Fariba Hashimi, who disguised herself as a man and faced attacks while cycling in Afghanistan, fled to Italy and now uses her Asian Games journey to inspire women.
Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak explained the recall of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India's T20I squad for the New Zealand series, citing his experience and strong IPL performances. Kotak also addressed questions regarding Mohammed Shami's absence and the reported involvement of VVS Laxman in selection meetings, while discussing India's ongoing winning streak and bench strength development.
India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively pursuing a strategy to expand cricket in China, leveraging the sport's recent inclusion in the Olympics. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence, supporting a Tier 2 event, and promoting women's cricket, with significant investment and collaboration with the Chinese Cricket Association to embed the sport deeper into the country's sporting system.
Neeru Dhanda made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual shotgun gold at the Asian Games in women's trap. Her inspiring journey began with a borrowed gun and practice at a pond, overcoming financial hurdles and recent illness, culminating in a record-breaking triumph. She dedicated her medal to soldiers and late champion Raja Ranjit Singh.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to Indian athletes, including Mirabai Chanu, for their impressive medal-winning performances on Day 4 of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She highlighted significant achievements such as Chanu's silver in weightlifting, ending a 28-year drought, and historic bronze medals in shooting and soft tennis.
The BCCI's 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai will address several crucial matters, including the grant of associate membership to the Cricket Association of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the appointment of a BCCI representative to the ICC, and the induction of new members to the IPL Governing Council.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS nations to expand trade in national currencies and build an inclusive global economic framework. He criticised "unilateral sanctions" by Western powers, stating they make emerging economies vulnerable and impact global food security. Pezeshkian emphasised BRICS' role in creating a balanced world order and highlighted Iran's geopolitical and energy capacities for cooperation.
While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
The Asian Games' mixed martial arts competition features modified rules, including traditional uniforms and shin guards, to make the sport more palatable for potential Olympic inclusion. While intense, this version differs significantly from UFC fights. The sport faces challenges, including rival governing bodies vying for Olympic recognition, but FIMMA hopes the current format will appeal to IOC officials.
India's Asian Games medal-winning boxers, including gold medallists Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain, received a grand welcome at the New Delhi airport. The team's performance, securing three golds and three bronzes, was lauded by BFI president Ajay Singh and coach Santiago Nieva, highlighting their strong preparation for the upcoming Olympics.
Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman golfer to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, securing a one-stroke victory.
The UK has successfully test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone, marking a significant advancement in submarine technology for the AUKUS partners (UK, US, Australia). This development coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to the UN General Assembly, where he is discussing global challenges like AI, the Ukraine conflict, and West Asia security with international leaders, and announced the UK will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Manchester next November.
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is a doubtful starter for the upcoming T20 series against India due to a dislocated shoulder sustained during a promotional shoot. While initial medical assessments show no major structural damage, his return depends on rehabilitation. New Zealand Cricket and coach Rob Walter have indicated they will not rush his recovery, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.
An ad-hoc committee overseeing Indian table tennis has removed official ranking points from national tournaments, including the upcoming Panchkula edition, causing significant anxiety among players like Ankur Bhattacharya. The committee, formed after the Table Tennis Federation of India's suspension, states its mandate is to protect athletes but will only award points once an official calendar is finalised, impacting team selections.
A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.
Researchers have discovered a method to externally manipulate a cell's automatic waste clearance process, known as autophagy. This breakthrough, involving the protein LC3, could offer new therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's, where cellular cleansing mechanisms are often impaired.
Rohit Rajpal, India's Davis Cup captain, has hinted at stepping down from his role despite his contract running until 2026, stating that "every good thing comes to an end." He expressed readiness to ensure a smooth transition for his successor and believes a new captain could offer fresh perspectives. Rajpal also outlined his vision for Indian tennis, which includes a player-centric approach and a bid for the AITA presidency, aiming to develop talent and bring major international tournaments back to India.
Asian Games double silver medallist Vidarsa K Vinod has condemned the cyberattacks faced by fellow medallist Ancy Sojan, advocating for support for athletes and respect for their individuality. Returning to her hometown, Vidarsa also shared her journey into shooting and highlighted the improved support for athletes from the state government.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has lauded Virat Kohli's exceptional form in ODIs, highlighting his fitness, hunger, dedication, and consistency as qualities for youth to emulate. Kaif recalled how Kohli overcame criticism after a lean patch to score over 900 runs in 11 innings, including four centuries, and recently achieved a record-breaking 139 not out against West Indies, surpassing 15,000 ODI runs.
Iran's women's kabaddi team faced immense challenges during their Asian Games preparations, including frequent camp changes due to regional conflict, psychological stress on young players, and difficulties arranging international friendly matches due to sanctions.
The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is set to host its first-ever T20I against reigning world champions India, a landmark event expected to significantly elevate cricket's profile and drive its long-term growth in Japan, according to JCA COO Alan Curr.
The BCCI is set to take up an important matter at its 95th AGM in Mumbai on Friday -- the appointment of a new selector to replace outgoing chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
Josh Inglis scored a century and Nathan Ellis hit an unbeaten 36, including a six off the first ball of the final over, to guide Australia to a dramatic one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, securing a 3-0 series whitewash.
Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as a significant sports destination in India, driven by state government initiatives to host major events and develop infrastructure. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the state's commitment to sports, exemplified by the DP World PGTI Nava Raipur Open 2026 golf championship, inaugurated with cricket legend Kapil Dev. These efforts aim to foster talent, promote sports tourism, and transform the state's image, including positive changes in regions like Bastar.
Kazakh businessman Timur Turlov has been elected the new president of the world chess governing body FIDE, succeeding Arkady Dvorkovich. Turlov won a closely contested election against German entrepreneurs Wadim Rosenstein and Jan Henric Buettner, securing a four-year term. His victory comes amidst scrutiny over Russian influence and FIDE's financial independence, with Turlov campaigning on expanding digital reach and supporting smaller federations. He also addressed concerns about his ties to the outgoing administration and FIDE's commercial partner, Freedom Holding Corp.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde highlighted ethanol's potential to protect India from volatile petroleum markets and geopolitical risks, advocating for its widespread production and use. He, along with other officials, emphasised ethanol's role in strengthening the rural economy, ensuring timely cane payments, and combating carbon emissions, while also discussing its historical context and current government support.
Vikash Dhorasoo, the first Indian-origin player in a FIFA World Cup, expresses strong belief in India's potential to reach football's biggest stage. Visiting India for a friendly match against Brazil, Dhorasoo highlights the importance of method, clear objectives, and leveraging players of Indian origin to elevate the national team's level. He also offers his coaching expertise to help develop young talent in India.
The Election Commission of India has defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, asserting that differing views among Commissioners are a normal part of deliberations and all orders carry full legal sanction, following reports of two Commissioners red-flagging issues.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, as he advocates for a "partners, not rivals" approach to US-China relations amidst high-stakes discussions on trade, technology, and international stability.
Two IIT Gandhinagar students have developed "TrustGate," an AI-based cybersecurity system designed to protect critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and power grids. The system uniquely combines network traffic and physical sensor data to detect sophisticated cyber attacks, identify affected equipment, and provide real-time alerts to operators, earning them an international award.
China has established a significant lead in the Aich-Nagoya Asian Games medal tally after the third official day, securing 53 medals including 32 golds. Japan and Korea follow in second and third place respectively, while India is currently positioned eighth with 7 medals.
Indian shooter Vidarsa Vinod, making her Asian Games debut at 27, secured a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event. Despite missing an individual final, Vinod maintained a calm demeanour, treating the continental stage like any other competition. Her journey from an NCC cadet to an international medallist highlights her rapid progression and adaptability, especially as she only recently started training in the 10m air rifle discipline.
Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has finally secured an Asian Games medal, winning silver in the women's 49kg event in Nagoya. This achievement marks India's first weightlifting medal at the Asian Games since 1998 and completes Chanu's impressive collection of accolades, including an Olympic silver and World Championship titles.
Jai Moondra, a left-arm medium pacer from Rajasthan, made a dream international debut for Ireland, taking a wicket with his first ball against India. His journey is remarkable, having left a secure corporate job at Intel after pursuing an MTech in Dublin to chase his cricketing dream, culminating in a historic victory for Ireland.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has dismissed concerns about organisational chaos at the Asian Games, attributing criticisms to attempts to "politicise" the event. Despite widespread issues like accommodation scarcity, lengthy check-ins, and athlete complaints, OCA officials insist challenges are normal and are being handled effectively. They also addressed a diplomatic complaint from South Korea regarding a historical figure at a welcome ceremony and defended cost-saving measures like container-style accommodation.
Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati, has achieved significant success at the Asian Games, securing a gold and a silver medal. Her father and coach highlight her journey from a bamboo bow to international competitions, overcoming financial challenges, and her ultimate dream of representing India at the Olympics. Her performance, particularly against South Korea, has brought pride to her family, hometown, and the nation.
Indian table tennis mixed doubles pair Diya Chitale and Manush Shah secured a coveted Asian Games medal, overcoming a recent slump in form and the personal tragedy of Diya's coach Peter Engel's death. Their triumph is seen as a fitting tribute to Engel and fuels India's hopes for an Olympic medal in the future.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.
The Brazil national football team's training session in Kolkata drew an unprecedented media turnout, resembling a World Cup event, ahead of their friendly match against India. Despite the excitement, the event was marred by significant accreditation chaos for journalists. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad is building towards the 2028 Copa America, with the India match serving as a crucial assessment opportunity.
