Former India No. 1 Saurav Ghosal termed squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics a watershed moment and emphasised the need to expand access, improve coaching, and strengthen the ecosystem to sustain the sport’s growth.

Recently appointed Sports Commissioner of World Premier Squash, Ghosal said the role is a culmination of his journey in the sport.

“I played professional squash and for India for more than 20 years… it’s been a blessing. This phase is a coming together of all those experiences and I’m excited to hopefully make a contribution at the global level and democratise the sport,” he said.

“I’ve always viewed pressure situations as opportunities… this is an opportunity to do something substantial in the sport,” he added.

On India’s rise in squash, Ghosal underlined the importance of participation.

“Strength lies in numbers… if you have more players playing, the probability is that you will produce champions,” he said.

“The upward trajectory is very heartening… and this is an attempt to democratise the sport, get more kids, more people and recreational players involved because the entire ecosystem has to be involved,” he added.

He also highlighted the role of exposure and opportunity.

“There are so many players who haven’t had the financial backing or the right guidance. This can give them a window to showcase their talent on the world stage,” he said.

India currently has multiple players in the top-50, including teenager Anahat Singh.

“It’s great that we have four boys in the top-50 we also have Anahat in the top-20. Success breeds success and that will help the overall ecosystem,” Ghosal said.

“She has everything going for her – talent, mentality, support… if she continues the way she is, there’s no reason she cannot be a mainstay in the top-10,” he added.

“I don’t want to put undue pressure on her, she’s still 18 and needs to enjoy this time,” he said.

On squash’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Ghosal said it marks a defining moment.

“It’s a watershed moment, not just for Indian squash but globally, the Olympics is the biggest platform and the epitome of sporting excellence,” he said.

“It’s only befitting that squash gets the chance to showcase its athletic excellence on the biggest stage… and I’m sure it will be a very entertaining show,’ he added.

“I really hope we have Indians making a dent in that 16-player draw, that’s what everyone is gunning towards,” he said.

On pathways to the Olympics, he pointed to the Asian Games and called it an opportunity for the players to book their spots.

“The winner (at Asian Games) will be the first confirmed spot. Winning gold is not easy, no Indian has done it before, but it is definitely within reach.

“The idea is not just to qualify but to put yourself in a position to be a realistic medal contender,” he said.

Despite progress, Ghosal highlighted structural gaps in Indian squash.

“You can’t train in India 365 days at the highest level… even the top players train abroad because the quality of the highest echelon of coaches is not there in India today.

“That is something we need to work towards… getting people from abroad and having Indian coaches work with them so they understand what it takes at the highest level,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with other top squash playing nations, he said: “If you look at Egypt, most players train at home, you have top players training together and pushing each other constantly.” 
He also stressed the need to expand grassroots access for the sport to become bigger in the country.

“It has been a slightly elitist sport… access to courts has not been easy, though that is slowly changing.

“Junior programmes and more tournaments have helped… kids see it, get into the competitive feeling and play more.

“To really explode in numbers, taking it into schools is important, and using digital platforms to reach players even in far-flung areas.

“Getting it on TV is extremely important… it gives kids that aspirational value to take up the sport,” he said.

On the format and innovation in World Premier Squash, which uses AI enabled qualification pathways, he said it will be “extremely different” from traditional squash.

“Short, sharp and entertaining, and as inclusive as possible across age groups.

“There are so many players who are extremely talented but may not travel… this gives them a chance to qualify from wherever they are,” he said.

“All you need is a phone and the app, and you could be on a global leaderboard and even stand on the same court as the top players,” he added.

“It’s about bridging the gap between the professional tour, juniors and recreational players… a 360-degree effort to elevate the sport,” he said.

Asked about India’s maiden Squash World Cup triumph, Ghosal said it was a step forward but bigger goals remain.

“It’s a good achievement, but there are bigger things to win. The Olympics is the epitome and players now have the opportunity to do something substantial there,” he said.

Ghosal stressed that collective effort will be key going forward.

“We are talking about five players today, we need to aim for hundreds. If all stakeholders work together over the next five to 10 years, there’s no reason why we can’t get there,” he said.

The third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship begins Saturday morning at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Saturday, including full Valspar Championship TV coverage, streaming details and Round 3 tee times.

How to watch Valspar Championship on Saturday

Sungjae Im followed up a first-round 64 with a second-round 69 on Friday to take the Valspar Championship halfway-point lead at nine under par. Im is one shot clear of his closest competitor, David Lipsky, and two shots ahead of Doug Ghim and Chandler Blanchet.

Im is seeking his third career Tour victory, and first since his win at the 2021 Shriner’s Childrens Open. Lipsky has yet to notch a PGA Tour title.

On Saturday, Im and Lipsky will play in the afternoon’s final pairing at 1:55 p.m. ET.

You can watch the third round of the Valspar Championship on TV via Golf Channel beginning on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the NBC broadcast at 3 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage all day Saturday.

Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship.

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How to watch on TV Saturday

Golf Channel will carry third-round TV coverage of the 2026 Valspar Championship from 1-3 p.m. ET on Saturday followed by the NBC broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET.

How to stream online Saturday

You can stream the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage starting on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET in addition to featured group and hole coverage.

2026 Valspar Championship Round 3 tee times (ET)

Tee No. 1

7:35 a.m. – John Parry, John VanDerLaan 

7:45 a.m. – Andrew Novak, A.J. Ewart 

7:55 a.m. – Patrick Rodgers, Davis Thompson 

8:05 a.m. – Matti Schmid, Mackenzie Hughes 

8:15 a.m. – Davis Chatfield, Christiaan Bezuidenhout

8:25 a.m. – Kevin Streelman, Vince Whaley 

8:35 a.m. – Stefan Jaeger, Dylan Wu 

8:45 a.m. – Michael Kim, Bud Cauley 

9 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Lee Hodges 

9:10 a.m. – Justin Lower, Denny McCarthy 

9:20 a.m. – Isaiah Salinda, Jimmy Stanger 

9:30 a.m. – Webb Simpson, Ryo Hisatsune 

9:40 a.m. – Rasmus Hojgaard, Joel Dahmen 

9:50 a.m. – Henrik Norlander, Chad Ramey 

10 a.m. – Karl Vilips, Kevin Roy 

10:10 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Ricky Castillo 

10:25 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Takumi Kanaya 

10:35 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

10:45 a.m. – Sam Ryder, Justin Thomas 

10:55 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Kensei Hirata 

11:05 a.m. – Pierceson Coody, Matthieu Pavon 

11:15 a.m. – Chandler Phillips, Xander Schauffele 

11:25 a.m. – Adrien Dumont de Chassart, S.H. Kim 

11:35 a.m. – Seamus Power, Blades Brown 

11:50 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Tom Kim 

Noon – Hank Lebioda, Patrick Cantlay 

12:10 p.m. – Patrick Fishburn, Alejandro Tosti 

12:20 p.m. – David Skinns, David Ford 

12:30 p.m. – Jordan Spieth, Rico Hoey 

12:40 p.m. – Corey Conners, Nicolai Hojgaard 

12:50 p.m. Danny Walker, Brooks Koepka 

1 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Tony Finau 

1:15 p.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Gary Woodland 

1:25 p.m. Jordan Smith, Alex Smalley 

1:35 p.m. – Marco Penge, Matt Fitzpatrick 

1:45 p.m. – Doug Ghim, Chandler Blanchet 

1:55 p.m. – Sungjae Im, David Lipsky 

Recently, the training venture run by Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes has experienced up-and-down results.

Their freshest win in Victoria was a Kilmore maiden from earlier this month, alongside Stakes-level achievement with Gangsta Granny in Sydney on March 7.

The stable often delivers powerful teams for the Melbourne and Sydney carnivals, including participants in three of five Group 1 races at Rosehill.

On Saturday, Caulfield hosts the William Reid Stakes (1200m), wrapping up Melbourne’s Group 1 schedule, where the Hawkes have Airman and Devil Night entered.

Airman remains winless approaching 18 months, penalized for his victory in the Group 2 Premiere Cup (1200m) at Randwick during October 2024.

Wayne Hawkes commented that Airman carries the class needed for Saturday’s event and has trialled sharply in readiness for his first outing post-November.

“He won the Premiere Stakes which is two weeks before The Everest and which is the best lead-up race to The Everest,” Hawkes said.

“You know he is up to that class of race, but he hasn’t won for 18 months, but I wouldn’t discard him.

“He’s going pretty well.”

Devil Night has secured one win across seven runs, highlighted by his conquest of the Blue Diamond Stakes, Melbourne’s leading juvenile race, on start two.

Spring brought mixed fortunes for the three-year-old, though Hawkes cited his fourth to Giga Kick in the Schillaci Stakes as a key performance.

Devil Night began autumn placed second behind Pallaton in Caulfield’s Zeditave Stakes (1200m) last month, with a recent quiet trial at Flemington.

“He’s going super and this is the race we’ve picked out for him,” Hawkes said.

“He was getting beaten in the spring behind Giga Kick, which isn’t bad for a three-year-old and Giga Kick is an Everest horse, and the bottom line is, there’s your form.

“Beau Mertens had a sit on him in his trial and I’m happy with the horse and how he’s going.”

Regarding which he prefers, Hawkes leaned marginally to Devil Night.

“He’s the fitter one,” Hawkes said.

Compare the betting sites for William Reid Stakes racing odds.

The WNBA’s milestone 30th season is scheduled to tip off in less than two months. On Wednesday, the marathon negotiations between the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association ended with an historic agreement on a collective bargaining agreement.

The two sides verbally agreed to a deal that would raise teams’ salary caps to $7 million, ESPN reported. Last season’s salary cap was $1.5 million. Players will be eligible for supermax deals starting at $1.4 million in 2026, up from $249,244 in 2025.

Every WNBA player will earn at least $300,000 under the new CBA, sources told ESPN.

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A detail of the WNBA logo on a basketball during warmups between the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena on June 20, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.  (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Diana Taurasi, an 11-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, reacted to the latest development. The former Phoenix Mercury guard said she believes the deal is a step in the right direction.

“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years,” she told The Spun. “There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports. It’s nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”

WNBA STARS’ ALL-STAR GAME MESSAGE ON PAY INCREASE DRAWS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

The details of the term sheet are still being finalized. The next step is ratification by the players and the league’s board of governors.

Diana Taurasi speaks during a press conference at the Phoenix Mercury Practice Facility on March 13, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Taurasi announced she was retiring after a 20-year career in the WNBA.  (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Taurasi’s sentiments echoed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s stance about what she described as a landmark deal.

“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” Engelbert told reporters shortly after the deal was struck early Wednesday, “and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.

“It’s [been] a process, but we’re very proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are amazing, and we’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA executive committee president Nneka Ogwumike, who participated in the prolonged bargaining sessions, commended the efforts that led to the new CBA.

“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal,” Ogwumike said. “We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like.

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Once the new CBA is finalized, it will mark the sixth agreement in WNBA history, with the previous one reached in 2020. The full terms of the new deal are expected to reflect the league’s recent surge in growth, viewership and overall popularity.

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Last week at the PGA Tour headquarters, new Tour CEO Brian Rolapp unveiled six themes for where the league is headed. One of them was a splashy start date on the West Coast, a way for the Tour to get fans excited and kick-start the year in a big way.

“We want to open big with a marquee event at an iconic venue in the west, among other things,” Rolapp said, “allowing us to finish on network television in primetime on the East Coast.”

How might that look? It’ll likely be in late January or early February, and we already know the Tour’s time in Hawaii is probably limited. That leaves a couple of current tournaments as the likely options: the Farmers at Torrey Pines in San Diego, the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, or the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the Monterey Peninsula. The Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles could also be an option.

We might not get an answer soon — and the Tour might still be figuring it out as well — but you could make a case for most of these spots, just as GOLF’s Subpar duo thinks their local event, the WM Phoenix Open, would be the ideal kickoff.

“In my opinion this would go the week before the Super Bowl, in between the conference championships and Super Bowl, there’s that dead week,” said Subpar co-host Colt Knost, on the latest Subpar episode. “This is the week, let’s get the PGA Tour started, get everybody excited and then we take a week off for the Super Bowl — because there is no reason to go against that — and then we get going.

“Their goal long-term is to own the summer,” he continued. “They want golf to be must-see TV throughout the summer, going up against baseball, obviously some basketball. That is their big goal. But I love that we are going to open big.”

Co-host Drew Stoltz, who is also a member of the Thunderbirds, the organization that runs the WM Phoenix Open, agreed.

“I mean, what’s bigger?” he said. “There are some great venues, some great golf courses out west, but if you are going to make a big splash to open the season what would make more sense than that? I don’t have any insider information, not saying it’s a done deal, but if this is the way you are going, we will start basically when football ends, we will call it, even if it’s the week before the Super Bowl, this is the biggest you got.”

For more on the latest Subpar episode, where they break down Cam Young’s Players win and talk more about Rolapp’s six themes, you can listen here or watch on YouTube below.

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Many football watchers will tell you the home viewing experience is ideal for them, but there are still those that love to watch NFL games from the seats at the stadium – truly taking it the experience with their own eyes. 

However, as demand for the sport continues to grow, so have ticket prices just to enter a stadium on gameday. As a result, some fans are simply getting priced out from watching their favorite teams. 

But legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who has represented over 300 professional athletes, especially in football with a record eight No. 1 overall picks and 64 first-rounders under his belt, believes teams and owners should be more “forward-thinking” with their tickets. 

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Leigh Steinberg attends the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California.  (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

He has an idea. 

“I think that it would be prudent and forward-looking for them to reserve, like, 10,000 seats for every game for them to distribute to working families and younger people,” Steinberg told Fox News Digital on a recent phone call. “So, at least at the end of the year, you have a team planting the seeds for the future.”

Steinberg believes to “truly enjoy football” you either have played the game, or have seen it live. That, in his eyes, “totally sustains that interest level.”

BROADCASTER TIM BRADNO SUGGESTS SPORTS FANS GET CONFUSED WHERE TO WATCH GAMES AS STREAMING TAKES OVER

Yes, technological advancements have made it easier for fans of all demographics to catch their favorite teams, as well as the rest of the NFL schedule, from their living room. In fact, some may even tell you spending for the highest NFL package is better than going to games live at this rate. 

That’s because tickets are not the only thing to worry about when going to a game live. 

The Action Network did an analysis of the cost of a family of four to attend an NFL game in every stadium across the country. The study included ticket prices, which were primary and resale from Ticketmaster, food and drinks, and parking for said family. They even looked at the child admission policy to see what ages may be free to find out which stadiums were, somewhat, family friendly. 

Fans of the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos support their teams during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

At the highest was Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions when the season began in 2025. At $2,133.44, with $2,058.44 of that the price of four tickets, the family could enjoy the Eagles. Ford Field (Detroit Lions), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Soldier Field (Chicago Bears) and Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills) round out the top five most expensive stadiums for families. 

The New York Jets and MetLife Stadium were the lowest at $555.94, though the league-wide average was $1,339 for four tickets. 

At the same time, though, Steinberg understands supply and demand, and the latter is through the roof for the NFL. In turn, those with means to pay the expensive ticket prices do so, while others are priced out. 

EX-NFL STAR SHAWNE MERRIMAN ADVOCATING FOR PLAYERS TO GET PAID MORE WHEN TV RIGHTS DEALS EXPLODE

“Right now, you have so much excess demand that they can price those tickets [high],” Steinberg added. “I used to say, ‘Look, we need to think about the future. I’m telling you that players could take a little less money if it meant sustaining the sport long-term. That means ticket prices.’ An owner once put his arm around me and said, ‘Son, that’ll never happen.’”

Could it happen one day? Steinberg sure hopes so, but as long as the insatiable appetite for football diminishes, it’ll likely be harder for some to acquire tickets at the current price tag, let alone secondary market upcharges. 

‘Again, my suggestion would be teams plan and build for the future by having a section each week – they wouldn’t be the best tickets, but who cares if you’re a young kid? I used to go to Rams games in the Coliseum back in the ‘50s and you would’ve needed a telescope. But you still create an interest in football. That’s what I would do if I owned a team,” Steinberg said. 

STEINBERG’S COMEBACK

While talking all things football, Steinberg also discussed life and how his fight through adversity led to him writing “The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories.”

Leigh Steinberg speaks onstage during the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California.  (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

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Steinberg had built an empire by representing the best athletes in the world, but he also dealt with alcoholism and financial struggles, ultimately bringing him to rock bottom. But he rebuilt himself through those hard times, and with this book, he’s hoping to help others do the same. 

Also, sharing stories of athletes dealing with similar adversities, Steinberg believes all readers should come away with this lesson learned. 

“Internal introspection,” he said. “A realistic understanding of your own values and priorities, whether it’s short-term economic gain, long-term economic security, spiritual values, family. It’s to have clarity internally in terms of what really constitutes a fulfilling life. Then, coming up with a plan to get back to that.”

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Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has reportedly regained full fitness and will start his side’s La Liga home match against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday (March 22).

Mbappe, 27, returned to first-team action from his knee problem in Los Blancos‘ 2-1 UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg win over Manchester City this Tuesday (March 17). He completed 13 of his 13 passes and registered one shot in his 21-minute second half cameo.

Now, according to AS (h/t Madrid Universal), Mbappe will start in the upcoming La Liga game against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Bernabeu. He has recently trained at 100 per cent and is believed to replace Brahim Diaz in his club’s starting lineup on Sunday, hoping to continue his form.

Mbappe, who missed five matches in all competitions due to his recent knee injury, has undoubtedly been Real Madrid‘s best player this season. He has produced 38 goals and six assists in just 34 total appearances for his club in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign, scoring two hat-tricks.

On the other hand, Los Blancos are also reportedly set to welcome summer arrival Alvaro Carreras, who was out with a minor calf problem. They are also expected to have Jude Bellingham, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy back at their disposal this weekend, according to AS.

Real Madrid icon hails Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid icon Guti has lauded Los Blancos head coach Alvaro Arbeloa for aptly handling the high-pressure environment at the club this year. He stated (h/t Madrid Universal):

“When you join a team mid-season, with difficulties and injuries, it’s always a poisoned chalice. But he’s steering it in the right direction for now, and that’s what all Madrid fans hope for: that Madrid win titles and that Arbeloa can stay.”

Arbeloa’s outfit are second in the 2025-26 La Liga standings with 66 points from 28 games, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.

Opining on Real Madrid’s Champions League chances after defeating Manchester City 5-1 in the round of 16, Guti responded:

“This sounds familiar… Madrid is going to win the Champions League. It’s not just the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. After that, we could face a very tough semi-final against Liverpool or PSG. It’s a demanding Champions League.”

Los Merengues will take on Bayern Munich in the last four stage of the Champions League, with the two legs set to be held on April 7 and April 15.