The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Oil Corporation have signed an MoU for Rs 40 crore over two years to bolster boxing in India. This partnership, leveraging CSR funds and SAI's expertise, aims to enhance talent identification, athlete development, coaching, and international exposure for boxers, aligning with the revamped Khelo India Scheme.
P V Sindhu and Lakshya Sen lead India's challenge at the Denmark Open Super 750, facing tough opening-round opponents. Sindhu is up against world No.1 An Se-young, while Sen takes on third seed Chou Tien Chen. Other Indian players like Kidambi Srikanth, Ayush Shetty, and doubles pairs also feature in the tournament, aiming for strong performances.
Four senior Indian hockey players, including Mandeep Singh and Amit Rohidas, have expressed surprise and disappointment over reports that they are set to retire after the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. The players, who recently won gold at the Asian Games, stated they were not consulted and are keen to continue playing, with eyes on the 2028 Olympics.
'...but could demotivate employees seeking US residency.'
Two merchant vessels with 22 Indian crew members were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. One ship, MT Petro Dolphin, was hit by a drone, leaving two Indian seafarers missing. Another, MT Valthera, was struck by a projectile, but all 11 Indian crew are safe. India has strongly condemned the attacks, prioritising the safety of its seafarers and calling for de-escalation and upholding freedom of navigation.
Indian cueists, including Paras Gupta and Dhvaj Haria, had a successful opening day at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in Ahmedabad. Several players advanced across various disciplines like men's heyball, snooker, women's billiards, 10-Ball, and blackball, showcasing a strong performance by the Indian contingent. However, some Indian players also faced defeats in their respective categories.
Indian equities, particularly the Nifty 50, have significantly underperformed their Asian and global counterparts over the past year, with the index down 10.6 per cent. This lag is attributed to factors like rising global oil prices, rupee depreciation, and a lack of participation in the global chipmaker rally that boosted markets like South Korea and Taiwan.
Indian swimmers delivered a strong performance at the 2nd Asian Masters Swimming Championship in Bengaluru, securing multiple gold and silver medals across various age categories and events. Jay Prakash Ekbote won gold in the men's 50m butterfly, while S Feroz Mohamed triumphed in the men's 200m breaststroke. Indian women swimmers also excelled, with Jalaja Shirole and Loveleen Johal winning gold in their respective butterfly events.
The Indian men's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, has been announced. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak returns to the team, while the core of the Asian Games gold-winning lineup, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has been retained. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, with matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.
Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth lauded the Indian Army's Mission Olympic Wing for its role in developing talented sportspersons, citing their strong performance at the recent Asian Games as a precursor to success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Army felicitated its 20 medal winners from the Asian Games, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future athletes.
The University of Melbourne and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati have launched a new 2+2 Bachelor of Science Integrated (Honours) dual degree. This programme offers Indian students a globally connected, research-intensive science education, allowing them to study two years at IISER-Tirupati and two years in Melbourne, graduating with two honours degrees.
An Indian national was killed and ten others injured in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy confirmed the death and ongoing medical care for the injured. India has strongly condemned the repeated attacks, which Saudi Arabia blames on Yemen's Houthis, and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Indian-origin filmmaker Arafat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dulles International Airport. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody on September 24 despite having a student visa and a pending immigration application, according to the "Free Arafat Sheikh" campaign. ICE is responsible for detaining non-citizens for suspected immigration violations.
Season 3 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) will feature nearly 150 riders from 21 countries, including 30 Indian participants, competing across four racing categories. Reigning champion Matt Moss is set to defend his title amidst a strong international field.
Indian shooters Anjum Moudgil, Ayushi Podder, and Manini Kaushik did not qualify for the women's 50m Rifle 3P final at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo on Tuesday, with Anjum finishing 23rd. India's only medal so far came from Udhayveer Sidhu's gold in the men's 10m air pistol on Sunday.
HSBC has emerged as the leading international bank in facilitating fundraising for Indian companies through bonds, syndicated loans, and IPOs during January-September 2026, according to Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India.
Shipping Minister Sarbanada Sonowal confirmed that a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MT GEM NO. 2, with 22 Indian nationals onboard, was attacked by a drone at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. All Indian seafarers are reported to be safe, and authorities are monitoring the situation.
Indian Army athletes achieved their best-ever medal haul at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, securing 20 medals, including six gold, eight silver, and six bronze. This significant contribution accounted for nearly one-fourth of India's total 85 medals. Standout performers included Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda in trap shooting and Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh in distance running, who also set a national record. The Army's increased representation and performance, particularly from women athletes, highlight the robust sporting ecosystem within the Indian Army.
Harmanjot Singh and Lili Das will lead a 42-strong Indian elite field at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on October 18. Singh, a strong contender with the fastest personal best in the Indian elite field, will make his debut. Lili Das, a former champion, will lead the women's charge alongside Kavita Yadav, facing competition from Ankita Dhyani. The event offers significant prize money and incentives for new Indian Elite records.
India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant and stay indoors due to an escalating security situation involving Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, including airports. The advisory also cautions against circulating related news and confirms the normal functioning of Indian diplomatic missions. Flight services from India to Riyadh have been cancelled by Air India and Air India Express until October 10 following the attacks.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is seeking urgent intervention from the US Embassy after four U23 World Championships-bound women grapplers were denied visas.
A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, Aframax Rio, carrying 23 Indian nationals, was attacked by drone boats off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi. All crew members were safely evacuated, though a significant fire is burning. The incident highlights escalating risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to express grave concern over attacks on international waterways.
Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant drop on Monday, with the Sensex falling by nearly 548 points, primarily due to a fresh spike in crude oil prices, persistent foreign fund outflows, and rising bond yields.
An Indian national, Daver Arish Adil, 39, has been charged with two counts of criminal trespass for allegedly entering a ticketed area and a staff-only zone at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix without valid authorisation. His case will be heard again in court on Friday, with potential penalties including jail time and fines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian contingent for their commendable performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He praised the athletes for their determination, passion, and sporting spirit, acknowledging their role in bringing immense joy to the nation. India secured fourth place with 85 medals, and Modi expressed hope that these Games would inspire future achievements and strengthen grassroots sports.
Indian taekwondo players Kashish Malik and Jyoti Yadav were eliminated in the first round of their respective events at the Asian Games in Nagoya, marking a disappointing start for the contingent.
Air India Express, Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo have cancelled flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following reported attacks by Houthi militants on Riyadh and Abha airports, with cancellations extended until at least October 9-10.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 44,166 crore from Indian equities in October, pushing the total outflows for the year past Rs 3 lakh crore, driven by elevated crude oil prices, a stronger US dollar, higher US bond yields, and the allure of AI-led rallies in North Asian markets.
South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to advancing human rights, peace, and international law, including her significant contributions to shaping international law on genocide and sexual violence.
Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, who has a British Indian mother, is increasingly vocal about his strong Indian roots, a heritage he has always been proud of.
An IndianOil officer, Mahesh Shelke, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon while inspecting a petrol pump in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Indian Oil Corporation have called for swift and strict action against those responsible. The incident draws parallels to the 2005 killing of another IOC officer, S Manjunath.
India has strongly condemned an attack on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel, MT On Peace, in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in injuries to 11 Indian crew members. The Ministry of External Affairs called for an immediate cessation of such attacks, emphasising the need to restore navigation and commerce through international waterways. Omani authorities assisted in evacuating and treating the injured sailors.
The Indian Racing Festival's 2026 season will feature Rounds 4 and 5 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, marking the return of FIA-level racing after 13 years. The season will conclude with a night race at the Navi Mumbai Street Circuit in December. The F4 Indian Championship has already completed its initial rounds, with the Indian Racing League joining soon.
The Krishna Punjab Raptors, spearheaded by Karandeep Kochhar, are set to compete in another round of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) in Hyderabad. The team, featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, aims to make a significant impact as the competition intensifies. The article highlights the depth of the IGPL, showcasing various winners and promising young professionals.
India's women's football team, the Blue Tigresses, will play two international friendlies against 27th-ranked Russia in Kolkata. These matches serve as a crucial test for India's young squad, with an average age of 23, as they prepare for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. Head coach Crispin Chettri views this as an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves against a stronger opponent.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that its new Executive Council will be elected on December 5, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed as the returning officer. The electoral process, which includes elections for the Athletes' Commission on November 3 and selection of Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), will adhere to national sports governance acts and the amended IOA Constitution. The new council will serve a four-year term (2026-2030), with current President PT Usha highlighting the importance of good governance as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
World No. 4 recurve archer Dhiraj Bommadevara has advocated for a mix of daytime and night matches in the Archery Premier League (APL) to better prepare Indian archers for diverse international competition conditions. He highlighted the importance of adapting to varying factors like wind, especially with the APL's shift to Hyderabad, and praised the league for fostering stronger relationships and learning opportunities with international archers.
Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, also securing an Olympic quota for LA 2028. Her victory over South Korea's Oh Yejin in a tense shoot-off has boosted India's confidence to challenge the long-standing Korean dominance in recurve archery. Mohod attributes her success to mental preparation, visualisation, and family sacrifices, and is now focused on securing her individual spot for the 2028 Olympics.
Legendary Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, now coaching Uruguay, believes India can significantly improve its football standing despite cricket's dominance. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots development, strong domestic leagues, and consistent exposure to high-level international competition to nurture young talent and elevate the sport in the country. Forlan also shared his positive experiences with Indian football passion during his ISL stint.
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.
