The Indian hockey teams will revert to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games following widespread backlash over a controversial shift to a saffron coloured kit.
Hockey India (HI) faced intense criticism earlier after switching its long-standing colour to saffron, which the teams sported during the FIH World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The decision triggered internal discord when HI president Dilip Tirkey publicly questioned the move, stating it was implemented without the knowledge or approval of the federation's elected leadership and Executive Board.
"IOA asked us about our preference of colour for kit, we gave blue as primary and saffron as the second one. As I had already said before the World Cup that the colour change is not permanent," Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said on the sidelines of the Asian Games contingent send-off here on Tuesday.
Another top Hockey India official added, "The kits for Asian Games, Olympics and CWG are designed 

Indian hockey team during the 2026 World Cup (PIC: PTI)

Hockey India (HI) faced intense criticism earlier after switching its long-standing colour to saffron, which the teams sported during the FIH World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium

Press Trust of India

England will be looking to secure a 3-0 clean sweep against a depleted Pakistani side at Edgbaston

England vs Pakistan 3rd Test playing 11

Business Standard

Last year's winner Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are among the top contenders for the men's Ballon d'Or.
The 30 men's and 30 women's nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on Oct. 26.
In the women's field, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the favorites. Aitana Bonmati, the winner of the past three awards, did not make the cut after missing most of the season through injury. She returned at the end of Barcelona's quadruple-winning season that included another Champions League title.
Dembele and Mbappe both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals. Although it's difficult to win the accolade without a major trophy, Mbappe made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for the most all-time World Cup goals (22), in fewer games.
After claiming a second straight Champions League title with Pari

Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals

Dembele and Mbappe both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are off the mark in the Champions League as Real Madrid and Manchester City kicked off their campaigns with wins on Tuesday.
Mbappe gave record 15-time champion Madrid an early lead en route to 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Haaland scored both goals as 2023 winner City beat Porto 2-0.
Madrid and City are expected to be among the main challengers to back-to-back defending champion Paris Saint-Germain this season and both will be relying on their star strikers.
Mbappe's goal after 14 minutes was his 71st in European club soccer's top competition, while Haaland took his tally to 59 in 59 appearances in the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund beat Villarreal 3-2, and Real Betis won by the same score at Lille.
Aston Villa also won 3-2 over Club Brugge and AEK Athens sealed a 1-0 win over LASK.
PSG begin their campaign on Wednesday against Slovan Bratislava.
Villa kicks off with a win
===============
Aston Villa put its dome

Erling Haaland

Mbappe gave record 15-time champion Madrid an early lead en route to 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu

Mitchell Santner calls Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ODI masters ahead of India's New Zealand tour, discusses the Test challenge and explains the two-Test format.

Mitchell Santner

The send-off ceremony featured messages from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA president PT Usha, who urged athletes to embrace the challenge and focus on delivering their best

Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2026 send-off ceremony

Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale said on Tuesday that Indian shooters now command a degree of awe from their international rivals -- a sign, he believes, that the country has truly become a world power in the sport.
The men's 50m rifle 3-positions bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics, who is not part of India's Asian Games-bound contingent for Aichi-Nagoya, said the "fear factor" had been earned through the shooters' consistent performances on the international stage.
India's 36-member shooting squad is expected to mount a strong medal challenge at the continental showpiece after an impressive year that has included podium finishes at World Cups, World Championships and the Asian Championships.
"Well, you can see for yourself (the Indian shooters' consistency). If you see (double Olympic bronze medallist pistol shooter) Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and several others in the Indian shooting contingent, you would realise why they are held in awe," Kusale said on the sidelines of an India

Swapnil Kusale, Swapnil, Kusale

Kusale, whose remarkable composure helped him beat a formidable field to win bronze in Paris, backed the Indian team to deliver in Japan, though he stopped short of predicting a medal tally

Satwik felt the China Masters win came at the perfect time after a difficult period away from competitive badminton

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Satwiksairaj, Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Chirag

At just 20, Suruchi has put together an impressive resume, with a junior world record, an ISSF World Cup Final title and multiple World Cup gold medals to her name

Suruchi Inder Singh Phogat

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to hold two-stage trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships, giving wrestlers selected for the Asian Games a chance to also compete for a place in the World Championships team.
According to a WFI circular, wrestlers selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will not be barred from participating in the Senior World Championships selection trials.
Instead, they will have the opportunity to challenge for a World Championships berth through a "final trial".
The move is particularly significant because the Asian Games are scheduled for later in September, while the Senior World Championships will be held soon afterwards in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.
First phase on September 14 and 15
========================
WFI's first round of Senior World Championships trials will be held in the six Olympic weight categories on September 14 at IG Stadium in New Delhi while trials for the men's ..

Wrestling Federation of India

According to a WFI circular, wrestlers selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will not be barred from participating in the Senior World Championships selection trials

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona winger Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain veteran Marquinhos headline Brazil's 26-member squad for their historic first-ever meeting with India on October 3.
The Selecao will face India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata at 7.30 pm local time, in what will be a landmark fixture for Indian football.
The match is scheduled after Brazil's two-game Australia tour, with Carlo Ancelotti's side facing the hosts in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29.
Ancelotti named his first squad since the 2026 World Cup at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday before addressing the media.
Vinicius, Raphinha and Marquinhos form the experienced core of the squad, with Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes also retaining their places.
The much-anticipated game promises to be a grand spectacle for football-crazy Kolkata, with Brazil bringing three 2026 Ballon d'Or nominees in

Carlos Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Jr and Raphinha headline Brazil's star-studded squad for a historic clash against India, bringing two of football's biggest names into the spotlight.

Arsenal's perfect start to the season continued in the Champions League thanks to Martin degaard's sudden rush of goals.
degaard struck with a powerful left-foot shot in the 75th minute to secure a 1-0 win at Napoli that should have been more decisive.
"I didn't even see it go in," degaard acknowledged, adding that with Napoli defending deep "at some point it made sense to shoot from outside the box."
The fit-again captain now has four goals in Arsenal's first five games of the campaign - including the Community Shield - having scored just once in all of last season.
degaard was often not fully fit despite playing in parts of 36 games as Arsenal won a first Premier League title in 22 years and missed out on a first Champions League title only in a penalty shootout to Paris Saint-Germain after a 1-1 draw. He lasted just 66 minutes of that final in Budapest.
The difference a healthy and fully influential degaard can make was clear from a complete performance in Naples by the 27-year

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard's 75th-minute strike secured Arsenal's 1-0 Champions League win at Napoli, extending their perfect start to the season.

Six goals for Paris Saint-Germain, five for Barcelona and classically just one for Arsenal as the serious contenders for the Champions League started with wins on Wednesday.
There was a hat trick for Ferran Torres, the World Cup-winning goalscorer, on his PSG debut in the competition, and two goals for his new teammate Ousmane Dembele in a 6-1 beating of Slovan Bratislava by the two-time title holder.
At Barcelona, Raphinha scored two more in his rapid-fire start to the season, and Lamine Yamal fired a free kick through Feyenoord's defensive wall in an easy 5-1 win.
It was a typically Arsenal 1-0 win at Napoli with the only goal scored by the English champion's suddenly prolific captain Martin Odegaard. It's his fourth goal so far after just one in the whole of last season.
All four English clubs won their opening games after Liverpool rallied to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 with goals by midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, Liverpool saw its record signing

Paris St Germain's Ferran Torres reacts

PSG beat Slovan Bratislava 6-1, Barcelona crushed Feyenoord 5-1 and Arsenal edged Napoli 1-0, while Liverpool rallied to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Football administrator and entrepreneur Ranjit Bajaj has moved the court seeking directions to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to immediately notify the schedule for elections to its Executive Committee and complete the process within a time-bound period.
In his writ petition, Bajaj has sought a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate direction requiring the AIFF to conduct its elections strictly in accordance with its Constitution and the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Bajaj has also sought directions for completion of the entire electoral process, including declaration of results, within a timeframe to be fixed by the court.
The petitioner has further sought an interim restraint on the present AIFF Executive Committee from taking policy decisions or decisions having long-term, financial or otherwise irreversible consequences in relation to the federation's affairs until the elections are completed.
The petition also seeks any other order that the court may deem 

Ranjit Bajaj

Bajaj has also sought directions for completion of the entire electoral process, including declaration of results, within a timeframe to be fixed by the court

An injury ended Kamaljeet's athletics journey, but his passion for sport led him to shooting in 2019, setting him on a path to becoming a leading 50m pistol shooter

Indian shooter Kamaljeet

Lionel Messi collected his league-leading 13th assist of the season when he set up Carlos Casemiro for the equalizer early in the second half, and Inter Miami tied Chicago 1-1 before a crowd of 63,094 - the most for a Fire match at Soldier Field.
Inter Miami (12-4-8) evened the score three minutes into the second half when Messi sent the ball Casemiro's way off a free kick for his third goal in his eighth MLS appearance. Casemiro's goals have come on headers in three straight matches.
Chicago (11-6-6) jumped in front in the 10th minute on a goal by Robert Lewandowski - his sixth in his first nine MLS matches. Defender Andrew Gutman picked up his sixth assist and Robin Lod notched his fourth as the Fire took the lead into halftime.
Chris Brady had six saves for Chicago. Brady made a diving save on a shot by German Berterame in the 16th minute - one of three first-half saves to keep the Fire in front.
Dayne St. Claire saved two shots for Inter Miami, which has gone 1-2-4 since the st

Lionel Messi leaving the field after getting subbed off the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union game

Inter Miami (12-4-8) evened the score three minutes into the second half when Messi sent the ball Casemiro's way off a free kick for his third goal in his eighth MLS appearance

What could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last chance to win a first Asian Champions League title for his Saudi club will get underway next week.
Ronaldo's Al-Nassr is one of five Saudi Pro League teams in the tournament. Combined, they've spent more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023, with Al-Ahli lifting the continental trophy in each of the last two seasons.
Al-Ahli captain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is hoping to make it three in a row in the 32-team tournament.
"This is the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia and we will do everything to win," Mendy, who signed from English Premier League club Chelsea in 2023, told The Associated Press. "Last year, we won the Champions League and we will have to use all the things we did then to be successful this time, too. We are building year after year."
One competition, two zones
=================
The tournament is divided into two geographic zones until the playoffs, with the top eight teams from each progressing to the Round of 

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr is one of five Saudi Pro League teams in the tournament. Combined, they've spent more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023

Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have received fitness clearance, while a fresh injury has ruled Harshit Rana out of the Afghanistan series and Asian Games

Jasprit Bumrah, Jasprit, Bumrah

Cricket Australia has opened the door to private investment in Big Bash League teams, drawing interest from IPL owners already building franchise networks across major T20 leagues

Why IPL owners are eyeing BBL teams after Australia's privatisation move

Lionel Messi is set to become the majority shareholder of Spanish second-division club Eldense.
Eldense, based near the port city of Alicante in south-east Spain, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had reached a preliminary agreement with the club's owners.
The deal will see him buy the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures.
The club did not provide financial details and did not say when the deal would be completed.
Eldense will become the second Spanish club the Argentina star has invested in. Earlier this year, he became the owner of a fifth-division side, Barcelona-based UE Cornella.
Eldense fired coach Claudio Barragan on Sunday after claiming just two points from four league matches this season.
Messi has built a strong bond with Spain. He arrived at Barcelona at age 13, when he and his family came to the country to try his luck at the club's youth ...

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is set to become the majority shareholder at Eldense, the Spanish second-division football club, marking a move into club ownership.

LIV Golf is a professional men's golf league that was launched in 2022 with financial backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

LIV Golf

The three partnerships will begin with India's home series against the West Indies and cover the Board's home international cricket commitments until March 2028

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

BS provides the latest news and updates on sports events like football, cricket, FIFA 2019, hockey, badminton, lawn tennis, IPL and more related sports news. Catch sports breaking news at Business Standard.

Sports News

Asian Games

Football news

Other Sports News

Business of Sports