Atiqa Mir has become the highest-ranked female driver in the latest FIA International Kart Ranking. The 11-year-old is placed seventh overall in the OK-NJ class. The rankings are issued by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. Atiqa was moved early into the junior category due to her strong performance. She also secured a podium finish in a race in Valencia last month. Her father Asif Mir said it is a “proud moment for India”. He added she must keep working hard to improve further. (PC: X)

Infosys has signed Carlos Alcaraz as its global brand ambassador under a multi-year deal, highlighting the growing convergence of sport and technology. The partnership will leverage Infosys’ AI-first platform, Infosys Topaz, to develop advanced match analytics and a personalised performance application for Alcaraz and his coaching team. These tools aim to enhance match preparation and real-time decision-making through data-driven insights. The collaboration also includes a social impact component via the Carlos Alcaraz Foundation. Infosys said the move aligns with its strategy of integrating AI into elite sports while expanding its footprint in tennis technology and innovation. (PC: CNBC TV18)

R Vaishali created history by winning the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. The 24-year-old secured the title with a composed final-round victory, completing a strong campaign that peaked at the right moment. Her triumph earns her a place in the Women’s World Chess Championship match later this year, where she will face reigning champion Ju Wenjun. The highly anticipated clash, featuring a €300,000 prize fund, is expected to draw global attention as Vaishali aims to challenge one of the most dominant players in modern women’s chess. (PC: X)

Lucknow Super Giants are set to boost their pace attack with Mayank Yadav returning ahead of the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Captain Rishabh Pant now faces a selection call despite a steady bowling unit. LSG have won two of four matches, with losses coming while defending totals at home. Bowling coach Bharat Arun has improved the attack this season. Global director Tom Moody said, “Mayank is ready to go… he has worked exceptionally hard.” The 23-year-old, known for 150 kph pace, was earlier held back due to match readiness, not fitness. (PC: HT)

Indian Premier League 2026 witnessed a standout “Play of the Day” moment as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy brilliance guided Chennai Super Kings to a dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a modest total of 192, Gaikwad strategically deployed Noor Ahmad, whose spell of 3/21 dismantled KKR’s batting lineup. His calculated bowling changes turned the game, restricting KKR to 160/7 and sealing a 32-run victory. While Noor earned Player of the Match, Gaikwad’s leadership stood out as the defining factor, handing KKR their fourth defeat in five matches—marking their worst-ever start in IPL history. (PC: Reuters)

A major concern emerged during the IPL 2026 clash between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, as both stars suffered injury scares. Kohli, after scoring a half-century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, did not return to the field in the second innings due to an apparent ankle issue. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, leading Mumbai Indians’ chase, retired hurt after struggling with a suspected hamstring injury. Indian Premier League officials and team management are monitoring both players closely, raising concerns over their fitness ahead of upcoming matches. (PC: PTI)

Nitish Rana was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point after a heated argument with match officials during the IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The incident occurred when Tristan Stubbs was denied a glove change mid-over, leading to frustration in the Delhi camp. Rana confronted the umpire and was penalised for using “audible obscenity” under the IPL Code of Conduct. Ruturaj Gaikwad was also fined for a slow over-rate, while CSK won the match by 23 runs. (PC: Jiohotstar)

A controversy has emerged in IPL 2026 after Rajasthan Royals manager Romi Bhinder was seen using a phone in the dugout during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The act is banned under anti-corruption rules. A video of the incident went viral online. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi reacted strongly, saying, “This is completely a no-no,” and asked for “immediate action.” As per rules, phones are not allowed to be used in the dugout. Officials may now investigate the matter. If found guilty, Bhinder could face action from the match referee and the anti-corruption unit soon.

Sanju Samson scored his first Indian Premier League hundred for Chennai Super Kings in a match against Delhi Capitals on April 11. He reached the milestone in 52 balls and remained unbeaten on 115. Samson celebrated with a salute inspired by Rajinikanth’s film Padayappa.   This was his first major innings after moving from Rajasthan Royals. He had low scores in earlier matches. Samson shared a key partnership with Ayush Mhatre as CSK built momentum. He hit 14 boundaries and three sixes. CSK finished with 212 runs in 20 overs.

In a thrilling IPL 2026 clash, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/4 in 20 overs against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens. In response, LSG chased down the target, scoring 182/7 on the final ball to secure a dramatic three-wicket victory. Mukul Choudhary starred with a match-winning 54 off 27 balls, earning Player of the Match. Despite strong contributions from KKR’s top order, they failed to defend the total in the death overs. The nail-biting finish highlighted LSG’s composure under pressure, while KKR continued to struggle for consistency this season. (PC: HT)