The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is hosting its historic maiden T20I against reigning world champions India, an event its COO Alan Curr believes will significantly boost cricket's profile and aid its global recognition efforts. The match, taking place at the upgraded Sano International Cricket Ground, is seen as a crucial step towards attracting more established cricketing nations and fostering grassroots growth, despite challenges like weather and integrating cricket into the national sports scene.
BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla has confirmed that Indian cricketers participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay in designated accommodation provided by the Organising Committee, which, while comfortable, will not be five-star hotels due to scarcity in Nagoya. Both BCCI and IOA have addressed the arrangements, ensuring player comfort and suitable facilities.
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 and Japan will play their first-ever men's T20 International cricket match on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, marking the 75th anniversary of India-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
Japan's national cricket team, led by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, will play a historic one-off T20 International against India on September 22 in Sano.
The Indian men's cricket team is facing kit sizing issues and accommodation concerns ahead of their departure for the Asian Games. While most kit problems are being resolved, the BCCI has proactively arranged its own hotel for the team in Nagoya, Japan, due to reported delays and inadequate facilities for other athletes.
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha announced the institution of two new memorial awards: the Raja Randhir Singh Trophy for the best male athlete and the Jaspal Rana Trophy for the best female athlete at the Asian Games. These awards honour the significant contributions of the late sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh and renowned pistol coach Jaspal Rana to Indian sports. Usha also addressed accommodation concerns for Indian athletes at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
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 Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has implemented a stringent Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The code prohibits inappropriate relationships, degrading language, and harassment, with violations leading to severe penalties including suspension. It also addresses social media use and places special emphasis on protecting minor athletes.
The Nepal cricket team, along with Malaysia, topped Group A to make the Asian Games to be played in September 2026.
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.
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.
Indian esports athletes are rigorously training for the Asian Games in Nagoya, aiming for medals and challenging the traditional perception of gaming as merely a leisure activity. With professional support and coaching, players are balancing academics and intense practice, hoping to elevate esports to mainstream sporting status in India.
The Sports Ministry has approved a 492-member Indian contingent, comprising 265 male and 227 female athletes, for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Athletics forms the largest group with 73 participants, including star athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Jyothi Yarraji. Other prominent sports like shooting, weightlifting, badminton, boxing, and wrestling also feature strong teams, with some adjustments made due to doping violations.
Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
'Cricket has been included in the 2028 Olympic Games as well. So the organising committee is very keen on including that in the 2026 Asian Games as well.'
The death of former Asian Games champion and celebrated shooting coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49 has triggered an outpouring of grief across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and several leading figures from the sporting world paying tribute to one of the country's most influential shooters and mentors.
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker is preparing for the Asian Games and World Championships, aiming to reignite her competitive edge after a quiet spell following the Paris Games. She also expressed excitement about shooting's return to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India.
Organisers keen on cricket in 2026 Asian Games despite venue headache
Venue woes present but organisers keen on cricket in next Asian Games in Japan
Hugo Tani-Kelly created history as the first batter from Japan to score a century at the Under-19 World Cup.
Nepal and Oman secured their berths for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup after guaranteeing top-three finishes in the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier ahead of their Super Six clash.
Doubles is not a sideshow: Yuki Bhambri on re-invention and right support
Recently-retired Indian table tennis great A Sharath Kamal has given himself 11 years to produce the country's first Olympic medallist in the racket sport and German football club Borussia Dortmund could end up being his unlikely ally in pursuit of this path-breaking dream.
Upton, who was a part of the support staff under head coach Gary Kirsten during India's 2011 Cricket World Cup-winning campaign, is currently associated with the national men's hockey team at the ongoing Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.
BCCI wants to adopt Olympic sports; Govt mulling approval to OCI athletes
'We were the best team in Asia at one point. Today, we are barely in the reckoning for the Davis Cup.' 'Players now, especially this decade, lack perseverance.'
22 images that captures glimpses of a most unusual Indian who led the nation for 10 years.
Except for shooting, a major Olympic sport, most of the top stars in other disciplines will give the National Games a miss.
With capacity for 110,000 spectators, the Motera Stadium will dislodge the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world's largest cricket stadium.
'We believe cricket would be a great addition to the Olympic Games, but we know it won't be easy to secure our inclusion as there are so many other great sports out there wanting to do the same. But we feel now is the time to put our best foot forward and show what a great partnership cricket and the Olympics are.'
United Arab Emirates is the favourite to host the ODI tournament in March.
If CAS rules in Vinesh's favour, she will be awarded a joint-silver in the women's 50kg freestyle category.
It's a historical tie, we will benefit from India team's visit: Pakistan tennis fraternity
Baseball is one of several sports seeking a slice of the huge Indian market and its similarity with cricket, often called a religion in the country of 1.4 billion, could give it a head start, Major League Baseball (MLB) officials hope. MLB spent a decade and half studying the market before opening a sixth international office in New Delhi last year and was encouraged by the throwing, hitting and catching techniques that link America's pastime and India's obsession.
We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.
Leander Paes feels India will find it tough in singles but the country can hope to win a medal in the Asian Games
Seventy two years ago, a newly independent India ventured to hold the the first Asian Games in Delhi with meager resources.
