Top Indian athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Neeru Dhanda, and Harmanpreet Singh have been nominated by their respective National Sports Federations to the electoral college for the Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission polls on November 3. The article details the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and the composition of the new Athletes Commission, noting the absence of some federations and the exclusion of outgoing members like Mary Kom.
Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu are among 12 prominent sportspersons vying for a spot on the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) Athletes Commission. The elections, scheduled for November 3, will select 10 members for the 2026-2030 term. The article also details the electoral process, eligibility criteria, and mentions the upcoming election for eight Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs).
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has suspended the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1, 2026, due to a prolonged governance crisis. This decision, made on October 13, 2026, means Indian riders, officials, trainers, and horses cannot participate in international competitions. The suspension stems from the Delhi High Court's dissolution of EFI's executive committee in February 2026 and the subsequent delay in holding fresh elections, despite an ad hoc committee being formed. The suspension will be reviewed after new elections are held and evaluated by the FEI.
The Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Competition in Ranchi will serve as the selection trial for the Asian U23 Athletics Championships. Athletes aged 20-22 are eligible, and the event also serves as a qualifier for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
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.
The Sports Ministry conducted a review of India's Asian Games performance, scrutinising the lower-than-expected medal haul in athletics and badminton. Chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting addressed issues like injured athletes and future planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with a strong emphasis on federations delivering results and nurturing young talent.
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has called for a stronger, athlete-centric sporting ecosystem, emphasising the need for robust federations, committed coaches, quality infrastructure, and effective sports science support. She highlighted that sporting excellence requires institutions that prioritise athletes and provide fair opportunities, while also congratulating recent Asian Games gold medallists.
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has threatened to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) due to its failure to finalise a new constitution and hold elections as directed by the Delhi High Court. The international body cited breaches of good governance principles and has given EFI until September 28 to provide an explanation before its board considers suspension on October 13. The crisis stems from long-standing governance disputes and divisions within the ad-hoc committee appointed to oversee the federation.
Court-appointed administrator Justice Gita Mittal has proposed extensive constitutional amendments for the All India Tennis Association (AITA). These reforms aim to align AITA with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, by significantly increasing athlete representation in decision-making bodies, downsizing the Executive Committee, and establishing independent ethics and dispute resolution committees. The changes, which include inducting Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit into key committees and reducing state association representation, await approval at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting.
The Sports Ministry has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to significant governance deficiencies, including delayed elections and failure to ensure athlete welfare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established.
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.
The Asian Games, a major multi-sport event, has a long history of controversies extending beyond the sporting arena. From diplomatic disputes and selection rows to doping scandals and disputed decisions, these incidents have often highlighted the intersection of politics, national interests, and sports.
The Indian Olympic Association has formed a five-member Games Technical Conduct Committee to oversee the technical aspects and sports programme of the 39th National Games, scheduled for Meghalaya in 2027. The committee, chaired by Sunaina Kumari, will ensure technical compliance and athlete-centred preparation for the event.
Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar have been awarded the rights to host the Asian Relays in 2027 and the Asian Indoor Championships in 2028, respectively, marking a significant achievement for Indian athletics.
The Sports Ministry has suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India's recognition due to governance issues, including delayed elections, and has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has suspended the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1 due to a prolonged governance crisis, stemming from the dissolution of EFI's executive committee by the Delhi High Court and the absence of fresh elections. This suspension bars Indian riders, officials, and horses from international competitions until new elections are held and evaluated by the FEI.
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has moved the Delhi High Court challenging two show-cause notices issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.
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.
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.
The Indian Olympic Association intervened to ensure para cyclist Lisha Das, the youngest member of India's Commonwealth Games contingent, has a female support staff member accompanying her to Glasgow. This decision came after the 16-year-old raised concerns about the initial lack of a female physiotherapist, which goes against Sports Authority of India guidelines. The IOA has now accredited a physiotherapist and Lisha's personal coach, with efforts underway for a technician.
Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar have been awarded the rights to host the Asian Relays in 2027 and the Asian Indoor Championships in 2028, respectively, marking a significant moment for Indian athletics.
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has pledged support for promoting sporting talent and improving infrastructure in Mizoram, particularly for boxers. This assurance came during a meeting with BJP youth wing leaders who highlighted the state's sporting potential and the need for modern facilities, including a boxing hall, especially with India's 2036 Olympic bid in mind.
Indian esports athletes are rigorously training for the Asian Games in Nagoya, aiming for medals and challenging the traditional perception of gaming as merely a leisure activity. With professional support and coaching, players are balancing academics and intense practice, hoping to elevate esports to mainstream sporting status in India.
Sahdev Yadav, President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation, has been unanimously elected as the head of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF). He aims to strengthen cooperation and improve weightlifting standards in the region.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has implemented a stringent Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The code prohibits inappropriate relationships, degrading language, and harassment, with violations leading to severe penalties including suspension. It also addresses social media use and places special emphasis on protecting minor athletes.
Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar has called for an independent review of the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) coaching appointments, citing concerns about transparency, eligibility criteria, and potential conflicts of interest. The NRAI, however, asserts that appointments are merit-based and views Kumar's concerns as 'sour grapes' after his own non-selection.
Vithya Ramraj won three medals at the Asian Games and broke P T Usha's 42-year-old record. Her twin Nithya, an international athlete herself, ruled out of the Games by an injury, looks back at their journey from a rented home to a podium finish.
The Asian Games shooting range in Nagoya has implemented a strict dress code for photographers and TV cameramen, leading to some confusion among media personnel. While the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has long had such rules, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee has made them exceptionally clear, even requiring a video journalist to change from blue to black jeans. The rules aim to maintain a professional appearance and distinguish shooting as a sport, reflecting Japan's meticulous approach to event organisation.
American coach Dave Cousins, who led India's compound archers to a historic Olympic quota at the Asian Games, faced a significant delay in receiving his salary for over three months. The Archery Association of India and Sports Authority of India have acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a technical problem, and assured that the payment will be cleared within days, resolving the coach's threat to quit.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Tuesday
India is set to host its first-ever National Indoor Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step towards hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028. The event will feature a 200m track and various field events, providing a novel experience for Indian athletes.
Neetal Narang has been appointed as India's first Safeguarding Officer for the upcoming Asian Games, a role mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia.
India's foreign trap shooting coach, Peter Wilson, has voiced his disappointment over the exclusion of World Championship bronze medallist Zorawar Singh from the Asian Games squad. Wilson highlighted Zorawar's calibre and the "great shame" of his omission, attributing it largely to the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) selection policy which prioritises domestic trials over international results. He also addressed the Indian shotgun team's recent poor World Cup performances and discussed the need for systemic changes to improve access to shotgun shooting in India.
Joga Purty and Deepu Mallesh, India's speed climbing representatives, are set to make their Asian Games debut. The athletes, who discovered the sport through different paths, discuss their journeys, the challenges of pursuing a niche sport, and their excitement for the upcoming competition, where India aims for its first climbing medal. They also highlight the need for better support and exposure for the sport in India.
The world volleyball body FIVB has revoked the Volleyball Federation of India's recognition with immediate effect for breach of legal and administrative requirements.
The world volleyball body FIVB has revoked the Volleyball Federation of India's recognition due to breaches of legal and administrative requirements, following complaints from players about poor facilities and selection politics.
India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships for the first time in 2028 in Bhubaneswar. The decision was made at the World Athletics Council meeting in Torun, Poland.
Five Indian tennis players were excluded from the Asian Games squad because they did not meet the Sports Ministry's stringent international ranking criteria, a decision that has drawn criticism from veteran players like Rohan Bopanna but is being upheld by authorities to maintain administrative integrity.
India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended 24 athletes across various sports, including cricketer Bhupen Lalwani, weightlifter Ajith Narayana, wrestler Sahil Jaglan, and national record holder runner KM Deeksha, for failing dope tests. The suspensions highlight ongoing challenges with doping in Indian sports.
