Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during a cockpit confrontation on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, has been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further medical treatment. The flight was diverted to Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for. Machchhar had been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia and was reported stable. Investigations into the incident and its motive remain ongoing. 

India enjoyed a highly successful Day 12 at the 2026 Asian Games, adding multiple medals across disciplines. The compound archery teams led the charge, with Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep winning gold in the women’s team event, followed by another gold in the mixed team competition. India’s women’s hockey team also defeated South Korea 2-0 to reach the final, keeping its gold-medal hopes alive. Wrestler Sunil Kumar secured a bronze, while Indian boxers and athletes continued their campaigns in various events. The results strengthened India’s medal tally and maintained momentum across several sports. (PC: The Hindu)

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said fighter jets were immediately scrambled after a Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight transmitted emergency signals during an alleged cockpit attack. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for opening the cockpit door despite being attacked, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the alleged attacker and regain control. Three Israeli passengers also helped restrain the attacker. Machchhar was stabilised and remained under Saudi medical care. Authorities are investigating the incident, while the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. (PC: PTI)

India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a dramatic men’s hockey semifinal at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, securing a place in the gold-medal match. Captain Harmanpreet Singh gave India an early advantage with two penalty-corner goals, while Sukhjeet Singh added another to make it 3-0. Pakistan fought back strongly in the second half, scoring three goals to level the match at 3-3. With just 45 seconds remaining, Abhishek scored the decisive field goal to seal India’s victory. India will face the winner of South Korea and Malaysia in Saturday’s final. (PC: X)

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight, was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai on Thursday for medical treatment. Machchhar was injured during an alleged attempt to crash flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. A second pair of pilots then landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers survived. Machchhar is reported to be stable. Gujarat has announced the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award to honour his bravery. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s parents and wife, praising his courage during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks, Modi said the captain had helped prevent a “9/11-type tragedy”. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8, causing the aircraft to plunge thousands of feet over Saudi Arabia. Passengers helped restrain the attacker before the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk. Machchhar underwent surgery and is reported to be stable. (PC: HT)

An Omani co-pilot allegedly used a crash axe to attack Indian pilot Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to a CBS News report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also referred to the use of an axe in the incident. A crash axe is mandatory emergency equipment on commercial aircraft and is kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies. Such axes were moved from passenger cabins to cockpits after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. The flight plunged sharply before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot's identity and motive remain unknown. (PC: NDTV)

India’s Manu Francis and Prince Noble Kurisinkal won silver in the men’s skiff sailing event at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday. The childhood friends from Kerala finished with 23 points after 9 races, behind China’s Wen Zaiding and Liu Tian, who won gold with 16 points. The Indian pair staged a comeback in the final race after finishing last in race 8, which put their medal hopes at risk. Their journey began in Class 7, when they started sailing together. They later trained in Bhopal and Mumbai while serving in the Indian Army. This was their Asian Games debut. (PC: India Today)

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and 4 Israeli passengers helped prevent a possible disaster aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli media reports, the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, the Indian pilot opened the cockpit door and alerted the crew. Passengers Yaniv Hayun, Assaf Rajuan and Zvika Manes helped overpower and restrain the suspected attacker, while dentist Shota Musaev treated the injured pilot. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and 6 crew members, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is recovering in hospital. (PC: NDTV)

India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling men’s hockey semi-final at the Asian Games 2026, with Abhishek scoring the decisive goal in the 60th minute to seal a place in the final. India took a 3-0 lead before Pakistan fought back to level the score at 3-3. With the match heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek found the net in the final minute to give India the winning advantage. The victory sends the Indian men’s team into the gold-medal match. India’s women’s team has also reached the hockey final, giving the country a chance to compete for gold in both events. (PC: NDTV)