Palak and Mukesh win ISSF World Cup Gold in Granada
India opened its ISSF World Cup campaign in Granada, Spain with a historic gold in the 10 metre air pistol mixed team event. Palak and Mukesh Nelavalli secured the top podium with a world junior record score of 487.7. They had earlier finished second in qualification with 581-17x, trailing the Chinese duo who led with 586-23x. In the final, Palak scored 243.0 and Mukesh 244.7 to clinch gold, while China took silver and Hungary bronze. The performance marks a strong start for India in the event, highlighting rising form in pistol shooting and junior record performance.
ISSF World Cup Granada: India gold in 10m air pistol mixed team
Palak and Mukesh Nelavalli world junior record 487.7
Qualification: 581-17x, second place behind China
Final score: Palak 243.0, Mukesh 244.7
China silver; Hungary bronze
Indicates rising form in Indian pistol shooting
Payal Nag becomes world’s first quadruple amputee archery champion
Payal Nag, 18, from Odisha, has become the world’s first quadruple amputee to win an international archery gold medal. Competing at the World Para Archery Series Final in Bangkok, she defeated reigning world champion Sheetal Devi in the final with a score of 139-136. Nag also led qualification rounds with a tally of 581-17x, underscoring her precision and composure. Born to a daily wage labourer, her life changed after an electrocution accident at age eight. Her breakthrough story has inspired many in India and around the world, highlighting resilience, adaptive sport access, and the potential of para-athletes to redefine records.
18-year-old Payal Nag from Odisha
Wins world’s first quadruple amputee international archery gold
Defeats Sheetal Devi 139-136 in Bangkok final
Qualification score: 581-17x
Background: electrocution accident at age eight
Symbolizes resilience and progress in para sports
Apr 07, 2026
Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days
A young adventurer from Uttar Pradesh, Divya Singh, has completed a 14-day cycling expedition to Everest Base Camp. Beginning in Kathmandu, she rode for 10 to 12 hours daily, tackling steep climbs and high-altitude terrain. The journey demanded stamina, careful pacing, and meticulous planning to manage thin air, cold conditions, and rugged paths. Her achievement has drawn national attention and sparked conversations about women’s participation in endurance sports. Divya’s trip is seen as a breakthrough for Indian women in adventure sports, encouraging others to pursue challenging goals while highlighting perseverance and the importance of safety and training in extreme environments.
14-day cycling journey to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu.
Daily rides of 10–12 hours through high-altitude terrain.
Highlights women’s participation in endurance sports.
Emphasizes planning, safety, and training for extreme environments.
Seen as a breakthrough for Indian women in adventure sports.
Murali Sreeshankar wins men's long jump at Indian Athletics Series 2026
Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar won the men's long jump at the Indian Athletics Series 2026 held at the Kanteerava Stadium. He achieved a best mark of 8.15 metres, the standout jump of the competition and his first strong performance of the season. The victory comes after a knee surgery in 2024 that caused him to miss the Paris Olympic Games and affected his form at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Sreeshankar had previously recorded 8.13 metres last season. The 8.15-metre jump signals improving endurance and marks his return to top form as the season progresses. The performance stood out as the highest leap among finalists.
Winning jump: 8.15 metres at the Indian Athletics Series 2026.
Recovery from knee surgery in 2024; missed Paris Olympics 2024.
Previous best last season: 8.13 metres.
Event held at Kanteerava Stadium.
Indicates improving form for the season.
Apr 06, 2026
7th National Sub-Junior Boxing Championship begins in Nagpur
The 7th National Sub-Junior (Under-17) Boxing Championship began in Nagpur, inaugurating a week-long national event. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari opened the championship, drawing about 600 young boxers (roughly 350 boys and 250 girls). Support comes from around 180 coaches and 70 officials across 13 weight categories. The tournament provides a platform to identify and nurture future boxing talent, offering exposure to competition at the national level. Organisers emphasise grassroots participation, women's involvement, and pathways to elite levels of sport, reflecting India's expanding youth boxing ecosystem.
7th National Sub-Junior Boxing Championship opened in Nagpur.
About 600 participants: 350 boys, 250 girls.
Inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Participants across 13 weight categories; 180 coaches, 70 officials.
Focus on talent development and grassroots growth.
India tops global track and field doping suspensions, AIU report finds
India has the highest number of track and field athletes suspended for doping violations, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The AIU operates as an independent body established by World Athletics to monitor doping, enforce bans, and promote fair play in global athletics. In the latest AIU report, 148 Indian track and field athletes were declared ineligible, the most by any country. Kenya is second in the list, and Russia ranks third with 66 suspended athletes. The figures trigger concern about the integrity of Indian athletics and underscore calls for stronger governance, better testing, and transparency at national levels. The AIU notes its responsibilities include investigations, enforcement of bans, and ongoing monitoring of athletes and their support staff.
AIU is an independent body under World Athletics.
India: 148 suspended athletes (highest globally).
Kenya second; Russia third with 66 suspensions.
Raises concerns about integrity of Indian athletics.
AIU handles investigations, bans, and monitoring of staff.
Apr 04, 2026
Ashwin signs with San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2026, first Indian in US league
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran off-spinner, has signed with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket season, becoming the first Indian international to play in the United States-based league. Ashwin has played 287 matches for India across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, taking 765 wickets. He retired from international cricket in 2024 and ended his IPL career in 2025. The Unicorns will start their campaign on 19 June 2026, facing the LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas, with the season concluding on 18 July 2026 at the Oakland Coliseum. This move signals growing cross-border interest in cricket and new opportunities for players.
Ashwin signs with San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2026
First Indian international to join US Major League Cricket
MLC 2026 schedule: 19 June to 18 July
Venues: Grand Prairie Stadium (Texas) and Oakland Coliseum (California)
Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024; IPL career ended 2025
Ashwin joins San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2026, first Indian international in US league
Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Major League Cricket season, becoming the first Indian international to join the US-based league. The Guardian reported on 28 March 2026 that the move marks a milestone for cross-border cricket development. Ashwin, with 287 India caps and 765 Test wickets, retired from international cricket in 2024 and finished his IPL career in 2025. The MLC 2026 window runs from mid-June to mid-July, with fixtures at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and the Oakland Coliseum in California. The signing reflects growing interest in cricket in North America.
Reported by The Guardian on 28 March 2026
Marks first Indian international in MLC
MLC 2026: mid-June to mid-July
Venues include Grand Prairie and Oakland Coliseum
Ashwin's international career ended in 2024
Khelo India Tribal Games conclude with Karnataka on top
The Khelo India Tribal Games concluded in Chhattisgarh with a vibrant closing ceremony attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao. Notable sportspersons Mary Kom and Bhaichung Bhutia were present. The event showcased tribal athletes from across India and highlighted inclusivity in national sports development. The finals included men’s football and several archery competitions. West Bengal won the football gold by defeating host Chhattisgarh 1–0, which took silver. Karnataka finished as overall champion with 23 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals; Odisha had 21 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze; Jharkhand 16 gold, 8 silver, 11 bronze, while host state Chhattisgarh placed ninth with 3 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze.
Khelo India Tribal Games concluded in Chhattisgarh
West Bengal won men’s football gold; Chhattisgarh silver
Karnataka overall champion: 23G, 8S, 7B
Odisha 21G; Jharkhand 16G
Mary Kom and Bhaichung Bhutia attended
Event showcased tribal athletes and inclusivity
Apr 03, 2026
Bodhana Sivanandan crowned Britain's top female chess player
Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old of Indian origin, has been rated Britain’s top female chess player in the April 2026 FIDE list, ranking 72nd globally among women. Based in Harrow, she reached a peak rating of 2,366 after rising through local clubs and tournaments since starting at age five during the COVID-19 era. Her rapid ascent reflects disciplined practice, supportive coaching, and early exposure to competitive play. The achievement highlights global mobility of young talents and the growing influence of Indian-origin players in international chess circuits.
Bodhana Sivanandan named Britain’s top female chess player (April 2026 list).
Global ranking: 72nd among women; rating 2,366.
Beginnings in Harrow; started at age five during COVID-19.
Illustrates rising Indian-origin talent in international chess.
Hockey India Sub Jr. Women National Championship begins in Ranchi
The 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026 starts on 1 April in Ranchi, Jharkhand and runs through 12 April. Division A features 12 teams in four pools, with knockout rounds starting 9 April and the Final on 12 April. Hockey Jharkhand hosts Pool A alongside Hockey Bihar (BSSA) and Hockey Maharashtra; Pool B includes Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh; Pool C features Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur; Pool D gathers Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Division B operates as a league from 1–6 April with two pools.
Event duration: 1–12 April 2026 in Ranchi.
Division A: 12 teams in four pools; knockouts begin 9 April; final 12 April.
Host city: Ranchi; participating teams listed by pool.
Division B follows a league format 1–6 April.
Organization by Hockey India.
Doon crackdown in Doon: Operation Prahaar continues (web added)
Media reports on 2–3 April 2026 describe ongoing security operations in Dehradun metropolitan area under Operation Prahaar. The crackdown addresses gang activity and organized crime, with police citing improved intelligence sharing and targeted actions. Officials underscore the need for sustained vigilance as investigations proceed. Community leaders call for transparent action and continued public safety measures to maintain trust during the crackdown. The operation has become a talking point in local governance and security planning in northern India.
Operation Prahaar ongoing in Dehradun area (April 2026).
Focus on gang/criminal networks and organized crime.