Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna Set Up All-Indian Squash Quarter-Final
India are assured of a medal in women's singles squash at the 2026 Asian Games after Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna both reached the quarter-finals, setting up an all-Indian last-eight clash. Third seed Anahat beat Singapore's Au Yeong Wai Iynn 3-0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-7). Tanvi Khanna had a tougher route, coming from a game down to beat Singapore's Au Yeong Wai Yhann 3-1 (5-11, 11-4, 11-5, 13-11). The all-Indian quarter-final is scheduled for Friday, September 25. India won five squash medals at Hangzhou 2023, including two golds.
Naruka-Dhaliwal Complete India's Skeet Team Sweep With Mixed Bronze
Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal won India's first-ever Asian Games medal in skeet mixed team, taking bronze at the 2026 Asian Games with a final score of 44. The pair entered the four-team final in fourth place after qualifying with 138, behind Qatar (145), South Korea (143) and China (140). Qatar's early elimination in the final guaranteed India at least bronze, and the Indian duo held firm through gusty conditions to secure the medal, with China taking gold and South Korea silver. The bronze completes a sweep of all three skeet team events for India at these Games - Naruka had already won men's team bronze alongside Bhavtegh Singh Gill and Mairaj Ahmed Khan, while Dhaliwal had won women's team bronze with Raiza Dhillon and Maheshwari Chauhan, both on Wednesday.
India Rout South Korea 8-2 for Best-Ever Margin, Stay Unbeaten in Pool A
India's men's hockey team made it three wins from three at the 2026 Asian Games, beating South Korea 8-2 in Pool A at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium - their best-ever margin of victory over the Koreans at the Asian Games, and South Korea's first defeat of the tournament. Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek Nain both scored twice, with Shilanand Lakra , Harmanpreet Singh (penalty corner), Sukhjeet Singh and Rajinder Singh also finding the net. India raced to a 4-0 lead inside the first quarter and were 7-1 up by the end of the third. The result follows India's 13-1 and 16-1 wins over Indonesia and Sri Lanka, keeping them unbeaten and top of Pool A with a +33 goal difference. India will face Japan next.
Malaysia Beat Hong Kong by 8 Wickets in Asian Games Cricket
Malaysia made a winning start to their Asian Games 2026 cricket campaign, beating Hong Kong, China by 8 wickets in the second match of the men's competition at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. Hong Kong, China chose to bat first but were restricted to 81 for 9 in their 20 overs, with Shiv Mathur top-scoring on 29 off 39 balls and Nizakat Khan adding 19. Malaysia's bowlers shared the wickets, with Pavandeep Singh and Muhammad Amir both taking 3 for 11 and 3 for 12 respectively. Malaysia made light work of the modest target, cruising to 84 for 2 in just 12 overs. Muhamad Syahadat led the chase with a rapid 36 off 32 balls, including two sixes off a single over from Mohammad Ghazanfar, while Virandeep Singh finished the match in style with a six over deep square leg for an unbeaten 32. The result gives Malaysia two points in Group B, which also features Hong Kong and Oman.
Barcelona Record 900th Win as Pajor Brace Sinks Paris FC 5-2
Barcelona recorded the 900th official victory in the club's history, coming from behind to beat Paris FC 5-2 in their Women's Champions League opener at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with a brace from Ewa Pajor headlining the win. Paris FC stunned the hosts with an early lead through Evelyne Viens in the fifth minute, but Barcelona responded with four goals before half-time. Kerolin levelled in the 18th minute, Clara Serrajordi put the Catalans ahead in the 28th, Pajor extended the lead on 35 minutes, and Caroline Graham Hansen made it four with a strike from distance just before the break. Pajor completed her brace in the 70th minute before Clara Mateo pulled one back late on for the visitors. The win, in the club's 1,247th official match since 1988, takes Barcelona's all-time record to 900 victories, a winning rate of roughly 72 percent. It also extends Pajor's remarkable individual form in the competition, with the Polish forward continuing to close in on the record for goals scored in the Champions League's group or league phase.
2026/27 UEFA Nations League Kicks Off With 54 Nations in Action
The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League gets underway on Thursday, with 54 national teams entering the fifth edition of the competition, headlined by holders Portugal beginning their title defence against Wales. The 54 teams are split across Leagues A, B, C and D, with League A's top flight featuring Spain , England , France , Italy , Germany and Netherlands among others across four groups of four. Opening matchday fixtures include Netherlands vs Germany and Italy vs Belgium, while England face Spain and France take on Turkiye later in the window. The league phase runs through six matchdays until 17 November, with the competition once again linked to Euro 2028 qualification. Results here will help determine playoff routes for the tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland, before the competition proper concludes with quarter-finals next March and the finals in June 2027.
Afghanistan Beat Japan by 48 Runs in Asian Games Cricket Opener
Afghanistan began their Asian Games 2026 men's cricket campaign with a 48-run win over hosts Japan in the tournament opener at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Batting first after being asked to field, Afghanistan posted 129 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Mohammad Akram top-scoring on 34 from 29 balls and captain Darwish Rasooli adding 29. Afghanistan had slipped to 79 for 4 in the 16th over before Mohammad Ishaq's unbeaten 25 off 17 balls, including a 44-run stand with Rasooli, lifted the total to a defendable mark. Arab Gul Momand starred on his T20I debut, taking 4 for 8 as Japan collapsed to 81 all out in 19.3 overs. Nangeyalia Kharote chipped in with 3 for 19 as Afghanistan's spinners shared the bulk of the wickets. The result gives Afghanistan an early lead in Group A, which also includes Japan and Nepal, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals alongside seeded teams India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Ri Song-gum Sets World Record to Win Gold as Chanu Ends India's 28-Year Wait
North Korea's Ri Song-gum broke her own world record to win the women's 49kg weightlifting gold at the 2026 Asian Games, lifting a total of 215kg (94kg snatch + a world-record 121kg clean and jerk) in Nagoya on Wednesday. It was Ri's third straight Asian Games title in the category. India's Mirabai Chanu took silver with a total of 198kg (87kg snatch + 111kg clean and jerk), her first Asian Games medal and India's first podium finish in weightlifting at the Games in 28 years. Indonesia's Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana completed the podium with bronze on a total of 191kg (88kg snatch + 103kg clean and jerk).
Iran's Nemati Wins Kumite +84kg Gold as Karate Crowns Three Champions on Day 4
Karate handed out three more gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on Wednesday, with Iran, Kuwait and Malaysia topping the podium. Mahmoud Nemati of Iran won gold in the men's kumite +84kg category, with Saudi Arabia's Sanad Hassan Sufyani taking silver. Thailand's Teerawat Kangtong and Nepal's Tenzing Sherpa shared bronze. In the men's team kata event, Kuwait won gold ahead of silver medallists Macau. Hong Kong and Malaysia both took bronze. Malaysia's Shahmalarani Chandran won gold in the women's kumite -50kg category, with Hong Kong's Tsang Yee Ting taking silver and the Philippines and Macau sharing bronze.
China Hold Off Hosts Japan to Retain Men's Team Gymnastics Gold
The People's Republic of China defended their men's artistic gymnastics team title at the 2026 Asian Games, edging out hosts Japan 255.095 to 254.026 in Nagoya on Wednesday. Zhang Boheng , the reigning individual all-around champion, sealed the win for China with a 14.200 on the horizontal bar in the final rotation. Chinese Taipei took bronze with a total of 239.896, completing the podium at Nagoya City General Gymnasium. The result extends China's dominance in the event, with the team now having successfully defended the Asian Games men's team title.
Roshibina Devi Reaches Gold Medal Match, Assured Third Straight Asiad Medal
Roshibina Devi has assured India of another wushu medal, advancing to the women's 60kg sanda gold medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after beating Indonesia's Thania Kusumaningtyas 2-0 in the semi-final. The result guarantees Roshibina at least a silver medal, with the gold medal bout scheduled for September 24. It is her third individual Asian Games medal in as many editions of the Games.
India Men Beat Bangladesh 48-25 to Complete Unbeaten Group Stage
India's men's kabaddi team made it three wins from three at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Bangladesh 48-25 in their Group A match at Toyohashi City General Gymnasium. The defending champions continued their dominant title defence, following wins over Japan (49-24) and South Korea (63-31). India remain unbeaten and on course to top Group A as they head towards the knockout stages.
India Women Hammer Thailand 20-1 to Complete Unbeaten Group Stage
India's women's hockey team continued their scoring spree at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Thailand 20-1 in their Pool B match to make it three wins from three. The result follows India's 19-0 win over Uzbekistan and 17-1 win over Indonesia, taking their goal difference to an extraordinary tally across the group stage. India remain unbeaten and top of Pool B heading into the knockout stages.
India Men's Badminton Team Secures Bronze Despite Semifinal Loss to China
India's men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games despite losing 1-3 to defending champions China in the team semi-final. India had stunned Japan in the quarter-finals to reach the last four for the first time in years, guaranteeing a podium finish regardless of the semi-final result. The team will now look to build on the medal as the individual events get underway later in the Games.
Mirabai Chanu Ends India's 28-Year Wait for Asian Games Weightlifting Medal
Mirabai Chanu won India's first Asian Games weightlifting medal in 28 years , taking silver in the women's 49kg category at the 2026 Asian Games with a total lift of 198kg (87kg snatch, 111kg clean and jerk). North Korea's Ri Song-gum , the two-time defending champion, won gold with a world-record total of 215kg (94kg snatch, 121kg clean and jerk) - her third consecutive Asian Games title. Indonesia's Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana took bronze with 191kg. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist completed all three snatch attempts successfully (83kg, 85kg, 87kg) before securing the medal with a 111kg clean and jerk. She had finished fourth at Hangzhou 2023 after an injury on her final clean and jerk attempt. The last Indian weightlifter to reach an Asian Games podium was Karnam Malleswari, who won silver at Bangkok 1998. The medal completes Chanu's collection across the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and now the Asian Games.
FIFA's Proposed Governance Review Faces Pushback From European Associations
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the organisation's governance, after the collapse of a controversial commercial project triggered sharp criticism from several member associations, including major names within UEFA . The review follows the abandonment of the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" plan, which would have created a new commercial vehicle built around FIFA's tournament rights, with a possible minority stake sold to outside investors. The proposal leaked before FIFA's internal process was complete, prompting a number of high-profile UEFA members to withdraw their support, and UEFA has since begun drafting criminal charges against Infantino in US courts related to the plan. In a letter to FIFA's Council and its 211 member associations ahead of an October 15 meeting, Infantino acknowledged the proposal had caused concern before it could be properly presented. However, some European associations have indicated the independent review does not go far enough, calling for more substantial structural reforms to FIFA's governance.
Spain Extend Luis de la Fuente's Contract Through Euro 2032
Spain have extended head coach Luis de la Fuente's contract through Euro 2032, rewarding a tenure that has delivered three major trophies in under three years. The 65-year-old's previous deal was set to run until 2028, but the Spanish federation's board unanimously approved the six-year extension, which will see him lead the reigning world champions through Euro 2028, the 2030 World Cup, which Spain co-hosts with Portugal and Morocco, and Euro 2032. Since taking charge in December 2022, De la Fuente has won the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024 and, this summer, the World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. "We are not content with what we have achieved so far. The best is yet to come," he said following the announcement.
Benfica Stun Juventus, Real Madrid Held by PSG on UWCL Opening Night
Elsewhere on the Women's Champions League's opening night, Benfica beat Juventus 2-1 in Turin, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain shared the points in a 1-1 draw. At the Allianz Stadium, Juventus were left to rue a missed opportunity after dominating for long spells. Bratberg struck either side of half-time, in the 40th and 61st minutes, to put Benfica firmly in control, and although Alba Redondo pulled one back in the 86th minute, it proved merely a consolation as the Portuguese side held on for the win. In Madrid, Real Madrid raced into an early lead through a second-minute goal from Naomi Schroeder, but Sakina Karchaoui pulled PSG level in the 74th minute to secure a share of the spoils for the French side.
Caldentey's 93rd-Minute Penalty Rescues Arsenal Against HB Koge
Arsenal Women survived a wasteful display to beat HB Koge 1-0 in their Women's Champions League opener at Meadow Park, needing a 93rd-minute Mariona Caldentey penalty to see off a resolute Danish side. Despite dominating possession throughout, Arsenal struggled to find a breakthrough against Koge's disciplined defensive block. A Chloe Kelly finish was ruled out by VAR for a Stina Blackstenius offside earlier in the game, and chance after chance went begging as the hosts grew increasingly frustrated at Boreham Wood. The breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time when Yukina Sakabe fouled substitute Selina Cerci inside the box, and Caldentey stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick. "It was a mentality and resilience win today," said Arsenal boss Renee Slegers. "The football didn't give us the win, but we get the goal as a squad."
India Women Beat Iran 37-23 to Move 2-0 in Kabaddi Group A
India's women's kabaddi team denied Iran an upset, winning 37-23 in their Group A match at the 2026 Asian Games. Iran started strongly but India fought back to lead 19-15 at half-time before pulling away in the second half to seal the win. The result moves India to two wins from two matches, keeping them on course for a semi-final spot as they prepare to face Japan next.
Choo Gaeun Sets Asian Record to Win 10m Air Pistol Gold, Bhaker Fifth
South Korea's Choo Gaeun won gold in the women's 10m air pistol individual final at the 2026 Asian Games with an Asian record score of 246.3 at the Aichi Shooting Range. China's Shen Yiyao took silver with 241.3, while compatriot Jiang Ranxin claimed bronze with 221.6. India's Manu Bhaker , the two-time Paris 2024 Olympic medallist, narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fifth place after a tightly contested elimination stage that saw her eliminated just short of the medal positions.
Jay Meena Reaches Semifinal, Assures India's First Soft Tennis Medal
Jay Meena has guaranteed India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis, beating the Philippines' Sherwin Nuguit 4-3 in a seven-set thriller (0-4, 4-2, 2-4, 4-2, 5-3, 2-4, 7-5) in the men's singles quarter-final. The win sends Meena into the semi-finals, assuring at least a bronze medal in a discipline India has never medalled in before at the Asian Games.
Anant Jeet Singh Naruka Leads India's Men's Skeet Team to Bronze
India's men's skeet team won bronze at the 2026 Asian Games, with Anant Jeet Singh Naruka , Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Bhavtegh Singh Gill combining for a score of 346 at the Aichi Shooting Range. Naruka led the Indian trio with 119 out of 125 in qualification, followed by Mairaj on 116 and Bhavtegh on 111. Naruka was the only one of the three to qualify for the individual final. The medal comes on the same day India's women's skeet team also won bronze, taking India's shooting tally at these Games to seven.
India's Women's Skeet Team Wins Bronze Behind China and Kazakhstan
India's women's skeet team won bronze at the 2026 Asian Games, with Raiza Dhillon , Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Maheshwari Chauhan combining for a score of 331 at the Aichi Shooting Range. Dhillon and Dhaliwal both shot 111 out of 125, with Chauhan contributing 109 to India's total. China won gold with a score of 346, while Kazakhstan took silver. The medal is India's sixth in shooting at these Games so far.