Two-time World champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, despite missing a medal at the Paris Olympics, remains determined to reclaim her glory in upcoming events. She’s setting her sights on the Commonwealth and Asian Games, seeking a personal coach and an international-standard boxing academy in Hyderabad.
Indian badminton star Chirag Shetty has voiced his disappointment and called the exclusion of badminton from the 2026 Commonwealth Games a ‘very bad decision’. He questioned the organizers’ choice to remove the most popular sport in the event and highlighted its massive fan base, particularly in India. Shetty also called for action from national sports federations and the government to address this decision.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Treasurer, Sahdev Yadav, has threatened legal action against the IOA President, PT Usha, accusing her of defaming him. This follows Usha’s issuance of a show-cause notice to Yadav based on a complaint challenging his eligibility to hold office. The controversy stems from a disagreement regarding the age and tenure guidelines set by the National Sports Code and a loan of Rs 1.75 crore given to the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) in 2010.
Indian weightlifters displayed exceptional strength and skill at the 2024 Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Suva, Fiji, securing a total of six medals. Valluri Ajaya Babu led the charge, setting a new Commonwealth record in clean and jerk and multiple national records. Other notable performances included gold for Sairaj Pardeshi and bronze for Hrudananda Das.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is urging the Commonwealth Games Federation to keep wrestling in the 2026 CWG roster, but the decision ultimately lies with Scotland, the prospective host. With wrestling not as popular in the UK, its chances of being retained seem slim.
Glasgow, Scotland, is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia’s Victoria state withdrew due to soaring costs. The event will be scaled down, featuring fewer sports and venues. The UK government has committed to no public funding, while Australia is providing a multi-million pound investment.
Pakistani wrestler Ali Asad has been stripped of his bronze medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This is the latest in a string of doping violations by Pakistani athletes, highlighting a concerning trend in the country’s sporting landscape.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been stripped of her Commonwealth Games medal after testing positive for a banned substance. This decision comes as a blow to Phogat, who was a strong contender for the gold medal.
Saurav Ghosal, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, has announced his retirement from professional squash. The 37-year-old Kolkata-born player, who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 10 in April 2019, has lifted 10 PSA titles and won 281 of his 511 matches on the PSA Tour. Ghosal is also a three-time medal winner at the Commonwealth Games and won gold at the 2022 World Doubles Championships in mixed doubles in Glasgow. While he is retiring from the professional circuit, Ghosal plans to continue playing for India and hopes to represent the country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut.
