The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
India achieved 24 medals, achieving five golds on Day 2 of the Asian Para Games 2026. Nishad Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji led the country with outstanding athletic performances, contributing significantly to the medal tally. Despite this notable success, India's ranking dropped from fourth to sixth due to the gold medal count. China continued to lead the standings with a significant gap over competing nations.
India experienced a significant medal rush during Day 2 of the Asian Para Games 2026. The country won 24 medals, including five golds, primarily in athletics. Notable athletes like Nishad Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji achieved outstanding performances in their respective events. Additionally, the nation has secured medals in shooting, powerlifting, and swimming. With more medals expected in archery and badminton, India is building a strong campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined just 255 by Portugals Football Federation for walking out of the national-team camp. The modest penalty stemmed from fixed disciplinary rules, with his formal confession and clean disciplinary record reducing the applicable sanction range. Although he received the maximum fine permitted within that reduced range, his 30-day suspension was backdated, allowing him to avoid missing another scheduled international match.
At the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, India delivered its standout performance in para table tennis, clinching five bronze medals and exceeding its previous best of two. With Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey marking a significant first in the standing category, and impressive contributions from Bhavina Patel and Jehan Madan, this feat highlights India's expanding footprint in para table tennis.
Simran celebrated her triumphant return by clinching the women's 200m T12 title at the Asian Para Games, breaking the Games record with a stunning time of 24.80 seconds. Tejalben Damor also impressed by bagging a bronze in the event, adding to India's overall medal count. Both athletes showed enthusiasm for future competitions, particularly Tejalben, who is looking forward to the women's 400m.
Pranav Soorma and Ram Ratan Singh secured gold and silver medals in men's discus throw at the Asian Para Games. Soorma set a new Asian record with a throw of 11.66m, while Singh achieved a throw of 10.35m. This achievement adds to India's growing medal tally at the event in Aichi-Nagoya. The competition featured athletes from different classifications competing together for fairness in standings.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy opens up on facing India in New Zealand, his learnings from the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the upcoming cricket season. Duffy also discusses his experience playing alongside Virat Kohli, his bowling improvements, and why Test cricket remains the pinnacle for him.
Team India continues to shine in the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings, led by the exceptional performances of Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma. With Nandani Sharma and Kranti Gaud climbing the rankings, the Indian women's team has established a commanding 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe in their series. This reinforces the depth of talent within the squad, while Australian players also rise in the ODI rankings after their series against Bangladesh.
India vice-captain Shafali Verma has received an official reprimand for throwing the ball to the ground in frustration after dropping a catch during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The incident took place during India's nine-wicket win in Raipur on Sunday. The 22-year-old was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
As New Zealand gear up to face India in the upcoming T20I series, focus shifts to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Jacob Duffy acknowledges Sooryavanshi's impressive hitting skills exhibited during the IPL. The series kicks off in Christchurch, where bowlers may find a bit of an advantage. Duffy wishes for conditions that level the playing field, and all eyes will be on how Sooryavanshi adjusts to these challenges.
Team India arrive in New Zealand as the build-up to a long cricket tour begins. Watch the Indian stars touch down ahead of the IND vs NZ series.
Legends of Indian cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir, took to social media to convey their warm Vijayadashami wishes, emphasising themes of valor and ethical righteousness. Suryakumar Yadav joined the festivities, advocating for universal peace. Known as Dussehra, this occasion celebrates the victory of Bhagwan Shri Ram over Ravana, prompting reflection on ones own shortcomings and the necessity to challenge societal evils.
Sheetal Devi and Swati Chaudhary are set to bring home at least two medals for India from the Asian Para Games. Sheetal triumphed over Japan's Shinohara Aya to secure her spot in the finals of the women's compound event. Meanwhile, Swati defeated South Korea's Lee Eunhee to advance in the women's W1 category. Both archers now have their sights set on clinching gold amidst continuing fierce competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo's walkout from Portugal's national team camp has resulted in a suspension and fine. The Portuguese Football Federation deemed the punishment adequate after his admission of wrongdoing. The disagreement arose during the Nations League campaign concerning his playing time and the coach's assurances. Ronaldo is expected to return for the next match against Denmark after serving part of his suspension.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a talented 15-year-old cricketer, is still waiting for his big break in the Indian senior team. Despite his impressive glimpses, established players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma keep taking the spots. Former spinner Murali Kartik believes in the current squad and encourages Sooryavanshi to keep working hard for when his chance finally comes.
Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 after producing a superb performance in the final. Deepthi clocked 56.36 seconds to finish on top of the podium.
India's para archer Sheetal Devi broke a seven-year-old world record by scoring 149 in the women's compound elimination round at the Asian Para Games 2026. Sheetal surpassed the previous record of 148, set by Jessica Stretton, during her pre-quarterfinal match against Chan Yuen.
Bhavina Patel won a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 4-5 table tennis event at the Asian Para Games 2026. She lost in the semi-finals to Zhang Bian of China, finishing her singles campaign. Previously, Bhavina was the flag bearer for India at these Games. Her notable achievements include winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics and gold at the Commonwealth Games.
The weekend unrest in France led to severe vandalism and looting at Olympique de Marseille and Lille. Marseille's official store on La Canebire was damaged and will remain closed for repairs, while Lille's downtown store also suffered extensive vandalism and is closed until further notice. Both clubs have condemned these acts, expressing solidarity with their employees and supporters as authorities launch cleanup operations and impose restrictions.
India impressed on the opening day of the Asian Para Games 2026, clinching a remarkable 11 medals in total. Among these were four shining gold medals, with standout performances from Mona Agarwal in shooting and Nishad Kumar in long jump. The success was rounded off with two more gold medals in athletics, placing India fourth overall in medal standings after day one.
Initially placing third in the women's 1500m T11 event, Rakshita Raju faced disqualification, leading to Ravanni Valasanani clinching the bronze. China showcased exceptional prowess, taking home both the gold and silver medals. Meanwhile, India celebrated a remarkable day, securing medals in several events, highlighted by gold and silver accolades in the women's 1500m T12/T13 and men's javelin throw F46.
In a significant move, Pragyan Ojha has taken over as the chairman of the BCCI's Men's Selection Committee following Ajit Agarkar's departure. Joining him is former spinner Ramesh Powar, who brings a wealth of coaching experience. Ojha's appointment comes after Agarkar's successful leadership, which saw India clinch major ICC titles. The Cricket Advisory Committee fully backed Powar during recent discussions, as they aim to build on the team's impressive achievements.
Kokila from India has elevated her previous bronze medal achievement to a silver at the Asian Para Games held in Aichi-Nagoya. She showcased her skill by narrowly defeating reigning world champion Yi Liu in the semifinals. Although she faced Aibike Ulanbek Kyzy in the final, who clinched gold with a swift ippon, Kokila's silver illustrates her increasing prowess in the -52kg para-judo category.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have decided to part ways after a tough year, focusing on their commitment to their daughter Skai. Svitolina shared that her emotional challenges significantly influenced their separation. Both athletes are asking for understanding and privacy during this transition as Monfils also announced plans to retire from professional tennis.

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