The Indian women’s hockey team has secured its best finish at the World Cup in more than half a century, ending its campaign with an impressive victory over Germany.

India defeated world number five Germany 3-1 to finish fifth at the showpiece tournament. The result caps an encouraging campaign in which India narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals after suffering just one defeat in five games.

India produced arguably its best performance of the tournament against Germany. Namit Kore scored twice, while Shika Chri added a field goal to give world number nine India a commanding three-goal advantage. Germany scored a late consolation goal in the final quarter, but India held on for a memorable victory.

The fifth-place finish marks India’s best World Cup result since the inaugural 1974 edition, when the team finished fourth.

India Women Beat Germany 3-1 To Secure Fifth Place At Hockey World Cup

India’s badminton campaign at the World Championships in New Delhi has produced contrasting results, with PV Sindhu advancing to the round of 16 while Lakshya Sen suffered a shock second-round exit.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, India’s only badminton world champion after winning the 2019 title, defeated Canada’s Michelle Li 21-16, 21-17 in 34 minutes. Sindhu, a ninth seed and five-time World Championships medallist, will now face a tough challenge against third seed Wang Zhiyi of China.

In men’s singles, Ayush Shetty continued his impressive run with a comfortable victory over Sri Lanka’s Viran Kumara, keeping India’s hopes alive in the draw.

However, home favourite Lakshya Sen suffered a major upset in the round of 32. The 2021 World Championships bronze medallist was defeated by 18-year-old American Alex Lanier in a dramatic three-game contest.

With Lakshya out, Ayush Shetty is now India’s only remaining men’s singles player at the tournament.

PV Sindhu Reaches World Championships Round Of 16 As Lakshya Sen Suffers Shock Exit

At just 14, Vasundhara Nangare is proving that talent and determination can overcome even the biggest challenges. Growing up in Kalamb, a small town in Maharashtra with no squash courts or proper training facilities, she has carved a path in a sport that is still far from mainstream in India. Her introduction to squash was almost by chance. When a squash court was built in her town, her father took her to see it. The young girl instantly fell in love with the game. Inspired by her elder sister, who played at district level, Vasundhara decided to pursue squash seriously—even though opportunities around her were scarce.&nbsp;With no coach or structured training in the beginning, Vasundhara relied on YouTube videos to learn swings, footwork, and shot-making. Later, she began training online with Abhinav Sinha, coach and founder of SportsSkill, making monthly trips to Mumbai for in-person sessions before returning home to practice on her own. Her persistence has already led to remarkable results. In the Girls U-17 category at the Maharashtra State Open Squash Championship held at Bombay Gymkhana, Vasundhara delivered a standout performance, defeating Devashree Arora in a tough semi-final. It was a statement win for a player still making her way in the junior circuit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-csk-recruit-dewald-brevis-speaks-highly-of-veteran-ms-dhoni-awestruck-by-his-humility-1757252820376">IPL: CSK recruit Dewald Brevis speaks highly of veteran MS Dhoni, awestruck by his humility</a>&nbsp;Vasundhara’s big breakthrough came at the 2025 Under-15 Asian Junior Trials, where she finished third, earning a spot in India’s national squad. She has also delivered strong performances at the Poona Club Squash Open and the PSA Challenger Tour (2024) in Pune. These results have established her as one of the most promising young squash players in India in the Girls U-15 category.&nbsp;Managing school alongside squash hasn’t been easy, but Vasundhara is disciplined. Her mornings begin with fitness and yoga, followed by classes during the day, and evenings are reserved for training. “If I miss school for a tournament, I take notes from friends and complete everything later,” she said in an exclusive interview with WION. It’s a routine that reflects the focus and maturity well beyond her years.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-donald-trump-to-attend-us-open-final-between-sinner-alcaraz-but-here-s-a-twist-broadcasters-asked-to-1757219028586">Donald Trump to attend US Open final between Sinner, Alcaraz, but here's a twist, 'broadcasters asked to...'</a><h3>Inspired by Anahat</h3>Her biggest inspiration is Anahat Singh, India’s teenage squash star who competed at the Commonwealth Games. Meeting her during the Asian Junior Tournament in Korea gave Vasundhara a glimpse of the heights she wants to reach. “I want to wear the Indian jersey and win medals for the country on a global stage,” she shared.&nbsp;Beyond her own ambitions, Vasundhara is also inspiring others. Her success has encouraged children in Kalamb to take up squash, showing them that even small-town athletes can dream big. Her message to aspiring players is simple: “Don’t think your city or background can stop you. If you have a big dream and work hard, anything is possible.” And when asked if she chose squash or squash chose her, she smiled and said, “I think squash chose me.”

WION Exclusive — From YouTube tutorials to Asian Junior trials: How 14-year-old Vasundhara Nangare found her game in squash

At just 14, Vasundhara Nangare is proving that talent and determination can overcome even the biggest challenges. Growing up in Kalamb, a small town in Maharashtra with no squash courts or proper training facilities, she has carved a path in a sport that is still far from mainstream in India. Her introduction to squash was almost by chance. When a squash court was built in her town, her father took her to see it. The young girl instantly fell in love with the game. Inspired by her elder sister, who played at district level, Vasundhara decided to pursue squash seriously—even though opportunities around her were scarce. With no coach or structured training in the beginning, Vasundhara relied on YouTube videos to learn swings, footwork, and shot-making. Later, she began training online with Abhinav Sinha, coach and founder of SportsSkill, making monthly trips to Mumbai for in-person sessions before returning home to practice on her own. Her persistence has already led to remarkable results. In the Girls U-17 category at the Maharashtra State Open Squash Championship held at Bombay Gymkhana, Vasundhara delivered a standout performance, defeating Devashree Arora in a tough semi-final. It was a statement win for a player still making her way in the junior circuit. Also Read: IPL: CSK recruit Dewald Brevis speaks highly of veteran MS Dhoni, awestruck by his humility Vasundhara’s big breakthrough came at the 2025 Under-15 Asian Junior Trials, where she finished third, earning a spot in India’s national squad. She has also delivered strong performances at the Poona Club Squash Open and the PSA Challenger Tour (2024) in Pune. These results have established her as one of the most promising young squash players in India in the Girls U-15 category. Managing school alongside squash hasn’t been easy, but Vasundhara is disciplined. Her mornings begin with fitness and yoga, followed by classes during the day, and evenings are reserved for training. “If I miss school for a tournament, I take notes from friends and complete everything later,” she said in an exclusive interview with WION. It’s a routine that reflects the focus and maturity well beyond her years. Also Read: Donald Trump to attend US Open final between Sinner, Alcaraz, but here's a twist, 'broadcasters asked to...' Inspired by Anahat Her biggest inspiration is Anahat Singh, India’s teenage squash star who competed at the Commonwealth Games. Meeting her during the Asian Junior Tournament in Korea gave Vasundhara a glimpse of the heights she wants to reach. “I want to wear the Indian jersey and win medals for the country on a global stage,” she shared. Beyond her own ambitions, Vasundhara is also inspiring others. Her success has encouraged children in Kalamb to take up squash, showing them that even small-town athletes can dream big. Her message to aspiring players is simple: “Don’t think your city or background can stop you. If you have a big dream and work hard, anything is possible.” And when asked if she chose squash or squash chose her, she smiled and said, “I think squash chose me.”

At 14, Vasundhara Nangare from Kalamb, Maharashtra, rose in squash with no coach, learning from YouTube, winning state titles and aiming to play for India

For most chess fans, watching a game is a few hours of following the moves on a board. For Tania Sachdev, it is a way of life—and one that unfolds in two very different worlds. On one hand, she is an International Master who has fought across the toughest tournaments, carrying India’s flag at world and Olympic stages. On the other, she is a voice of the game, one of the most popular commentators in international chess, bringing high-pressure battles to life for millions of fans around the globe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-the-woman-who-runs-for-india-how-sufiya-sufi-is-redefining-ultra-endurance-running-1756808585693">WION Exclusive - The woman who runs for India: How Sufiya Sufi is redefining ultra-endurance running</a>&nbsp;Balancing the two is no easy task. Tania describes the life of a professional chess player as one filled with constant preparation. “It’s very solitary,” she admits. Hours are spent with engines, memorising lines, sharpening tactical vision, and working through endgame studies. The competition itself, whether on the national or global stage, brings its own mental pressure—where every move can decide months of hard work.&nbsp;Commentary, however, is an entirely different beast. When she sits in front of the camera, Tania, who was in Chennai recently for the Red Bull India Armageddon event, steps into the role of a guide, entertainer, and analyst all at once. She has to break down complex strategies for beginners without losing the nuance for seasoned fans. She must track multiple boards simultaneously, anticipate variations, and still carry the conversation with energy and warmth. Unlike the player’s solitude, commentary is collaborative and immediate—it demands sharpness, quick wit, and the ability to connect.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-i-don-t-have-a-habit-of-setting-up-hookah-irfan-pathan-takes-indirect-aim-at-former-skipper-ms-dhoni-netizens-react-1756811318989">'I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah': Irfan Pathan takes indirect aim at former skipper</a>&nbsp;“Both are intense in their own way,” she reflects. “As a player, you’re consumed by your own game. As a commentator, you live every game on every board—it’s exhausting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.” Her transition into the commentary booth was almost natural. Known for her articulate style and ability to capture both the technical and human sides of the sport, she has been the face and voice of many of the biggest events of recent years. Whether it is the Candidates, the Olympiad, or online global tournaments, Tania has built a reputation as someone who makes chess engaging without oversimplifying it.&nbsp;And yet, she never stops being a player. Even after marathon commentary sessions, she returns to her preparation. The discipline of a professional athlete still defines her daily routine, reminding fans that the woman they hear explaining elite games has herself been on the same stage, under the same lights, making those very moves. This duality—chess player and chess commentator—has made her one of the most unique figures in Indian sport. For young fans in Chennai or Delhi who see her at events, she represents more than just a career in chess; she represents the idea that one can live the game in multiple ways, and still make it meaningful.

WION Exclusive — The voice and the player: How Tania Sachdev lives two chess journeys at once

For most chess fans, watching a game is a few hours of following the moves on a board. For Tania Sachdev, it is a way of life—and one that unfolds in two very different worlds. On one hand, she is an International Master who has fought across the toughest tournaments, carrying India’s flag at world and Olympic stages. On the other, she is a voice of the game, one of the most popular commentators in international chess, bringing high-pressure battles to life for millions of fans around the globe. Also Read: WION Exclusive - The woman who runs for India: How Sufiya Sufi is redefining ultra-endurance running Balancing the two is no easy task. Tania describes the life of a professional chess player as one filled with constant preparation. “It’s very solitary,” she admits. Hours are spent with engines, memorising lines, sharpening tactical vision, and working through endgame studies. The competition itself, whether on the national or global stage, brings its own mental pressure—where every move can decide months of hard work. Commentary, however, is an entirely different beast. When she sits in front of the camera, Tania, who was in Chennai recently for the Red Bull India Armageddon event, steps into the role of a guide, entertainer, and analyst all at once. She has to break down complex strategies for beginners without losing the nuance for seasoned fans. She must track multiple boards simultaneously, anticipate variations, and still carry the conversation with energy and warmth. Unlike the player’s solitude, commentary is collaborative and immediate—it demands sharpness, quick wit, and the ability to connect. Also Read: 'I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah': Irfan Pathan takes indirect aim at former skipper “Both are intense in their own way,” she reflects. “As a player, you’re consumed by your own game. As a commentator, you live every game on every board—it’s exhausting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.” Her transition into the commentary booth was almost natural. Known for her articulate style and ability to capture both the technical and human sides of the sport, she has been the face and voice of many of the biggest events of recent years. Whether it is the Candidates, the Olympiad, or online global tournaments, Tania has built a reputation as someone who makes chess engaging without oversimplifying it. And yet, she never stops being a player. Even after marathon commentary sessions, she returns to her preparation. The discipline of a professional athlete still defines her daily routine, reminding fans that the woman they hear explaining elite games has herself been on the same stage, under the same lights, making those very moves. This duality—chess player and chess commentator—has made her one of the most unique figures in Indian sport. For young fans in Chennai or Delhi who see her at events, she represents more than just a career in chess; she represents the idea that one can live the game in multiple ways, and still make it meaningful.

Tania Sachdev balances two worlds—an International Master competing globally and a charismatic chess commentator, making the game engaging for millions while staying rooted in her player’s discipline

India’s star men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, continued their sparkling run at the ongoing BWF World Championships 2025, sealing a semifinal spot with a commanding win over Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in Paris on Friday (August 29). At the Adidas Arena, the world no. 3 pair produced a clinical performance to register a straight-games win (21-12, 21-19) against their long-time rivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pkl-2025-puneri-paltan-clinch-thriller-against-bengaluru-bulls-in-first-ever-league-stage-tie-breaker-1756524081563">PKL 2025: Puneri Paltan clinch thriller against Bengaluru&nbsp;Bulls in first-ever league stage tie-breaker</a>&nbsp;The triumph carried added weight—just a year ago, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chia and Soh had ended India’s medal hopes in the quarterfinals. This time, Satwik and Chirag turned the script around with poise and authority. “It was a rematch of sorts from the Olympics, same arena, same stage. We finally got some redemption,” the pair said after the win. “We’ve always had tough battles with them at the biggest events, and we’re really happy we could win today.”&nbsp;For the Indians, it was not only about revenge but also about history. The victory guarantees them a second World Championships medal after their maiden podium finish in 2022, where, ironically, they lost in the semifinals to the same Malaysian duo.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-news-cowboys-parsons-trade-jerry-jones-says-deal-in-best-interest-of-our-organization-1756479126243">Cowboys trade Micah Parsons: Jerry Jones says deal in 'best interest of our organization'</a>&nbsp;Satwik credited their composure in pressure moments. “Even when they were closing the gap, I told myself not to hurry. One point at a time. We sensed they were under pressure, so we just stuck to our A game,” he explained. With confidence soaring, the Indians will next face China’s Liu Yi and Chen Bo Yang, the world no. 11 pair, in the semifinals on Saturday. While many may tag the Chinese duo as underdogs, Chirag remained cautious: “At this stage, there are no underdogs. We’ll take it one match at a time and focus on ourselves.”

BWF World Championships I think we finally got some redemption Satwik Chirag after booking spot in semis

India’s star men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, continued their sparkling run at the ongoing BWF World Championships 2025, sealing a semifinal spot with a commanding win over Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in Paris on Friday (August 29). At the Adidas Arena, the world no. 3 pair produced a clinical performance to register a straight-games win (21-12, 21-19) against their long-time rivals. Also Read: PKL 2025: Puneri Paltan clinch thriller against Bengaluru Bulls in first-ever league stage tie-breaker The triumph carried added weight—just a year ago, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chia and Soh had ended India’s medal hopes in the quarterfinals. This time, Satwik and Chirag turned the script around with poise and authority. “It was a rematch of sorts from the Olympics, same arena, same stage. We finally got some redemption,” the pair said after the win. “We’ve always had tough battles with them at the biggest events, and we’re really happy we could win today.” For the Indians, it was not only about revenge but also about history. The victory guarantees them a second World Championships medal after their maiden podium finish in 2022, where, ironically, they lost in the semifinals to the same Malaysian duo. Also Read: Cowboys trade Micah Parsons: Jerry Jones says deal in 'best interest of our organization' Satwik credited their composure in pressure moments. “Even when they were closing the gap, I told myself not to hurry. One point at a time. We sensed they were under pressure, so we just stuck to our A game,” he explained. With confidence soaring, the Indians will next face China’s Liu Yi and Chen Bo Yang, the world no. 11 pair, in the semifinals on Saturday. While many may tag the Chinese duo as underdogs, Chirag remained cautious: “At this stage, there are no underdogs. We’ll take it one match at a time and focus on ourselves.”

The Indian pair outplayed Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in straight sets with a score line of 21-12 and 21-19 in the quarterfinals

BWF World Championships — 'I think we finally got some redemption': Satwik-Chirag avenge Olympic heartbreak, book semis spot

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India Women Beat Germany 3-1 To Secure Fifth Place At Hockey World Cup

PV Sindhu Reaches World Championships Round Of 16 As Lakshya Sen Suffers Shock Exit

From YouTube lessons to Asian Junior trials: Vasundhara’s squash journey

The voice and the player: How Tania Sachdev lives two chess journeys at once

BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag book spot in semis after dominating win