Sports
He has been my sponsor: Sakshi thanks Virat Kohli after CWG boxing Gold | Other Sports News
For Sakshi Chaudhary, the road to Commonwealth Games gold was built on far more than one successful night in the boxing ring.
The 25-year-old Indian boxer had endured injuries, missed major international events and made a significant change in weight category before finally getting her opportunity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. When that moment arrived, Chaudhary delivered, defeating England’s Ruby White 5-0 in the women’s 51kg final to secure a historic gold medal.
After her triumph, however, Chaudhary was also quick to acknowledge the role played by former India captain Virat Kohli, who supported her career through the Virat Kohli Foundation.
“He has been my sponsor. So I would like to thank him too,” Chaudhary said, while also revealing that Kohli’s advice had helped her deal with the pressure surrounding the Games.
Kohli’s Support Went Beyond Financial Backing
Kohli’s association with Chaudhary dates back several years. According to the information shared by the Virat Kohli Foundation, the boxer was inducted into its athlete support programme in 2019, when she was still working towards establishing herself on the international circuit.
For an athlete competing in a sport that does not command the same commercial ecosystem as cricket, sustained financial support can be crucial. Training, equipment, coaching, travel and participation in international competitions can place considerable demands on athletes and their families.
Chaudhary’s comments suggest that Kohli’s involvement was not limited to sponsorship. She said the former India captain encouraged her to avoid dwelling on the pressure of the occasion and instead concentrate on her performance inside the ring.
A Comeback Built Through Setbacks
Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games triumph came after a difficult period in her career.
Injuries forced her to miss the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as well as the 2023 Asian Games. She had also narrowly missed out on qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Instead of allowing those setbacks to derail her career, Chaudhary made another major decision. She moved down from the 54kg category to 51kg, beginning another fight to establish herself in a highly competitive weight class.
Her selection for the Commonwealth Games was ultimately secured after she defeated two leading domestic contenders — world champion Nikhat Zareen and Asian champion Minakshi Hooda, in the selection trials.
By the time she reached Glasgow, Chaudhary had already fought through several hurdles simply to earn her place on the Indian team.
The Final That Delivered Gold
The biggest test came in the final against England’s Ruby White.
Chaudhary produced a commanding performance to win the bout unanimously, with all five judges scoring the contest in her favour.
The 5-0 victory gave her her maiden Commonwealth Games gold medal and completed a remarkable turnaround after the injuries and selection disappointments that had defined parts of her career.
Her achievement was also part of a historic performance by India’s boxing contingent, which collected a record seven gold medals at the Games.
For Chaudhary, however, the medal represented something more personal: proof that the setbacks that once threatened to derail her career had not defined it.
The Role of the Virat Kohli Foundation
The Virat Kohli Foundation has supported athletes across disciplines, including sportspersons from boxing, athletics, tennis, swimming and para-sports.
Its stated approach has included supporting promising athletes before they become household names, when access to consistent resources can make a significant difference to their development.
Chaudhary’s association with the foundation began in 2019, years before her Commonwealth Games breakthrough.
That timeline is significant. Support for athletes is often most valuable before they reach the biggest stages, when they are still attempting to establish themselves and may not yet have access to substantial commercial opportunities.
In Chaudhary’s case, that backing came during a period in which she was still building her career. Her eventual Commonwealth Games gold provides a striking example of how long-term athlete support can intersect with talent, coaching, determination and competitive opportunity.
More Than a Celebrity-Athlete Connection
The story of Chaudhary and Kohli also points to a broader issue within Indian sport.
Cricket continues to dominate India’s sporting landscape commercially, while athletes in disciplines such as boxing often have to navigate a very different financial environment. For many of them, support from foundations, sponsors and government-backed programmes can determine how consistently they can train and compete.
Chaudhary’s journey illustrates why such support matters.
Kohli’s backing did not win the Commonwealth Games final for her. The gold medal came after years of training, recovering from injuries, changing weight categories and beating some of India’s leading boxers to earn selection.
But having financial and motivational support during the difficult stages of that journey can give an athlete the space to keep pursuing the goal.
For Chaudhary, that journey has now culminated in a Commonwealth Games gold medal — and she has made sure to acknowledge one of the people who helped her stay on that path.
Her Glasgow triumph is therefore not simply the story of a boxer winning a gold medal. It is the story of an athlete who kept rebuilding after setbacks, found support before achieving mainstream recognition and ultimately reached the biggest stage to deliver when it mattered most.
Sports
Canada’s Josh Naylor homers twice in narrow Mariners loss to Rays
SEATTLE — Richie Palacios hit a two-run single in the sixth inning, Victor Mesa Jr. homered and the Tampa Bay Rays‘ bullpen held on for a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.
Griffin Jax was set to start for the Rays, but was removed hours before first pitch because of discomfort in his right elbow. Tampa Bay used seven arms out of the bullpen, with Casey Legumina getting the start.
The AL East leading Rays (70-46) have won six of seven and are the first AL team to reach 70 wins. The Mariners have dropped four of their last five and trail the final AL wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games.
Steven Matz (5-4) pitched two innings for the victory. Bryan Baker closed out the ninth for his AL-leading 34th save.
Josh Naylor hit two solo homers for Seattle, which were his first since June 12. He hit one off Cam Booser in the second, and another in the seventh off Garrett Cleavinger.
Palacios hit the two-out, two-run single in the sixth off Michael Rucker (0-2) to put the Rays up 3-1.
Mesa tied it at 1 with a 412-foot homer into right field in the fourth.
George Kirby allowed one run on four hits, but exited after five innings with 99 pitches.
Seattle manager Dan Wilson was ejected for the second time over the past four games. Julio Rodríguez was not granted a challenge after a strike three call by home plate umpire Emil Jimenez because Rodríguez took too long. The following inning, Jonathan Aranda also challenged and it was granted. Boos from the Seattle crowd continued into the next frames.
Sports
Wade Meckler, Angels aim to leave Miami with series win
Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Wade Meckler (53) greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) after scoring during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Wade Meckler, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, is living his dream.
Meckler, an Anaheim native who grew up a Los Angeles Angels fan, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round in 2022. Then, this past January, Meckler was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Finally, on May 22, Meckler made his Angels debut, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat.
On Sunday, Meckler is expected to start in left field as the Angels complete their three-game series at the Miami Marlins. Miami won Saturday’s game 7-0 to tie the series.
As for the 26-year-old Meckler, in 59 games for the Angels this season, he is hitting .305 with three homers, 20 RBIs and a .789 OPS.
“He puts together great at-bats,” Los Angeles manager Kurt Suzuki said. “He works the count, puts the ball in play. He can bunt. He’s been awesome.”
On the mound for the Angels, right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (3-4, 7.24 ERA) will start on Sunday.
Rodriguez, 26, who was Baltimore’s first-round pick (11th overall) in 2018, went 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA as an Orioles rookie in 2023. The next year, he went 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA.
However, Rodriguez missed the 2025 season due to an elbow injury, and he has struggled in 11 starts with the Angels this year. The Angels acquired him from Baltimore last November, trading away slugger Taylor Ward.
Rodriguez, who has never faced Miami, mostly uses four pitches: fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. His fastball averages 96 mph, and he relies on that pitch 53% of the time.
The Marlins will counter Rodriguez with right-hander Ryan Gusto (0-3, 4.80).
Gusto, 27, was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2019. The Marlins acquired him on July 31, 2025, in a trade that sent outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston. Gusto is 0-6 in parts of two seasons with the Marlins.
Offensively, as detailed by MLB.com, the Marlins entered this series ranked second in the majors with the most runners thrown out on the bases with 47. Beyond that, Miami’s offense has slipped. Through July 9, the Marlins were averaging 4.62 runs per game, which ranked 11th in the majors. Since July 10, however, Miami is scoring just 3.09 runs, which ranks 29th.
“We’re just not stringing a ton together like we usually do,” Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers said. “Offensively, we can be better. I’m not necessarily sure what needs to change. If anything, we need to continue to create opportunities.”
Miami’s run-scoring issues are more pronounced now that Liam Hicks has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Even though Hicks is on the other side of the state, he still leads Miami in RBIs with 62.
In addition, Marlins middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards have slumped over the past month-plus. Three weeks ago, Lopez, Miami’s shortstop, led the National League with a .345 batting average. Due to his slump, Lopez is no longer on top, hitting .317 entering Sunday.
Edwards, Miami’s second baseman, hit just .247 in July, and he was batting .150 in August before breaking out on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Lopez also broke out on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
–Field Level Media
Sports
New at Fairway Jockey: Lusso Cloud slides
Sports
India vs Sri Lanka XI, Warm-Up Match Day 3 LIVE Score: Rishabh Pant Takes Charge After Shubman Gill Departs For 44, India 1 Down
India vs Sri Lanka XI Warm-Up Match, Day 3 LIVE Updates:
Yashasvi Jaiswal retired out after scoring 61 as India continued to dominate the chase of 207 against Sri Lanka XI. Following Jaiswal’s departure, Rishabh Pant joined Shubman Gill at the crease. Earlier, Sri Lanka XI ended their second innings at 200/6 at Tea on Day 3 of the three-day warm-up match against India. Nishan Madushka and Nipun Dhananjaya were the standout performers for the hosts, scoring 63 and 46 runs respectively. For India, Gurnoor Brar and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed one wicket apiece. India now require 207 runs to win the warm-up match.
Here are the LIVE Score and Updates of India vs Sri Lanka XI Warm-Up Match Day 3:
Sports
FIFA warns against ‘concerted effort’ to undermine Infantino
FIFA warned against what it calls a “concerted and ongoing effort” to “undermine” the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino.
The statement, issued late on Saturday, comes amid a growing dispute over Infantino’s leadership after the failed plan to create a subsidiary to run the men’s World Cup and other events, with up to a 20% stake offered to external investors.
The proposal drew criticism from European governing body UEFA, which threatened to boycott future World Cups, as well as several national associations and senior FIFA officials, and prompted calls for Infantino to resign.
Amid the growing criticism Infantino persuaded FIFA’s Board of Management to express its full support for him at a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.
Report raises new questions over Infantino
The pressure on Infantino intensified on Friday when British newspaper the Daily Telegraph reported a six-figure sum was paid to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with him during his time as UEFA general secretary.
UEFA confirmed a departure payment and said it also funded her MBA course, stating both were in line with regulations at the time.
A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph on Friday: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.”
Responding to the latest scrutiny, FIFA said on Saturday, without directly mentioning the Telegraph report, “recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President.”
Investment plan dispute deepens leadership crisis
The fallout over the shelved private investment plan has overshadowed Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president.
After this week’s crisis meeting, UEFA said it no longer has confidence in him, and Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness called for his resignation.
Despite the controversy, Infantino retains strong backing among FIFA members, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously supporting his leadership and South American governing body CONMEBOL opposing any attempt to remove him without a vote of all member associations.
FIFA said that those who lacked the support of its member associations should not seek to achieve “allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”
Edited by: Emmy Sasipornkarn
Don’t let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google, so you’ll always see our verified news first.
Sports
Morocco Knock South Africa Out of WAFCON with 2-1 Win
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have been knocked out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.
Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanan Ait El Haj scored for Morocco, while Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa.
The match was a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON final, with both sides also fighting for a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco started the brighter of the two teams, with Sanaa Mssoudy heading just wide after meeting a cross from the right.
South Africa responded as Kgatlana created space outside the box, but her effort went narrowly over the target.
The hosts eventually took the lead in the 31st minute. Ouzraoui met a dangerous cross from the right and lifted the ball over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to make it 1-0.
Morocco doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half after Noxolo Cesane was penalised for a foul inside the box. A penalty was awarded, and Ait El Haj calmly converted to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis responded by making a change, bringing on Amogelang Motau for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado as South Africa searched for a way back into the game.
The visitors reduced the deficit in the 67th minute through Kgatlana. The forward beat the offside trap and finished from a tight angle, with the goal awarded after a VAR review.
Motau almost equalised moments later, but Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi produced an excellent save to keep her side in front.
South Africa pushed forward in the closing stages and committed more players to attack, but Morocco held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.
The defeat ends Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title, while Morocco advance to the semi-finals and secure their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In the semifinals, Morocco will face the winner of Sunday’s quarterfinals between Nigeria and Cameroon .
Sports
Madugu Says Super Falcons Ready for Crucial Cameroon Clash
Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his players understand what is at stake as Nigeria prepare to face Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nigeria, the defending champions, will meet the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.
Madugu said the Super Falcons are fully prepared for the important encounter and determined to continue their title defence.
“It’s an important match because we all know what is at stake, the ticket for the World Cup. After the World Cup ticket, you have the semi-finals, which will also enable you to continue your quest for retaining the trophy,” Madugu said.
“We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.”
Nigeria have faced Cameroon twice in recent friendly matches, but Madugu believes those games will have little bearing on Sunday’s quarter-final.
He noted that both teams have changed since those meetings, with some players who featured previously no longer in the squads.
“The last two games we played against Cameroon were preparatory games, and a lot of things went into those matches,” he said.
“There were players that were not involved then who are here now for both teams, so we’re not using those games to assess the current team.”
The Super Falcons conceded goals during the group stage, but Madugu remains confident that his team can improve defensively while maintaining their attacking strength.
“We have been working to ensure that those mistakes and loopholes that caused those goals are corrected. Yes, we conceded goals, but we equally score goals, so it’s still positive for us,” he said.
The coach also confirmed that there are some injury concerns in the squad, with the medical team working to get the affected players ready for the match.
Meanwhile, midfielder Toni Payne said the Super Falcons remain determined to qualify for the World Cup and continue their pursuit of another WAFCON title.
“Everyone in the team, including myself and the staff, are really confident going into this game,” Payne said.
“We know it’s going to be a physical game, but that’s something that we’re always prepared for.”
Payne also insisted that Nigeria’s hunger for success has not reduced despite their long history of winning the competition.
“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning. We appreciate all the accomplishments we’ve made, but we’re just as hungry as ever,” she said.
The Super Falcons will secure a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup if they defeat Cameroon on Sunday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Sports
Llewllyn’s new chapter begins with a Randwick win aboard Eliyass in 2026
Eight-year-old galloper Eliyass has rolled back the clock with a tenacious all-the-way victory at Randwick, providing apprentice jockey Shannen Llewllyn with a significant early success as she prepares to shift her indentures to trainer Ciaron Maher.
Llewllyn, based in Newcastle, is scheduled to join Maher’s stable for a three-month loan period starting August 17. She wasted no time in making a favourable impression for her new mentor, executing a well-judged frontrunning ride on Eliyass.
The former Tulloch Lodge gelding had not celebrated a win since taking out the 2024 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). He missed a substantial part of the previous season after undergoing surgery with screws inserted into both fetlocks.
Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) was just the second start for Eliyass on his comeback journey, following an unplaced performance in last month’s Civic Stakes (1400m). Maher’s assistant trainer, Jo Gerard-Dubord, indicated that the horse had rediscovered his winning form ahead of expectations.
“We knew the horse was going very well. We thought he was probably still a run away, especially with such a big weight,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“But he’s one of those horses. When they like winning and they’ve got a bit of class like him, it takes them a long way. He is back on track.
“It’s only his second run in over a year, so he will improve again, and he’ll be right at the right time of year.”
Gerard-Dubord confirmed that Eliyass is likely to be pointed towards the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick in a fortnight. He also mentioned the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) on October 10 as a potential long-term spring target.
“We’re very grateful to be sent a horse like him,” he stated.
“He’s had his issues, but look at his record. He’s a winner, and hopefully we’ll have a lot more fun with him.
“There’s a lot more to come in terms of fitness. In time, a race like the Hill Stakes is a good prizemoney race.”
Eliyass was settled towards the rear of the field in his first-up run over a shorter distance. However, with the step up in distance on Saturday, Llewllyn was instructed to ride him more positively.
The 25-year-old apprentice followed instructions precisely, with Eliyass ($26) setting the pace and holding on for a neck victory over Matusalem ($16). Chris Waller’s charge Tazima ($2.15 favourite), a stablemate of the runner-up, finished a short head behind in third.
“He was travelling really keenly out in front, and I didn’t have to ask much of him until the three hundred (metres),” Llewllyn reported.
“I thought he would tough it out. I know he keeps sticking his head out, and that’s what he did.”
Australian betting sites will be closely monitoring Eliyass’s campaign following this impressive return to winning form.
Sports
Aaron McKenna: Irish boxer beats Etinosa Oliha to win IBF world middleweight title in the 3Arena in Dublin
Aaron McKenna produced a composed and dominant performance against previously unbeaten Etinosa Oliha to claim the IBF world middleweight title in his first professional fight on Irish soil at Dublin’s 3Arena.
The Monaghan fighter extended his perfect professional record to 21-0 after controlling much of the 12-round contest to claim a unanimous decision victory at Zuffa Boxing 10.
McKenna earned scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards to hand the now 22-1 Italian his first professional defeat.
Afterwards, McKenna reflected on fulfilling a childhood ambition after nine years as a professional without fighting in Ireland.
“A new world champion. I said it for years,” McKenna told Sky Sports.
“Since I was six years old, I thought about this moment my whole life, so for it to finally happen at 27, it goes to show everyone, don’t give up, always stay true to yourself, and you can do anything.”
McKenna admitted Oliha provided a sterner challenge than expected and welcomed all challengers.
“Oliha was definitely strong. I made it harder than it should have been, but I got the job done.
“It doesn’t matter [who’s next], anyone. I’m easy to find now that I have a belt. I want to collect every belt in boxing. I’m the best middleweight in the world, and super-middleweight; I don’t mind jumping up either.”
Oliha began positively and applied pressure during the cagey opening rounds, enjoying particular success in the second as McKenna looked to establish his jab from the back foot.
McKenna, known as ‘The Silencer’ gradually found his rhythm, repeatedly landing his jab and uppercut while using his range effectively to avoid Oliha’s heavier attacks.
The 27-year-old increasingly took control, forcing Oliha onto the ropes and landing combinations to the head and body.
Oliha continued to march forward, but McKenna’s movement and defence largely nullified the Italian’s pressure as he continued to land the cleaner shots.
A clash of heads left McKenna bleeding in the 11th, but he remained composed and landed several clean shots in response.
Oliha pushed forward in search of a dramatic finish in the final round, but McKenna continued to frustrate him with his jab before the final bell prompted celebrations from the Dublin crowd.
Sports
Demi Vollering turns women’s Tour de France upside down on eve of finish – Sports
Demi Vollering won stage 8 of the Tour de France and took the yellow jersey on the eve of the finish. The Dutch rider managed to distance her rival Kasia Niewiadoma.
Also in this edition: Gary Hunt’s bronze medal in high diving, Léon Marchand’s withdrawal from the individual medley events, Paris Saint-Germain’s draw against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup and its agreement with Ferran Torres, Chelsea and Real Madrid’s wins in their respective pre-season friendlies, the elimination of the Lebrun brothers at the WTT Champions in Yokohama, the end of Arthur Rinderknech’s run in Montreal and the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father.
-
Politics7 days agoZack Polanski: an incitement to murder Nigel Farage?
-
Fashion2 days agoFrugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Cap-Sleeve Pointelle Crewneck Sweater
-
Fashion2 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Mattifying Sunscreen
-
Business6 days agoDTCR: Deleveraging And A Hedge Fund Collapse Point To A Possible AI Bottom
-
Crypto World7 days agoXRP Ledger urges node upgrade after manifest flood
-
Sports3 days agoJordan Coyle & Cordiamo take Laya Arena Stakes at RDS
-
News Videos1 day agoCan Astrology Help Find Gold and Silver Trends? A Financial Astrology Guide
-
Crypto World5 days agoUS Tech Stocks See Largest 5-Week Inflow in History: Can Nasdaq Break Its Downtrend?
-
Business4 days agoUS stocks: Dow closes at record on Mideast optimism; SpaceX, AMD drag Nasdaq
-
Politics3 days agoReform UK And Greens Sink To Lowest Favourability Ratings To Date
-
Business4 days agoNvidia Stock Climbs 2.5% as Chip Sector Rally Builds Ahead of AMD Earnings, Nvidia’s Own Report Looms
-
Crypto World5 days agoPolymarket targets $20 billion valuation as competition heats up in prediction market sector
-
Tech6 days agoOpenAI teases Astra, its next major AI model, after it solves 10 long-standing math problems
-
Tech4 days agoOpenAI, Anthropic AI agents targeted real people and systems in cyber tests
-
Business4 days agoSupply chain issues impact Ingredion
-
News Videos6 days ago#crypto #cryptocurrency #cryptonews #cuet2026 #ceuta
-
Business6 days agoMyspace owners announce plans to relaunch the once-popular platform
-
News Videos6 days agoCrypto.com Partners with UFC for UFC 331 Event
-
Crypto World5 days agoCLARITY Act Senate Vote Locked In, But 60-Vote Hurdle Looms Large
-
News Videos6 days agoHuge SPINS!! (for me) #slots #casino #gambling #money #jackpot








You must be logged in to post a comment Login