Rebel Akali leader Barjinder Singh Makhan Brar resigns from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), accusing party leaders of misleading the Sikh community and colluding with external agencies to weaken the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Tanya Chaudhary shattered the women's hammer throw national record with a 68.35m throw at the Indian Athletics Series Final, while Avinash Sable secured an emphatic win in the men's 3000m steeplechase in his first race in over a year. Both athletes, who are part of the Asian Games team, received Rs 1 lakh prize money from the lucrative event. Chaudhary expressed her long-standing pursuit of the record and her focus on technique, while Sable aims to compete in both 3000m steeplechase and 5000m at the Asian Games after recovering from an ACL surgery.
Kerala's Mijo Chacko Kurian secured a gold medal in the men's 400m event and a silver in the 200m at the 15th leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Meerut. The event also saw other athletes like Adesh Garsa, Sandeep Singh, Avantika Narale, Harita Bhadra, and Priya Mohan clinch top honours across various track and field disciplines, showcasing a strong performance from national athletes.
India inexplicably conceded two late goals to lose to reigning world champions Germany 1-2 in their FIH Pro League match in Rotterdam on Thursday.
India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.
Hockey India has announced a 36-member core probable group for the upcoming senior men's national coaching camp, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from April 20 to May 9.
Amritsar Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting five individuals and recovering a cache of sophisticated pistols and live cartridges.
Indian athletes are set to compete across various disciplines including athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, swimming, and weightlifting on the seventh day of the Commonwealth Games, with several medal events scheduled.
The 33-year-old midfielder from Punjab, a place synonymous with Indian hockey folklore, now stands as the second-highest capped Indian men's player of all time, behind only former Captain and current Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey (412 caps).
India had a stellar Day 7 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Murali Sreeshankar securing his second consecutive long jump silver medal and Indian boxers assuring the country of 10 medals by reaching the semi-finals in various categories. Para athletes also made history with a one-two finish in the men's 100m T47 event.
A summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday
A shooting occurred at a hotel in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, following a brawl between tourists from Punjab and local youth. Police have detained four individuals and are investigating the incident.
Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling operation, arresting two individuals and seizing a cache of foreign-made pistols intended for distribution among criminals in the state.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has given the Punjab government one month to address objections regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which he claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth and interferes in religious affairs.
Punjab Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force, dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling operation, arresting three individuals and seizing a significant quantity of heroin, cash, and a drone used for deliveries from Pakistan.
Delhi Police's Special Cell has dismantled an inter-state terror, arms, and espionage module allegedly supported by Pakistani handlers and the ISI, revealing a covert surveillance network near sensitive military locations.
Manpreet Singh, the second-most capped player in Indian hockey, has found a second wind by tweaking his lifestyle and diet.
Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were named Hockey India Player of the Year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Several other players, officials, and member units were also recognised for their contributions to Indian hockey.
Manpreet Singh foresees an unprecedented fifth Olympic appearance for himself in the 2028 Los Angeles Games before he calls time on his career.
Neeraj Chopra has been included in India's 32-member Commonwealth Games athletics squad, subject to achieving the AFI qualification mark after recovering from a back injury. The Olympic champion is expected to return to competition within days.
HIL: Ranchi Royals edge out Hyderabad Toofans to enter final
The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has launched its 'vision document' outlining its ideological direction and commitment to the rise of the 'Panth' and the progress of Punjab. The 'Akali Declaration 2026' addresses issues concerning youth, farmers, women, and other sections of society, with a focus on education, health, and internal party reforms.
The 32-year-old also lauded the mental fortitude of the side as it defended with 10 players for close to 42 minutes against Britain in the quarter-final after Amit Rohidas was shown a contentious red card.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has invited Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander to help strengthen hockey in the state, particularly ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. Mann emphasised the government's commitment to restoring the sport's glory and highlighted Punjab's rich hockey legacy.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party members who defected to the BJP, labelling them as 'traitors' and accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.
Madhya Pradesh's Dev Kumar Meena won gold in pole vault at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition, with both he and Kuldeep Kumar setting a new national record. Several other athletes also achieved Commonwealth Games qualification marks.
Police in Hoshiarpur have arrested three men in connection with the vandalism of a Dr B R Ambedkar statue. The investigation suggests possible links to the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
The Indian women's kabaddi team put on a strong show to win their second women's Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka, beating Chinese Taipei 35-28 in the final.
Hockey India names 24-member men's hockey team for tour of Australia
Manpreet Singh dedicated India's Asia Cup hockey triumph to the people of his home state Punjab, who are battling devastating floods.
The top two teams from the Super 4s will progress to the summit clash, and a draw would be enough for India to seal their place in Sunday's final.
Belgium edge out India 1-0 to clinch Azlan Shah hockey title
Tension gripped Chabbewal, Hoshiarpur, as villagers blocked the Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh road for four hours, protesting a mining case and alleged police excesses. The protest stemmed from an FIR filed under the Mining and Minerals Act, leading to arrests and accusations of police brutality. Traffic was disrupted until authorities assured a fair inquiry.
Five-time champions India take on Korea in Azlan Shah Cup opener
Ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to serve as captain of the team.
Ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to serve as captain of the team.
Defender Sanjay will lead India in the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after several senior players were rested for the prestigious men's invitational tournament, scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 23 to 30.
Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.
However, with the Asian Games now postponed to next year owing to the COVID-19 situation in China, HI decided to pick a strong team for the prestigious event, scheduled to begin from July 28.
The 20-member squad also includes goal-keepers PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak; defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Surender Kumar, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh and Jugraj.
