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.
India's large contingent of 501 athletes is set to compete at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, aiming to showcase the nation's growing sporting depth and its ambition to become a global top-10 sporting power by 2036. Despite initial accommodation challenges, the focus is on building on the momentum from the record 2022 Hangzhou Games, with strong medal hopes in shooting, athletics, cricket, badminton, and hockey.
India's Dhiraj Bommadevara has set a new Asian Games men's recurve qualification record with 698 points, topping the standings in Okazaki City, Japan, and securing a bye into the second round of the individual elimination draw. This performance follows his recent World Cup Final triumph.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are grappling with significant accommodation issues, including male and female athletes being allocated shared rooms and long waiting times for credential activation, forcing even the host Japan team to seek alternative arrangements.
India has opened its Asian Games medal tally with two silvers in shooting, driven by Elavenil Valarivan's performance, and secured an unexpected podium finish in Mixed Martial Arts. The women's cricket team also advanced to the finals, aiming for a second consecutive gold.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced a new "Strategic Dialogue" phase in its host selection process for the 2036 Olympic Games, aiming for greater transparency and cost control. This new phase will impact India's bid, with the final host decision expected in mid-2029.
India's women's badminton team, led by PV Sindhu, secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This win propels them into a challenging quarterfinal match against hosts Japan, a team boasting several top-ranked players.
Joga Purty and Deepu Mallesh, India's speed climbing representatives, are set to make their Asian Games debut. The athletes, who discovered the sport through different paths, discuss their journeys, the challenges of pursuing a niche sport, and their excitement for the upcoming competition, where India aims for its first climbing medal. They also highlight the need for better support and exposure for the sport in India.
The Russian T10 League has been launched, marking a significant step towards reviving and developing cricket in Russia with the long-term goal of establishing the country as a credible cricketing nation. The inaugural season will feature four franchises competing in seven matches at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on September 19 and 20, 2026.
The Indian men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games after losing 1-3 to China in the semifinals. Despite strong performances, including a win by Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India could not overcome their rivals, marking their first back-to-back team medals in 40 years.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has increased its on-ground support for Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Japan, providing transport for shooters and accommodation for staff, following reports of logistical issues and international criticism against the Organising Committee.
India's Asian Games contingent faces accommodation issues at Costa Serena, as athletes report cramped rooms and long delays amid organisational chaos.
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.
India is set to field a strong contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with key athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain leading the charge to defend titles in cricket, kabaddi, and men's hockey.
Elena Rybakina defeated Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open, moving closer to her third Grand Slam title and potentially the world number one ranking.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
Indian athletes Baranica Elangovan, Gulveer Singh, and Manpreet Kaur secured historic medals at the Asian Games. Elangovan clinched India's first-ever pole vault medal with a bronze, while Singh became the first Indian to win two 10,000m medals, earning a silver. Kaur redeemed herself with a shot put bronze, contributing to India's growing athletics medal tally.
Veteran skeet shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan expresses strong optimism about the future of Indian shooting, attributing the potential rise to government-backed initiatives like Khelo India. He is preparing for his third Asian Games appearance and believes India will have the best team across all shooting disciplines in the next four years, thanks to enhanced grassroots development and support systems.
The OCA has asked India and other national Olympic bodies not to seek late additions to their Asian Games contingents as Japan struggles to accommodate more than 15,000 participants.
Punjab has launched the fourth season of its state-level sports event, 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan', aiming to identify and nurture sporting talent from grassroots to global levels. The event, featuring 39 disciplines and nearly 10 lakh participants, offers Rs 12.50 crore in prize money, including cash awards for veteran players for the first time. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the games, highlighting the state's commitment to sports infrastructure development and financial assistance for athletes.
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
When Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, police were accused of arresting homeless people by the thousands. The crackdown resulted in a welter of lawsuits and news stories that caused long-term damage to the city's reputation. Now the Georgia state capital is looking to show the world that it has moved on, as it hosts World Cup games this summer.
Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Olympic hockey medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal has passed away at the age of 84 after suffering a heart attack. He was a member of the Indian team that won bronze at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has initiated the 'PV Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence' in Visakhapatnam, with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh performing the groundbreaking. This integrated sports and education ecosystem aims to provide world-class coaching, sports science, and academic support across seven disciplines, establishing Visakhapatnam as a national sports hub.
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.
India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana was laid to rest in Varanasi with full state honours, two days after his passing due to cardiac complications. Tributes poured in from across the nation, including from his mentee Manu Bhaker and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, highlighting his immense contribution to Indian shooting as both an athlete and a coach.
Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.
Ahmedabad, India, has been confirmed as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a significant step in India's ambition to become a global sporting capital and potentially host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has become a co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup, a grassroots initiative promoting sports among children. Having served as an ambassador, Chopra's new role aims to expand the programme's reach to one million children across India, fostering confidence, discipline, and a stronger sporting culture from the ground up.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Olympian and World Cup gold medallist archer Jayanta Talukdar and his one-month-old twin babies were rescued from their flood-hit apartment in Guwahati's Rukmininagar on Friday.
A fire at the velodrome in Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Park was brought under control early on Wednesday, with no risk of it spreading to other parts of the complex and no injuries reported, fire officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, expressing confidence in their passion, determination, and spirit of excellence. He noted that the Games feature 215 events across 10 sports.
India officially launched its bid to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, presenting a vibrant cultural showcase at the Glasgow closing ceremony that blended ancient philosophy, contemporary artistry, and cultural grandeur.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.
World number one Magnus Carlsen is set to compete in the pilot event of the FIDE-approved Total Chess World Championship Tour in November, a precursor to a global season launching in March 2027.
