Sports News Today: Gulveer Singh’s Historic Silver, Harjinder Kaur’s Medal and India’s WTC Squad

India’s medal surge at the Commonwealth Games continued with historic performances in athletics and weightlifting, while Indian cricket saw changes in its coaching setup ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Football remained dominated by the after-effects of the FIFA World Cup, with fresh controversy over officiating and a major proposal from FIFA drawing strong opposition from UEFA.

1. Gulveer Singh scripts history with Commonwealth Games silver

Gulveer Singh became the first Indian man to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games men’s 10,000 metres after producing a superb tactical race in difficult conditions in Glasgow.

Running in persistent rain, Gulveer stayed with the leading pack before launching a perfectly timed final-lap surge to finish second in 27:49.79. He missed gold by less than a second but created history, becoming only the second Indian overall to medal in the event after Kavita Raut’s bronze in 2010.

The silver capped a remarkable year for the Army runner, who has already broken national records in the 5,000m, 10,000m, mile and half marathon while emerging as India’s leading distance runner.

2. Harjinder Kaur wins silver after record-breaking display

Harjinder Kaur added another medal to India’s outstanding weightlifting campaign by claiming silver in the women’s 69kg category.

The 29-year-old twice broke the Commonwealth Games snatch record with lifts of 99kg and 101kg before setting another Games record in the clean and jerk with 126kg for a total of 227kg. Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau, however, produced an extraordinary performance to claim gold with a Games-record total of 240kg.

Harjinder’s medal took India’s weightlifting tally to seven at the Games.

3. Prime Minister congratulates Shilpa Shyla

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shilpa Kanchugarakoppalu Shyla after the para athlete won bronze in the women’s F57 shot put at the Commonwealth Games.

In a post on social media, the Prime Minister praised Shilpa’s personal-best throw and described her achievement as a remarkable accomplishment after India secured a historic double podium in the event.

4. India look to build WTC campaign in Sri Lanka

India will resume their ICC World Test Championship campaign with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka beginning on August 15 in Galle.

Led by Shubman Gill, India have retained faith in several young players while handing Saransh Jain a maiden Test call-up following Washington Sundar’s injury. Ravindra Jadeja returns to the Test squad, while Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan remain subject to fitness clearance.

The series is significant for both teams, with India and Sri Lanka currently occupying fifth and sixth places respectively in the World Test Championship standings.

5. FIFA investment proposal sparks backlash from UEFA

FIFA has proposed creating a new commercial subsidiary and selling minority stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other competitions to private investors.

The governing body says the move could raise up to $4.2 billion for global football development while allowing FIFA to retain majority control. UEFA, however, criticised the proposal, saying football’s governance and the World Cup should never become financial assets for investors.

The proposal must still be approved by FIFA’s 211 member associations.

6. Ryan ten Doeschate leaves India coaching staff

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has left India’s coaching setup following the conclusion of the England tour and is expected to return to Kolkata Knight Riders.

The BCCI also confirmed that fielding coach T Dilip’s contract has not been extended. Board secretary Devajit Saikia said a replacement fielding coach is expected to be appointed before India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Ten Doeschate had been part of Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff since 2024, helping India win the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and T20 World Cup during his tenure.

7. IFAB says Embolo should not have been sent off

Football’s law-making body IFAB has acknowledged that Switzerland striker Breel Embolo’s red card against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal should not have stood.

Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after VAR intervention, despite the protocol not allowing such a review under the current Laws of the Game. IFAB said the mistaken identity procedure used during the tournament would only be considered as part of a future review of the VAR protocol.

The decision reignites debate over officiating during Argentina’s World Cup campaign, with Switzerland coach Murat Yakin previously describing the dismissal as a refereeing mistake that changed the outcome of the match.