16th Jan - Sports

SPORTS

• REUNION Jan 16: Roger Federer Returns To Rod Laver Arena And Beats Casper Ruud In Tie-Break

  Tennis legend Roger Federer made a sensational return to Melbourne Park, practicing at the Rod Laver Arena for the first time since 2020. Ahead of a scheduled exhibition match, the 44-year-old Swiss maestro stunned a packed crowd by defeating World No. 13 Casper Ruud 7-2 in a practice tie-break. Displaying his signature one-handed backhand and elegant movement, Federer proved his class remains intact, much to the delight of fans and watching contemporary Novak Djokovic.

• IPL Jan 16: RCB Propose ₹4.5 Crore AI Surveillance Plan To Save Chinnaswamy IPL Games

  Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have formally offered to install an advanced AI-enabled surveillance system at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium at a cost of ₹4.5 crore. The proposal, featuring 300-350 smart cameras, aims to address critical crowd management concerns following last year's tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives. The franchise is funding the project entirely to secure government permission for hosting IPL 2026 matches in Bengaluru, amidst threats of shifting games to alternate venues.

• WPL Jan 16: Radha Yadav's Maiden Fifty Power RCB To Challenging 182/7 Against Gujarat Giants

  In a high-stakes WPL 2026 encounter, Radha Yadav smashed a brilliant maiden half-century (66 off 47) to rescue Royal Challengers Bengaluru from a precarious 43/4. Partnering with Richa Ghosh, who added a brisk 44, Yadav propelled RCB to a total of 182/7 in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants’ Kashvee Gautam impressed with early wickets, but a late onslaught by RCB's middle order has set a daunting target of 183 for the Giants to chase.

• TRANSFER Jan 16: Manchester City Agree £20m Deal To Sign England Defender Marc Guehi

  Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign centre-back Marc Guehi for a reported fee of £20 million. The 25-year-old England international, whose contract was set to expire this summer, provides urgent reinforcement for Pep Guardiola’s injury-depleted defense. The cut-price deal follows a collapsed summer move to Liverpool, with City acting swiftly to secure one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders ahead of a busy title race.

• CONTROVERSY Jan 16: Bird Poop And Monkey Sightings Mar India Open Badminton In New Delhi

  The India Open Super 750 has faced embarrassing logistical hurdles, with play halted twice during HS Prannoy's match due to bird droppings falling on the court. The incident follows Danish star Mia Blichfeldt’s scathing criticism of "unprofessional" and "dirty" conditions at the venue. Despite the Badminton Association of India's (BAI) initial denials, sightings of monkeys in the arena and the bird-poop disruptions have sparked a global debate over the stadium's readiness for upcoming world championships.

• CRISIS Jan 16: Bangladesh Players’ Chief Reveals Death Threats Amid Mustafizur Rahman Row

  The president of the Bangladesh Cricketers’ Welfare Association (CWAB), Mohammad Mithun, has claimed to have received death threats after supporting a player boycott. The unrest follows the BCCI's instruction to withdraw pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, leading to a diplomatic and sporting standoff. While the BPL has resumed following a brief boycott, players remain at odds with the BCB over security concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

• WORLD_CUP Jan 16: India U19 Kickstart World Cup Campaign With Dominant Win Over USA

  India began their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 defense with a comfortable victory over the USA. Pacer Henil Patel stole the spotlight with a remarkable five-wicket haul on debut, citing South African legend Dale Steyn as his primary inspiration. While the batting department saw early jitters, Patel’s disciplined bowling ensured a clinical start for the reigning champions as they look to maintain their dominance in the age-group tournament.

• CHESS Jan 16: Self-Taught Aarya Becomes India's 92nd Grandmaster With Gukesh In Sight

  In an inspiring feat of grit, Aarya has become India’s 92nd Grandmaster without the support of a formal coach. Raised by a single father who balanced a grueling work schedule to support his son’s talent, Aarya’s rise through the ranks has been described as a "miracle of the grind." The young GM has now set his sights on competing against world championship challenger Gukesh D, symbolizing the immense depth of talent in Indian chess.

• LA_LIGA Jan 16: Lamine Yamal Seals Copa Del Rey Win For Barcelona Against Racing

  Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Racing in the Copa del Rey, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal coming off the bench to seal the result. After Fermin Lopez assisted Ferran Torres for the opener, Yamal’s late strike ensured Hansi Flick’s side progressed to the next round. The win follows Barcelona’s intense Super Cup run, where stars like Raphinha reportedly played through significant pain to maintain the club's winning momentum.

• MAN_UTD Jan 16: Michael Carrick Appointed Manchester United Head Coach Until End Of Season

  Manchester United has officially appointed club legend Michael Carrick as head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Carrick was chosen over candidates like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to stabilize the squad. Supported by a coaching team including Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, Carrick’s immediate focus is a high-profile derby against Manchester City as the club seeks to salvage its struggling campaign.

• SA20 Jan 16: Ottneil Baartman Hat-Trick Fires Paarl Royals Into SA20 Season 4 Playoffs

  Ottneil Baartman delivered a historic seam-bowling masterclass, claiming a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul (5/16) to lead Paarl Royals to a six-wicket victory over Pretoria Capitals. The win, secured with a bonus point, propelled the Royals to the summit of the SA20 standings and guaranteed their playoff spot. Baartman’s victims included Andre Russell and Lungi Ngidi, making him only the second bowler in league history to achieve a hat-trick.

• WPL Jan 16: Harleen Deol Powers UP Warriorz To Maiden Win After 'Retired Out' Drama

  Just 24 hours after being controversially 'retired out' by her team management, Harleen Deol silenced critics with a match-winning unbeaten 64 off 39 balls. Her masterclass helped UP Warriorz chase down 162 against Mumbai Indians, securing their first victory of WPL 2026. Deol addressed the tactical controversy with maturity, stating she understood the management's decision to bring in a power-hitter, while proving her own reliability as a top-order anchor.

• BADMINTON Jan 16: Lakshya Sen Fails To Progress As India's Challenge Ends At India Open

  India's campaign at the BWF India Open Super 750 concluded as Lakshya Sen lost a grueling three-game quarter-final to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi. Sen was the last Indian standing after top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered a shock second-round exit. The tournament also faced scrutiny for logistical issues, including bird-poop disruptions on the court, overshadowing the performance of local hopefuls like Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy.

• ICC Jan 16: Mitchell Starc And Laura Wolvaardt Named ICC Players Of The Month

  The ICC has named Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and South African captain Laura Wolvaardt as the Players of the Month for December 2025. Starc earned the honor following his dominant 31-wicket Ashes performance, while Wolvaardt was recognized for her prolific run-scoring, including three centuries against Ireland. Starc’s award marks a major individual milestone, ending a two-year wait for an Australian male player to claim the prestigious monthly accolade.

• CRICKET Jan 16: Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI Spot Under Threat As Axar Patel Snub Sparks Debate

  Following India’s second consecutive ODI loss to New Zealand, veteran Ravindra Jadeja is facing intense scrutiny over his lack of wicket-taking impact. Former cricketers and analysts have singled out Jadeja's poor strike rate as a major liability, calling for the inclusion of Axar Patel. With the next World Cup looming, the debate over India’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder has intensified, as experts argue the team is suffering from the absence of a genuine sixth bowling option.

• LEGAL Jan 16: Suryakumar Yadav Defamation Row: Actor Slapped With ₹100 Crore Lawsuit

  Influencer Faizan Ansari has filed a ₹100 crore defamation lawsuit against actress Khushi Mukherjee over her viral claims that Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav "used to message her a lot." Ansari alleges the statements were fabricated to gain publicity and have tarnished the nationally respected athlete's image. While Mukherjee recently clarified that her remarks were misinterpreted and casual, Ansari has demanded an FIR and a seven-year prison sentence.

• F1 Jan 16: Red Bull Unveils Refreshed 2026 F1 Livery Marking Ford Partnership

  At a high-profile launch in Detroit, Red Bull Racing showcased its refreshed 2026 RB22 livery, officially marking the start of its technical partnership with Ford. The new design features a sleek blue-and-black jacquard pattern with prominent Ford branding. This move signals Red Bull's transition to in-house power units under the "Red Bull Ford Powertrains" project. Max Verstappen and newcomer Isack Hadjar will lead the team into F1’s new regulatory era.

• PRODIGY Jan 16: WV Raman Sparks Debate On Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s U19 World Cup Stint

  Former India coach WV Raman has ignited a debate by suggesting that 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s participation in the U19 World Cup could be "detrimental" to his growth. Raman argues that since Suryavanshi has already excelled in the IPL and for India A, he should be challenged at higher levels rather than returning to age-group cricket. The Bihar prodigy, who debuted for Rajasthan Royals at 13, remains a central figure in India's title defense.

• TENNIS Jan 16: Australian Open Hits Record AUD $111.5 Million Prize Pool For 2026

  The 2026 Australian Open has announced a record-shattering total prize pool of AUD $111.5 million, a nearly 16% increase from last year. Singles champions will now take home a massive $4.15 million, while even first-round exits are guaranteed $132,000. Star player Coco Gauff welcomed the progress but noted that more steps are needed to ensure sustainability for lower-ranked players. The tournament remains the highest-paying event in the history of the sport.

• CRICKET Jan 16: Sunrisers Eastern Cape Face Do-Or-Die Challenge Against MI Cape Town

  Table-toppers Sunrisers Eastern Cape head into a crucial SA20 clash against bottom-placed MI Cape Town today at Newlands. Despite their lead, Sunrisers are wary of a desperate Cape Town side led by Rashid Khan. Quinton de Kock remains the key batter for Eastern Cape, while Anrich Nortje leads their bowling attack. For MI Cape Town, anything less than a victory could end their hopes of a top-two finish in the 2026 season.

• PERMUTATIONS Jan 16: BBL 2026 Finals Race Down To Wire As Scorchers Battle Stars

  The Big Bash League finals race is reaching a fever pitch with top spot and hosting rights still up for grabs. The Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars are locked in a battle for the No. 1 position, while the Brisbane Heat face the Sydney Sixers in a high-stakes sudden-death encounter. With multiple qualification permutations still active, the final round of the 2025-26 season promises an intense finish for cricket fans globally.

• CRICKET Jan 16: Gautam Gambhir And KL Rahul Seek Blessings At Mahakaleshwar Temple Before Decider

  India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and batter KL Rahul visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain today to seek divine blessings ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand. The duo participated in early morning rituals following India's seven-wicket loss in the second ODI at Rajkot. With the three-match series currently leveled at 1-1, the final game in Indore on January 18 will determine the trophy winner.

• TENNIS Jan 16: Carlos Alcaraz And Aryna Sabalenka Headline 2026 Australian Open Draw

  The 2026 Australian Open draw has been officially revealed, with Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka entering as the top seeds. Alcaraz is chasing his first title in Melbourne to complete a career Grand Slam, while Sabalenka seeks her third victory in four years. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys face tricky opening rounds, and a potential second-round blockbuster between Coco Gauff and 45-year-old Venus Williams has already generated significant buzz.

• POLICY Jan 16: Manoj Tiwary Slams Gautam Gambhir For Influencing Rohit Sharma’s Sacking

  Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of influencing the selection committee’s decision to remove Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain. Despite Sharma leading India to a Champions Trophy title recently, the captaincy was handed to Shubman Gill. Tiwary described the move as "disrespectful" to a player of Sharma's stature, questioning the cricketing logic behind axing India's most successful captain ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

• INJURY Jan 16: Washington Sundar Ruled Out Of New Zealand Series With Rib Injury

  Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI and upcoming T20I series against New Zealand due to a severe side strain. Sundar reportedly suffered the injury during the first ODI in Vadodara and is now a major doubt for the T20 World Cup 2026 starting in February. The BCCI medical team has asked him to report to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to determine if he can recover by the January 31 squad deadline.

• ESTATE Jan 16: Virat Kohli And Anushka Sharma Invest ₹38 Crore In Alibaug Property

  Star cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma have acquired a massive 5.1-acre land parcel in Alibaug for approximately ₹37.86 crore. The power couple’s latest investment in Zirad village follows a previous purchase in the same area, where they already own a luxury villa. This new acquisition highlights Alibaug's growing status as a premier celebrity real estate hub, offering high-profile residents privacy and proximity to Mumbai.

• CRITIQUE Jan 16: R Ashwin Slams Team Management Over Arshdeep Singh’s ODI Ouster

  Senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly criticized the Gautam Gambhir-led management for dropping pacer Arshdeep Singh from the ODI lineup. Ashwin argued that Arshdeep has consistently performed in pressure situations and deserved more respect than being sidelined for Prasidh Krishna, who struggled in the second ODI. The veteran spinner's passionate plea highlights growing internal debates regarding the team's selection consistency as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

• BOXING Jan 16: MC Mary Kom Faces Backlash Following Contentious Divorce Claims And Alibi Refutations

  Boxing legend MC Mary Kom is embroiled in a public controversy after her ex-husband, Onler, refuted her allegations of "humiliating" treatment, claiming he lived as her "slave" to support her career. The dispute has drawn sharp criticism from the sporting community, with cricketer Manoj Tiwary initially slamming the boxer for her remarks before deleting his viral video. The fallout has raised intense questions regarding the private sacrifices behind the Olympic medalist's professional success.

• CRICKET Jan 16: BBL To Introduce Major 'Designated Hitter' Rule Change For 2026 Season

  Cricket Australia has announced the introduction of a "Designated Batter" rule for the Big Bash League, drawing inspiration from baseball. Unlike the IPL's Impact Player rule, this allows a specialist batter to play without fielding responsibilities, while a designated fielder takes their place. The change aims to increase scoring rates and protect veteran players from fielding injuries, sparking debates on whether other major T20 leagues like the IPL will follow suit.

• TENNIS Jan 16: Amateur Jordan Smith Stuns Jannik Sinner To Win $1M One-Point Slam

  In a historic upset at the Australian Open's inaugural "One-Point Slam," amateur player Jordan Smith defeated World No. 1 Jannik Sinner to claim a $1 million jackpot. The "smiling assassin" basked in the spotlight after his single-point victory over the world's best professional. Carlos Alcaraz posted a classy tribute to Smith’s achievement, which has become the talk of Melbourne Park for its high-stakes drama and the unexpected victory of a non-professional.

• FOOTBALL Jan 16: Real Madrid Crashes Out Of Copa Del Rey In Arbeloa’s Managerial Debut

  Real Madrid suffered an embarrassing exit from the Copa del Rey after losing 3-2 to second-tier side Albacete in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game as head coach. Former club legend Gerard Pique took to social media to mock the result, calling it a "good debut." Arbeloa described the loss as "painful," as the Spanish giants failed to overcome a spirited underdog performance, marking a disastrous start to the club's domestic cup campaign.

• ARGENTINA Jan 16: AFA Corruption Scandal Casts Shadow Over Lionel Messi’s World Cup Defence

  Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been hit by a massive financial scandal involving the AFA President and Treasurer. Allegations of "misappropriation of funds" have put the national team’s title defence under a cloud of uncertainty. While President Claudio Tapia has broken his silence to deny the claims, the ongoing investigation by Argentine authorities threatens to disrupt the stability of the squad led by Lionel Messi ahead of the tournament.

• VISA Jan 16: England’s T20 World Cup Prep Disrupted By Spinner Visa Delays In India

  England’s T20 World Cup plans have faced a major hurdle as Pakistan-born spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed await visa clearance from the Indian government. The delay has left the key players in limbo just weeks before the tournament begins. Similar issues have been reported for Pakistan-origin USA cricketers, raising concerns about the logistical challenges facing international teams with players of diverse backgrounds traveling to India for the global event.

• BAYERN Jan 16: Vincent Kompany’s Record-Breaking Bayern Munich Continues Undefeated Bundesliga Goal Rush

  Vincent Kompany has masterminded a historic start for Bayern Munich, with the team reaching 66 goals and zero defeats following a 3-1 comeback win over FC Köln. The record-breaking goal rush has solidified Bayern’s dominance at the top of the Bundesliga table. Analysts have praised Kompany’s tactical evolution, which has transformed the squad into a high-scoring machine that remains untouchable in domestic competition as they enter the second half of the season.

• CHESS Jan 16: Nodirbek Abdusattorov Qualifies As Sole Indian Presence Misses Freestyle Chess World Championship

  Nodirbek Abdusattorov has successfully qualified for the first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship after advancing through the knockout stages. Notably, Indian stars D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa will miss the tournament, with Pranav being the only Indian player to advance to the final qualifying rounds. The new "Freestyle" format, which utilizes Chess 960 rules, is set to debut its global championship with a star-studded field later this year.

• JERSEY Jan 16: ICC Reveals New T20 World Cup Kits As Sri Lanka Launches Jersey

  The ICC has begun unveiling the official kits for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Sri Lanka Cricket being among the latest to launch their team jersey. Sponsored by Moose Clothing, the new Sri Lankan kit features traditional motifs with a modern athletic fit. Meanwhile, details regarding the cost and availability of Team India’s new T20I jersey have sparked high interest among fans as the global tournament’s branding rollout enters its final phase.

• REAL_MADRID Jan 16: Seven Real Madrid Starters Reportedly Criticized Xabi Alonso Before His Sacking

  Shocking details have emerged regarding Xabi Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid. Reports indicate that seven senior players, including several regular starters, approached the board to criticize Alonso’s management style and tactical decisions. The rift reportedly peaked during the Super Cup loss to Barcelona, where players ignored Alonso’s request for a "Guard of Honor." Caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa now faces the daunting task of uniting a fractured locker room.

• IPL Jan 16: Mustafizur Rahman AI Video Calling For IPL Boycott Goes Viral Amidst KKR Row

  An AI-manipulated video of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman calling for an IPL boycott has surfaced online, fueling tensions after his forced release from Kolkata Knight Riders. Fact-checkers confirmed the footage was a deepfake of a 2025 video where he originally expressed excitement about joining KKR. While the BCCI cited "recent developments" for his exclusion, Bangladesh has retaliated by banning IPL broadcasts and withdrawing from the T20 World Cup in India.

• MAN_UTD Jan 16: Michael Carrick Holds Secret Talks For Midfield Signing In First United Move

  New Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has reportedly initiated "secret talks" to secure a short-term midfield loan before the January window closes. While long-term targets like Adam Wharton remain unavailable, Carrick is seeking an experienced European-based player to bolster the squad's depth. The club hierarchy, led by Dan Ashworth, remains cautious about permanent winter spending, focusing instead on stabilizing the team's pursuit of Champions League football.

• FIFA Jan 16: FIFA Receives Over 500 Million Ticket Requests For 2026 World Cup

  FIFA has announced an unprecedented surge in demand for the 2026 World Cup, with over 500 million ticket requests submitted during the initial month-long application window. Fans from all 211 member associations applied, with the Colombia vs. Portugal fixture in Miami emerging as the most requested match. Despite significant price hikes, the 48-team tournament across North America is set to be the most attended sporting event in history.

• INDIA Jan 16: Amelia Valverde Joins India Women’s Team As Mentor For Asian Cup Prep

  The All India Football Federation has appointed former Costa Rica and Monterrey manager Amelia Valverde as a mentor for the women’s national team. Working alongside head coach Crispin Chhetri, Valverde brings two World Cups of experience to support India’s preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. Her short-term role is seen as a strategic move to professionalize the program as India aims for historic 2027 World Cup qualification.

• PAKISTAN Jan 16: Pakistan To Host Australia For Three-Match T20I Series In World Cup Build-Up

  The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 26 in Lahore. This series serves as a critical final warm-up for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Tickets go on sale today as Mohammad Rizwan’s men look to find the right balance following a period of mixed results and tactical experimentation in the Big Bash League.