Bangladesh is actively pursuing a cricket series against India in September, utilising sports diplomacy to mend strained bilateral ties following a controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman and Bangladesh's subsequent T20 World Cup boycott.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented a comprehensive report card on the Sports and Labour & Employment ministries to NDA MPs, detailing India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics, targets for medal tallies, and significant growth in job creation and social security coverage over the past decade.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded armed forces athletes for their medal-winning performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, calling them a 'perfect blend of a soldier and a champion'. He highlighted their strong willpower and the inspiration they provide to the nation, especially the youth. Indian Army athletes secured 16 medals, including 8 gold, contributing significantly to India's overall tally.
IICT and Netflix are offering scholarships to 100 students and working professionals, with up to 80 per cent financial support for courses in animation, VFX, gaming and creative technologies.
The Indian Olympic Association intervened to ensure para cyclist Lisha Das, the youngest member of India's Commonwealth Games contingent, has a female support staff member accompanying her to Glasgow. This decision came after the 16-year-old raised concerns about the initial lack of a female physiotherapist, which goes against Sports Authority of India guidelines. The IOA has now accredited a physiotherapist and Lisha's personal coach, with efforts underway for a technician.
The Sports Ministry also warned that the recognition may be withdrawn if any of the terms and conditions of the recognitions are violated or its own constitution is violated.
The National Anti Doping Act will be amended to criminalise trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances with a jail term of upto five years, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday.
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.
South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.
The Sports Ministry has issued a showcause notice to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) over concerns about its selection policy and failure to make key appointments.
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.
Former India women's hockey team captain Asunta Lakra has challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denied all allegations as 'false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory' and is seeking full disclosure of documents before providing a detailed reply.
Sania has been granted a visa but her son and his caretaker have not received UK visas owing to the current travel restrictions on Indians due to a surge in coronavirus cases in India.
Former India captain Asunta Lakra has written to the National Commission for Women (NCW), requesting an independent inquiry into the handling of sexual harassment complaints at Hockey India and its affiliated organisations. Lakra alleges institutional failure, deliberate inaction, and intimidation of complainants, specifically accusing Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh of threatening her after she raised concerns about alleged misconduct by Jharkhand coach Sudhir Gola. She also highlighted multiple complaints since January 2025 and caste-based humiliation of tribal players.
The third edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has commenced with a quiz contest, leading to a national finale in January 2027 where young leaders will present their ideas for a developed India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The multi-stage event includes essay challenges, district championships, and state-level dialogues, aiming to foster youth participation in nation-building across various thematic areas.
Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has formally challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denies all allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory," and highlights issues with the committee's constitution and the incomplete documentation provided. This challenge comes amidst a broader context of sexual harassment allegations in Jharkhand hockey and institutional intimidation claims.
Pakistan has decided not to send its team to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi, despite an invitation from local organisers. India is hosting the event for the first time, which will also include the General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia. Several other nations, including Hong Kong and Australia, are also facing visa-related challenges for their delegations.
The first-ever World Yogasana Championships 2026 are set to begin in Ahmedabad, featuring over 400 athletes from more than 60 countries.
Six-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom believes Indian pugilists will secure a 'reasonably good medal haul' at the Commonwealth Games, though gold might be elusive, while expressing less certainty for the Asian Games. She also criticised the Boxing Federation of India's functioning and selection policies.
Bangladesh's Sports Minister Aminul Haque plans to consult with the ICC regarding alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board elections and will appoint a committee to investigate the country's failure to participate in the T20 World Cup.
AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.
Concerned by age frauds at national level tournaments, the Sports Ministry on Friday directed state federations to ban overage athletes for two years when caught for the first time and hand a five-year penalty if the offence is repeated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand culminated in the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a focus on doubling trade and enhancing cooperation in sports and the Indo-Pacific region. Modi and his counterpart Christopher Luxon attended a sports showcase, acknowledging a century of sporting ties and discussing future collaborations, including India's preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030. The visit also saw 18 concrete outcomes and 10 agreements signed, alongside discussions with business leaders.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi and other sports administrators received a shot in the arm after the International Olympic Council (IOC) rejected Sports Ministry's argument for a tenure limitation regulation, warning such a move might result in India being thrown out of the Olympic family next month.
Responding to a petition filed by three boxers over their non-selection for the upcoming Asian Games, the Union Sports Ministry on Monday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court it has no role in the selection of athletes.
The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.
In a bid to connect with the youth, the Sports Ministry invited suggestions to make India a sports superpower on the MyGov website.
'The AIFF is happy to have the government's strong support in our bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031. The Asian Cup is the biggest football tournament in Asia and it is important for India as a nation to showcase what we have, not just to Asia but to the rest of the world.'
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Peacko', the official mascot, and the championship anthem for the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. India aims to solidify its position as a global sporting destination, with the event featuring top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.
The Sports Ministry wants Hockey India to pick its best teams for the Asian Games, sparking debate about managing player burnout with the World Cup also on the horizon.
The Union home ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.
The ministry found violations of the Sports Code by RFI in four areas.
Sports Ministry asks IOA to allow Lovlina's coach into CWG Village: Sources
Bangladeshi cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, is willing to return from exile in the US to face charges, including murder, if the government guarantees his safety. He hopes to play a farewell series and represent Bangladesh in the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by Hasina's allies after her government's fall.
Sports Governance Act: Tier System for Athletes, Convicted Ineligible
Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete who overcame physical limitations to excel in high jump, will be awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian para sport. He is a Paralympic champion and Arjuna Award recipient.
India's sprint sensation Dutee Chand's nomination for Arjuna award and cricketer Harbhajan Singh's nomination for Khel Ratna award were rejected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Close on the heels of International Boxing Association provisionally suspending the Indian Federation, the Sports Ministry also suspended recognition to the IABF, citing 'flawed and faulty' elections.
