Gurindervir Singh's record-breaking 10.09-second run in the 100m at the Federation Cup National Championships has ignited hopes for Indian athletes to finally break the coveted sub-10-second barrier. Experts believe that with the right training, equipment, and opportunities, an Indian sprinter could achieve this milestone in the near future.
Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.
Pressure will be on Mirabai Chanu to nail the much-awaited 90kg snatch lift for a shot at that elusive Asian Games medal when the weightlifting competition gets underway in Hangzhou on Saturday.
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar advances to the final of the Asian Boxing Championships, while Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain are eliminated in the semi-finals.
Shyama Devi, mother of late Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana, has passed away after battling multiple health issues, just weeks after her son's sudden demise.
A new exhibition highlighting the significant impact of the South Asian community on cricket in Britain has opened at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
At the Asian Games, women pugilists will compete in five weight categories: 51kg, 57kg, 60kg, 69kg and 75kg. While the Olympics will have six weight classes -- 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 66kg and 75kg.
India's Sajan Prakash and Advait Page finished fifth and seventh in their respective finals to draw curtains on the country's swimming campaign at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Friday.
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has expressed strong belief in Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating they still have significant contributions to make and should feature in upcoming ODI World Cups. He emphasised their skill, experience, and fitness as key factors, dismissing age as a barrier. Abbas also touched upon the importance of traditional batting techniques and offered thoughts on Pakistan cricket.
India's compound archers, under new coach Dave Cousins, have shown a significant turnaround at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. The women's team has advanced to the gold medal match, while the men's team narrowly missed out on a bronze. This performance marks a strong return to form after a challenging season.
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to initiate a CBI probe into the murder of para-athlete Chirag Tyagi, whose death has deeply affected the para-sports community. Police have detained another para-athlete, Yash Khatik, in connection with the case, citing revenge as a possible motive, while the Sports Ministry maintains law and order is a state subject.
Following is a look at some new and the more unusual events in the schedule of the 19th edition of the Asian Games:
India's U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.
Wushu athlete Mepung Lamgu has gone incommunicado since being denied visa to travel to China for the Asian Games.
India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana was laid to rest in Varanasi with full state honours, two days after his passing due to cardiac complications. Tributes poured in from across the nation, including from his mentee Manu Bhaker and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, highlighting his immense contribution to Indian shooting as both an athlete and a coach.
Unlike Asia's other populous giant China, India have never made much of a splash at the Olympics, their seven-medal haul at the Tokyo Games a record for the nation. Adding cricket to the Olympic programme -- as is expected for the 2028 Los Angeles Games -- could help boost the tally.
India's Ganemat Sekhon is in contention for a finals berth at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun, while Mairaj Ahmad Khan had a disappointing outing.
With economic problems and job cuts, Hangzhou locals and people in other parts of China are not very pleased about hosting the Asian Games.
Vinesh Phogat has vowed to return stronger after losing in the Asian Games selection trials to Meenakshi Goyat. Phogat expressed her frustration with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and alleged unfair treatment during the trials, despite being allowed to compete following court intervention.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty discuss their efforts to increase badminton's visibility and appreciation in India following their Thomas Cup triumph and bronze medal win.
The Indian sporting fraternity mourns the death of veteran administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Abhinav Bindra and various sports organisations.
The Delhi High Court has criticised the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events, raising concerns about her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.
Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.
GFI president Sudhir Mital said the uncertainty over the participation of Indian gymnasts in the upcoming Asian Games is causing confusion and having a "psychological" impact on the athletes.
Thailand claimed the first esports medal awarded at the Asian Games on Tuesday, winning a bronze in a playoff against Vietnam in a mobile phone game.
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.
Organisers keen on cricket in 2026 Asian Games despite venue headache
She was a gold medallist in the same category at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu-Pokhara.
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia showcased his dominance at the National Open Ranking Tournament, reaching the 92kg final without conceding a point. The event faced logistical challenges due to high participation, with weigh-ins delayed and medal rounds postponed.
Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.
Bhavani Devi's impressive run at the Asian Games came to an end in the quarter-finals, suffering a 7-15 loss to local favourite Yaqi Shao.
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is preparing for the Asian Games and World Championships, aiming to reignite her competitive edge after a quiet spell following the Paris Games. She also expressed excitement about shooting's return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.
Vinesh Phogat's eligibility to compete in the National Open Ranking Tournament is uncertain due to questions about her compliance with WADA's six-month notice rule for returning athletes.
North Korea will play China in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
India's U17 women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup after an initial defeat to Australia. Coach Pamela Conti emphasises the need for a focused and perfect match to compete against the formidable Japanese side.
India's top track and field athletes will compete in Ranchi for a chance to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The event marks the first time the Athletics Federation of India will conduct SRY Gene Tests at the national level to ensure fair competition in the women's category. The meet will also serve as trials for the inaugural Asian U23 Championships.
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.
Hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be the flag-bearers of the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 23.
India's schedule at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, on Tuesday, September 26.
Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.
