India trainer Ramji Srinivasan has issued a clear mandate to Hardik Pandya, stating that the all-rounder must regain full fitness and significantly increase his bowling workload to be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup, following a prolonged absence due to multiple injuries.
Andhra, Saurashtra, and Punjab secured three points each in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B matches after earning first-innings leads, despite the games ending in draws. Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Assam settled for one point each. Karun Nair's unbeaten 155 for Karnataka was a highlight, while Ravindra Jadeja was Player of the Match for Saurashtra.
Defending champions India secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey semifinal, thanks to a last-minute goal by Abhishek. India initially led 3-0 but allowed Pakistan to stage a comeback, scoring three goals to level the score before Abhishek's decisive strike with just 45 seconds remaining. The win sends India to the final, though their second-half performance raised questions.
The Sports Ministry has rescheduled its review meeting with National Sports Federations to October 15 to discuss India's performance at the recently concluded Asian Games. The focus will be on the underwhelming show of experienced athletes in sports like badminton, shooting, and athletics, following a lower medal count compared to the previous edition.
Indonesian tennis star Janice Tjen will return as the top seed to defend her title at the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships 2026, a WTA 250 event. The tournament, India's highest international women's ranking event, will feature players from 22 countries, with Tjen being the first Asian top seed.
India's men's hockey team secured their fifth Asian Games gold medal, and second consecutive, by defeating Malaysia 5-1. This victory also guarantees them a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The women's team also achieved gold, marking a double triumph for Indian hockey.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal has advanced to the men's 65kg semifinals at the Asian Games after securing two dominant victories, including a technical superiority win against Iran's Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi. Meanwhile, three other Indian wrestlers faced early exits from the competition.
Former world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna and Australian Open winner Rinky Hijikata have been announced as marquee players for the upcoming Tennis Premier League (TPL). The league, featuring a mix of international and Indian talent, will hold its player auction on October 12, with matches scheduled from December 8-13. Other notable international players include Roman Burruchaga, Terence Atmane, Dalibor Svrcina, Dino Prizmic, Adam Walton, and Alexandre Muller.
Jasprit Bumrah ranked third in Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad's top 10 bowlers of the 21st century, ahead of Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan, behind Warne and Anderson.
Liverpool fans staged a vocal protest against Manchester City at Anfield following the verdict of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. Supporters displayed banners, chanted, and booed, while police were on alert for potential bus targeting, though City's team took an alternate route.
Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata for a high-profile friendly match against India.
Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has announced a multi-year partnership with global logistics company DP World. The collaboration will see DP World transport McIlroy's personalised fitness and recovery facilities across his PGA Tour and DP World Tour schedules, ensuring consistent training environments worldwide. This initiative highlights DP World's expertise in complex logistics and makes McIlroy a global ambassador for the company.
Indian boxers Parveen Hooda and Ankush Panghal have advanced to the gold medal bouts at the Asian Games, while Narender Berwal secured a bronze medal. Parveen's win marks a significant comeback, making her only the third Indian female boxer to reach the final. The team has already surpassed its previous medal tally.
Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, aged 11, has been crowned the youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM) while representing England at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. This achievement adds to her growing list of records, including being the youngest person to represent England internationally in any sport. She is now one step closer to becoming an International Master.
India captain Shubman Gill and opener Shafali Verma have been named ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month, respectively, for October. Gill received the award for the fifth time following his stellar performance in the ODI series against the West Indies, while Verma was recognised for her impressive show in the Asia Cup and Asian Games, marking her second win.
Pranav Adani's visit to the Singapore Grand Prix has intensified speculation about Formula 1's return to India. The Adani Group, which owns the Buddh International Circuit, is actively pursuing the revival of the Indian Grand Prix, with support from the Indian government. However, significant financial and logistical challenges, including tax clarity and substantial upgrade costs, must be overcome amidst increasing global competition for hosting races.
Indian debutant Paritosh was eliminated from the Puyo Puyo Champions esports event at the Asian Games after a 0-5 loss to South Korea's Kang Dongshin in the quarterfinals. India also faced a defeat in the Pokemon UNITE event.
Indian badminton players, including PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy, are set to compete in the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament in Vantaa, Finland. This event follows their recent Asian Games campaign, where India secured one medal. The shuttlers aim to build on their form and seek strong performances in the BWF season.
Golf star Rory McIlroy has voiced strong support for the DP World Tour's recent decisions concerning players involved with LIV Golf. He backed the Tour's move to restrict LIV players from its 2027 season and its right to protect business interests, while also highlighting the Tour's opportunity to showcase international golf during less crowded periods in the PGA Tour schedule. McIlroy, a DP World global ambassador, expressed his commitment to the Tour and shared his thoughts on returning to the Delhi Golf Club.
Historian Ramachandra Guha, at the launch of his book "Arguments with Gandhi", discussed Mahatma Gandhi's use of "Ram Rajya", acknowledging it could be "off-putting to Muslims" despite Gandhi's interfaith practice. Guha highlighted Gandhi's pluralistic approach, his efforts to protect minorities after Partition, and his contributions to the anti-untouchability campaign, often overlooked in contemporary discourse. The book also examines Gandhi's disagreements with figures like Ambedkar, Savarkar, Nehru, and Bhagat Singh.
Spain defeated Croatia 2-1 with two goals from Mikel Merino, extending their unbeaten streak and securing a Nations League quarter-final spot. England also advanced after a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, featuring a brace from captain Harry Kane, who equalled a national appearance record. Other League B1 results saw Slovenia beat Scotland and Switzerland defeat North Macedonia.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1, with Riccardo Calafiori equalising before substitute Bruno Guimaraes struck the winner to lift the Gunners to second in the Premier League.
Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari after missing a crucial pit entry during a Virtual Safety Car period at the Singapore Grand Prix, which prevented the team from securing a double podium. His decision to stay out led to significant tyre degradation and a drop to sixth place, costing valuable points. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur confirmed there was no miscommunication and acknowledged the missed opportunity.
Hockey India has announced significant cash awards for the national women's team and support staff following their historic gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan. The team defeated defending champions China 1-0, securing India's first women's hockey gold at the event in 44 years, with Lalremsiami scoring the winning goal.
India's national football team suffered a 6-1 defeat against two-time former world champions Uruguay in an international friendly in Kolkata.
Yashvir threw the javelin to a distance of 85.72 m, his personal best.
Indian javelin throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav achieved a double podium finish at the Asian Games, securing silver and bronze medals respectively. Yashvir recorded a personal best of 85.72m, while Rohit threw 84.35m. Their success comes after Neeraj Chopra's withdrawal due to injury.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad has stated that he respects the selectors' decision to exclude Suryakumar Yadav from the Ranji Trophy season opener, emphasising that players who have prepared well will always be considered.
Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi-final match against Novak Djokovic after accidentally hitting a spectator with a ball. Djokovic, who was leading at the time, advanced to the final, extending his unbeaten record at the tournament. Another semi-final also saw a retirement due to injury.
Former Indian tennis greats Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna, along with other prominent sportspersons, have applied for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) positions within the All India Tennis Association (AITA). This move aligns with new national sports governance rules aimed at increasing sportsperson representation in federations. The AITA received 26 applications, and the selection process for SOM representatives is expected to conclude on November 5, with AITA elections scheduled for November 27.
GM M Pranesh secured a significant victory over world champion D Gukesh, while GM Nihal Sarin defeated Arjun Erigaisi in the penultimate round of the Chennai Grand Masters. These results allowed French GM Alireza Firouzja to take the sole lead in the tournament.
Indian teen archer Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history at the Asian Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve gold, alongside a team gold and mixed silver.
Head coach V V S Laxman hailed the Indian team's 'champion's mindset' after they beat Pakistan to win the gold medal in the men's T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the India-Brazil international football friendly in Kolkata on October 3. The city is preparing for the historic match, with Brazil's five-time world champions having arrived and security measures stepped up.
Rest of India defeated reigning Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs to clinch the Irani Cup, with pacers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep sharing nine wickets in a sensational bowling performance.
Nitesh Siwach, a 23-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler from Haryana, secured a silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan. His journey is remarkable, having worked as a milkman for two years after a knee operation before returning to wrestling. He hopes for Greco-Roman wrestling to be included in the Pro Wrestling League.
The BJP's women's wing announced a protest march against the Congress, alleging that Rahul Gandhi is protecting Inner Manipur MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed from JNU over sexual harassment allegations involving 11 students. The BJP Mahila Morcha will organise a 'Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan' on Monday, demanding Akoijam's expulsion and resignation.
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.
India faces a challenging FIFA international friendly against two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata, aiming to recover from a 0-4 defeat by Brazil.
If India's medal tally ultimately falls significantly short of Hangzhou, the conversation should not stop with the athletes or coaches. It should extend to a much more uncomfortable institutional question: After years of increased investment, programmes, infrastructure and policy attention, where exactly is the system failing to convert that investment into medals, champions and depth across sports? asks Jaydeep Ray.
