Pakistan has withdrawn from the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, with Bangladesh named as its replacement. The competition will run from October 27 to November 5 at venues in Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab. India, the defending champions and reigning Asian Games gold medallists, will open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27. Six teams including India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China will compete in a single round-robin league, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. India will subsequently face China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 4, followed by the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on November 5. (PC: AP)

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals of the Arctic Open 2026 in Vantaa, Finland, defeating Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-15, 21-15 in 49 minutes. The sixth-seeded Indian held her nerve during crucial stages, winning six consecutive points after the first game was tied at 15-all and taking eight of the next 10 points after the second game reached 13-all. Sindhu will next face top seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the quarterfinals. The two have not met since 2022, with Intanon leading their head-to-head record 9-4. (PC: ANI)

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain played his final international match against Benin on October 6. Messi scored and provided 2 assists in his farewell appearance at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. After the match, the 39-year-old posted an emotional message on Instagram, saying he would miss wearing Argentina’s shirt. Ronaldo responded by praising Messi’s achievements with the national team. “Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote. The pair have long shared one of football’s most celebrated rivalries. (PC: India Today)

Indian wrestlers’ participation in the 2026 U23 World Championships in Las Vegas is uncertain after the United States reportedly refused visas to several athletes. The tournament is scheduled for October 12 to 18. According to PTI, the wrestlers were told verbally that their visa applications would be refused because they were below 20 and unemployed. Their passports were reportedly returned after embassy interviews on Wednesday, October 7. Among those affected are 2024 U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan, Samarth Gajanan Mhakave, Dheeraj Kumar Malik, Sachin Kumar, Nikhil, Hardeep, Parveen, Ahilya Shatrughn Shinde and Neha Sharma. The visa refusals have placed India’s participation in the U23 wrestling championships in Las Vegas under uncertainty. (PC: X)

Newly appointed India women’s captain Smriti Mandhana paid tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down as captain across all formats. Mandhana praised Harmanpreet’s 10-year leadership journey, calling it “fantastic” and highlighting the former captain’s contribution to Indian women’s cricket. Harmanpreet’s tenure included India’s historic maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and two consecutive Asian Games gold medals. She also led India in 155 T20Is, 51 ODIs and five Tests. Mandhana said the team would aim to achieve more success together. Harmanpreet will continue representing India as a player under the new leadership. (PC: ANI)

Former India batter Suresh Raina has welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad, describing the veteran pacer’s comeback as thoroughly deserved. The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar has been recalled nearly four years after his last international appearance in November 2022. His consistent performances in recent IPL seasons, including playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns, helped earn him another opportunity with India. Raina praised Bhuvneshwar’s discipline, hard work and resilience throughout his career. The experienced seamer will feature in India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning October 22. (PC: AP)

Lionel Messi’s Argentina story has ended after a career that transformed him from an “international failure” into the country’s undisputed leader. Early in his career, Messi faced criticism for Argentina’s repeated defeats in major finals, despite reaching the 2014 World Cup final and Copa America finals. He briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning. Messi later led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and another Copa America title. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 7 matches. His Argentina career ends with 126 goals and a lasting legacy. (PC: BBC)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has praised outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, highlighting his role in India’s successful run during his three-year tenure. In a farewell message on X, Gambhir thanked Agarkar and said India’s 3 ICC trophies reflected his “conviction” and team-first approach. Agarkar’s tenure ended on October 4 after he led the senior selection committee since July 2023. During his time, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup. Gambhir also appeared to respond to Agarkar’s critics, writing that “History will be kinder to you” while wishing him well for the future. (PC: India Today)

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana had reportedly developed differences over the captaincy of the Indian women’s cricket team, with the issue creating unease in the dressing room. According to a team source cited by PTI, the two players “were not seeing eye to eye for a while.” Harmanpreet recently stepped down as India captain across formats after leading the team to its second consecutive Asian Games gold. Mandhana was then appointed as her successor. The report said Mandhana had been frustrated by the delay in her elevation despite her performances. Harmanpreet is expected to continue as a player for the next few years. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football has triggered an emotional response from Argentina supporters and fans worldwide. The 39-year-old ended his 21-year Argentina career after helping the team defeat Benin 3-0 in his final appearance. Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists, taking his international tally to 126 goals in a record 208 appearances. Fans at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium displayed heartfelt messages, including “Gracias” and pleas for him not to leave. Supporters praised his achievements, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América titles, while describing his departure as the end of an era. (PC: AFP)