24-member Indian Esports squad set for Asian Games 2026 qualification…

New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): India’s 24-member Esports contingent is all set to begin its campaign towards the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the country’s League of Legends and Honor of Kings teams scheduled to compete in the regional qualification events in Malaysia later this month.

Ahead of the qualification campaign, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj unveiled the official Team India Esports Jersey in the presence of senior government officials and representatives of the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), according to a press release. sportbet.rodeo

The National Esports Championship (NESC) 2026, India’s official qualification pathway for the Asian Games, featured competition across nine esports disciplines and ten medal events, including League of Legends, Honor of Kings, Pokemon Unite, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, The King of Fighters XV, Gran Turismo 7, Puyo Puyo Champions and eFootball (Mobile and Console). The championship culminated in LAN finals held across Pune, Kochi and New Delhi, bringing together some of the country’s best esports athletes and teams in the race for national selection.

The squad represents a blend of established competitors and emerging talent from across the country, reflecting the growing depth of India’s esports ecosystem. Among the standout stories from NESC 2026 was 15-year-old Gran Turismo 7 champion Abdus Salaam Mohammed, one of the youngest athletes in the contingent, while Puyo Puyo Champions winner Paritosh earned his place through a remarkable lower-bracket run that culminated in a victory over Asian Games 2018 bronze medallist Tirth Mehta.

Speaking on the occasion, Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice President, Asian Esports Federation (AESF), said, “Representing India across all ten medal events is a significant milestone for Indian esports, underlining the remarkable growth of the country’s esports ecosystem and the depth of talent emerging across disciplines. We are extremely proud of our 23-member contingent, which brings together some of the country’s finest esports athletes across team and individual disciplines. The unveiling of the Team India jersey makes the moment even more special as our athletes prepare to compete on the international stage. We are grateful to the Government of Odisha for its support and encouragement."

The championship also showcased the growing competitiveness of India’s esports ecosystem, with IQOO Revenant XSpark and S8UL Esports going head-to-head for national honours. While S8UL clinched the League of Legends title, IQOO Revenant XSpark emerged as champions in both Honor of Kings and Pokemon Unite, overcoming strong competition from teams including S8UL and QML during the qualification campaign and will showcase a strong representation for India.

Sai Krishna Nalluri (RNTX_Vulcan), Captain, IQOO Revenant XSpark, said , “Earning the opportunity to represent India is a special feeling for all of us. We know the real challenge lies ahead in the qualifiers, and we’re preparing hard to compete against the best teams in the region. Our goal is to secure our place at the Asian Games, perform at the highest level, and make our country proud."

With Indian athletes already assured of representation in eight esports titles, attention now turns to Malaysia, where the country’s League of Legends and Honor of Kings teams will compete in the regional qualifiers for the Asian Games 2026. The Honor of Kings contingent will be in action from June 12-14, followed by the League of Legends team from June 13-20, with both squads aiming to book their tickets to Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The remaining Team India spots were claimed by some of the country’s most accomplished esports athletes across individual disciplines. Danial Shakeel Patel, a gold medallist at the WAVES Esports Championship, emerged victorious in eFootball Mobile, while Chinmay Sahoo captured the eFootball Console crown. Street Fighter 6 champion Prateek Singh Bhaunt impressed with his versatility by competing across multiple disciplines before sealing qualification in SF6, while Gobind Singh Bedi (The King of Fighters XV) and Gurashish Singh (Tekken 8) rounded off the national champions set to represent India.

Gurashish Singh, Tekken 8 National Champion, said, “Representing India is a dream come true. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. My focus now is on preparing well, improving every day, and giving my best to make the country proud on one of Asia’s biggest stages."

Prateek Singh Bhaunt (b_HAUNT), Street Fighter 6 National Champion, said, “I’ve competed in NESC multiple times, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see all the hard work finally pay off. Representing India is a proud moment for me, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead. My focus now is on preparing well, performing at my best, and making the country proud on the international stage."

With India’s best Asian Games esports finish being a fifth-place result in League of Legends at Hangzhou 2022, Team India will be looking to raise the bar further on the road to Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Building on this momentum, ESFI remains committed to empowering Indian athletes to compete and succeed at the highest levels of continental esports.

Team India Esports Squad – Asian Games 2026 Qualification Cycle

Team Events

League of Legends (Champions – S8UL Esports) : Akshaj Shenoy (Captain); Rahul Bisht; Sanindhya Malik; Aakash Shandilya; Ahmed Shahid Israr; Mihir Ranjan

Honor of Kings (Champions- IQOO Revenant XSpark): Ainul Abbas Haidery (Captain); Harsh Jagdish Lal; Aayush Sharma; Akshaj Behal; Aashish Chouhan

Pokemon Unite (Champions – IQOO Revenant XSpark): Sai Krishna Nalluri (Captain); Adnan Mohammed Badshah; Dipjyoti Laxman Nath; Rudra Narayan Nayak; Reuben Godfrey Fernandes

Individual Events

Street Fighter 6: Prateek Singh Bhaunt

The King of Fighters XV: Gobind Singh Bedi

Tekken 8: Gurashish Singh

Gran Turismo 7: Abdus Salaam Mohammed

Puyo Puyo Champions: Paritosh

eFootball (Mobile): Danial Shakeel Patel

eFootball (Console): Chinmay Sahoo. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Mexico City [Mexico], June 11 (ANI): The wait is finally over as the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway on June 11 (Local Time), with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the Mexico City Stadium. The match will start at 12:30 AM IST (early morning on June 12 in Indian Standard Time).

Group A clash marks the beginning of the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States. For Mexico, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on El Tri as they seek to make a winning start in front of their home fans, according to FIFA.

Interestingly, the fixture is a reversal of the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Siphiwe Tshabalala’s memorable strike gave the hosts the lead before Rafael Marquez rescued a 1-1 draw for Mexico. Marquez will once again be involved on the touchline, this time serving as assistant coach to Mexico boss Javier Aguirre.

Mexico enter the contest as favourites and will look to capitalise on home support and familiarity with the conditions. Aguirre believes the occasion can inspire his players to deliver on the grand stage.

“I haven’t experienced a greater thrill in 50 years of football than playing in a World Cup at home. I’ve lived through a lot, but this is unforgettable. That’s what I’ve told the boys, and I think I’ve convinced them. They feel comfortable; it’s something very powerful, and they have grown together like a family. They express it openly," Aguirre told FIFA ahead of the match.

South Africa, meanwhile, secured qualification after topping Group C in the African qualifiers and arrive determined to upset the hosts. Head coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side but backed his players to compete.

“Mexico are the strongest team in the group, so tomorrow will be a very tough game for us. I can assure you that my team is ready, and we’ll fight for every metre and every ball for the full 90 minutes. After that, we’ll see," Broos said.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena echoed his coach’s confidence ahead of the historic encounter.

“Of course, the expectations are very high, and it’s going to be an amazing game, with an amazing atmosphere. As a team, we’re looking forward to the game, and we’re excited. We know how much it means to everyone back home," Mokoena told FIFA.

South Africa have also received a boost with left-back Aubrey Modiba expected to be fit after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Mexico’s possible starting XI

Rangel; Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, Reyes; Gutierrez, Lira, Fidalgo; Quinones, Alvarado, Jimenez

South Africa’s possible starting XI

Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha; Moremi, Foster, Appollis

With a packed stadium, a global audience and World Cup history set to be written once again, all eyes will be on Mexico City as the curtain rises on football’s biggest spectacle. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Prepare your ninja skills for an epic event. KRAFTON and Level Infinite will bring the Hidden Leaf Village straight to the battlegrounds. The PUBG Mobile x Naruto Shippuden collaboration launches on July 9, 2026. It headlines the massive Version 4.5 update. Here is everything coming to Erangel when this exciting update drops.

PUBG Mobile x Naruto Collaboration: What to Expect in the PUBGM 4.5 Update

This is not just a few new skins. Version 4.5 transforms gameplay with a fully integrated anime crossover experience.

Naruto Shippuden Themed Mode – Classic battle royale maps will receive a massive ninja overhaul. Exact map changes remain a secret. However, leaks suggest interactable themed zones and unique combat trials. Players might also see cool jutsu mechanics.

Team 7 Cosmetics & Emotes – Gamers can finally play as their favorite anime characters. Expect high-tier character models and cosmetic sets for these heroes:

• Naruto Uzumaki
• Sasuke Uchiha
• Sakura Haruno
• Kakashi Hatake
• Fans can expect exclusive weapon skins and custom lobby backgrounds. Mythic emotes will also recreate iconic ninja moves and character moments.

ALSO READ –

• PUBG Mobile x Naruto Collaboration Release Date and More
• PUBG Mobile 4.5 Update Beta Is Now Live, Check Details
• PUBG Mobile 4.5 Update Will Bring Spider-Man: Brand New Day Collaboration
• Ferrari Officially Joins PUBG Mobile V4.5 This July
• Is the PUBG Mobile Lite 0.28.0 Update Finally Coming?

The Prize Path Event

The new Prize Path event is a major highlight of this crossover. Players will complete specific in-game challenges and missions. This allows them to progress along a tiered reward track.

Grinding the Prize Path unlocks exclusive Naruto-themed loot and voice packs. Both free and premium players can earn profile cosmetics without relying on crates.

PUBG Mobile 4.5 Update Release Date

Servers will likely be packed when Version 4.5 goes live on July 9th. Ensure you have enough storage space cleared on your device. Major updates require hefty downloads for new HD textures and event resources.

The post PUBG Mobile x Naruto Collaboration Release Date and More appeared first on Inside Sport India.

SOBO Mumbai Falcons (SMF) put it across North Mumbai Panthers (NMP) in their last league match by seven wickets to finish with six points at Wankhede on Wednesday.

After bowling out NMP, who have already qualified for Thursday’s semi-finals, for 157, SMF chased the target with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, the SMF spinners spun a tight web around the opposition batters when left-armer Yash Dicholkar (2-17), offie Mayuresh Tandel (4-30), and teen leg-spinner Vedant Gore (2-33) bowled in tandem in the middle overs.

When opener Anish Choudhery (32) and India Under-19 World Cup winner Abhigyan Kundu (45) scored at a brisk pace to share 78 for the second wicket in just 38 deliveries, NMP were going at over 11 an over in the first seven overs.

But, after Tandel dismissed Anish and Ayush Vartak to catches in the deep within four deliveries of each other soon after his introduction in the eighth over, NMP could not get the boundaries regularly.

In direct contrast to their scoring rate in the first seven overs when they posted 79-1, NMP managed only 78-9 in the next 12.2 overs, scoring at 6.33 runs per over.

In the last league match, powered by Ayaz Khan’s 87, MSC Maratha Royals defeated ARCS Andheri by five wickets to complete the semi-final line up along with NMP, AA, and Aakash Tigers MWS.

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England captain Ben Stokes has found himself at the centre of an off-field controversy after being left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand following a breach of team curfew. However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan has come out strongly in support of Stokes, arguing that the incident should not threaten his position as captain.

The controversy emerged after England’s impressive 115-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test. Reports indicated that Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson stayed out beyond the team’s designated curfew during post-match celebrations. The matter gained further attention after an alleged nightclub incident, prompting an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

As a disciplinary measure, both Stokes and Atkinson were omitted from England’s squad for the second Test, with senior batter Joe Root expected to take charge of the side in Stokes’ absence.

While acknowledging that the England captain made a mistake, Vaughan believes the punishment should be proportionate. According to the former skipper, breaking a curfew is a disciplinary issue but not one significant enough to remove a player from a leadership role, especially someone who has transformed England’s fortunes in Test cricket over the last few years.

Stokes has been widely credited for leading England’s aggressive and entertaining “Bazball” era alongside head coach Brendon McCullum. Under his captaincy, England has recorded several memorable victories and revived its Test cricket identity. Vaughan argued that a single lapse in judgment should not overshadow those achievements.

• Key Points
• Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of the second Test against New Zealand.
• The decision followed a breach of team curfew after England’s first-Test win.
• England defeated New Zealand by 115 runs in the series opener.
• Joe Root is expected to captain the side in Stokes’ absence.
• Michael Vaughan believes the offence warrants punishment but not the loss of captaincy.
• The ECB continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

With the investigation still ongoing, the spotlight remains firmly on England’s leadership group. However, Vaughan’s comments reflect a broader view within cricket circles that while discipline is important, leadership should ultimately be judged by long-term contributions rather than a single off-field mistake.

For now, England will look to maintain its winning momentum against New Zealand, while Stokes awaits clarity on his future involvement in the series. :::

The post Michael Vaughan Defends Ben Stokes Amid Curfew Controversy, Says Leadership Should Not Be Questioned appeared first on SSI FANZINE.