Indian para-javelin thrower Navdeep Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at his residence in New Delhi, alongside other athletes from the Paris Paralympics. During the visit, Singh gifted a cap to Modi and requested him to sign his jacket. Modi humorously teased Singh by asking, "Tumne Apna Video Dekha?" referring to Singh's viral celebration. Modi signed the jacket on Singh’s left side, which is his throwing arm. The interaction highlighted the PM’s light-hearted engagement with athletes and their achievements at the recent Paralympic Games.

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, citing ongoing fitness issues. Nadal, 38, shared his disappointment with fans, saying he couldn't compete for Team Europe and support them fully. His absence comes after he also missed the US Open this year due to injuries. Nadal reflected on his fond memories of the Laver Cup but acknowledged that other players are in better shape to help the team. Team Europe, led by captain Björn Borg, has yet to announce a replacement for the Spanish tennis star.

Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha has come under fire from wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the women's 50kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics due to weighing 100gms over the limit. Phogat accused Usha of clicking photos with her in the hospital and politicizing the issue without offering sufficient support. Usha, a legendary athlete herself, has faced criticism for her handling of the situation, with many questioning the IOA's support system for athletes. The incident has sparked a debate about the role of sports administrators in supporting athletes during times of crisis.

Paralympics bronze medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who lost his left leg in a 2002 landmine explosion in Jammu & Kashmir, shared his inspiring recovery journey. After receiving an artificial limb from the Indian Army, Sema learned to walk again, comparing the process to a "new-born baby learning to walk." His determination led him to compete in shot put, where he won bronze at the Paralympic Games. Sema, the first Paralympics medallist from northeast India, continues to represent the nation with pride, having also won bronze at the Para Asian Games.

India's Avinash Sable, the 3000m steeplechase national record holder, will make his debut in the Diamond League Final in Brussels. He joins javelin star Neeraj Chopra for the prestigious season-ending event on September 13-14. Sable, ranked 14th overall with 3 points, benefited from the withdrawal of four higher-ranked athletes. Sable’s season included setting a national record of 8:09.91 in the Paris leg. Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, secured his spot with 14 points from second-place finishes in Doha and Lausanne. The Diamond League winners will receive USD 30,000 and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships.

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced cash awards for Paralympic athletes following their historic performance in Paris. Gold medallists will receive Rs 75 lakh, silver medallists Rs 50 lakh, and bronze winners Rs 30 lakh. Athletes in mixed events, such as archer Sheetal Devi, will earn Rs 22.5 lakh. India won a record 29 medals in the Paris Paralympics, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze, marking its best performance ever. Mandaviya pledged support for para-athletes to aim for more success at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

India's Paralympic contingent, comprising 84 athletes, returned home on Tuesday after winning a record 29 medals at the Paris Games. The team received a warm welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, with supporters and officials greeting them with garlands and sweets. The medal tally includes seven gold medals, a first for India. Javelin throwers Sumit Antil and Navdeep, who won gold medals, were among those honored. The team's achievement marks a historic milestone for Indian sports, with the country's largest-ever contingent making a significant impact at the international event.

India's chess team, comprising Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, is set to compete at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. The team, considered India's strongest ever, aims to win the gold medal. India has previously won a shared gold at the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad and bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. The 2024 Olympiad offers a chance for India to claim its first solo gold medal. With a talented lineup, the team is well-positioned to achieve this goal at the prestigious international competition.

The inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned on the first day due to unfavorable conditions at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. Persistent rain in the lead-up to the match, coupled with inadequate drainage and facilities, rendered the outfield unplayable. Despite no rain on Monday, the ground staff's efforts were insufficient, prompting six umpire inspections. New Zealand players, including captain Tim Southee, assessed the conditions, but the mid-on and mid-wicket areas remained concerning. The match will resume on day two if conditions improve.

During a Nations League match in Hungary, a group of around 50 Italy fans, dressed in black, turned their backs during Israel's national anthem in protest. The fans also held up an Italian flag with the word "Liberta" (Freedom) and displayed banners with black slashes. The game was relocated to Hungary due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The same group also chanted against Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis during the match. Italy is set to host Israel in Udine on October 14, amid growing tensions and scheduled protests.