Asian Games champions India will commence their Asian Champions Trophy Hockey campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 in Jalandhar. The tournament, featuring six top Asian teams, will run from October 27 to November 5 across Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab. India, five-time ACT winners, aim to continue their strong record as hosts.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.
The Special Operations Group (SOG) of police arrested two alleged associates of the Khauf gang in Jammu and Samba, recovering three firearms and heroin. The accused, Vansh Sharma and Yogeshwar Singh, are linked to an illegal weapons supply network and Punjab-based gangsters planning a targeted attack.
Punjab Police dismantled two illegal arms and narcotics supply networks in Amritsar, arresting four individuals and recovering an M16 rifle, nine pistols, and 15 kg of opium. The accused are allegedly linked to foreign-based smugglers, with further investigation underway to uncover complete linkages.
Satnam Singh and Salman Khan secured India's first-ever men's double sculls bronze medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya, a significant achievement amidst a backdrop of internal team controversy regarding last-minute crew changes. The performance, however, highlighted one of India's worst rowing showings in Asian Games history, equalling previous low tallies.
Police in Ferozepur have arrested three alleged drug smugglers and seized over 6 kg of heroin. The arrests were made by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) based on credible inputs, with the accused reportedly on their way to distribute the contraband. Investigations revealed a larger network involving a main accused and a juvenile, who are still at large and allegedly received consignments via drone drops.
Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday. Preliminary police investigation suggests personal enmity as the motive, with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, identified as the main accused. Police are conducting a manhunt for Kumar, whose associate has been arrested and family members detained. The murder has led to protests and vandalism.
The alleged killer of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab's Mansa district has been arrested from Rajasthan. Jhota was murdered on Tuesday after confronting the accused, a medical store owner, for allegedly selling drugs. The incident, captured on Facebook Live, led to widespread condemnation and protests against the state government.
Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of the seven-member India squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar who was recalled to the national team. Kulwant Khejroliya will join the squad as Bhuvneshwar's replacement for the tournament scheduled from October 30 to November 1.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal underwent a 90-minute surgery for a 'kirpan' attack injury sustained inside a gurdwara in Nanded and is now stable, with doctors repairing a tendon and ulnar artery nerve.
Chandigarh police on Saturday used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.
The Punjab government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT aims to address several unanswered questions regarding the alleged incident, including the complainant's arrival from Bahrain and her stay at an SGPC-managed lodge. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured a swift, transparent, and in-depth investigation.
Shubman Gill's quickfire 40 helped Fazilka Falcons secure a thrilling one-run victory over Ludhiana Lions in their Sher-e-Punjab T20 League match.
Indian shuttler Jagsher Singh Khangurra has secured a medal at the Badminton World Junior Championships in Cairo after winning his quarterfinal match on Thursday. He will now compete in the semi-finals on Friday.
The Election Commission of India has commenced preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in five states, with senior officers visiting Uttarakhand and scheduled to visit Manipur and Punjab soon.
Nirbhay Choudhary and Haqikat Grewal set new meet records in hammer throw at the Indian Open U23 Athletics Competition in Jaipur. Other records were also broken in men's 400m hurdles and 10,000m track race on the concluding day of the three-day event.
Defending champions East Bengal FC secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers in their Indian Super League season opener on Sunday. Goals from Dani Ramirez, Edmund Lalrindika, and a brace from substitute Bipin Singh sealed the win for Antonio Habas' side, making a strong statement for their campaign.
Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh revealed in a podcast interview that his decision to switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from the AAP government's alleged neglect of his concerns regarding drug abuse and sports promotion in Punjab.
Amritsar police have successfully dismantled a cross-border arms and explosives smuggling module, arresting five individuals, including a father and son. Authorities recovered a .30 bore assault rifle, two hand grenades, and 13 foreign-made sophisticated pistols, along with 25 live cartridges. The module was reportedly in contact with a foreign-based smuggler, using drones for consignments.
Odisha FC head coach T G Purushothaman has called on his players to show commitment and a competitive spirit as they prepare for their Indian Super League season opener against Punjab FC on Wednesday. Captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring also expressed confidence in the squad, while Purushothaman confirmed Rahul KP would miss the match due to injury.
Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, a former petty criminal from Punjab, has escalated to become a leader of transnational organised crime and is now featured on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The FBI has offered a USD 1 million reward for information leading to his arrest, citing his alleged involvement in assassinations, extortions, and trafficking of narcotics and weapons across the US and Canada. Brar is also linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, designated an "individual terrorist" by India, and accused of orchestrating the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Two unidentified individuals opened fire at a pizza outlet in Ludhiana, Punjab, late Tuesday night. CCTV footage captured the incident, which police are investigating. A social media group has claimed responsibility, and authorities are verifying the post.
Opposition leaders from CPI-M and AAP faced detention in Delhi and Chandigarh while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over serious allegations of voter-list manipulation and suppression of democratic rights.
India's men's hockey team, fresh from retaining its Asian Games title and securing a 2028 Olympics berth, is now preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament, featuring six teams including India, will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Head coach Craig Fulton emphasizes maintaining intensity for the home challenge, where India aims to extend its record as the most successful team.
Five golfers, including Gaganjeet Bhullar, Aryan Roopa Anand, C Muniyappa, Rohit Baisoya, and Joshua Grenville-Wood, are tied for the lead at 5-under 65 after the opening round of the AM Green IGPL Krishna Invitational Hyderabad. Punjab Raptors and Vimtra Chennai Lions GC share the team honours, with 16 players within two shots of the lead, promising a competitive tournament.
AAP workers in Mohali protested against Enforcement Directorate search operations at the GMADA office, alleging misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led Centre. The protests involved clashes with police and damage to property, while the ED's investigation targeted GMADA officials, an IAS officer, a realty company, and residences linked to political figures.
Punjab FC has announced the double signing of forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan, bolstering their squad for the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. Both players have signed two-year agreements, bringing significant experience and talent to the Shers.
An unidentified group hurled a petrol bomb at the BJP office in Sangrur, Punjab, prompting strong condemnation from party leaders who criticised the AAP government's handling of law and order. Police are investigating the incident, which caused no injuries but left a burn mark on the building.
Punjab Kings all-rounder Shashank Singh is intensifying his bowling practice and rebuilding his fielding confidence during the off-season camp, aiming for an India call-up by excelling in his all-rounder role in the upcoming domestic season.
Congress MP from Jalandhar, Charanjit Singh Channi, was conspicuous by his absence when party leader Rahul Gandhi spoke in a debate in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, bringing to the fore the recent rift within the party's state unit.
Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Suraj Karkera commented on Pakistan's withdrawal from the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) Punjab 2026. While acknowledging that fans will miss the intense rivalry, Karkera stated the Indian team remains focused on performing their best. Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the tournament, where India, fresh off their Asian Games gold, will enter as top-ranked contenders.
An organisational meeting of the Punjab Congress in Ludhiana, aimed at preparing for the 2027 assembly elections, was marred by protests and "go back" slogans against senior leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, highlighting the party's persistent internal divisions.
India A defeated Australia A by 49 runs in the third and final one-day match in Puducherry on Sunday, though Australia A secured the series 2-1. Suryansh Shedge's quick 66 and Vipraj Nigam's 40 helped India A post 275, while Gurjapneet Singh's three wickets ensured Australia A were bowled out for 226.
Teenage hammer thrower Anushka Yadav broke the meet record at the 65th National Open Athletics Championships in New Delhi on Saturday with a throw of 66.53m, surpassing the previous record held by Manju Bala. She dominated the event, with her closest competitor significantly behind.
The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, stating she is now 'ready to play for the love of the game again.' Tributes have poured in from former and current players, including Yuvraj Singh and Shafali Verma, acknowledging her significant contributions to Indian cricket.
India's men's hockey team is the most successful in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won five titles since 2011. The article details each of their victories, including dramatic shootouts, a joint win, and recent comebacks, highlighting their consistent performance in the tournament.
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has called for a shift away from chemical fertilisers in Punjab, warning that their overuse was degrading soil quality across the state.
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force has arrested Karamveer Singh, a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, at Delhi's IGI Airport after his deportation from Canada. Singh is accused of providing logistical support to Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence's younger brother, and has a history of serious crimes. This arrest is considered a significant step against transnational organised crime, following another recent extradition from Moldova.
At least 14 persons were killed and several others injured after an out-of-control truck ran over devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior late on Saturday night, breaking through a police checkpoint and damaging the temple's gate and outer wall.