India's Asian Games athletics team has been reduced from 77 to 74 members, with javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, and sprinter Nithya Gandhe dropped due to performance and medical reasons after a confirmatory trial.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly undertaking a major "clean-up" operation, which could see senior selector Aaqib Javed removed and a new selection committee formed. This follows the controversial return of players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha from England, with concerns raised over their form and behaviour. The PCB is also reviewing coaching staff and player conduct.
India's Asian Games contingent faces accommodation issues at Costa Serena, as athletes report cramped rooms and long delays amid organisational chaos.
Sri Lanka Cricket is set to lose an estimated USD 20 million in revenue after the ICC stripped it of the hosting rights for the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy.
Three infants tragically died after a fire erupted in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the state-run RIMS hospital in Adilabad, Telangana. A preliminary inquiry suggests a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit caused the blaze, leading to thick smoke. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against any negligence.
The Indian government has confirmed there will be no rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective from October 15. Despite opposition, officials state the decision aims to make the UPI ecosystem self-sustainable and secure, with charges applying only to merchant payments, not person-to-person transactions.
South Korea's men's hockey team faced confusion when organisers mistakenly played North Korea's banned national anthem before their match, compounding earlier complaints regarding organistional issues at the Asian Games.
Japan hosted a vibrant opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, showcasing its technological advancements and cultural heritage. The event, themed 'Harmonic Heart Beat', welcomed 11,000 athletes from 45 nations, despite prior logistical challenges.
National selectors are set to convene in New Delhi to finalise India's ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against West Indies, with Rishabh Pant's potential white-ball return and Hardik Pandya's fitness being the primary discussion points.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Delhi and Gurugram police to explain why the body of missing Delhi realtor Yuvraj Singh Manchanda was cremated without identification and why details were not uploaded to the CCTNS portal. This directive comes after Manchanda's family alleged they were not informed about the recovery of his body, which was found in Gurugram and cremated before they were notified. The court also referenced its earlier directives on prompt FIR registration for missing persons, highlighting concerns about human trafficking and the need for an all-India police grid.
Organisers of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are preparing for potential disruptions as Tropical Storm Dujuan, with maximum sustained winds of 90 kph, heads towards central Japan, threatening events already underway.
The Supreme Court has expressed shock over numerous deaths, including unnatural ones, in relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. It directed the state's chief secretary to explain steps taken for investigation, criminal proceedings, and ensuring safety, questioning low compensation and incomplete post-mortems. The court also sought a report from MSLSA and urged expeditious trials in violence-related cases.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a major protest rally in Kargil on September 20, demanding justice for victims of police firing in Leh last year and protesting the central government's perceived lack of seriousness in talks regarding Ladakh's demands. The KDA, along with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), rejected the compensation offered by the Lieutenant Governor as inadequate and called for the withdrawal of all cases against arrested protesters. They criticised the recent talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs as "unproductive" and reiterated their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
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.
US President Donald Trump is set to engage in a series of high-profile meetings during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, including discussions with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Danish FA President Jesper Moller has renewed calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, citing FIFA's refusal to answer 'critical questions' regarding its abandoned proposal to sell commercial stakes in tournaments.
Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.
A government bill proposing to widen the remit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Concerns have been raised that the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, could reduce the premier institute's autonomy. The bill, currently under examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, aims to incorporate ISI as a 'body corporate' to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence, but critics fear increased government control.
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
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.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to India in seven years for the BRICS Summit and bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address crucial aspects of India-China relations, including trade, investment, and persistent border tensions.
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have announced former India pace bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the IPL 2027 season, replacing long-serving Stephen Fleming.
The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, with a vibrant opening ceremony. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, which saw contingents from 45 nations and the OCA Refugee Team participate in the athletes' parade.
Bengaluru golfer Khalin Joshi secured his third title of the season, winning the inaugural Rs 1 crore Nava Raipur Open 2026 Golf tournament. He finished with a bogey-free three-under 31 in the final nine-hole round, overcoming weather delays and tough competition to claim the victory by one stroke.
Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to its Director General, Cdr R K Srivastava, immediately stripping him of all powers. The notice lists eight charges, prominently featuring the controversial change in the Indian team's World Cup jersey and Srivastava's unauthorised travel to the event despite directives to focus on the Hockey India League. He has four weeks to respond, failing which further action will be taken.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has commended India's professional approach to hockey, urging other Asian nations to adopt similar strategies to improve their global standing. He highlighted India's journey from past Olympic glory to recent bronze medals, positioning it as a model for development in the sport.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is poised to approve significant constitutional amendments to comply with the National Sports Governance Act 2025. These changes, already endorsed by the executive committee, will be formalised at a Special General Body Meeting. Key areas of reform include age and tenure guidelines for office bearers, which differ from the existing IOA rules, and a potential reduction in the Executive Committee's size. The General House will also discuss the upcoming December elections.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the new season of the Indian Women's League (IWL) will commence in October, alongside IWL 2. The federation also revealed significant changes including higher coaching licence requirements, revised disciplinary rules, and an ambitious long-term expansion strategy aiming for 12 teams by 2032 to professionalise women's football in India.
The Philippines Tennis Association has requested a WTA exemption for Alexandra Eala to participate in the Asian Games, which clashes with the mandatory China Open.
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.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.
In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.
During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant were not picked in Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, while Ruturaj Gaikwad made a return to the one-day team.
China has made a strong start at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with teenage swimmer Yu Zidi setting a new Games record and Olympic champion Pan Zhanle defending his title.
Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Nagoya are facing significant accommodation challenges, including cramped rooms on a cruise ship and long waits for check-in. The host nation's athletes are also affected, with complaints about shared rooms and general mismanagement. Organisers have opted against a traditional Athletes Village, leading to athletes travelling long distances for training, further exacerbating the logistical issues ahead of the mega-event.
A long-standing Janmashtami celebration in Kolkata's Mominpore, known for its syncretic culture with significant Muslim participation, is undergoing a major change. BJP leader Rakesh Singh has taken charge, forming an exclusively Hindu organising committee, sparking a debate about religious harmony, political influence, and the nature of shared festivals in the city.
On the morning of September 8, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar paid a surprise visit to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee at Yeshwanthpur in Bengaluru.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the Congress would not withdraw its candidate Milan Pradhan from the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, despite his recent arrest. Pradhan was apprehended in connection with a 2007 anti-land acquisition movement case, shortly after the Trinamool Congress extended its support to him. Venugopal alleged political pressure and questioned the Election Commission's silence, vowing to elevate the issue to a national level.
