The partnership will establish a long-term framework for collaboration between the two institutions, with a focus on jointly offering the Post Graduate Certificate Programme (PGCP) of AISTS INDIA, to create stronger pathways for students through student exchange opportunities, internships, industry exposure and placements, connecting learners with the broader Indian and international sports ecosystem while also exploring the development of internationally benchmarked programmes across sports management and related disciplines.

Through this collaboration, AISTS INDIA and YIPESU will work together on academic programme development, executive and professional education, curriculum enhancement and faculty development, bringing together international expertise and local institutional capabilities to create high-quality learning opportunities for students and professionals in the sports sector.

Expressing happiness at this development, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Hyderabad Metropolitan Area & Department of Sports, Govt of Telangana, committed full support to this partnership to ensure that it could benefit a wide cross section of the youth in Telangana.

Speaking on the partnership, Ravneet Gill, Founder, AISTS INDIA said, “Telangana is a magnet for India’s youth given its vibrant industrial & cultural environment and spirit of enterprise. Not surprising, therefore, that the state Govt is very focused on building a strong sports ecosystem. The founding of the Young India Physical Education and Sports University (YIPESU) is the perfect manifestation of that intent. AISTS INDIA is proud to collaborate with YIPESU to not only strengthen the state’s sports culture but also position it as a hub for world class sports education.”

Dr. Kishore Gopinathan, Vice Chancellor, YIPESU said, “Through this partnership with AISTS INDIA, we take a decisive step toward a dream we have long held — placing the Indian sports academic system firmly on the global stage. Together, we will build a cycle of excellence that meets the highest international standards, so that our institutions, our coaches, and our athletes are never found wanting when measured against the best in the world. This collaboration enables the university to move decisively toward its goals, with immediate academic pursuits that can begin without delay and are designed to benefit the students of Telangana directly. Through AISTS INDIA’s expertise, our students will gain access to a quality of learning that strengthens the wider sporting ecosystem of the state in a lasting, sustainable way — building the foundation we need as India looks ahead to major sporting milestones in the years to come, including its Commonwealth Games and Olympic ambitions toward 2036”.

With sports in India undergoing rapid professionalisation across leagues, federations, technology, infrastructure, media, sponsorship and governance and India’s bid for the Olympic Games, the partnership seeks to develop talent equipped to lead and manage the next phase of India’s sports growth.

The collaboration between AISTS INDIA and Young India Physical Education & Sports University marks a significant step towards building a globally connected sports education ecosystem in Telangana and further strengthening the state’s ambition to emerge as a leading hub for sports, education and innovation.

A crowd of over 1,500 enthusiastic parents, school leaders, and sports fans filled the grounds, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on the next generation of endurance athletes. Participants from Goa, West Bengal, and the US came to Bangalore to take part in this momentous event. Designed to promote fitness, resilience, and sportsmanship, the event provided young competitors with a professional triathlon experience tailored to their age categories.

The event marked a historic milestone as the Ironkids Triathlon format made its official debut on Indian soil. A massive turnout of over 500 young athletes aged 6 to 16 competed across tailored age divisions, taking on the triple discipline challenge of swimming, cycling, and running.

First-time triathlete Akirra “felt proud of herself for taking part in Ironkids, despite finding the swimming event the most challenging”. She learned new skills for future triathlons, such as “to keep a steady pace because that helps you save your breath for the next part of the race.”

Throughout each leg, the participants tested their agility, endurance, and transition strategy while an electric atmosphere filled the venue, with more than 1,500 spectators lining the courses to cheer them on all the way to the finish line chute.

“Watching these young boys and girls tackle each leg of the course with such determination and sportsmanship has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Shweta Sastri, Managing Director of Canadian International School, Bangalore. “Ironkids is about building confidence, encouraging active lifestyles, and proving to young people that they are capable of extraordinary things. Today, every child who crossed that finish line proved themselves to be a champion.”

The state-of-the-art sports facilities at Canadian International School provided the perfect venue for the multi-sport event, ensuring world-class safety protocols, swift transitions between legs, and seamless viewing access for family and supporters.

Following the final age-group races, participants were celebrated in a grand finish-line ceremony where every finisher received a commemorative Ironkids medal to celebrate their accomplishment.

The Bengaluru result comes at an important point in Shivpreet’s track as she prepares for the Asian Cup in Gunsan, South Korea, from October 31 to November 2. The international event is her primary competition target over the next few months, with training now focused on building towards the Korea outing.

Currently training under her coach, Dmitrii Timofeev, through online coaching sessions, Shivpreet is working to refine her technique, strength, endurance, and competition preparedness ahead of the Asian Cup. The international competition will provide an important opportunity for her to test herself against some of the region’s leading sport climbers.

Speaking about the Bangalore Cup and her upcoming plans, Shivpreet Pannu said, “I am happy to have won the Bronze at the Bangalore Cup. This competition has given me the confidence to move on to the next phase of my training and aim higher. The Asian Cup in Korea is my focus right now, and I want to use the next few months to prepare well and give my best there.” 

Following the Asian Cup, Shivpreet will return to the domestic circuit for the National Cup and National Championship in November. These competitions will give her another opportunity to compete at the national level and continue building on her performance through the season.

Mumbai: Reinforcing its commitment to holistic education and future-ready learning, Birla Open Minds has announced a strategic collaboration with Padel Tennis Federation to introduce world-class padel and pickleball infrastructure across its school network in a phased manner. The collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating globally emerging sports into school education, giving students access to international sporting experiences while nurturing physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and sporting excellence.

As part of the collaboration, dedicated padel and pickleball courts will be developed across Birla Open Minds campuses in the coming phases. The initiative is designed to make these fast-growing sports accessible to students within their own school environment, enabling them to discover new sporting avenues while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle from an early age.

Recognised as two of the fastest-growing sports globally, padel and pickleball have witnessed tremendous popularity across Europe, the Middle East and the United States. By bringing these sports into its campuses, Birla Open Minds is creating opportunities for students to engage with globally relevant athletic disciplines, develop new skills and compete on emerging sporting platforms.

Beyond infrastructure development, the collaboration also aims to nurture grassroots talent by encouraging participation, structured coaching programmes and competitive exposure. The initiative aligns with Birla Open Minds’ philosophy of delivering education that extends beyond academics and prepares students with life skills, resilience, confidence and leadership through sports.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds, said: “At Birla Open Minds, we believe education is about preparing children for life, not just examinations. Sports play an indispensable role in building character, resilience, leadership and confidence. Padel and pickleball represent the future of recreational and competitive sports, and we are excited to introduce these global games across our campuses. This partnership is another step towards creating learning environments that inspire students to think globally, stay active and embrace opportunities beyond conventional boundaries. We are delighted to collaborate with Padel Tennis Federation in shaping a new sporting culture within Indian schools.”

Mr Bakul Rajput, President, Padel Tennis Federation, added: “The future of Indian sports lies in introducing children to diverse sporting disciplines at a young age. Birla Open Minds has demonstrated remarkable vision by becoming one of the first school networks to integrate padel and pickleball into its campuses. This partnership is not merely about building courts; it is about building aspirations, creating pathways for young athletes and establishing a strong grassroots ecosystem for sports that are rapidly gaining international recognition. We look forward to nurturing the next generation of champions together.”

The partnership reflects Birla Open Minds’ continued focus on experiential learning, innovation and holistic student development. By combining world-class education with international sporting opportunities, the institution is redefining what it means to build future-ready campuses where students are empowered to excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Centred around the theme “Are We There Yet?”, the Kuala Lumpur Global Round brought together around 2000 scholars from 26 countries 

Bengaluru, August 03, 2026 : Greenwood High is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its delegation recently at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round 2026, Kuala Lumpur where its Junior and Senior Division scholars competed with some of the brightest students from around the world and achieved qualification for the Tournament of Champions, the final stage of the World Scholar’s Cup that will be held at Yale University in the United States later this year. Overall, 16 teams from Greenwood High have qualified for the Yale Tournament of Champions.

The World Scholar’s Cup is an international academic tournament that challenges students to apply knowledge across a broad range of subjects while testing their analytical thinking, teamwork and communication skills. Students compete in teams of three through written assessments, debates and collaborative events built around an annual global theme. The event features the highest-performing teams from the Global Rounds, with qualifications reserved for scholars who meet the competition’s performance standards.

Centred around the theme “Are We There Yet?”, the Kuala Lumpur Global Round brought together around 2000 scholars from 26 countries for an inspiring celebration of learning, curiosity, and collaboration. This prestigious international competition provided a platform for young minds to showcase their excellence in debating, collaborative writing, quizzes, and critical thinking. Demonstrating exceptional academic excellence, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience throughout the competition, Greenwood High batch of 52 students earned an impressive 215 medals and 8 trophies, showcasing their academic excellence, teamwork, and global competitiveness.

Urvi Singh, a Grade 9 student, secured a place among the Top Scholars as the Rank 1 Qualifying Team at the Kuala Lumpur Global Round. Her exceptional performance across multiple events, coupled with her remarkable coordination, analytical ability, and collaborative skills, earned her the highest overall scholar and team ranking. Team Anoushka Raj Kumar, Anahatha Tripathi, and Diya Arun from Grade 9, secured the 16th Rank Qualifying Team in the Senior Division. Their consistent performance across Debate, Collaborative Writing, Scholar’s Bowl, and the Scholar’s Challenge reflected strong teamwork and academic capability. The Junior Division scholars also performed commendably, contributing significantly to Greenwood High’s overall success by earning numerous trophies and medals across the various competitive events.

“These accomplishments reflect our commitment to nurturing globally minded learners who excel academically while developing the confidence, leadership, and collaborative skills to succeed on the world stage while upholding the values and standards of Greenwood High. Congratulations to all our scholars, mentors, and parents on this remarkable achievement. We wish our students continued success as they progress in their World Scholar’s Cup journey. Events like this develop better global citizens who will find themselves well-equipped to lead and innovate.” said Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Vice Chairperson & Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School. 

The World Scholar’s Cup Global Round 2026 has not only added to the laurels of the school but has also inspired its students to continue striving for excellence, while fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity among participants, providing skills and knowledge that the students could apply to solve real world challenges. Greenwood High International School continues to strive for holistic development and allows students to excel on the global stage.

One of the Indian Super League’s most exciting attacking players, Williams has established himself as a key figure for Bengaluru FC since joining the club in 2023. Renowned for his pace, creativity and relentless work ethic, he has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence, consistently delivering match-winning performances and emerging as one of the league’s standout forwards.

Born in Australia, Williams brings over a decade of professional experience across Australia, England and India. Having represented clubs including Fulham, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Rotherham United and Oxford United across League One, League Two and Championship football, he has made more than 350 senior professional appearances, building a reputation as one of the most consistent forwards across the leagues he has played in.

Earlier this year, Williams officially switched his nationality from Australia to India. He made an immediate impact on his debut in March 2026, scoring just four minutes into India’s match against Hong Kong—the fastest debut goal in the history of the Indian men’s national team. Since then, he has continued to establish himself as one of the country’s most exciting attacking talents.

As part of the partnership, JSW Sports will exclusively manage Williams’ commercial engagements, brand partnerships and off-field opportunities, supporting him in building a long-term personal brand alongside his football career.

Speaking about the signing, Himanshu Sharma, Head of Brand Consulting and Talent Sales at JSW Sports, said, “Ryan has earned a strong reputation through his consistency, professionalism and the standards he sets for himself. His journey across Australia, England and India reflects the ambition and resilience that we value at JSW Sports. As our first-ever footballer to join the JSW Sports talent roster, Ryan’s signing marks an important milestone for us. We believe he has all the attributes to become one of the most recognizable faces in Indian football, and we’re excited to partner with him as he continues to grow both on and off the field. We look forward to helping him unlock new opportunities while supporting him through the next phase of his career.”

Speaking about the partnership, Ryan Williams said, “This is an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m really looking forward to working with the team at JSW Sports. They’ve built a strong reputation for supporting athletes beyond their performances on the field, and I’m looking forward to working with a team that understands the importance of long-term career development. My immediate focus is on continuing to perform consistently for Bengaluru FC and the Indian national team, while also growing as a professional off the pitch. I hope this partnership will help me connect with more fans, create meaningful opportunities beyond football, and build a strong foundation for the years ahead as I continue to evolve both as a player and as a person.”

Williams joins a distinguished talent roster at JSW Sports featuring some of India’s biggest sporting names across cricket, football and other disciplines, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Axar Patel, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Niki Prasad and Kartik Sharma. His addition further strengthens JSW Sports’ position as one of India’s leading athlete management agencies, representing a diverse portfolio of elite and emerging talent. Through strategic career management, commercial partnerships and long-term brand building, JSW Sports continues to empower athletes to maximize their potential on the field while creating enduring opportunities beyond the game.

India’s sports industry is also growing rapidly. As per WPP Media’s Sporting Nation 2025 report, the sports industry was valued at ₹18,864 crore in 2025, almost double its size from ₹9,530 crore in 2021. While cricket still accounts for the largest share, more brands, corporate groups and celebrities are investing in sports beyond cricket. Here are five investors helping shape India’s multi-sport future: 

1. Vedanta Group

The Vedanta Group has built one of the strongest multi-sport portfolios in India. It owns the Vedanta Leopards in the World Padel League and the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League. Through the Vedanta Sports Programme, the group also supports athletes in boxing, athletics, wrestling, shooting and archery, with a strong focus on grassroots development and Olympic sports. 

2. JSW Sports

JSW Sports has become one of India’s biggest investors in sport. Its portfolio includes Bengaluru FC in football, Haryana Steelers in kabaddi and Soorma Hockey Club in hockey. It also runs the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), one of India’s leading high-performance centres for Olympic athletes.  

3. Vashu Bhagnani

Producer and entrepreneur Vashu Bhagnani has expanded his sporting portfolio through racket sports. He owns VB Realty Cheetahs in the World Padel League and VB Realty Hawks in the World Tennis League, making him one of the few investors with teams across both padel and tennis. 

4. John Abraham

John Abraham has been one of the earliest celebrity investors in Indian football through NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League. He has also entered motorsport as the owner of Goa Aces JA Racing in the Indian Racing League, continuing to support sports beyond cricket. 

5. Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan has played an important role in the growth of kabaddi through the Jaipur Pink Panthers, one of the Pro Kabaddi League’s most successful teams. He is also co-owner of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, giving him successful investments across two of India’s biggest professional leagues outside cricket.

As more corporates, entrepreneurs and celebrities invest beyond cricket, leagues like the World Padel League are helping broaden India’s sporting landscape. Season 4, to be held in Mumbai from August 12–16, will bring together 36 international stars across six franchises, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity in the country. Tickets for the tournament are available on BookMyShow. 

A dynamic forward known for his speed, agility and goal-scoring ability, Shilanand has consistently impressed with his performances for the Indian team. He has represented India in several prestigious international tournaments since making his senior debut at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2018. Most recently, he played a key role in India’s victorious campaign in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship, where his outstanding performance in the semifinal earned him the Man of the Match award.

Shilanand, son of Mr. Carlus Lakra and Mrs. Mary Grace Lakra of Kalijapathar village in Sundargarh district, joined the SAIL Hockey Academy in August 2015 and remained a cadet of the academy till 2019. During his formative years, he was groomed under the expert guidance of veteran coaches Raju Kant Saini, an NIS (National Institute of Sports) coach, and Peter Tirkey, former India Junior Hockey player, at the RSP Hockey Academy.

His selection to represent India at the sport’s biggest global stage is a testimony to the SAIL Hockey Academy’s excellence in identifying and nurturing young sporting talent. The achievement also reinforces Rourkela Steel Plant’s long-standing commitment to the promotion and development of hockey in the country.

On a hot July evening at the New York, New Jersey Stadium, football didn’t just entertain, it reached its absolute peak.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina promised a classic. Everyone expected fireworks, but almost no one was ready for the emotional rollercoaster that followed over 120 heart‑stopping minutes. It became one of those nights where tactics, bruising physical duels, and agonizing near misses piled up like bricks on the soul. Luis de la Fuente’s La Roja somehow survived the storm and then carved their names into football history with a tight, nerve‑shredding 1- 0 win after extra time.

A brutal night in New Jersey

From the first whistle, the final felt like a high‑stakes chess match played at breakneck speed. Argentina, defending their crown under Lionel Scaloni, pressed relentlessly, suffocating Spain’s midfield like a trap that kept tightening. Lionel Messi didn’t dominate every second, but whenever he appeared on the ball, the entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. His link‑up with Julián Álvarez on those sudden counterattacks kept twisting momentum back toward the Albiceleste. Behind them, Emiliano Martínez stood firm, a stubborn wall anchoring the Argentine backline.

Yet Spain refused to fold. Their youthful energy kept surging forward, powered by the tricky, almost hypnotic footwork of Lamine Yamal and the calm, patient command of Rodri in the middle.

As regulation time ticked away, the tension inside the stadium became almost unbearable. Both teams traded chances and traded blows; every attack felt like it might be the moment. Again and again, Unai Simón produced crucial saves that kept Spain alive, each one met with a roar that sounded more like relief than celebration.

Suddenly, right at the edge of normal time, the match snapped into another gear. In stoppage time, Enzo Fernández picked up his second yellow card in the 93rd minute, leaving Argentina with ten men and an entire nation feeling exposed. Even with that disadvantage, La Albiceleste held their line, refused to crumble, and dragged the game into those agonizing extra 30 minutes where every touch felt one mistake away from disaster.

Ferran Torres finds the moment

When extra time began, fatigue started to creep into every sprint and every tackle and you could almost feel the weight of a looming penalty shootout hanging over the pitch like a bad omen. Spain had already brought on Ferran Torres as a second‑half substitute, and quietly, he was becoming the difference maker they didn’t know they desperately needed.

In the 106th minute, from one fast, sharp attacking move that sliced straight through the middle, Torres found just enough room inside the box. In that split second, with the world watching, he stayed ice‑cold; with practiced precision, he guided the ball past Martínez and into the net.

The stadium exploded. The Spanish bench went wild as red shirts poured onto the touchline, players swarming together in pure, unfiltered joy, like nothing else in life mattered in that moment. On the other side, Argentine faces told a different story. Shock, pain, and the slow realization that the dream might be slipping away. 

The final whistle and a new era

Argentina never stopped fighting. They kept throwing bodies forward, driven by that desperate, familiar hunger for an equalizer, the kind of goal that could rewrite destiny in a heartbeat. But Spain’s backline stayed stubborn and disciplined, holding their shape even as the match tilted toward chaos and emotion started to spill over.

When the final whistle finally blew, it didn’t just end a football match. It felt like closing the chapter on one golden era and opening another. Sixteen years after their historic night in Johannesburg, Spain lifted their second FIFA World Cup trophy, this time built not on total domination but on grit, patience, and a single, unforgettable flash of magic.

For everyone watching, from the stands to living rooms across the world, it felt like the perfect climax on the sport’s biggest stage: 120 minutes of agony and triumph, and a reminder of why football can still break your heart and heal it in the same night.

The contingent brings together established international performers and some of India’s most promising young athletes. From Olympic and World Championship competitors to rising stars earning their first major Games selection, each athlete has reached this stage through sustained performances on the national and international circuit.

Across athletics, the squad includes national record holders, Asian medalists and relay specialists. In boxing and judo, athletes who have consistently delivered on the international stage will look to carry that form into the Games. In the pool, one of India’s most accomplished swimmers returns for another major championship, adding experience to a contingent built on both youth and proven pedigree.

Manisha Malhotra, President, Inspire Institute of Sport, said: “Every athlete’s journey to the Commonwealth Games is different, but they all arrive here through years of hard work, discipline and consistency. We are proud to see 21 IIS athletes earn the opportunity to represent India across multiple disciplines. While selection is an important milestone, the focus now shifts to helping each athlete prepare in the best possible way so they can perform when it matters most.”

Gary Hall, High Performance Director, Inspire Institute of Sport, added: “These athletes have earned their place through sustained performances over time. Our responsibility is to ensure that every detail of their preparation is taken care of in the weeks leading up to the Games. The goal is simple – to give each athlete the confidence and support they need to compete at their best when they represent India.”

Over the years, IIS has worked to create an environment where athletes can develop over the long term. Alongside coaching, athletes receive support across sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition, physiotherapy, recovery and performance analysis, allowing them to prepare for the demands of elite international competition.

As the countdown to the Commonwealth Games begins, IIS looks forward to supporting its athletes as they represent India at Glasgow and write the next chapter in their sporting journeys.

The full list of Team IIS athletes at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 is as below: