Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava has addressed allegations of Model Code of Conduct violations during the Indian Olympic Association's Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs) elections. Srivastava clarified that his role was to issue advisories and ensure fair conduct, not to take punitive action or disqualify candidates. He confirmed receiving complaints, including from PT Usha, and stated that he acted promptly by issuing advisories to all SOMs, despite the complaints arriving on Diwali night, just hours before voting. He emphasized that any punitive action falls under the purview of other authorities like the IOA's Ethics Committee.
Chennai is on the verge of being confirmed as the host city for the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, pending the submission of state government guarantees. This decision was made during the Asian Athletics Association council meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, marking India's third time hosting the event.
Former AIFF President Praful Patel and Uttar Pradesh chief Arvind Menon are reportedly considering contesting for the top post in the upcoming AIFF elections on December 20. While no one has officially declared their candidacy, including incumbent Kalyan Chaubey, the Electoral Officer has initiated the nomination process for member associations. Patel, eligible after a cooling period, and Menon, seeking administrative change, are emerging as potential candidates.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey's proposal to liquidate the federation's fixed deposit to cover deficits from recent international friendly matches was rejected by members during a Special General Body Meeting on Sunday. Members cited an Executive Committee decision that the FD cannot be liquidated, while concerns were raised about the financial burden and transparency of hosting high-profile games.
Indian para-athlete Rinku Hooda won a gold medal in the men's javelin throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Despite being deeply affected by his mother's passing in August and battling a shoulder injury, Hooda dedicated his victory to her. He aims to secure a Paralympics medal next, having previously won medals at various international championships.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring a dazzling light and musical show, celebrating Japan's culture and hospitality. The event saw over 350 records broken, including 50 world records, and marked the official handover to Doha for the 2030 Games. India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals.
The Olympic Council of Asia defended the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite accommodation and transport complaints, saying mega multi-sport events always face challenges.
Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton revealed that the tough semifinal victory against Pakistan was crucial in preparing the team for their dominant 5-1 win over Malaysia in the Asian Games final. This victory secured India's gold medal and a direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Senior player Hardik Singh also expressed relief and pride in the team's performance after a disappointing World Cup.
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.
Former Indian shooter Rajeshwari Kumari has been appointed as the South Asia representative to the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) Athletes Committee. Her nomination was approved by the OCA Executive Board, bypassing elections held for other zonal positions. This appointment highlights her continued involvement in sports administration following a successful shooting career and her family's legacy in Olympic sports.
Indian kurash player Yash Kumar Chauhan has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for multiple banned substances during the Asian Games.
Boxer Parveen Hooda secured an Asian Games gold medal, marking a significant redemption after her previous bronze was stripped due to a whereabouts failure and a subsequent 22-month suspension. Her victory, achieved with a narrow win over Chen Nien-chin, is dedicated to her ailing father and represents a powerful personal comeback fueled by resilience and philosophical reflection.
Lovlina Borgohain, who had considered retiring after the Paris Olympics, clinched her maiden Asian Games gold medal in boxing, defeating China's Ziyi Bao 5-0 in the 75kg final.
India's medal tally at the Asian Games surged to 65, highlighted by rare silver medals in men's skiff sailing and Greco-Roman wrestling. The men's cricket and hockey teams secured their spots in the finals with impressive victories, while squash teams and compound archer Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru contributed bronze medals. Indian golfers are also in contention, and sepaktakraw guaranteed at least a bronze, showcasing a diverse sporting performance.
Prince Kurisinkal Noble and Manu Francis secured India's first-ever Asian Games silver medal in men's skiff sailing. Hailing from Kochi, their journey is deeply connected to the sea, with Noble overcoming personal tragedy after losing his fisherman father in the 2018 Kerala floods. Their decade-long partnership and debut Asian Games performance mark a significant achievement for Indian sailing.
India achieved its most successful day at the Asian Games, securing 10 gold medals, 21 silver, and 29 bronze, bringing the total to 60 and improving its ranking to seventh. Compound archers swept all team golds, including an Olympic quota, while trap shooters Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai also won mixed gold. Boxing and wrestling added bronze medals, and the women's hockey team reached the final, assuring at least a silver.
Young Indian compound archer Chikitha Taniparthi clinched two gold medals at her Asian Games debut, fulfilling her father's long-held dream for her to pursue sports. Her journey involved significant financial sacrifices from her family and dedicated training, overcoming initial interest in karate to become a world youth champion and now a double Asian Games gold medallist.
The Indian men's team scripted a sensational comeback to defeat China in final, helping the country's compound archers complete a hat-trick of gold medals at the Asian Games after the mixed team and women also finished on top.
Teenager Kishore Kumar Anbarasu's journey in the men's surfing competition at the Asian Games concluded in the quarterfinal stage. Despite the loss, Anbarasu cherishes his experience as surfing made its debut at the continental event, highlighting his unusual path from Kovalam to international competition.
Star long jumper Murali Sreeshankar's ankle injury, sustained during the Asian Games where he won a silver medal, is not as serious as initially feared. His father and coach, S Murali, confirmed that the injury will require rest and rehabilitation, but Sreeshankar is expected to be ready for the next season.
