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Milk has long been a cornerstone of Indian diets, simple, familiar, and deeply rooted in tradition. But in urban India, that narrative is rapidly evolving. Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with just a glass of milk; they are seeking products that align with their fast-paced lifestyles
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From World Cup win to doping scandals and fan tragedies, how 2025 tested Indian sports in every way
For the third year in a row, India earned the dubious distinction of topping the global list of doping violations in sports, as per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report. The rankings were based on tests conducted in 2024, but the technicality did little to wash away the embarrassment. India, which won just 6 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, accounted for a record 260 adverse analytical findings from 7113 samples — a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, the highest among all countries that conducted 5,000 or more tests. The numbers have steadily risen: 213 violations in 2023, 127 in 2022 and 86 in 2021.
From the highs of World Cup win to the lows of doping scandals and fan tragedies, 2025 was a year that tested Indian sports in every way. As we turn the page to 2026,
INTEHAN HO GAYI INTEZAAR KI
In 2025, over Rs 120 crore was reportedly spent to bring Lionel Messi to India for a three-day meet-and-greet event, called the GOAT India Tour. Around the same time, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to attract any bidders willing to spend Rs 37.5 crore annually for the hosting rights of its top football tournament — the Indian Super League (ISL).
The irony was hard to miss. The problem began when AIFF and its long-time commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) failed to agree on a new contract. With no resolution in sight, FSDL postponed the 2025-26 ISL season indefinitely, throwing the careers of more than hundred footballers into uncertainty. An end to the wait for new ISL season will be fitting start to the New Year, isn't it?
EHNA VI NA DOPE SHOPE
For the third year in a row, India earned the dubious distinction of topping the global list of doping violations in sports, as per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report. The rankings were based on tests conducted in 2024, but the technicality did little to wash away the embarrassment. India, which won just 6 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, accounted for a record 260 adverse analytical findings from 7113 samples — a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, the highest among all countries that conducted 5,000 or more tests. The numbers have steadily risen: 213 violations in 2023, 127 in 2022 and 86 in 2021.
Increased testing may partly explain the spike, but awareness without accountability will change little. As 2026 approaches, Indian sport needs fewer excuses and firmer action.
YEH KAHAN AA GAYE HUM
Sport is one of the very few platforms that brings people from different nationalities, religions, languages and ideologies together. It creates shared moments of joy, promotes fair competition and nurtures respect for the ‘other'. But increasingly, the ideals are fraying. The political ideology is altering the nature of sporting contests. From the exclusion of Russian athletes due to its armed conflict with Ukraine, to India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, to Fifa instituting a so-called peace award to curry favour with US President Donald Trump — sport is betraying its core values. Boards and governments are using athletes and sporting events to polish their image and score political points. In the process, the athletes are reduced to instruments of power rather than ambassadors of sport.
Perhaps in 2026, the athletes can return to doing what they are trained for — playing the game.
BAS ITNA SA KHWAAB HAI
The Indian women's cricket team ended their long wait for an ICC trophy by winning the 50-over World Cup at home. Yet the T20 World Cup remains elusive. The men's hockey team hasn't won a World Cup since 1975, while the women are still waiting for their first podium finish — their best being fourth place in 1974.
At the franchise level, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings remain the only teams who are yet to win the IPL despite featuring in every edition. Delhi Capitals' women's team has reached three consecutive WPL finals and fallen short each time. Hey 2026, any chance you could make one, or more, of these come true?
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Source: EconomicTimes
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