Indian boxers are undergoing intensive training at a multinational camp in Patiala, featuring international medallists, before heading to Japan for a final preparatory stint ahead of the Asian Games. The team aims to build on its strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, despite anticipating tougher competition from boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the upcoming continental event.
Indian golfer Pranavi Urs expresses confidence in the women's team for the Asian Games, emphasising consistency, strong driving, and creating birdie opportunities over chasing specific low scores. She highlights the team dynamic with Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar and discusses her preparation, international experience, and areas for improvement in her game.
Indian athletes, including Parul Chaudhary, Gulveer Singh, and Vithya Ramraj, secured multiple medals and broke records in various athletics events at the Asian Games, showcasing a strong performance in long-distance running and hurdles.
Pakistan has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. Hockey India has rejected this demand, stating there will be no change in venue for the tournament scheduled in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Pakistan's participation remains uncertain, with potential replacements like Bangladesh and Oman being considered.
Harita Bhadra, India's Asian Games bronze-winning sprinter, showcased her dual talents by securing a medal in her debut international competition while also planning to design a special piece for her handmade jewellery brand, Dagina. The Loughborough University graduate, who dedicated a year to athletics, overcame a last-minute inclusion to deliver a strong performance in the 200m final, crediting her family's unwavering support.
India experienced a mixed day at the Asian Games, with skeet shooters and rowers adding to the medal tally, and wushu player Roshibina Devi securing a silver. While kabaddi and hockey teams continued their winning streaks, boxing, gymnastics, and fencing saw disappointments. The overall medal count reached 15, with only one gold so far.
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.
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are set to compete at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara, Japan, with the primary goal of winning gold to secure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics. The men's team aims to defend its title and overcome recent World Cup disappointment, while the women's team, buoyed by a strong World Cup performance, seeks only its second Asian Games gold. Both teams face tough competition, with the men needing to prove their dominance against regional rivals and the women confronting a strong Chinese side.
India's six-member golf contingent, led by silver medallist Aditi Ashok, is set to compete at the Asian Games. The team, comprising experienced professionals like Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, and Diksha Dagar, aims to add to India's seven past golf medals. They face a strong international field, including PGA Tour stars like Tom Kim and Keita Nakajima, on a challenging course.
Japan's Masaru Yamada and Sano Yui clinched gold medals in men's epee and women's sabre respectively at the Senior Asian Fencing Championships. Hosts India, including Olympian C. A. Bhavani Devi, had a disappointing outing with fencers finishing in lower ranks across both events.
Pakistan has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Mohali and Jalandhar. This request follows earlier claims of Pakistan's participation and past withdrawals from events in India.
Defending champions India secured their spot in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament semifinals with a dominant 15-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. Skipper Anmol Ikka was the star of the match, scoring an incredible six goals, all from penalty corners, as India topped Pool A.
The Indian women's junior hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu and coached by Tim White, is set to compete in the AHF Women's Junior Asia Cup in Moqi, China, from September 4 to 13. The team has undergone extensive preparations, including an exposure tour to the UK and matches against an India A side, and is confident of a strong performance against top Asian rivals.
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Indian athletes Parul Chaudhary, Gulveer Singh, Vithya Ramraj, and Esha Singh for their medal-winning performances on Day 9 of the Asian Games. Parul Chaudhary secured her second medal with a bronze in the women's 5,000m, while Gulveer Singh earned a silver in the men's 1,500m, adding to his previous silver. Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles with a personal best and national record, and Esha Singh claimed silver in the women's 25m pistol event.
The Indian women's squash team secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Iran in their final group-stage match at the Asian Games, topping Pool C and advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face Singapore.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and young shuttler Ayush Shetty notched up straight-game wins to progress to the singles pre-quarterfinals.
Hriday Chheda, a gold medallist from the 2022 Asian Games, acknowledges the increased expectations for India's dressage team at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan, emphasising the importance of staying calm and delivering a strong performance.
India's athletics campaign at the Asian Games saw Sawan Barwal secure an unexpected silver in the marathon with a national record, while Tajinderpal Singh Toor also claimed silver in shot put. Prachi Chaudhary added a bronze in quarter-mile, bringing India's athletics medal tally to eight. The day also saw injuries to medal contenders Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chithravel.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, with a vibrant opening ceremony. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, which saw contingents from 45 nations and the OCA Refugee Team participate in the athletes' parade.
India's top badminton players, including the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, singles stars Lakshya Sen, P V Sindhu, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, are set to compete at the USD 950,000 Japan Open Super 750 tournament. The event marks a crucial stage for many Indian shuttlers to make significant runs on the BWF World Tour.
Indian hockey drag-flicker Deepika has made headlines at the Asian Games with a record-breaking 20 goals across three matches, including nine in a single game. The 23-year-old attributes her success not just to her wrestling family's athletic genes but to years of dedicated training and the guidance of coaches Azad Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Taeke Taekema. Despite a career-threatening injury last year, Deepika has made a strong comeback, focusing on skill, consistency, and discipline, with an eye on Olympic qualification.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will decide on the next chairman of the selection committee after Ajit Agarkar's contract ends on October 4. Agarkar has informed the BCCI he does not wish for an extension. Saikia also expressed hope for the Indian men's team to win gold at the Asian Games, following the women's team's success.
Two-time Olympics medallist PV Sindhu secured her first major title in two years at the Japan Open Super 750, defeating Akane Yamaguchi. This victory, which also made her the first Indian to win the tournament, has significantly boosted her confidence ahead of the World Championships. Sindhu reflected on her challenging journey, overcoming niggles and injuries to return stronger.
India's Under-16 tennis star Ribhav Saroha will captain the national team at the upcoming junior Davis Cup Finals in Cairo, Egypt. The team, also featuring Hruthik Katakam and Tavish Pahwa, will compete against top international sides from November 2 to 8.
Indian squash players Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh have received high seedings for the upcoming Asian Games, positioning them as strong contenders for gold medals. Their performance is crucial as singles winners will secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, significantly raising the stakes for the Indian contingent.
Indian athletes Baranica Elangovan, Gulveer Singh, and Manpreet Kaur secured historic medals at the Asian Games. Elangovan clinched India's first-ever pole vault medal with a bronze, while Singh became the first Indian to win two 10,000m medals, earning a silver. Kaur redeemed herself with a shot put bronze, contributing to India's growing athletics medal tally.
The Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI) is advocating for increased government support and improved grassroots infrastructure to make golf more accessible to young players in India. WGAI president Kavita Singh and Hero MotoCorp executive vice-president Sanjay Bhan challenged the perception of golf as an elitist sport, highlighting the need for public facilities and resources to foster talent and change mindsets. They stressed that government intervention is crucial for developing the sport and creating career opportunities beyond playing.
Indian boxer Sachin Siwach has advanced to the men's 60kg quarterfinals at the Asian Games with a 4-1 victory over Mohammad Adnan Abu Jajeh. Meanwhile, last edition's bronze medallist Preeti Pawar was eliminated after a 0-5 loss to North Korea's Pang Chol M in the women's 54kg round of 16. Siwach is now one win away from securing a medal.
India's top-ranked Under-16 tennis player, Tavish Pahwa, will captain the national team at the Junior Davis Cup Finals in Cairo, scheduled for November 2-8. The team also includes Ribhav Saroha and Hruthik Katakam, with Rana Banerjee as coach.
India's bid to host the 2038 Asian Games will not be decided before 2028, as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has revealed that five other countries are also vying for the same edition.
Indian badminton players, including PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda, were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games individual competitions, failing to secure any medals.
Ranveer Singh's record-shattering spy-action thriller Dhurandhar is set to captivate Japanese audiences.
Indian shooters Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane secured second place in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification at the Asian Games 2026, positioning them for a medal contention. China set a new world record in the same event. Separately, Aadhya Tiwari faced a defeat in her opening soft tennis match but aims to recover in her next game.
Indian opener Shafali Verma has risen to fourth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings following her maiden T20I century at the Asian Games. Other Indian players like Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma maintain top bowling positions, while Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma also achieved career-best rankings. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur hold positions in the top 10 batting rankings.
Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu face challenging draws in the individual competitions at the Asian Games, while defending champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a more favourable path to the semifinals. The individual events follow India's men's team securing a bronze medal. Players will need to overcome tough opponents to secure individual medals.
Yashvir threw the javelin to a distance of 85.72 m, his personal best.
Hardik Pandya's comeback has suffered another setback after a fresh right-shin injury, ruling him out of New Zealand tour and forcing the all-rounder into another rehabilitation phase.
Indian shooting duo Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth in the 10m air rifle mixed team final at the Asian Games, unable to convert a strong qualification performance into a medal. China won gold with a world record, while South Korea and Japan secured silver and bronze respectively.
Dave Cousins, India's new national compound archery head coach, believes a historic first Olympic medal for India is inevitable. He is preparing the team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and has long-term plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, noting the changing Asian archery landscape and the impressive work ethic of Indian archers.
