Tag: Olympics

Sports

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Announces Selection Criteria for Asian Games 2026 Participation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has unveiled the official selection criteria for the participation of individuals and teams in the Asian Games 2026 and other multi-sports events. This new framework aims to create a transparent and equitable process to ensure that only athletes with a genuine chance of winning medals are considered for selection, thereby enhancing India’s competitive edge in international sports.

The criteria cover both measurable and non-measurable sports events, providing clear benchmarks for athlete and team eligibility. For measurable individual sports and events, athletes must have matched or bettered the performance of the 6th place finisher from the last Asian Games at recognized international competitions held within 12 months before the upcoming Games. If a sport or event was not part of the last Asian Games, the standards will refer to the Senior Asian Championships held within the same timeframe.

For non-measurable individual sports, athletes must have achieved a top-6 finish in the most recent Senior Asian Championships or hold a world ranking within the top 6 among Asian nations in their event. In cases where no recent championships or rankings exist, equivalent international competitions will be considered.

Team sports and team events will be eligible for selection if the team has secured a top-8 finish in the last Senior Asian Championships or is ranked within the top 8 in Asian countries based on international rankings. If such rankings or championships are unavailable, performance in equivalent international competitions will be used as a benchmark.

The Ministry has also included a relaxation clause, which allows for discretion in selecting individuals or teams when justified by expert opinions or recommendations from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). However, participation solely for the sake of presence without aiming for excellence will not be approved. The Ministry also cautions against irregular scheduling of qualifying competitions to circumvent the rules and will not approve participation if such practices compromise competitive standards.

Additionally, the selection criteria specify that only those sportspersons, coaches, and support staff who are cleared at government cost will be included in the contingent. No additional members will be added, even if they do not incur government expenditure.

This rigorous selection framework is intended to focus resources on high-performing athletes and teams, promoting excellence and better medal prospects for India at the Asian Games 2026 and other major multi-sport events. It reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting a merit-based system and enhancing India’s stature in international sports.

Sports

PV Sindhu Advances to China Masters Quarterfinals with Commanding Victory

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Shenzhen, China – India’s star shuttler and double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has sailed into the quarterfinals of the China Masters badminton tournament with a superb straight-game win over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong.

Sindhu, ranked 14th in the world, took just 41 minutes to defeat the sixth-seeded Thai opponent 21-15, 21-15, improving her head-to-head record against Chochuwong to 6-5.

The Indian shuttler, who had exited early at the Hong Kong Open last week, expressed delight with the victory:
“I am happy with the win and it was very important for me from the beginning to be alert and give my 100 per cent. She is a top player. After winning the first game, I was much more alert in the second game. The points were going equal so it was very important for me to stay close to her as every point counts. I am happy that I am on the winning side and I gave my best.”

Sindhu emphasized that handling court drift—caused by air-conditioning—is crucial in such matches:
“It’s always there, every tournament there is wind, but it is important that you have control. Sometimes it’s very hard to control.”

Working under Indian women’s singles coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu said the partnership is showing steady results:
“He is a very good coach. Initially, we knew it would take time. We coordinated and figured out what needed to be done. As a coach, he is giving his best efforts, and as an athlete, it’s my duty also.”

Sindhu will face the winner of the clash between top seed An Se Young (Korea) and Mia Blichfeldt (Denmark) in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, India’s men’s doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded eighth, are set to face Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-Lin later in the day in their round-of-16 encounter.

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Sports

Nupur Sheoran Clinches Silver for India at World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s Nupur Sheoran scripted a proud chapter in the nation’s boxing history with a stellar silver medal finish at the World Boxing Championships 2025, held from 4th to 14th September at the iconic Liverpool Arena in England. Competing in the fiercely contested 80+kg category, Nupur showcased a combination of raw strength, tactical sharpness, and unwavering determination as she powered her way to the final.

Her final bout was a closely fought battle against Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska — a seasoned opponent — where Nupur narrowly missed out on gold, losing by a 3-2 split decision. Despite the narrow loss, her campaign stood out for its tenacity and composure under pressure. Every round highlighted her calculated aggression, mental resilience, and technical finesse — attributes that firmly established her as one of India’s most promising heavyweights.

Nupur’s silver was not just a personal achievement, but a significant contribution to India’s overall success at the championships, where the country finished with four medals, including two historic golds and a bronze.

The gold medal glory was led by Jaismine Lamboria in the 57kg category, who stunned Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland in the final with a dominant performance, securing a 4-1 split decision. Jaismine, who had a disappointing early exit at Paris 2024, made a stunning comeback with four straight 5-0 unanimous victories en route to her title win.

Adding to the triumph was Minakshi Hooda, who became the world champion in the 48kg category after edging out Kazakhstan’s Olympic bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay with a 4-1 decision in the final. Minakshi’s campaign was marked by clear dominance, as she beat challengers from Mongolia, England, and China — all through unanimous decisions.

The fourth medal for India came through seasoned Olympian Pooja Rani in the 80kg category, who secured a bronze after reaching the semi-finals. She lost to Emily Asquith of England in a tough 4-1 bout.

India had fielded a robust squad of 20 boxers at the event, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen. While Borgohain and Zareen exited earlier than expected, the emergence of new champions like Jaismine, Minakshi, and Nupur Sheoran underscores the promising depth and future of Indian women’s boxing.

Jaismine and Minakshi’s victories are especially noteworthy as they became India’s first world champions under the new governing body, World Boxing, signalling a fresh era for the sport in the country.

Nupur Sheoran’s silver medal is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring boxers, especially in the heavyweight division where opportunities and visibility have traditionally been limited. Her journey reflects grit, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — traits that define champions.

As India looks ahead to the next Olympic cycle, the performance in Liverpool offers hope, momentum, and a reminder that Indian women in the ring are not just contenders — they are champions in the making.

Sports

India Wins Silver at Women’s Asia Cup 2025 After Intense Final Against Hosts China

Tanisha Cardozo

Hangzhou, 14th September 2025: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team wrapped up an inspiring campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 with a Silver Medal, following a 1-4 defeat against hosts China in the final. The match began in the best possible fashion for India as veteran forward Navneet Kaur found the back of the net in the very first minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike to give India an early 1-0 lead.

China responded quickly, increasing the intensity and pressing the Indian defense with persistent attacks throughout the first half. Despite the pressure, India’s defense held firm for much of the first quarter. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi produced a string of excellent saves, and defender Sunelita Toppo made a crucial goalline block in the fourth minute. Another penalty corner for China in the 15th minute was effectively nullified by India’s first rusher, preserving the lead.

In the second quarter, China continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the 17th minute and forcing another top-class save from Bichu Devi. However, their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to level the score. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, with everything to play for.

India came out strong in the third quarter, dominating possession and making repeated circle entries in search of a go-ahead goal. However, a missed penalty corner in the 40th minute opened the door for a swift Chinese counterattack. Li Hong capitalized on the opportunity, making a solo run and delivering a backhanded shot into the bottom corner to give China a 2-1 lead.

China extended their advantage in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang delivered a perfect pass inside the circle, which Zou Meirong tapped in with a first-touch finish. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi made a run from the right flank, cutting into the circle and slotting a precise shot past the Indian goalkeeper to make it 4-1.

Despite the loss, India’s performance in the final and throughout the tournament displayed resilience, talent, and determination. The Silver Medal marks a proud moment for Indian women’s hockey and highlights the continued rise of the team on the Asian stage. With promising young players and experienced leaders like Navneet Kaur, India remains a strong contender in international women’s hockey.

National

India Approves Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

Tanisha Cardozo

India has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the bid, describing Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class sporting infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and deep-rooted sporting culture.

The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s nod earlier this month, after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March. The bid will be formally submitted before the August 31 deadline, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November. With Canada exiting the race due to financial constraints, India’s prospects appear brighter.

Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world—which recently hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup Final. The under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is also set to play a crucial role, offering an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multi-sport indoor arenas. The Games are seen as a stepping stone toward India’s larger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad again seen as a frontrunner.

Beyond showcasing India’s sporting excellence, the bid has been positioned as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosting the CWG is expected to boost tourism, generate local jobs, and promote sports as a viable career path. The government also anticipates large-scale employment opportunities across event management, media, broadcasting, logistics, and more.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. If successful, the 2030 edition will not only include all major disciplines but also bring back medal-heavy sports like shooting and wrestling—disciplines removed from the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association also aims to promote traditional sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, making the event a culturally rich and competitive showcase.

As the nation awaits the final decision, the bid stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global sports and its readiness to deliver events on an international scale.