The Sports Ministry has granted provisional recognition to the Indian Unisports Federation (IUSF) for university sports development, relaxing affiliation conditions. This move casts doubt on the future of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), which has faced criticism and a show-cause notice for administrative lapses, including issues at the World University Games last year.
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.
Naomi Osaka and other top tennis players are raising concerns about the disruptive presence of social media influencers at the US Open. While acknowledging their potential to promote the sport, players like Osaka and Jessica Pegula highlight instances of disrespect and distraction during matches due to influencers staging photo shoots and creating content, calling for better management of their activities. Daniil Medvedev offers a more balanced view, seeing potential benefits if disruptions are avoided.
Indian sports administrators have been warned against treating multi-sport events as 'paid holidays'. The ministry has also reiterated the need for videography of selection trials for transparency.
Pune has been confirmed as the host city for the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, a decision that the Cycling Federation of India believes will significantly enhance the country's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and change global perceptions of India as a sporting host.
India finished fourth at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with 85 medals, a significant dip from the previous edition's record haul. While traditional strongholds like shooting and athletics underperformed, breakthroughs in archery, wrestling, golf, boxing, hockey, and cricket showcased a broadening sporting base. The performance serves as a reality check on sustaining progress towards top global rankings and highlights areas for improvement in mental conditioning and preparation.
The Sports Ministry has initiated a fresh application process for a national Yogasana federation, setting a September 17 deadline. This follows a Delhi High Court ruling that quashed the recognition of Yogasana Bharat and mandated a new affiliation procedure. Eligible bodies must submit detailed applications, adhering to the National Sports Governance Act, which includes specific requirements for executive committee composition.
Disquiet has emerged within India's rowing camp at the Asian Games as some players claim they have been moved from their original events, with reserves taking their places. This has caused significant distress among the affected athletes just as competitions are set to begin.
Researchers from Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and Goa Business School conducted a study analysing over 1.31 lakh posts on social media platform X using machine learning models. They found that indirect aggression is most common during major social, financial, sporting, and political events in India. The study classified aggression into overt, covert, and non-aggressive forms, noting that overt aggression remained relatively low but peaked during events like India's T20 World Cup loss. The findings have significant implications for online moderation and communication policies.
Pune, India, has been selected to host the 2032 UCI Cycling Road World Championships, marking a historic first for the country in hosting such a prestigious international cycling event.
The flag-hoisting ceremony for the Asian Games, involving India and five other contingents, was significantly delayed due to "miscommunication" between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the local organising committee (ANAGOC). The disruption, which lasted over an hour, initially caused confusion and speculation about political issues, but organisers later clarified it was a communication breakdown, adding to existing organisational challenges for the event.
Indian men's and women's hockey players and coaches, who won gold at the Asian Games, were felicitated by the Shivtrinetra Group with cash rewards of Rs 51,000 each on Wednesday. The felicitation aims to recognise their achievements and inspire young talent.
India's Rinku clinched a gold medal in the men's javelin F46 event at the Asian Para Games, leading a one-two finish for the country as compatriot Ajeet Singh secured a silver. Rinku's throw of 65.11m narrowly beat Ajeet's 65.02m.
Organisers of the Asian Games in Nagoya are actively addressing complaints regarding athlete accommodation, including issues with bed sizes in container huts and cabin sizes on the newly docked cruise ship, Costa Serena, which will house 4,000 participants.
Japanese Olympic Committee chief Seiko Hashimoto acknowledged "many problems" at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, particularly regarding accommodation, but emphasized that criticism doesn't reflect the full experience. She highlighted innovative solutions like cruise ship lodging as potential models for future cost-effective international competitions and stressed the importance of learning from challenges, including weather disruptions. Hashimoto also celebrated Japan's record medal haul at the Games.
India's compound mixed archery pair of Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav won a gold medal and secured a 2028 Olympic quota place at the Asian Games by defeating Korea in a thrilling shoot-off. This victory marks a significant achievement for Indian archery, following another gold in the women's compound team event.
Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.
Mona Agarwal staged a remarkable comeback to win the gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event at the Asian Para Games, narrowly defeating compatriot Avani Lekhara who secured silver. This one-two finish marked India's opening medal account and secured a second quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
India's para track and field athletes delivered a stellar performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, securing six medals, including three gold, on the opening day of athletics competitions. Long jumper Nishad Kumar, javelin thrower Rinku Hooda, and visually impaired middle-distance runner Soumya each won gold in their respective events, contributing to India's strong start.
Pranav Adani's visit to the Singapore Grand Prix has intensified speculation about Formula 1's return to India. The Adani Group, which owns the Buddh International Circuit, is actively pursuing the revival of the Indian Grand Prix, with support from the Indian government. However, significant financial and logistical challenges, including tax clarity and substantial upgrade costs, must be overcome amidst increasing global competition for hosting races.
The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has been included in the World Athletics Global Calendar, making it an internationally recognised event where performances can contribute to World Athletics Rankings. This milestone highlights the marathon's growth and adherence to global standards, further boosting Ahmedabad's sporting profile ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Para archer Sheetal Devi concluded her Asian Para Games campaign with two gold medals and a silver, including defending her individual compound title.
Indian para track and field athletes secured 14 medals, including five gold, at the Asian Para Games. Nishad Kumar became the third Indian to win two gold medals in a single edition, triumphing in high jump and long jump. Deepthi Jeevanji and Pranav Soorma also clinched gold, setting new Games and Asian records respectively, highlighting India's strong performance.
Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey created history by becoming India's first para table tennis players to secure medals in the standing category at the Asian Para Games. India clinched a total of four bronze medals in the event, surpassing its previous medal tally. Paralympics medallists Bhavina Patel and Sonalben Patel also contributed to the country's success.
India's Pranavi Urs has taken a three-stroke lead in the Asian Games women's golf competition after a superb four-under 66 in the third round. She is now in strong contention for an individual gold medal, with a total of 15-under 195. Her performance also propelled the Indian women's team into second place, four shots behind China.
Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is focused on making a strong comeback next year after sustaining an ankle ligament injury, with his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games.
Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have surpassed 6 million, with organizers planning the next public sale for 2027, featuring new sports like flag football and squash, and the return of cricket.
Asian Games double silver medallist Vidarsa K Vinod has condemned the cyberattacks faced by fellow medallist Ancy Sojan, advocating for support for athletes and respect for their individuality. Returning to her hometown, Vidarsa also shared her journey into shooting and highlighted the improved support for athletes from the state government.
Legendary Formula One driver and two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen advocates for the sport's return to India, citing its massive fan base and business opportunities.
Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen, a veteran of Formula 1 since 1985, shares insights into his four-decade career, the sport's evolution from a niche interest to a global powerhouse, and the roles of Bernie Ecclestone and Liberty Media in its growth. He also discusses the potential return of the Indian Grand Prix, highlighting India's significant F1 fanbase.
The Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP) has partnered with SporTech Innovation Lab to enhance support and opportunities for sports professionals across India. This collaboration will leverage SporTech's AI-powered SportsKeyz platform for various ASIP operations, aiming to advance the sports industry through technology and professional development.
If India's medal tally ultimately falls significantly short of Hangzhou, the conversation should not stop with the athletes or coaches. It should extend to a much more uncomfortable institutional question: After years of increased investment, programmes, infrastructure and policy attention, where exactly is the system failing to convert that investment into medals, champions and depth across sports? asks Jaydeep Ray.
India's Asian Games contingent faces accommodation issues at Costa Serena, as athletes report cramped rooms and long delays amid organisational chaos.
Sheetal Devi clinched her second successive Asian Para Games gold in the women's compound individual event, overcoming a deficit to beat Singapore's Alim Nur Syahidah in a tense final in Nagoya on Thursday.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone open air sports competitions planned in November and December to 'safer months' keeping in mind air pollution levels.
Indian javelin thrower Sukhchain secured a bronze medal in the men's F55 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. His throw of 29.94m placed him behind China's Zhou Feifei, who set a new world record, and Iran's Zaker Zafar.
Indian para archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag secured a silver medal in the compound women's doubles final at the Asian Para Games on Wednesday.
The Indian men's badminton team defeated hosts Japan in the Asian Games quarterfinals, securing a medal.
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.
World champion Lando Norris says he would love to race in India as the government pushes to bring Formula 1 back to the country after a 13-year absence.
