India experienced a mixed day at the Asian Games, with skeet shooters and rowers adding to the medal tally, and wushu player Roshibina Devi securing a silver. While kabaddi and hockey teams continued their winning streaks, boxing, gymnastics, and fencing saw disappointments. The overall medal count reached 15, with only one gold so far.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.
India's top paddler Manush Shah believes the Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) campaign has significantly boosted team chemistry and momentum, providing a 'perfect platform' for the upcoming Asian Games.
Manika Batra took to X, voicing her concerns over the TTFI's decision on her non-inclusion in the Asian Games squad.
India's Davis Cup team is set for a high-stakes Qualifier Round 2 clash against South Korea in Seoul, with players like Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sumit Nagal aiming to secure a historic Final 8 berth under the current format.
India's Asian Games campaign saw its medal tally rise to 17 with strong performances in athletics, wushu, kabaddi, and hockey, despite some disappointments in shooting, boxing, and gymnastics. The mixed 4x400m relay team secured silver, while Seema won bronze in 10,000m. Wushu player Roshibina Devi claimed silver, and rowers added a bronze. Kabaddi and men's hockey teams continued their unbeaten runs, advancing to later stages.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner heads to Wimbledon under scrutiny after his French Open disappointment, but coaches and experts believe the world No. 1 remains the favourite to retain his title despite fitness concerns.
'Being World No. 2 will give us good confidence when we compete at the Asian Games.'
Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) if she is not provided a 'factual explanation' for her omission from the Asian Games squad.
The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.
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 Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced that India will send 125-130 athletes to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, participating in eight able-bodied and four para sports. The IOA is also preparing for the Asian Games and is in talks with the IOC for India's 2036 Olympic bid in Ahmedabad, which is also set to host the 2030 CWG. Iyer clarified that the IOA will not interfere in athlete selection matters.
India has announced a calendar of 29 international sporting events over the next two years, aiming to bolster its credentials as a host nation. This strategic move is part of its larger goal to secure bids for the 2036 Olympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the 2038 Asian Games, showcasing its capacity to host large-scale multi-sport spectacles.
'We acknowledge proportionate measures must be taken to prevent this happening again...'
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.
The Delhi government has signed a tripartite MoU with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) to host international school badminton and wrestling events in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen Delhi's sports ecosystem, provide young athletes with international exposure, and bolster India's global sporting identity.
Tennis must avoid "internal battles" if its growth is to keep pace with other sports, Roger Federer said on Monday in response to news that the ATP was to launch a revamped World Team Cup.
'We have exhausted all options for reform through dialogue, and the governing bodies have left us no choice but to seek accountability through the courts.'
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.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness following a Delhi High Court decision regarding its 2024 elections. The AITA plans to implement constitutional amendments and ensure player representation in its governance.
Carlos Alcaraz distanced himself from the class-action lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players' Association
World number one Serena Williams slammed Shamil Tarpishchev for using "extremely sexist, racist and bullying" comments after the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) president described her and sister Venus as the "Williams brothers".
The International Tennis Premier League (IPTL) will add two cities next year, taking the number to six, event founder Mahesh Bhupathi said on Thursday.
Aryna Sabalenka said the Australian Open should reconsider its policy on banning wrist-worn fitness trackers after several players were told to remove the devices before coming onto court.
As India's remarkable chess revolution gathers momentum, teenagers Rishabh Kumar and Adhiraj Mitra are ensuring that the country's future on the 64 squares remains brighter than ever.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are among the world's top players calling for the Davis Cup to return to its traditional home-and-away format and be staged over two years, a proposal backed by ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.
The Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention will be held in Delhi from March 13 to 16, marking its return to the city after 23 years and celebrating the Golden Jubilee of SJFI.
An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.
But the big question that keeps striking the mind is, if Indian tennis system can actually claim this win as its own. The answer is: partially.
Govt's new sports policy to encourage Indian-origin athletes abroad to represent country
The Swiss tennis great will lower the flag to start the 93rd edition of the endurance race on June 14.
Bhupathi also spoke about young up-and-coming tennis star Maaya Rajeshwaran, who is shaping up to be the next big star from India in the sport.
'I have no idea what's happening right now, I'm not in a dream, it's just crazy. I'm just so happy with my performance these past two weeks.'
'I've never been a fan of division in our sport, but I've always fought for better representation and influence of and positioning of the players globally in our sport, which I think is still not where I think it should be.'
British number two Katie Boulter has received death threats to herself and members of her family after matches as players are increasingly subjected to online abuse through direct messages.
Tennis Australia has filed an appeal against the International Tennis Federation's decision to approve Chennai as the venue for next month's India-Australia Asia/Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie. The ITF will hear the appeal later this week and decide on Tennis Australia's request to shift the tie out of India on security grounds. It had cleared Chennai as the host city despite the Australian federation's concerns about coming to India.
The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.
The All India Tennis Association on Saturday lashed out at Australia for pulling out of next month's Davis Cup tie against India, saying they have acted in an "arrogant" and "irresponsible" manner "by creating a situation solely out of their mind and not based on facts". AITA also said it would convey its sentiments to the International Tennis Federation in a letter following Australia withdrawing from the May 8-10 Asia-Oceania Group I tie.
ITF said that Novak Djokovic's statement at the French Open did not break any rules.
Rediff.com brings you players who have tested positive for use of banned substances over the years.
