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.
Indian golfer Pranavi Urs fulfilled a lifelong dream by spending an hour with her idol, Rory McIlroy, in India. The two discussed their respective triumphs, with Urs sharing how she drew inspiration from McIlroy's Masters win during her own gold medal victory at the recent Asian Games. Urs also spoke about the growth of Indian golf, managing expectations, and her Olympic aspirations.
Para archer Sheetal Devi concluded her Asian Para Games campaign with two gold medals and a silver, including defending her individual compound title.
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.
India's P V Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, overcame a strong challenge from Thailand's Supanida Katethong in a three-game thriller at the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament on Wednesday. Sindhu won 21-14, 8-21, 23-21, admitting it was not her best performance but expressing relief at advancing. In other matches, Unnati Hooda exited, while Ayush Shetty defeated Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen gave a walkover.
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.
The Indian men's hockey team lost 1-3 to Olympic champions the Netherlands in a critical second-round match of the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen. The Netherlands scored three field goals in the second half, while India's sole goal came from a Harmanpreet Singh penalty corner.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's strong bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and detailed plans for a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to ensure significant participation and success in the event. He highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and India's growing presence in global sports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India's Asian Games medal-winners, including the gold-winning cricket teams, on Thursday. He praised their achievements, highlighting India's growing strength in sports and its ambition to become a credible host for major international events, including a bid for the 2036 Olympics. Modi also emphasised the government's support for athletes and urged medallists to mentor the next generation.
Indian pugilists Arundhati Choudhary and Jaismine Lamboria, both Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medallists, shared their experiences and overwhelming reception following their historic victories in Glasgow, with Choudhary setting her sights on an Olympic medal.
Indian ace boxer Lovlina Borgohain, after facing disappointment at the 2024 Olympics, rediscovered her passion for boxing, leading to a gold medal victory at the recent Asian Games in Japan. She aims for direct Olympic qualification through the World Championships and hopes to upgrade her Olympic bronze to gold.
Star Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar underwent minor ligament reconstruction surgery on his right ankle in London following an injury sustained at the Asian Games last month. This marks his second major surgery, having previously missed the Paris Olympics due to a left knee injury in 2024. Sreeshankar is now targeting a return to competition next season, with his sights set on the 2027 World Championships and the LA 2028 Olympics.
Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes India's ambitious target of 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is a 'distant prospect', citing significant delays in talent identification, scouting, and critical infrastructure improvements.
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.
India's Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar secured gold medals in men's singles SL3 and SL4 badminton events, respectively, at the Asian Para Games. Nitesh defeated compatriot Pramod Bhagat, while debutant Naveen overcame Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan. India also secured silver medals through Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan and Pramod Bhagat, with Thulasimathi Murugesan still in contention for two more golds.
Suspended Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary general Pramod Kumar has requested World Boxing, IOA, and the Sports Ministry to send observers for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. BFI president Ajay Singh has declared the SGM "illegal and unconstitutional," warning of disciplinary action against attendees. The meeting aims to pass a no-confidence motion against Singh, amidst a deepening power struggle where both officials have suspended each other.
World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defeated Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred in the women's 100 metres, while Oblique Seville secured victory in the men's sprint at the Silesia Diamond League.
India's Udhayveer Sidhu secured a gold medal in the men's 10m air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Cairo.
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.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi announced that the Centre and the Sports Ministry are fully supporting Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar's urgent surgery in London. Sreeshankar, who won a silver at the Asian Games, sustained an injury and will undergo ligament reconstruction on October 13, with the Centre covering all costs for his treatment and rehabilitation.
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set to kick off its sixth season from January 9 to 26 next year in New Delhi, featuring 86 grapplers, including 34 international medallists. Six franchises will compete across Olympic weight categories, with Indian Asian Games medallists and Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki among the participants.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics organising committee officially launched its cockatoo-inspired emblems for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, embracing an accidental leak that saw the designs revealed three days early on their own YouTube channel.
Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and young Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha secured their spots in the women's singles quarterfinals of the French Open badminton tournament on Thursday. While Chaliha upset world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi, Sindhu defeated Riko Gunji. However, Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma exited the tournament in their respective pre-quarterfinal matches.
Archer Kumkum Mohod and wrestler Sujeet Kalkal have been named the first recipients of the Jaspal Rana Award and Raja Randhir Singh Award, respectively, by the Indian Olympic Association. These awards recognise their exceptional performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where Mohod secured two archery golds and Kalkal won gold in wrestling.
A 24-member Indian shooting contingent, led by Olympic bronze medallists Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, will compete at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Cairo starting Saturday. The squad, which recently completed a national camp, will participate in eight individual Olympic disciplines and two mixed team events, featuring a mix of experienced Olympians and promising young talent.
On National Sports Day, political leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and several Chief Ministers paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and lauded Indian sportspersons for their contributions to the country.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar congratulated the Indian Men's Hockey team for winning gold at the Asian Games, highlighting the pride that three team members hail from Karnataka. He specifically named Mohith H S, Harshith M Lakshman, and Ranganathan M for their valuable contributions. India secured their fifth Asian Games gold and direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by defeating Malaysia 5-1.
Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have surpassed 6 million, with organizers planning the next public sale for 2027, featuring new sports like flag football and squash, and the return of cricket.
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen defeated French Open winner Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 on Sunday to become the first Chinese player to win the China Open. This victory marks Zheng's first WTA 1000 title and her first trophy of the year, following a recovery from an elbow injury.
Badminton star P V Sindhu, currently in Paris for the French Open, expressed her disappointment at missing the Bathukamma festival back home.
India's men's hockey team has secured a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning the Asian Games gold. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and other players emphasize focusing on the process and utilizing the extended preparation time to perform well at the Games, reflecting on their successful Asian Games campaign, including a tough semifinal against Pakistan.
Indian skeet shooter Maheshwari Chauhan, who narrowly missed a medal at the Paris Olympics, is now leveraging that experience to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. She finished fourth in the mixed team skeet event and is currently part of a national preparatory camp.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu defeated Japan's Hina Akechi in a thrilling three-game match to reach her second Super 750 final of the year at the French Open. She will now face world No. 1 An Se Young in the summit clash.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating China 1-0, also earning a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Captain Salima Tete and other team members expressed immense pride and confidence in their victory, which ended a 44-year wait for gold. Four players from Jharkhand received a grand welcome, highlighting the personal journeys and struggles behind their national achievement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and unveiled a comprehensive nationwide talent hunt programme aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talent among children aged five to 15 years.
The Karnataka government has significantly increased cash awards for Asian Games medallists, with gold winners now receiving Rs 1 crore. Additionally, all 20 participating athletes received a Rs 5 lakh incentive. The state also announced direct recruitment opportunities for Group-B posts and a 2% reservation in government jobs for accomplished sportspersons, alongside financial support for Olympic preparation under the 'Guri: Olympics' scheme.
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.
Mirra Andreeva crushed Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the China Open final, setting up a title showdown with home favourite and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.
The Sports Ministry is set to review India's performance at the recent Asian Games on October 13. The focus will be on the underwhelming results of experienced athletes in sports like badminton, shooting, and athletics.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament after defeating Japan's Riko Gunji. However, it was a disappointing day for Indian men's singles players, with Tharun Mannepalli, Tanvi Sharma, and Kidambi Srikanth all bowing out of the competition.
