Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted India's growing global sporting stature, evidenced by the increasing number of international events the country is hosting. He announced that India is set to host 36 international events between January 2025 and June 2026, along with 9 events this year and 19 in 2027-2028. Mandaviya also spoke about government support for athletes, transparent selection processes for major events like the Commonwealth Games, and improved domestic athletic performances, citing 26 national records broken in Indian athletics recently.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh in quarterly stipends to 42 promising young chess players across India. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, support coaching and travel, and nurture future champions, aligning with a vision to strengthen grassroots chess development.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, easing restrictions on Russian athletes. This move, welcomed by the Kremlin, allows Olympic sports bodies to consider reintegrating Russian athletes as neutrals, though some sports like track and field are not following suit.
India is set to host 11 international sporting events in the next six months, including the Badminton World Championships. The Sports Ministry has pledged to provide top-notch facilities, addressing previous criticisms of playing conditions, and is actively preparing for future Olympic bids.
The Delhi government has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the School Games Federation of India and the International School Sport Federation to host international school badminton and wrestling events next year, aiming to boost the city's sports ecosystem and provide international exposure to young athletes.
Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to make a highly anticipated return to the U.S. Open for an exhibition match in August, seven years after his last appearance. The event, titled 'Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York,' will feature other tennis greats like Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe, celebrating Federer's illustrious career and upcoming Hall of Fame induction.
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed in 2023. This decision opens the door for Russian athletes to return to international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, though the use of national symbols remains undecided.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is undertaking a significant restructuring of its national hockey programme following a dismal performance in the FIH Pro League, where the team failed to win any matches, including two losses to India. The PHF plans to hire foreign coaches and trainers from countries like Australia, Netherlands, or Germany to develop players at all levels and modernise the sport in Pakistan.
From supporting young talents financially to earning global recognition, Indian chess is making its presence felt like never before.
Indian wrestler Jaspreet Kaur has been sanctioned by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after testing positive for prohibited stimulants, octodrine and heptaminol, during the Asian Beach Games. She accepted the anti-doping rule violation, leading to disqualification of her results, with further sanctions from United World Wrestling possible.
FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.
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.
Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily stepped aside due to his inclusion in the European Union's sanctions list.
Indian para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled out of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to a classification issue. His entry, initially accepted, was later rejected by organisers after a validation process by World Para Athletics, citing his R-2025 class status as ineligible for the G2026 competition.
The Italian Football Federation has appointed legendary former captain Paolo Maldini as its new Technical Director, aiming to leverage his experience to revitalise the national team's international standing after recent World Cup qualification struggles.
The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF), a move aimed at promoting motorsport and facilitating Formula 1's return to India. This recognition requires FMSCI to amend its constitution to comply with governance acts, and a Task Force is being established to assess the benefits and challenges of hosting major motorsport events.
The FBI has arrested Indian national Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, a gangster allegedly involved in murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Kaushal was added to the FBI's most wanted list days before his arrest, which was part of Operation Hard Ball targeting the India-originated Bhagwanpuria organised crime group.
The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This status makes FMSCI eligible for financial grants and is a significant step in the government's efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to India, with a Task Force also being formed to explore hosting major motorsport events.
India is set to host the FISU World University Squash Championship in Mumbai from August 3, aiming for its first-ever gold medal. With home advantage and a bronze medallist from the previous edition, Suraj Chand, the team carries high expectations.
Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) have signed an MoU to jointly bid for the 2029 World Abilitysport Games, aiming to host over 1,500 athletes and showcase India's growing Paralympic movement.
The Russian Athletics Federation has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the World Athletics Council's decision to extend the suspension of Russian athletes from international competitions, citing discrimination.
Pakistan's hockey team faced embarrassment in a five-a-side match against India in Muscat when umpires penalised them for fielding six players instead of five. This led to India scoring 8 goals. The incident has prompted the Pakistan Hockey Federation President to demand an explanation, recalling a similar blunder in the 2022 Asia Cup that cost them a World Cup qualification.
For hundreds of Indian scholars who journeyed to Canada aiming for a foreign degree and a path toward long-term career opportunities, what should have been a triumphant graduation has instead spiralled into deep uncertainty.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is preparing to announce the hosts for its three World Cup events in 2027, which will include the first-ever Doubles World Cup. This new event is being introduced to align with the return of doubles to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, aiming to boost player participation and interest in the category.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has requested the Sports Ministry to form an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by Asunta Lakra, citing impartiality concerns if an internal probe is conducted due to the involvement of a federation office-bearer.
Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has been appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF). In this role, Paes will work to promote tennis across Asia, mentor young players, support grassroots development, and represent the federation at international events, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing the global governing body of 'destroying the football industry' through the expansion of international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs. Tebas also criticised the handling of a US player's ban and the proposed expansion of the men's World Cup.
The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a strategic move by Olympic leaders to tap into India's massive fan base and commercial power, aiming to attract billions of new viewers and strengthen the Games' appeal in key markets.
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 Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.
Viswanathan Anand will not seek re-election for a third term as Deputy President of FIDE.
Former Indian boxing coach Mohammed Ali Qamar believes the country's women's boxing squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is one of its best ever, with each of the seven members capable of securing a medal, though he cautioned that draws would be crucial.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has praised India's "outstanding success" in its nationwide World Bicycle Day celebrations, which involved approximately 200 cities and towns across 28 States and Union Territories. UCI President David Lappartient commended the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) for its remarkable organisational efforts and also lauded the launch of the Asmita Women's League, a grassroots programme aimed at promoting gender equity in cycling.
India continues to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant problem in the country's sports. The nation has been re-categorised to 'Category A' by the AIU, indicating an "extremely high" doping risk and requiring more stringent anti-doping measures.
India has once again topped the Athletics Integrity Unit's global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant doping problem in the country's sporting landscape. This led to the Athletics Federation of India being re-categorised to 'Category A' due to high doping risk, requiring more stringent testing.
