India to host first-ever IRONMAN 5i50 Triathlon as Chennai gears up for historic endurance event

IANS | January 9, 2026 5:37 PM

Chennai, Jan 9 (IANS) Chennai will make history in Indian endurance sports when it hosts the country’s first-ever IRONMAN 5i50 Triathlon, alongside the debut of the DuYoska Duathlon, on Sunday (January 11). With the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) as the presenting sponsor, the event places India among a select group of nations to host the globally recognised IRONMAN 5i50 format.

PT Usha, members of AFI mourn former IOA president Suresh Kalmadi's demise

IANS | January 6, 2026 6:37 PM

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Legendary former track and field athlete P.T. Usha and members of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) mourned the death of Suresh Kalmadi, India’s seasoned sports administrator and former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who passed away in Pune on Tuesday. Kalmadi, who was 81, is survived by his wife, Meera Kalmadi, and his daughters and son.

AFI announces qualification marks to boost athletics medal tally at 2026 Asian Games

IANS | January 3, 2026 7:27 PM

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) With an eye on improving India’s overall medal tally in track and field at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Saturday announced the qualification standards for the continental multi-sport event. The early announcement of the qualifying standards will help the athletes plan their season to qualify and grab medals in Aichi–Nagoya 2026 later in the year.

Defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor to lead Indian contingent at Mumbai Marathon

IANS | January 3, 2026 12:59 PM

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) The 21st Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics gold label event, will feature a vibrant blend of experienced champions and rising stars, highlighting the depth and strength of Indian distance running nationwide. Attention will be on defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor as they aim to reclaim their titles at Asia’s premier marathon on January 18.

Hockey star Hardik Singh proposed for Khel Ratna; 24 recommended for Arjuna Awards

IANS | December 24, 2025 11:35 PM

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) Two-time Olympic bronze medallist hockey player Hardik Singh has been recommended for the prestigeous Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the highest award for sportsperons given the government, while athletes Tejaswin Shankar, Priyanka, chess grandmaster Vidit Santosh Gujarati and Divya Deshmukh, shooters Akhil Sheron and Mehuli Ghosh and women's badminton pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand were among those recommended for the Arjuna Award by the committee set up by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday.