Saji Chacko

For a long time, Sanju Samson was touted as the next sensation. But self-doubt, inconsistent performances and recurring selection setbacks stopped him in his tracks. At 31, he seemed destined to join the long list of talented players who never quite realised their full potential.

The non-participation of Denmark’s world No, 2 Anders Antonsen stating that the poor AQI had forced him to withdraw from the tournament was a big blow. All this poses a big question mark on India abilities to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The Indian Super League (ISL)—country’s premier domestic football competition, which reportedly operates on a budget of around Rs 30 crore per season—has been deserted—not a single match took place this year.   Lionel Messi’s Tour, a multi-city spectacle with Bollywood stars, cricketers and politicians joining it just to rub shoulders with the football star, was just tamasha.