Welcome to the latest coverage of Indian sports, where we bring you live updates and insights into the performances of Indian athletes across various sports and global events. This daily blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sports activities worldwide that are of significance to India.

Union Budget allocation for sports sector set to bolster India’s future Olympics bid

As the Paris Olympics draw near, all eyes are on the sports sector in anticipation of the Union Budget 2024. In 2023, the industry witnessed a record allocation of Rs 3397.32 Cr, marking the highest-ever budget allocation in history with a significant increase of over Rs 300 Crores.

The upcoming Union Budget holds immense importance for the nation’s sports industry stakeholders, who view it as a critical factor in shaping India’s future on the global stage, not only for the Paris Olympics but also for India’s future Olympics bid.

India Open: Ashwini Ponnappa- Tanisha Crasto exit in first round

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto faced a first-round loss against Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand at the India Open Super 750 tournament. The match concluded with a score of 5-21, 21-18, 11-21.

Tanisha and Ashwini’s journey in the #IndiaOpen2024 came to an end as they were defeated by ’s J. Kititharakul & R. Prajongjai with a score of 5-21, 21-18, 11-21.

Praggnanandhaa becomes India’s no. 1 after beating world champion Ding Liren

R Praggnanandhaa, the Indian chess prodigy, achieved the status of India’s no. 1 chess player after defeating reigning world champion Ding Liren of China at the Tata Steel Chess Masters in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. This remarkable feat propelled him past the legendary Vishwanathan Anand.

‘Focus on process, don’t obsess over Olympic qualification’: Pullela Gopichand

Legendary player turned coach Pullela Gopichand has advised Indian shuttlers to prioritize the process over fixating on Olympic qualification, with the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon. The berths for Paris will be finalized on April 28, with singles players ranking within the top 16 securing qualification.

Gopichand emphasized, ‘I think the Olympics is still a long way. There are still about eight tournaments to play. I don’t think it’s right to go after that as a player. I think it’s too much pressure unnecessarily to start thinking about it.’