Asian Games 2026: India Women Beat Japan 3-1, Move Closer to Hockey Semifinals
India’s women’s hockey team continued its strong Asian Games campaign with a 3-1 win over hosts Japan on Friday. The victory was India’s fourth consecutive win in Pool B and moved the team closer to securing a place in the semifinals. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a field goal as India quickly took control of the match.
Asian Games 2026: India Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi Teams Reach Finals
India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams have reached the Asian Games finals after dominant semifinal victories, keeping their bids to defend both titles on track. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament and are now one win away from gold. The women’s team defeated Nepal 48-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. India led 31-17 at half-time and maintained control after the break, producing three All-Outs during the match.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces Rs 50 Lakh Each for Asian Games Silver Medallists
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh each for athletes Vithya Ramraj and Vishal T K after they helped India win silver in the mixed 4x400m relay at the Asian Games. The announcement comes days after the state government awarded Rs 75 lakh to cricketer G Kamalini following India’s women’s T20 gold.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Reunite in Nets Ahead of India vs West Indies ODI Series
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reunited in India colours during the team’s first training session ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The two senior batters were seen together at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 24, as India began preparations for the opening match.
From Uber Driver to Asian Games Medallist: Salman Khan Makes Rowing History
Indian rowers Salman Khan and Satnam Singh created history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya by winning bronze in the men’s double sculls, giving India its first-ever medal in the event. The duo clocked 6:13.25 in the final, finishing behind gold medallists China and silver medallists Uzbekistan. The medal marked Salman’s first Asian Games podium and capped a remarkable journey that began far away from professional rowing.
Asian Games 2026: India Storm Into Kabaddi Semifinals With 37-21 Win
Defending champions India advanced to the men’s kabaddi semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Chinese Taipei 37-21 in their final Group A match. The victory completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign, with India winning all four of their matches. India had previously defeated South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh before overcoming Chinese Taipei at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium.
Asian Games 2026: Anant Jeet, Parinaaz Win Mixed Skeet Bronze
Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal won bronze in the mixed team skeet event at the 2026 Asian Games, adding a second medal each to their campaign and helping India complete a medal sweep across all three skeet team events. India finished the mixed team final with 44 points at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery.
Carlo Ancelotti Says India Needs Stronger Football Culture and Grassroots System
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said India needs to develop a stronger football culture and grassroots system to consistently produce young players. Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against India in Kolkata, Ancelotti said the match would also give his team an opportunity to experience a different football environment.
Asian Games 2026: India’s eFootball Medal Hopes End After Mongolia Forfeit
India’s eFootball campaign at the 2026 Asian Games ended in a frustrating group-stage exit after Danial Patel and Chinmay Sahoo received a 0-0 forfeit win against Mongolia but failed to secure the goal difference needed to advance. Mongolia missed the stipulated check-in deadline, meaning India was awarded the match without playing it. India had earlier drawn 0-0 against Uzbekistan, making the final Group F fixture crucial.
Mirabai Chanu Wins First Asian Games Medal, Ends India’s 28-Year Weightlifting Wait
Mirabai Chanu finally secured her first Asian Games medal, winning silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event in Nagoya. Her 198kg total also ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the Asian Games. North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won gold with 215kg, including a world-record 121kg clean and jerk, while Indonesia’s Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana took bronze with 191kg.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captaincy Future After India’s Asian Games Gold
Harmanpreet Kaur has led India to another major title, captaining the women's team to a second consecutive Asian Games cricket gold after a 147-run win over Sri Lanka in the final. The victory has once again raised the question of when India should begin its next leadership transition.
India vs Sri Lanka Asian Games Final: India Close to Gold After 216/3
India put themselves in a commanding position in the women’s cricket final at the Asian Games after posting 216/3 against Sri Lanka. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a fluent 79, while Shafali Verma contributed 48. Richa Ghosh then provided a late surge, scoring 49 off 22 balls as India added 53 runs in the final three overs.
Asian Games 2026: Yashaswini Ghorpade Takes India to Table Tennis Quarter-finals
India’s women’s table tennis team reached the Asian Games quarter-finals after defeating Thailand 3-2 in a closely fought pre-quarterfinal tie. Yashaswini Ghorpade was central to the comeback, winning both of her matches as India recovered after twice falling behind. Sreeja Akula lost the opening match to Orawan Paranang despite winning the first two games.
India vs Japan T20I: Japan Spinners Reduce India to 32/4
India were reduced to 32 for 4 in five overs against Japan in their historic one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22. The match, originally scheduled as a full T20I, was reduced to five overs per side after weather delays. The fixture is the first men’s T20I meeting between India and Japan.
Asian Games 2026: Fencing Association Announces Rs 10 Lakh Reward for Gold
The Fencing Association of India has announced cash rewards for Indian fencers who win medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Gold medallists will receive Rs 10 lakh, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively. The announcement comes as India prepares for another attempt to secure its first fencing medal in Asian Games history.
Asian Games 2026: India Rowing Camp Faces Turmoil Over Last-Minute Crew Changes
India’s rowing camp at the 2026 Asian Games is facing uncertainty after several athletes were moved between events just days before competition. Rowers have reportedly been shifted from their originally assigned crews, while reserve athletes have been brought into first-choice line-ups. The sudden reshuffle has caused frustration among members of the contingent.
India Cricket Team Faces Kit and Accommodation Issues Ahead of Asian Games 2026
India’s men’s cricket team is dealing with last-minute kit and accommodation issues ahead of its departure for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. Most jersey-sizing problems have reportedly been resolved, although a few players were still waiting for correctly sized official kits before travelling. The Shreyas Iyer-led squad is scheduled to leave New Delhi early on September 20.
Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat Lead India
The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya, Japan, with the Aichi-Nagoya Games beginning amid a busy and occasionally challenging build-up. The 16-day continental sporting event features athletes from across Asia competing for medals across multiple disciplines. India entered the opening ceremony with Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat as flag-bearers.
Manu Bhaker Urges Indian Athletes to Focus on Performance Amid Asian Games Issues
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has urged Indian athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Games to put the organisational difficulties surrounding the event aside and focus on their performances. Her message came as the Aichi-Nagoya Games officially opened in Japan, amid concerns over accommodation, transportation and other logistical arrangements.
India Among Six Bidders for 2038 Asian Games, OCA Decision Expected by 2028
India is among six countries that have expressed interest in hosting the 2038 Asian Games, with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) expected to reach a decision by 2028. India submitted its Expression of Interest in April as part of its wider plans to host major international sporting events. OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam said the organisation will conduct a multi-stage evaluation before recommending a host.
Asian Games 2026: India Among Teams Hit by Flag Hoisting Ceremony Delay
India was among five contingents affected after the traditional Asian Games flag-hoisting ceremony in Nagoya was delayed and later interrupted on Friday, September 18. Yemen, North Korea, Palestine and Timor-Leste were the other delegations scheduled for the ceremony at Garden Pier. Organisers initially announced a 20-minute delay, citing unspecified “trouble” involving one of the participating teams.
Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India Flag-Bearers
Two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19. Bhaker earned two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
Abhishek Sharma Reveals Yuvraj Singh’s Advice Behind Record 108 vs Afghanistan
Abhishek Sharma credited a message from his mentor Yuvraj Singh for helping him find the right balance during his explosive run against Afghanistan. After the second T20I, Yuvraj advised the India opener not to force every delivery and to take singles when the conditions did not offer scoring opportunities.
Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup Win, Trophy Tally Hits 49
Lionel Messi guided Inter Miami to the 2026 Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, scoring his 100th goal for the club and providing an assist. The win gave Miami their fourth trophy since the Argentine joined the club in 2023. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute after connecting with Luis Suarez’s cross and heading the ball past the goalkeeper.
Mohammad Rizwan Moves Lahore High Court Over NCCIA Summons Linked to England Tour
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has approached the Lahore High Court against a summons issued by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with an inquiry linked to Pakistan’s England Test tour. Rizwan appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore last week alongside Imam-ul-Haq. The players were reportedly given detailed questionnaires seeking information about their travel, finances and personal and professional affairs.
Pranati Nayak Eyes Maiden Asian Games Medal After Injury Comeback
Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak is set to compete at her fourth Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after overcoming a series of injuries and an extended rehabilitation process. The 31-year-old is India’s only gymnast in the event and will be targeting her maiden Asian Games medal. Nayak’s preparations were affected by plantar fasciitis, which contributed to her missing the women’s vault final at the Commonwealth Games.
AFG vs IND 3rd T20I: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Focus as India Consider Rotation
India have already secured the T20I series against Afghanistan after two seven-wicket victories, but the third match in Delhi offers an opportunity to test their bench strength. The biggest selection question is whether 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will make his senior India appearance on home soil.
Shree Charani Nears T20I Rankings Record After Stellar Asia Cup
Shree Charani has reached 804 points in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings after an impressive Women’s Asia Cup campaign, becoming the first Indian to cross the 800-point mark in the rankings. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner is now only two points short of Australia’s Megan Schutt, who holds the all-time record of 806 points achieved in November 2018.
Asian Games 2026: Sharath Kamal Says India Athletes Ready for Unique Stay
India’s deputy chef-de-mission A Sharath Kamal has said the country’s athletes are prepared to handle the unusual accommodation arrangements at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. India’s 501 athletes and 265 officials will be spread across converted shipping containers, a cruise ship and commercial hotels.
India vs West Indies ODI Squad: Pant, Pandya and Jadeja in Focus
India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies is set to be discussed by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, with Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya among the major talking points. The series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by five T20Is from October 6. Pant could return to the ODI setup after a long absence.
Asian Games 2026: Complete India Schedule, Dates and Key Events
The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will see India compete across a wide range of sports from September 17 to October 3. India's campaign begins with teqball on September 17, followed by the women's cricket quarter-final against Japan and soft tennis action on September 18.
AFG vs IND 2nd T20I: India Eye Series Win as Sooryavanshi Waits
India will aim to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan when the teams meet in Delhi on Tuesday. The match comes after India's dominant seven-wicket victory in the series opener at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. India restricted Afghanistan to 156 in the first T20I before chasing the target in only 13.4 overs.
Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan Domestic Cricket After 7 Years
Babar Azam is set to make his return to Pakistan's domestic red-ball cricket after nearly seven years away from the first-class circuit. The Pakistan Test captain's comeback comes after a difficult period for both his team and his own batting, including a 3-0 Test series defeat against England.
Amritsar Soormas Win Sher-E-Punjab T20 League Title, Beat Ludhiana Lions by 8 Wickets
Amritsar Soormas were crowned champions of the inaugural Sher-E-Punjab T20 League after defeating Ludhiana Lions by eight wickets in the final at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Chasing a target of 143, Amritsar completed the run chase in just 16.4 overs, finishing at 144 for two.
Abhishek Sharma Smashes 82 vs Afghanistan as India Sticks to Aggressive Batting Approach
Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular response to his recent lean patch, smashing 82 off 32 balls against Afghanistan in the first T20I in New Delhi. His innings helped India chase down 157 in under 14 overs and secure a seven-wicket victory, but the opener believes the performance was about more than his individual return to form.
AFG vs IND: Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy Make Strong India Comebacks
Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy returned to India’s T20I side in Delhi with questions surrounding their recent form, but both responded strongly in the opening match against Afghanistan. Abhishek produced a blistering half-century, while Varun delivered a disciplined spell as India secured a seven-wicket victory. Abhishek had gone nine T20I innings without scoring a fifty, a stretch that began during India’s tour of the UK.
Why India Did Not Accept Women’s Asia Cup Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi: BCCI Explains
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has explained why the Indian women’s cricket team did not accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: India Star Tests Teenager in Delhi Nets
Jasprit Bumrah made his return to India’s T20I setup after a lengthy injury layoff and immediately looked sharp during training in Delhi ahead of the Afghanistan series. The fast bowler spent an intense session testing India’s young batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the nets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Kylian Mbappe Reacts to Viral Dictator Memes, Calls Some Politically Unaware
Kylian Mbappe has addressed the viral AI-generated memes that portray him as a dictator, acknowledging that some of the jokes are harmless while questioning comparisons with historical figures associated with violence, repression and mass suffering.
Ben Shelton Dedicates US Open 2026 Final Run to Late Grandmother, Honours 9/11 Victims
Ben Shelton’s breakthrough run at the US Open 2026 has taken on a deeply personal significance after the American dedicated his first Grand Slam final appearance to his late grandmother. Shelton reached the title clash by defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.