aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

FIDE World Cup 2025 in India: PM Narendra Modi says 'Chess is gaining popularity among our youth'

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three Candidates Tournament spots and a $2 million prize pool. The event features chess giants like D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, and R Praggnanandhaa. India boasts a strong contingent of 21 players, including Viswanathan Anand, as the World Cup returns to India after 23 years.

Lucas Vazquez signs for Bayer Leverkusen till 2027 after Real Madrid goodbye

Lucas Vazquez's switch from Real Madrid to Bayer Leverkusen marks the end of an era for the veteran defender. The move opens a fresh Bundesliga chapter, with Xabi Alonso's legacy still looming large at the German club.

Sanju Samson in red-hot form ahead of Asia Cup, shines as opener in Kerala league

Sanju Samson continues his stellar form as the Asia Cup approaches. He scored a blistering 89 in 46 balls to help the Kochi-based franchise post a fighting first-innings total.

Pulwama hosts its first-ever day-night cricket match, draws thousands of spectators

The Royal Premier League kicked off in Pulwama as Royal Goodwill defeated Sultan Springs Baramulla in a thrilling opener, with thousands of fans celebrating the start of Kashmir's biggest local cricketing platform.

US Open: Healthy again, Jannik Sinner breezes into 2nd round, equals Italian record

Jannik Sinner began his US Open title defence with a dominant straight-sets win over Vit Kopriva on August 26. The Italian World No. 1 extended his winning run in hard-court Grand Slams to 22 matches.

Banned! Jobe Bellingham's father barred from Borussia Dortmund dressing room after heated interaction

Borussia Dortmund has implemented stricter post-match rules, barring players' families from the dressing room area. This decision follows an incident involving Mark Bellingham, father of Jobe Bellingham, who questioned the sporting director about his son's substitution during a recent game. Despite Dortmund downplaying the situation, they aim to prevent future disruptions by limiting access to players, coaches, and officials only.

‘Got out before we reached’: Sehwag’s son blames Delhi traffic for first cricket memory

Aryavir Sehwag recalls a light-hearted incident from his childhood. He missed watching his father, Virender Sehwag, bat in an IPL match in Delhi. Traffic caused the delay. Virender got out before they reached the stadium. Aryavir named this as his earliest childhood memory of his father playing. Aryavir now plays professional cricket. He said that he understands his father's greatness after he started playing professionally.

‘Ghar ki murgi daal barabar’: Virender Sehwag’s son recalls father’s humorous words – Watch

Aryavir Sehwag, son of legendary cricketer Virender Sehwag, is currently playing in the Delhi Premier League. He acknowledges that he is beginning to grasp the magnitude of his father's accomplishments as he pursues a career in professional cricket. Aryavir expresses admiration for his father's extraordinary achievements and draws inspiration from his illustrious career.

201 international wickets, one favourite: Sachin Tendulkar's pick will surprise you

Sachin Tendulkar, celebrated for his batting, also possessed valuable bowling skills. Despite limited opportunities, he claimed 46 Test wickets, with a cherished moment arriving in the 2004 Multan Test. Asked about his favorite wicket, Tendulkar recalled dismissing Moin Khan with a deceptive googly on the day's final ball.

Virat Kohli’s emotional note for Cheteshwar Pujara: ‘Thank you for making my job easier at 4’

Virat Kohli paid tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Indian batting order, especially at the No.3 position. Kohli highlighted Pujara's role in easing his own batting at No.4 and their memorable partnerships. The former Indian skipper congratulated him on his career and wished him well for the future.

Grimsby vs Man United: Mainoo, Onana in line for rare minutes

Kobbie Mainoo and André Onana will be handed the chance to stake a claim for a first-team spot at Manchester United in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie.

Cadillac 'shut down' links to ex-Red Bull boss Christian Horner

The new Cadillac F1 team strongly denied reports it was considering hiring fired Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Cadillac confirm Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas for 2026 F1 debut

Cadillac has confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will form its driver lineup for its Formula 1 debut season in 2026.

Rio Ngumoha not getting 'carried away' after Liverpool winner

"I heard them screaming my name and that's a very sensational moment," said teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha.

Striker domino effect: How Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd and others net out

This transfer window has seen a bunch of Premier League strikers move, but they all just sorted of swapped teams. Has all this spending accomplished anything?

Sinquefield Cup: R Praggnanandhaa takes joint lead with Fabiano Caruana; D Gukesh drops to bottom half

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa showcased a dominant performance, defeating Alireza Firouzja and surging to joint first place in the Sinquefield Cup alongside Fabiano Caruana with a score of 4.5. However, D Gukesh faced a setback, losing to Wesley So and dropping to the bottom standings in the standings. With three rounds remaining, the competition intensifies as Caruana and Praggnanandhaa lead, followed closely by Wesley So and Levon Aronian.

US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz's buzz cut vs Andre Agassi's bald era - what is similar, what is not

Carlos Alcaraz debuted a shaved head at the US Open. A haircut mishap caused the change. He defeated Reilly Opelka in the first round. Frances Tiafoe and Rory McIlroy teased Alcaraz about his new look. The haircut drew comparisons to Andre Agassi's bald era. Alcaraz's performance remained unaffected by the change.

'GSL not in competition with other T20 leagues but a partnership': Guyana President

Guyana is leveraging its cricket heritage and passionate fanbase to establish itself as a prominent cricket destination with the Cricket West Indies-backed Global Super League (GSL). Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali envisions the GSL as a collaborative venture, not a competitive one, aiming to partner with major cricket boards and involve ICC.

Chess | It’s official! Goa to host FIDE World Cup with Rs 17.5 Cr prize pool

Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize and 3 qualifying spots for 2026 Candidates Tournament. This eight-round knockout event marks a significant moment for Indian chess, following recent triumphs like D Gukesh's World Championship and team victories at the Chess Olympiad.

Sunil Gavaskar hits out: ‘Focus on your country’s cricket, let us worry about ours’

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized overseas cricketers for commenting on India's team selection, particularly Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad. The legend questioned the need for foreign voices to judge decisions made by Indian selectors, emphasizing that Indian cricket is strictly an Indian affair. He also argued that such foreign players hardly comment when it pertains to matters of their own country.