The Sports Authority of India's Training Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, will be upgraded to a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) following an MoU with the state government. This multi-phase development will transform the 64-acre Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, providing enhanced facilities for athletes in various disciplines.
The canteen at the Sports Authority of India's headquarters in Delhi has suspended operations, with the vendor citing LPG supply shortages, while sources suggest pricing disputes are the real issue.
The canteen at the Sports Authority of India's headquarters in Delhi has suspended operations due to a vendor complaint about LPG supply shortages, though sources suggest pricing disputes are also a factor. This closure primarily affects staff, as athletes' meals are provided separately.
The Delhi High Court has declined to intervene in the Centre's decision not to send an Indian contingent for the men's 94 kg Jiu-Jitsu category at the Asian Games, dismissing a petition by athlete Shubham Kumar. The court stated it cannot compel participation when authorities have made a decision, especially as the Games have already commenced, rendering effective relief impossible.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has formed a five-member committee to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the financial viability and sustainability of the cash-strapped Hockey India League (HIL). This initiative follows concerns about the league's long-term future, which was revived last year after a seven-year hiatus. The committee will include representatives from Hockey India, franchises, and the Sports Ministry, tasked with presenting a report on governance, financial models, and league structure.
The Sports Ministry has formed a five-member committee to address the financial viability and sustainability of the Hockey India League (HIL). Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Hockey India officials and franchise representatives, directing them to develop a comprehensive plan for the league's revival, which has faced challenges since its return last year.
A national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under scrutiny by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for alleged conflict of interest. The complaint, filed by an unsuccessful bidder, concerns the coach reportedly seeking a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai. This probe could impact the coach's participation in the upcoming Asian Games, while the NRAI states it has no knowledge of such activities.
A live demonstration of Muay Thai was held in New Delhi to popularise the traditional Thai martial art in India. Thai officials highlighted Muay Thai's role as a national soft-power asset, aiming to foster closer ties between India and Thailand through cultural exchange and economic potential.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian men's and women's hockey teams and officials to review their recent World Cup performance. He urged them to move past the disappointment, identify shortcomings, and focus on the upcoming Asian Games to secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The minister also discussed the future of the Hockey India League.
Five Indian tennis players were excluded from the Asian Games squad because they did not meet the Sports Ministry's stringent international ranking criteria, a decision that has drawn criticism from veteran players like Rohan Bopanna but is being upheld by authorities to maintain administrative integrity.
The Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Bhopal has mandated two judo coaches, Ruchi Audichya and Gitanjali Pawar, to attend counselling sessions with a sports psychologist due to concerns regarding their professional conduct, attitude, and impact on athlete discipline and performance.
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.
The Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati is hosting the Nepal boxing team for a high-performance training camp. This camp, running until September 15, provides Nepalese athletes access to India's elite sporting facilities and coaching ahead of the Asian Games, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Indian shooter Niraj Kumar, a silver medallist in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions team event at the Asian Games, shared his joy and the sacrifices he made for his sport. He recounted choosing shooting over academics, asking his parents to buy him equipment, and expressed gratitude for the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). He also reflected on his Asian Games debut and future aspirations for an individual medal.
India's sporting landscape is grappling with a pervasive age fraud issue, as evidenced by hundreds of disqualifications in recent championships. Experts highlight the systemic nature of the problem, driven by a chaotic birth registration system and the allure of early career advantages. While the BCCI has implemented bone density tests, limitations persist, prompting calls for stricter measures, including criminal deterrence and a comprehensive national database, to safeguard the integrity of youth sports.
A tripartite agreement between SAI, BAI, and SAA will establish the first National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for swimming in the North Eastern Region, located at the Amingaon Sports Complex in Assam. This initiative aims to provide world-class training and nurture swimming talent across the region.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has appointed Prashant Singh, a former Khelo India Scheme official with over a decade of experience, as the Regional Director for its Gandhinagar centre. He will also oversee operations across Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a focus on developing Para Sports.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar with a Rs 10 lakh cash prize for his bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is embroiled in a controversy with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for travelling to South Africa for training without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This unapproved travel could impact his participation in upcoming international competitions like the World Ultimate Athletics Championship and the Asian Games.
India secured its first shooting gold medal at the Asian Games with Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh winning the 10m air pistol mixed team event. The victory came after a last-minute decision to replace Kedarling Uchaganve with Kamaljeet due to Kedarling's dip in form. This unexpected pairing set a Games and Asian record, ending India's six-day wait for a top-podium finish in shooting and alleviating pressure on the contingent.
Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Mizoram's first female Olympian and Asian Games medallist, is now India's offensive lynchpin, aiming for a first Asian Games hockey gold since 1982, after overcoming initial family resistance and training on dirt pitches.
India is set to host 11 international sporting events in the next six months, including the Badminton World Championships. The Sports Ministry has pledged to provide top-notch facilities, addressing previous criticisms of playing conditions, and is actively preparing for future Olympic bids.
Indian sailors Manu Francis and Kurisinkal Noble secured a silver medal in the men's skiff opening race 9 at the Asian Games sailing competition in Gamagori City, Japan. The duo finished with 23 points, behind China, and had previously won bronze at the Asian Sailing Championships. The women's skiff team finished fourth.
India's Chef de Mission for the Asian Games, Sahdev Yadav, said that he only learned after arriving in the city that organisers had removed around 30 to 35 Indian athletes from the accommodation list.
The Indian senior women's rugby sevens team is undergoing a national camp in Kolkata to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. Coach Terence Joseph and Captain Shikha Yadav emphasise execution, consistency, and building on recent form against strong Pool B opponents like China and Hong Kong China.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.
India's deputy chef-de-mission, A Sharath Kamal, has downplayed concerns regarding the unique container room and cruise ship accommodation for athletes at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. He stated that Indian athletes have been prepared for these arrangements through mock setups at SAI centres. Kamal also expressed confidence in India's table tennis team, predicting at least one medal, specifically highlighting the men's doubles and mixed doubles pairs.
Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has accepted the national federation's decision to drop her from the Asian Games squad due to an ACL tear.
The Olympic Council of Asia has advised national bodies, including India, to limit their contingent sizes for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, due to the host nation's inability to accommodate more than 15,000 participants. This impacts support staff numbers, with India's contingent of 492 athletes requiring strict adherence to the 33% support staff cap. Organisers are implementing innovative accommodation solutions like container huts and a cruise ship.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, easing restrictions on Russian athletes. This move, welcomed by the Kremlin, allows Olympic sports bodies to consider reintegrating Russian athletes as neutrals, though some sports like track and field are not following suit.
The Sports Ministry has invested over Rs 702 crore in the last three years to prepare Indian athletes for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, featuring 310 debutants.
A top national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under investigation by the Sports Authority of India for alleged conflict of interest related to a contract for building a shooting range in Chennai.
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.
Indian discus thrower Seema Kaliramna discusses the emotional challenges of balancing motherhood with her sporting career, as she prepares for the Asian Games after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
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.
The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned Rs 35.46 lakh for overseas training stints for Paralympic medallists Ajeet Singh (javelin) and Pranav Soorma (club throw) to prepare them for the upcoming Asian Para-Games in Japan. Both athletes, part of the TOPS core group, will train in Germany and Czechia respectively, with Pranav also participating in multiple championships.
Indian shooter Esha Singh secured a silver medal in the women's 25m pistol final at the Asian Games after a dramatic series of shoot-offs. Her father, Sachin Singh, expressed immense pride, calling it a 'double gold' due to the challenging circumstances and multiple shoot-offs his 21-year-old daughter overcame. He also highlighted disturbances during the match and thanked supporting organisations.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has provided international-standard pole vaulting equipment and financial aid to Sindhushree Ganesh, who will represent India at the Asian Games. Sindhushree, from an underprivileged background, has overcome challenges to achieve national recognition in pole vault, fulfilling her late father's dream.
Indian athletes are undergoing a unique acclimatisation process at NSNIS Patiala and Bengaluru, spending nights in makeshift shipping container rooms. This initiative by the Sports Authority of India aims to prepare them for the unusual container-style accommodation awaiting them at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, ensuring logistical issues do not distract from their performance.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
