CRICKET
On the birth anniversary of legendary Mumbai and India cricketer late Dilip Sardesai, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) today installed a commemorative board marking the “Dilip Sardesai Gate – Gate No. 3” at Wankhede Stadium.
The board was installed in the presence of members of the MCA Apex Council, along with family members, friends and well-wishers of Sardesai.
The Dilip Sardesai Gate was named in his honour earlier, as a tribute to his outstanding contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket. The installation of the board at the entrance serves as a permanent reminder of his remarkable legacy and his place in Mumbai’s rich cricketing history.
Dilip Sardesai was one of Mumbai’s finest cricketers and a distinguished Indian Test batter. He played a significant role in India’s historic Test series victory in the West Indies in 1971, producing memorable performances that remain an important part of Indian cricketing history.
Speaking on the occasion, MCA President Ajinkya Naik said, “Dilip Sardesai’s contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket is immense. He was a great cricketer and an important part of India’s cricketing journey. On his birth anniversary, it is fitting that we honour his memory and legacy at Wankhede Stadium. The board marking his name will serve as a reminder to generations of cricketers and cricket lovers of the contribution he made to the game.”
The MCA Apex Council members joined the family and friends of Late Dilip Sardesai in remembering his outstanding career and lasting contribution to cricket.
-Team Sportstar
E-SPORTS
ESFI announces Indian contingents for BRICS Esports Championship and GEG26
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) on Saturday announced the final contingents for the BRICS Esports Championship 2026 to be held in Moscow, and the Global Esports Games (GEG26) in Los Angeles following the conclusion of the National Esports Championships (NESC).
The National Esports Championships, which concluded on August 5, served as India’s official selection tournament, bringing together the country’s top esports athletes to earn the right to represent the nation at two of the world’s premier multi-title esports events.
For the BRICS Esports Championship, scheduled to be held from September 9–15 at the VK Play Arena in Moscow, organised by the Russian Esports Federation, India will field a two-member TEKKEN 8 contingent.
National champion Arsalan Wani secured his berth after emerging victorious at the NESC BRICS qualifier and will join Gurashish Singh, who was the winner of NESC 2026 (Asian Games) as part of the Team India.
Shubham finished as the first runner-up, while Ashish claimed the second runner-up position in the qualifier.
Meanwhile, India finalised its roster for the Global Esports Games 2026 in Los Angeles, organised by the Global Esports Federation (GEF).
Team India will compete across multiple esports titles spanning PC, console, and mobile platforms, further strengthening the country’s presence on the global esports stage.
“The BRICS Esports Championship and the Global Esports Games are invaluable opportunities for our athletes as we build towards the Asian Games. Competing against some of the world’s best players reflects the growing depth of India’s esports talent while giving our athletes the exposure needed to sharpen their skills, perform under pressure and raise their competitive standards.
“These experiences will play a vital role in preparing Team India for future international competitions, including the upcoming Asian Games,” said Lokesh Suji, General Secretary, Esports Federation of India and vice president, Asian Esports Federation (AESF).
At the Global Esports Games, India will compete in Counter-Strike 2, where Diamond Dogs secured the national berth after defeating Friedup Gaming in the grand final. The squad comprises Ritesh Sarda (Captain), Hrishikesh Shenoy, Gourav Panwar, Garvit Nehra and Yash Kumar Singh.
In Clash Royale (Open), Devershi Kumar Kulhara emerged champion, followed by Heer Chawda and Mohamed Rizal S, while Shagun Srivastava won the women’s category ahead of Nikita S.
India’s NBA 2K contingent will feature Shubham Sharma (Captain), Ashutosh Kumar and Sumer Singh Sandhu, while the Rocket League team comprises Abhai Ponna (Captain), Jayanth Engineer and Aditeya Amol Srivastav.
In iRacing featuring Ferrari, Yashwanth Babu topped the standings, followed by Aditya Iyer and Ankit Raj.
For eFootball, Chinmay Sahoo has been awarded the Open category slot being the Winner of the NESC 2026 (Asian Games).
-PTI
Mumbai Grizzlies rises to second, Delhi Sharks stays on top of global E-cricket Premier League Season 3
The penultimate day of the league stage of Season 3 of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) witnessed exciting action with Sara Tendulkar-owned Mumbai Grizzlies thrashing defending champion Chennai Falcons to rise to the second spot while Nikhil Kamath’s Bengaluru Badgers kept its chances alive by winning a last-ball thriller against Sonu Nigam’s Kolkata Hawks even as Peyush Bansal-owned Delhi Sharks continued to rule the roost at the top of the standings.
The Sharks have 18 points from 12 games, two more than the Grizzlies. Chennai Falcons is also on 16 points but trail last season’s runner-up Mumbai by Net Run-rate (NRR). The day also witnessed the elimination of Pune Stallions, Gujarat Wolves and Hyderabad Rhinos from the race to the playoffs.
-PTI
ATHLETICS
Ladakh Marathon to offer Rs 1 crore prize money
A record prize pool of Rs 1 crore will be on offer during the upcoming edition of the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon, the organisers announced on Saturday.
The 2026 edition, scheduled from September 10 to 13, is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors, with participation from across the globe.
“This year, the event will welcome runners from 28 Indian states and six Union Territories, while international participants will represent all six inhabited continents, underlining the event’s growing stature on the global endurance calendar,” stated a press release.
Sanjit Rodrigues, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, said, “The decision of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, to increase the prize pool to Rs 1 crore reflects our commitment to strengthening the event’s global stature, promoting sports tourism, and creating greater opportunity for athletes.” Alongside the full marathon, half marathon, 11.2km run and 5km Run for Fun, the event hosts two of the world’s most demanding ultra-distance races — the 72km Khardung La Challenge and the 122km Silk Route Ultra.
-PTI
Published on Aug 08, 2026
