India's top table tennis player, Manika Batra, was excluded from the Asian Games squad due to selection criteria. Despite being World No. 51, just outside automatic qualification, her absence is controversial, with reserves named instead. The decision has sparked debate.
Xu Jiayu and Yu Yiting set new Asian records in the men's 50m backstroke and women's 200m individual medley at China's National Swimming Championships in Hangzhou. Veteran Sun Yang also contributed to a relay victory.
Several top Chinese tennis players, including Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu, will miss the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games due to a clash with major ATP and WTA tournaments in China. Wu Yibing will lead the men's team.
At 39, Indian squash player Joshna Chinappa is set for a record seventh appearance at the 2026 Asian Games, surpassing Saurav Ghosal. Despite multiple surgeries, she remains India's second-highest ranked player and a strong contender.
Pakistan's top table tennis players are surprised after the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation reportedly asked them to fund their own travel and daily expenses for the Asian Games in Japan. Athletes were also informed they would not receive payment for national trials.
Hong Kong triathlete Oscar Coggins qualified for the Asian Games by winning bronze at the Asia Triathlon Super Sprint Elite championship in Xuzhou. This achievement comes after a previous withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles.
Taiwanese pitcher Wang Yen-Cheng, currently playing in the Korean Baseball Organization, has been officially requested by the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) to join the national team for the upcoming Asian Games. The CTBA aims to secure a strong roster of professional players, including those playing abroad, to compete against professional teams from South Korea and Japan.
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra will miss the Doha Diamond League on June 19 due to a back injury. He is undergoing rehabilitation in Switzerland and focusing on upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Jaspal Rana, a celebrated former Indian shooter and coach, passed away in New Delhi on Friday. Known for his numerous Commonwealth and Asian Games medals, Rana was also instrumental in mentoring young athletes. His death, reportedly without prior health issues while en route to Germany, has prompted widespread tributes from prominent figures.
Jaspal Rana, Asian Games gold medallist and renowned coach, dies at 49 due to cardiac complications, leaving behind a legacy in Indian shooting as both athlete and mentor.
Jaspal Rana, a distinguished Indian pistol shooter and coach, passed away at 49 due to cardiac complications. A multiple international event winner and Asian Games gold medallist, Rana also mentored numerous young talents, including Manu Bhaker, and was a recipient of the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Dronacharya Award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourns the death of renowned shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana (49), praising his athletic achievements and dedication to nurturing Indian shooters like Manu Bhaker.
Jaspal Rana, 49, Indian shooting's renowned coach and former Asian Games gold medallist, died after a cardiac issue following his return from the ISSF World Cup in Munich. He was instrumental in shaping top Indian shooters like Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker.
Renowned Indian shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana died at 49 due to cardiac complications after falling ill post ISSF World Cup in Munich.
Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has been named in India's 30-member shooting squad for the Asian Games, where she will compete in both the women's 25m pistol and 10m air pistol events. The squad selection, announced by the NRAI, prioritizes athletes with realistic medal prospects, leading to strategic decisions like fielding only one shooter in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol.
South Korea's baseball team, aiming for a fifth consecutive Asian Games gold medal, announced its 24-man roster. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed confidence in the young squad, emphasizing team unity and exceeding expectations.
Sixteen South Korean professional baseball players are set to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to secure military service exemptions. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has limited teams to three players each, impacting team rosters during the league's hiatus.
South Korea's 2024 KBO MVP Kim Do-yeong, 22, was named to the national baseball team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The team, featuring 21 players under 25, aims for a fifth consecutive gold medal, with players seeking military service exemption.
The Hanwha Eagles are contemplating whether to allow their Asian quarter, left-handed pitcher Wang Yen-cheng, to participate in the 2026 Asian Games after receiving an official request from the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association. Wang, who has performed well in his debut KBO season, is a key player for Taiwan's national team.
Kim Do-yeong, the 2024 Korea Baseball Organization MVP, has been selected for the South Korean national team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The 22-year-old Kia Tigers player aims to earn military service exemption.
The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) announced the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball team roster, which includes several players who participated in the recent World Baseball Classic (WBC). The 24-player squad consists entirely of professional athletes, aiming for a fifth consecutive gold medal.
Hong Kong hurdler Vera Lui Lai-yiu, still registered with World Athletics as representing Hong Kong, competed for Monaco at the European Small States Athletics Championships, winning the 100m hurdles and setting a Monaco national record, sparking debate in Hong Kong.
Shreyas Iyer replaces Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain for tours of Ireland and England, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Notably, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is included in both squads, while Jasprit Bumrah is omitted from T20I squads but included in the Asian Games team.
Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel achieved a rare world record with back-to-back T20I centuries, scoring 126 off 54 balls against Malaysia in the Asian Games qualifiers, leading Nepal to a 167-run victory.
