Australian Open: Sindhu, Sameer cruise into second round

The MOC also approved financial assistance worth Rs 27.51 lakh for Sumit Nagal to support his international training and competition programme from March to October 2026. Nagal's calendar includes participation in ATP Challenger events, ATP Tour events, ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, Grand Slams such as Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as the Davis Cup 2nd round tie and Asian Games 2026.

Annabel Sutherland continued to produce heroics on the WACA ground after an imperious century was followed by superb bowling under lights as Australia restricted India to 105/6 at stumps on Day 2 of the Only Test in Perth on Saturday.

After domanting bowling display by Australia to dismantle India for 198 in their first innings on day one of the pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground in Perth, the hosts reached 96/3 in 27 overs at stumps on the opening day of the match, trailing by 102 runs.

Set to be organised for three days - March 8, 9 and 10 - the 2nd edition of the carnival will be inaugurated on Sunday, after completion of the 64th edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium, which will also mark the celebration of International Women's Day. This edition will put a special focus on women athletes, influencers and fitness champions, as per a press release from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and other stakeholders briefed Dr Mandaviya on the country's readiness ahead of the event, ensuring that athletes receive every possible support to excel at the continental showpiece.

Sindhu, who was supposed to feature in the All England Open competition in Birmingham starting from Tuesday, was stuck in Dubai following a crisis which started due to a sharp escalation in West Asia after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked sites. The operation triggered retaliatory threats and airspace closures in several countries, including Iran and Iraq, disrupting major international air corridors.

The two-time Olympic medallist shared her relief and gratitude in a post on X, offering a glimpse into the anxiety she faced during the past few days.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) organised the 63rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at the iconic RK Beach in Visakhapatnam on Sunday morning. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens, youth, athletes and fitness lovers as part of the nationwide Fit India Movement envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PV Ramana, Indian star badminton player PV Sindhu's father, said that his daughter confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Dubai is taking care of her amid the Israel-Iran tensions and that they arranged accommodation for her in a hotel.

The discussions focused on growing golf in Chhattisgarh through a landmark partnership to develop international-standard golf infrastructure in Nava Raipur, with the long-term vision of hosting global tournaments. The interaction reflected a broader recognition of golf not merely as a sport, but as a catalyst for destination branding, hospitality growth, and regional economic development.