Wang Chuqin, world No 1 in table tennis, reflects on his recent decline in performance, hoping a new generation will emerge to lead China after the Los Angeles Olympics, as the country's men's dominance wanes post-Fan Zhendong's retirement.
Wigan Warriors beat St Helens 38-16 in the Super League derby to extend their winning run over their rivals. St Helens, now under interim coach Eamon O'Carroll, have lost seven of their past 11 games.
BBC Sport examines how rising WSL attendances, fan engagement initiatives and matchday issues are shaping the women's game in England. Arsenal's large crowds highlight growth, but scheduling and accessibility remain major concerns.
While high-profile women's football transfers and the men's World Cup dominated headlines, this report highlights ten lesser-known but significant player moves, including Alexandra Popp to Borussia Dortmund and Kirsty Hanson to Tottenham, detailing their impact on respective clubs.
Hull KR ended their losing streak by defeating city rivals Hull FC 28-20 in a feisty Super League derby. Despite an early 12-0 deficit, the Robins rallied to secure the win, moving back into the play-off positions while Hull FC's miserable season continues.
India's top-tier football league, the Indian Super League (ISL), is set to kick off its new season with significant structural changes, aiming to convert national World Cup interest into sustained domestic engagement. Clubs now control commercial aspects, promising stability after past delays.
Arsenal Women's Super League side has signed Spain international goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez on a free transfer from Real Madrid, making her their sixth summer signing. The 27-year-old will compete with Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe.
Toulouse secured a stunning 46-0 away win against St Helens in the Super League. St Helens, hampered by injuries to key forwards, conceded eight tries, with Mathieu Jussaume scoring a hat-trick and Olly Ashall-Bott creating five.
Manchester City has signed England international Niamh Charles from Chelsea for £500,000 on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old left-back brings significant WSL and Champions League experience to City, aiming for regular game time to secure her place in the England squad for the World Cup.
York Knights secured their third consecutive Super League victory, a historic first for the club, by defeating Hull FC 20-16. Hull FC's away form worsened with only one win on the road this season.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has joined London City Lionesses, a Women's Super League club owned by American billionaire Michele Kang. The signing is a major coup for the team, which will play in the premier women's division for the first time in the 2026-27 season.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has joined London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder, one of the women's game's all-time greats, was unveiled in New York by owner Michele Kang, who aims to build a trophy-winning team.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have agreed to a four-year club-led model for Indian football. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will manage commercial aspects, with AIFF receiving administration fees and a share of net profits. Clubs can exit the deal after two years.
Former England striker Michael Owen visited Guizhou province, China, to play in the viral "Village Super League" (Cun Chao). The league, featuring amateur players, has gained massive popularity, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and inspiring similar initiatives across China, though experts question its long-term organic growth potential.
Wigan Warriors have reported racist social media abuse directed at player Junior Nsemba to the police and the Rugby Football League. Coach Matt Peet condemned the treatment and called for the sport to eradicate such abuse, offering an open invitation to those responsible to discuss the matter.
Magic Weekend's move to a summer date proved a success, attracting record crowds and showcasing a sport finding a new home. Leeds solidified their top position, while a fierce battle for playoff spots intensified, highlighted by a dramatic Wigan vs. St Helens clash.
Wigan Warriors defeated St Helens 16-14 in a dramatic Super League Magic Weekend clash. Despite numerous handling errors and melees, Wigan secured the win with tries from Keighran, Field, and Eckersley, while St Helens' late surge fell short.
Wakefield Trinity dominated Castleford Tigers with a 48-6 victory, scoring nine tries to climb to third in the Super League. Lachlan Walmsley's try celebration supported the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Leeds Rhinos secured an emphatic 50-16 victory over Bradford Bulls, scoring nine tries to extend their Super League lead. Ash Handley scored a hat-trick, contributing to Leeds' 11th win in 12 games.
Chinese Super League club Zhejiang FC is dubbed the "biggest winner" by local media, securing over US$300,000 from FIFA's Club Benefits Programme due to South Korean player Park Jin-seop's participation in the World Cup.
Leeds Rhinos secured a dominant victory against defending champions Hull KR at AMT Headingley, on a night dedicated to raising awareness for MND and celebrating the legacy of Rob Burrow. Jake Connor was instrumental in the win, contributing tries and crucial kicks.
Hull KR names Nathan Cayless, 48, as new head coach on a 3-year deal, replacing Willie Peters who leaves for NRL's Papua New Guinea Chiefs post-2026. Cayless, a former New Zealand forward and current Parramatta Eels NSW Cup coach, aligns with KR's culture and aims to sustain success.
All Women's Super League clubs will be permitted to serve alcohol to fans in the stands starting next season, following the removal of a rule that prohibited consumption in view of the pitch. The change was approved by WSL Football after successful trials over two seasons.
Women's Super League and WSL2 clubs will be permitted to sell alcohol in view of the pitch starting next season, following a successful 18-month trial. The change, approved by WSL Football shareholders, aims to modernize the women's game and appeal to new fans, with low incidences of crowd trouble being a key factor.
