth Mane, and Abhinav Shaw had claimed the men's 10m air rifle team youth title. They won the match with a 16-8 victory over the hosts. The women's youth team of Gautami Bhanot, Hazel, and Yukthi Rajendra had also beaten a South Korean team. They bagged the gold medal by winning the match 16-6 to.
In addition, Mehuli Ghosh again made a stunning performance in the mixed team event at the Asian Airgun Championship 2022. She achieved mixed team gold with Arjun Babuta after beating compatriots Kiran Ankush Jadhav and Elavenil Valarivan by 16-10 in the finals.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, ten other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌 Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷 This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup.
The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday.
VINIIII JR.!!!!
TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷
National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.
Indian men’s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the team’s struggles into sharp focus.
Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.
Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation
Rumours of Marquez’s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.
However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.
“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.
“We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.
India must win their remaining four matches
India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.
6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month
The cricket world bid farewell to six prominent players as they drew curtains on stellar international careers in just one month. From unparalleled Kohli to power-hitter Maxwell, here are 6 crickters who announced their retirements since last month.
The cricket world, known for its constant evolution, has seen a drastic shift in a month. Over the past month, six notable players have chosen to conclude their careers on the global stage.
From legendary batsmen to powerful all-rounders, these departures mark a significant moment in the history of cricket. These aren't just names; they are players who have shaped matches and won the hearts of millions.
Explore the list of 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month.
1. Rohit Sharma (Test retirement) | May 7, 2025
Rohit Sharma celebrating his first century as an opener in tests in 2019. Image | Daily Excelsior
On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a batsman, as well as India's captain in tests. His test career lasted for 12 years since his debut in 2013.
Sharma transformed himself into a brilliant test opener in the latter half of his career. One of his defining moments in Test cricket arrived in 2019 against South Africa, where he hammered a majestic 212 runs as an opener, showcasing his ability to wear down opposition attacks.
He is the fifth-most successful Test captain for India, leading to 12 Test victories.
Rohit Sharma's stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2013-2024
116
4302
40.6
57.1
212
18
12
2. Virat Kohli (Test retirement) | May 12, 2025
Virat Kohli celebrating his century against WI in 2023. Image | Instagram
Following Rohit's retirement, India lost the era's most dominant force in test cricket. The announcement of Virat Kohli's test retirement on May 12, 2025, resonated globally, leaving everyone shocked and upset.
Kohli approached the test format with a fierce competitive spirit and hunger for runs. His dedication and skill set in this format saw him notch 7 double centuries in his test career. He also became the most successful test captain of India during the 8 years (Dec 2014-Jan 2022) of his captaincy tenure, leading to 40 wins.
This decision of Kohli to step away from tests also brought the interests of Indian fans in tests in question. This retirement indeed marked the end of an era.
Virat Kohli's stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2011-2025
210
9230
46.85
55.57
254*
3
30
3. Angelo Mathews (Test retirement) | May 23, 2025
Angelo Mathews in tests. Image | Mint
Sri Lanka's enduring test pillar, Angelo Mathews, concluded his test career on May 23, 2025. He left behind a legacy of resilience and crucial performances as an all-rounder.
Mathews possessed the ability to adapt his game and accelerate when required. His unbeaten 200 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020 stand out as one of his vital contributions. He also took a total of 33 wickets in tests.
He led Sri Lanka in 34 matches as a captain and won 13 among them.
Angelo Mathews' stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2009-2025
210
8167
44.62
48.45
200*
45
16
4. Glenn Maxwell (ODIs Retirement) | June 2, 2025
Glen Maxwell celebrating his 201* against Afghanistan in 2023 ODI World Cup. Image | Pinterest
Australia's one of the most captivating hitters and match-winners, Glenn Maxwell, announced retirement from ODIs on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to turn the game around, he had an amazing ODI career.
Maxwell's career has many moments to highlight, but nothing can match his astonishing 201* runs against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Coming back with a back injury, this innings was a masterclass in aggressive and controlled batting.
He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, which goes down in the history of ODI cricket.
Glenn Maxwell's stats in ODIs:
Span
Innings
Runs
Wickets
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2012-2025
136
3990
77
(in 119 innings)
33.81
126.70
201*
23
4
5. Heinrich Klaasen (International retirement) | June 2, 2025
Heinrich Klaasen celebrating his 109 off 67 balls against England in 2023 World Cup. Image| TOI
On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen announced his international retirement, which marked the end of a relatively short yet impactful career as a destructive batsman in white-ball cricket.
Since his international debut for South Africa in 2018, he has been a hard-hitter of the ball and has become one of the most feared finishers in limited-overs formats. His phenomenal 174 runs off just 83 balls against Australia in an ODI in 2023 stands as a testament to his raw hitting power and ability.
Heinrich Klaasen's international stats (2018-2025)
Format
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
T20Is
53
1000
23.25
141.84
81
5
0
ODIs
56
2141
43.69
117.05
174
11
4
Tests
8
104
13.00
45.21
35
0
0
6. Nicholas Pooran (International retirement) | June 10, 2025
Nicholas Pooran celebrating his knock of 113 runs against Sri Lanka in 2019 World Cup. Image | BBC
The West Indies batter, Nicholas Pooran, announced his international retirement on June 10, 2025, at the age of just 29. This marked one of the earliest retirements for a high-profile West Indies player.
As a left-hander wicket-keeper batsman, Pooran quickly established himself as an electrifying hitter in white-ball cricket. He brought an aggressive approach to the crease, with the potential to turn the game in his favour.
He has done exceptionally well in his short-lived international career. His 98 runs off 53 balls against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup perfectly tell the story of his talent.
Nicholas Pooran's international stats (2016-2025):
Bengal Pro T20 League 2025: Where can you watch? What is new this season? Every detail you should know
From streaming details to what is new this season in the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025, you will have all your questions regarding the second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League answered.
Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 is all set to start from 11 June 2025, with an iconic inaugural event at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.
Post the opening act by Sunidhi Chauhan and a few other surprising artists, Sobisco Smashers Malda and Murshidabad Kings, the finalists of the men's edition last season, will take on each other for the opening match of the season at 7 pm IST.
From 12th June till the league stage ends on 24th June, Eden Gardens will host two matches every day; one from 1 pm IST and another from 7 pm IST.
The women's edition will kick off from 12 June 2025, at the J.U. Second Campus Ground in Salt Lake, with a double header every day till the group stage. Every women's match will start from 9 am IST and 1.30 pm IST.
This season, the whole Bengal Men's Pro T20 League 2025 will have the Decision Review System (DRS) in full force. Only the Women's final at Eden Gardens will have the DRS in action.
The final will be played on 28th June at the Eden Gardens, with the Women's final taking place from 1:30 pm IST, while the Men's final will start at 7 pm IST.
The Men's Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 will start from 11 June 2025, while the Women's Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 will kick off from 12 June 2025.
Which venue will host the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025?
All the men's matches will be played at Eden Gardens with full DRS in action. Meanwhile, the Women's matches will be played at J.U. Second Campus Ground. The final of the men's and women's editions will be played at the Eden Gardens.
When is the final of the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025?
The Bengal Pro T20 League 2025 final will be played on 28th June 2025 at the Eden Gardens. The women's final will start at 1.30 pm IST, while the men's final will start at 7 pm IST.
Where can I watch the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025?
The fans can watch the Bengal Pro T20 League and Bengal Women's Pro T20 League 2025 LIVE on Fancode with a paid subscription. Star Sports 3 will broadcast every match LIVE on Indian television.
Will there be DRS in the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025?
DRS will be in full action during the men's matches at Eden Gardens. The women's final at the Eden Gardens will have DRS in action.
Who will perform at the Bengal Pro T20 League's opening ceremony?
Indian music star Sunidhi Chauhan will perform at the Bengal Pro T20 League's opening ceremony at the Eden Gardens. The opening ceremony will start at 5 pm IST.
Bavuma announced South Africa's playing XI against Australia for WTC Final 2025
The big revelation of the Proteas' side has been made official ahead of the WTC Final which starts tomorrow. Bavuma announced South Africa's playing XI against Australia for WTC Final 2025. Get the full team details here.
The anticipation for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final has reached its peak. All eyes are set for the big game on June 11, 2025 at Lord's, where South Africa will aim to win it for the first time against then defending champs Australia.
In a crucial development, captain Temba Bavuma announced South Africa's playing XI against Australia for WTC Final 2025, providing a clear indication of their strategic approach for this match.
This final selection reveals the strengths and calculated risks SA is prepared to take on the grandest stage of Test cricket.
Bavuma's strategic choices: What the selection reveals
Temba Bavuma's chosen team for the WTC Final reflects a calculated approach aimed at maximizing South Africa's chances. Here are the key strategic decisions revealed by his selections:
Trust in Wiaan Mulder at number 3
The decision to place Wiaan Mulder at number three shows significant confidence in his developing batting skills. This move suggests a desire for a stable presence early in the innings, potentially allowing for a more aggressive approach from the openers.
Emphasis on pace and swing with three seamers
The selection of a strong pace trio – Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi, indicates a clear intention to exploit the typical Lord's conditions, which often favor fast bowlers who can generate swing and seam movement.
Ngidi over Paterson for experience
Bavuma explicitly mentioned that Lungi Ngidi's raw pace, height, and valuable past experience playing at Lord's were key factors in his selection over Dane Paterson, prioritizing proven performance in English conditions.
Left-arm variety from Jansen
The inclusion of Marco Jansen, a tall left-arm fast bowler, provides a crucial point of difference in the attack. His unique angle and ability to swing the ball away from right-handers can be a significant challenge for Australia's strong batting lineup.
Lone Specialist Spinner in Maharaj
The decision to include only one specialist spinner, Keshav Maharaj, highlights that South Africa is relying primarily on their fast bowlers to take the bulk of the wickets.
Maharaj's role will likely be to provide control, break partnerships, and exploit any turn later in the match.
It’s been 27 long years since #SouthAfrica last lifted an ICC trophy, & skipper #tembabavuma knows just how much a win in the #WTCFinal would mean to his nation!
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/sportzpoint/import/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e6cdc51-d662-494b-bded-b346a41badf6.jpg)
/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/sportzpoint/import/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/6baa3a23-b1e4-4620-8909-2201793ae406.jpg)
