Kerala govt spent INR 13 lakh to invite Lionel Messi, Sports Minister travelled to Spain using public money: Report | Hindustan Times

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Lionel Messi in action for Argentina.

Kerala govt spent INR 13 lakh to invite Lionel Messi, Sports Minister travelled to Spain using public money: Report

Kerala Sports Minister spent INR 13 lakh traveling to Spain to invite Messi, despite earlier claims of no public money usage. The footballer won't visit Kerala, but is expected to tour India in December 2025, visiting Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Aaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears

Aaron Jones fantasy update: Vikings RB's injury sends Cam Akers, Jordan Mason's stocks booming

Aaron Jones' hamstring injury lands him on IR, sidelining him for at least four games. Jordan Mason becomes the primary running back, with Cam Akers likely re-signing. Mason emerges as a solid RB2/flex option, while Akers provides depth to the Vikings' backfield.

Astros' Yordan Alvarez out indefinitely with ankle sprain

Astros' Yordan Alvarez out indefinitely with ankle sprain

Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez suffered a significant ankle sprain that will keep him out indefinitely, according to manager Joe Espada. The injury occurred after Alvarez scored in the first inning during a game against the Texas Rangers. Espada emphasized the need to take recovery one day at a time, and Alvarez was seen on crutches after the game.

Brentford, Palace survive penalty shoot-outs to reach League Cup last 16

Brentford, Palace survive penalty shoot-outs to reach League Cup last 16

Brentford and Crystal Palace advanced to the League Cup last 16 after winning penalty shoot-outs against Aston Villa and Millwall, respectively. Grimsby Town continued their fairy tale run, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 to reach the fourth round for the first time in 24 years. The match showcased notable performances, including a critical penalty save by Brentford's goalkeeper.

Aston Villa out of League Cup to continue poor start to season. Grimsby causes another shock

Aston Villa out of League Cup to continue poor start to season. Grimsby causes another shock

Aston Villa's poor season continued with a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Brentford in the League Cup, following a 1-1 draw. Villa has yet to score in its first four Premier League games. Crystal Palace also advanced after a shootout victory against Millwall, while Grimsby Town defeated Sheffield Wednesday 1-0.

Soccer-Tottenham edge out Villarreal thanks to early own goal

Soccer-Tottenham edge out Villarreal thanks to early own goal

Tottenham Hotspur marked their return to the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Villarreal, thanks to an early own goal by keeper Luiz Junior. Despite several chances for Villarreal, Tottenham's solid defense secured the victory, allowing them to start their group campaign with three points. The match highlighted both teams' tactical struggles and potential for future matches.

Juve salvage point against Dortmund with stunning late comeback

Juve salvage point against Dortmund with stunning late comeback

Juventus staged a dramatic comeback to draw 4-4 against Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League match, equalizing in stoppage time. After trailing by two goals, Lloyd Kelly scored the last-minute equalizer, following a late goal from Dusan Vlahovic. The match, ignited by Karim Adeyemi's opener, saw multiple lead changes and a thrilling finish at the Allianz Stadium.

Athletes Unlimited softball commissioner Ng excited as sport surges, league prepares for expansion

Athletes Unlimited softball commissioner Ng excited as sport surges, league prepares for expansion

Kim Ng, commissioner of Athletes Unlimited Softball, is optimistic about the league's growth and plans for expansion in 2026. After a successful inaugural season with high viewership and merchandise sales, the league will shift to a city-based model with six teams. Ng aims for AUSL to emulate the success of women's sports leagues, bolstered by MLB's partnership and increasing fan engagement.

Spurs accept Villarreal gift to make winning start in Champions League

Spurs accept Villarreal gift to make winning start in Champions League

Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in their Champions League opener, aided by a comical own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior. The win marked Tottenham's return to the competition after a two-year absence and continued their strong form under new manager Thomas Frank. Despite some tense moments, Spurs held firm to take all three points.

From making 'SpongeBob' jokes to forcing fumbles, Joey Bosa feels rejuvenated with Buffalo Bills

From making 'SpongeBob' jokes to forcing fumbles, Joey Bosa feels rejuvenated with Buffalo Bills

Joey Bosa, now 30, feels revitalized after joining the Buffalo Bills, following a challenging period with injuries at the Chargers. Embracing a new team culture, he bonds with younger players over "SpongeBob SquarePants." Bosa has made an immediate impact on the field, leading the NFL in forced fumbles and aiming to prove himself in his new environment.

Baker Mayfield has thrived under pressure, leading the Buccaneers to another 2-0 start

Baker Mayfield has thrived under pressure, leading the Buccaneers to another 2-0 start

Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a thrilling 20-19 victory over the Houston Texans, securing their second win of the season with a late-game touchdown. Despite losing defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to a season-ending injury, Mayfield's performance continued to impress, showcasing his resilience as he aims to guide the team deeper into the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is injured on a play in the second quarter

Joe Burrow injury update: Jake Browning's fate sealed; Bengals make massive roster moves

Joe Burrow suffers Grade 3 turf toe, placed on injured list for at least three months. Bengals sign Jake Browning, Brett Rypien, Sean Clifford, and Mike White to quarterback depth chart. Team remains 2-0 in AFC North.

Minakshi Hooda won the gold in the women’s 48kg division at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. (BFI)

World boxing gold a stepping stone, says Minakshi

World boxing champion Minakshi Hooda sees her 48kg title as a stepping stone, aiming higher. Determined to inspire others, she defeated Kazakhstan's Kzaibay 4-1 in Liverpool, showcasing her strategic skills and ambition for future Olympic success.

Molly Qerim bids farewell of ESPN's First Take

Who is Molly Qerim? Long-time 'First Take' host announces exit from ESPN after a decade

Emmy-winning host Molly Qerim is leaving ESPN's First Take after a decade, thanking fans and colleagues. The 41-year-old anchor moderated sports debates, won awards, and hinted at future opportunities while expressing gratitude for her time at the network.

Kolkata, India - Sept. 16, 2025: Ahal FC (TKM) celebrates the win against Mohun Bagan (India) during AFC Championship League match at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Turkmenistan’s Ahal stun ISL champions Mohun Bagan

Turkmenistan's Ahal FK stunned ISL champions Mohun Bagan 1-0 in AFC Cup, scoring late through Enver Annayev. Ahal dominated possession and chances, exposing Mohun Bagan's defensive weaknesses and rusty performance at Salt Lake Stadium.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates winning the gold in the women's 1,500 meters final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Tuesday. (AP)

Kipyegon reigns, high jumper Kushare sixth in final

Sarvesh Kushare became the first Indian high jumper in World Championships, finishing sixth with a personal best of 2.28m. Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon won her fourth 1,500m world title, demonstrating her dominance in track athletics.

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