Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
A new book, "Heroes: The Changemakers of Indian Sports" by journalist-author Thirumoy Banerjee, chronicles the inspiring journeys of 15 Indian athletes, including Manu Bhaker, C A Bhavani Devi, Nikhat Zareen, Aman Kumar Kadyan, and Sumit Antil. It highlights their determination, resilience, and triumphs over setbacks, offering insights into their paths to success and celebrating their unwavering spirit.
The Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, reversing a controversial decision to switch to a saffron-coloured kit. The previous change had led to widespread criticism, internal discord within Hockey India, and even political debate, despite claims of visibility issues on blue turf.
The US Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender student athletes from female sports teams. This contentious issue, deeply embedded in the nation's culture wars, challenges federal anti-discrimination laws and the Constitution's equal protection clause.
Tennis legend Roger Federer described his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as one of the greatest honours of his life, expressing his joy at immersing himself in the sport's history and finding his place among his heroes.
Asian Games debutant Kartik Karkera, an orthopaedic doctor, expresses confidence in securing a podium finish in the men's marathon despite facing faster international competitors. He believes the challenging heat and humidity will make it a tactical race, playing to his strengths, and prioritises a medal over a personal best. Karkera also highlights the advantage of his 1500m background and medical knowledge in his training.
Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the Asian Games after a controversial shift to saffron kits sparked widespread criticism and internal discord within Hockey India. The decision to revert to blue was confirmed by HI president Dilip Tirkey, who had previously questioned the saffron kit's adoption without proper approval.
The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) is set to host its second event in the UAE, resuming its season at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah from September 23 to 25. This event, presented by Vimtra Chennai Lions GC, marks the league's return to the UAE after its debut in Dubai last December, featuring top golfers like Gaganjeet Bhullar.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
Indian steeplechaser Avinash Sable made an emotional and triumphant return to competition, winning the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Indian Athletics Series Final. This victory marks his first race in the distance since suffering a career-threatening ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which led to surgery and a challenging recovery period. Sable, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, expressed the immense struggle he faced but is now confident of winning a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.
Tennis legend Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, delivering an emotional speech where he declared he is 'still writing my love letter to tennis' and reflected on his illustrious career, which included 20 Grand Slam titles.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.
India is hosting its first international para archery event, the third stage of the 2026 Hyundai World Archery Para Series, in Ahmedabad. The competition features 109 archers from 19 countries and serves as a crucial build-up to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. World number one Sheetal Devi, along with other top Indian and international archers, will be competing for titles and world ranking points.
John Abraham, owner of Northeast United, believes the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season will mark a significant turning point for Indian football. With a new club-led domestic structure and a return to the traditional home-and-away format, Abraham envisions a "paradigm shift" where football could rival cricket's popularity. He also highlighted NEUFC's regional impact and their ambition to win the ISL title.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.
Kerala's Mijo Chacko Kurian secured a gold medal in the men's 400m event and a silver in the 200m at the 15th leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Meerut. The event also saw other athletes like Adesh Garsa, Sandeep Singh, Avantika Narale, Harita Bhadra, and Priya Mohan clinch top honours across various track and field disciplines, showcasing a strong performance from national athletes.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director-General Anant Kumar highlighted the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders in the Indian sports ecosystem to reduce doping incidents. He made these remarks during a National Roundtable on Doping Prevention in Sports, which discussed various factors contributing to doping and strategies for prevention.
The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned Rs 35.46 lakh for overseas training stints for Paralympic medallists Ajeet Singh (javelin) and Pranav Soorma (club throw) to prepare them for the upcoming Asian Para-Games in Japan. Both athletes, part of the TOPS core group, will train in Germany and Czechia respectively, with Pranav also participating in multiple championships.
Kolkata's passionate football fans have shown immense enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil friendly, with lower-priced tickets selling out within an hour of going online. India is set to play five-time world champions Brazil on October 3, followed by a match against two-time world champions Uruguay, providing a significant test for the Indian squad ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to return to its traditional home-and-away format for an extended eight-month season from October 2026 to May 2027.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.
Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence in the Indian contingent's performance at the upcoming Asian Para Games in Japan. He highlighted the team's focused training, stress-free environment, and recent successes, while also outlining long-term plans for the 2028 and 2032 Paralympics and addressing grassroots development challenges.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has received a reduced one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine at an ATP Tour event in Mallorca. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the ban, which was lessened after Kyrgios entered a treatment program. He admitted to social cocaine use before the event, and will forfeit prize money and ranking points from Mallorca.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale highlights the growing respect and "fear factor" Indian shooters command internationally due to their consistent performances. He expresses confidence in the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games, despite some notable absences, and discusses challenges like range maintenance.
Indian rally champions Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah are set to compete in their second WRC3 event of the season, Rally del Paraguay. This marks their first gravel rally in the championship, following previous appearances in the Canary Islands and Rome, as they continue to gain international experience.
Indian track and field athletes, including Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary, are using a specialised 'smart track' at SAI NCOE Bengaluru to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Indian steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable details his arduous journey back to fitness after an ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which forced him to miss the Commonwealth Games. Despite a challenging recovery period filled with self-doubt, Sable has trained intensely at high-altitude facilities and the SAI Smart Track, expressing strong confidence in retaining his Asian Games 3000m steeplechase gold in 2026. He is set to compete in his first steeplechase event in a year, affirming his readiness for the upcoming continental challenge.
JK Tyre has announced its sponsorship of 11-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir, a move that reinforces the company's commitment to fostering young motorsport talent in India and supporting women's participation in the sport.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav is preparing for the Asian Games, aiming to surpass her personal best of 199kg. She plans to leverage her CWG experience despite facing tough international competition from powerhouses like China and South Korea. Yadav also acknowledges the upcoming domestic challenge from Mirabai Chanu and Bindyarani Devi in the 53kg category but remains confident and inspired by Chanu.
Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have surpassed 6 million, with organizers planning the next public sale for 2027, featuring new sports like flag football and squash, and the return of cricket.
Carlos Alcaraz's bow-and-arrow celebration at the US Open after his victory over Jaime Faria sparked widespread curiosity. The Spanish tennis star revealed the unique gesture was a special request from his two younger brothers, Sergio and Jaime, highlighting his role as a family-oriented role model and adding a personal touch to his Grand Slam performance.
Harry Kane has been named Germany's Footballer of the Year, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious award. The Bayern Munich star expressed his delight at the recognition, which follows a stellar 2025-26 season where he also secured the European Golden Shoe and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.
Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has joined other former cricketers in calling for proper medical treatment and humane conditions for jailed former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
India's U20 football team secured a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a 20-year hiatus, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed their spot as one of the best runners-up, with the main tournament scheduled for 2027 in China.
A made-in-China humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, has shattered Usain Bolt's 100-metre sprint world record, completing the distance in 8.64 seconds compared to Bolt's 9.58 seconds. While a significant technological advancement, experts note the robot's running style differs greatly from humans, highlighting both its strengths in speed and areas where it still lags, such as decision-making and perception.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a spectacular equaliser on his Everton debut in the dying moments of the game, securing a 2-2 draw against Manchester United after Benjamin Sesko had put United ahead late on.
Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has sharply criticised Pakistan's batting performance in the final Test against England, highlighting their "woefully low confidence" and "dispirited" state. The team was skittled out for just 133 runs, failing to cross 200 even once in the series, with key players like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique struggling. Atherton attributes this decline partly to the controversial decision to send home seven players and two coaches. Despite the batting struggles, young pacer Razaullah offered a glimmer of hope with an impressive bowling display.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.
