Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary international career to an emotional close as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. Playing before more than 85,000 supporters, the 39-year-old captain delivered a fitting farewell, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists. Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz also scored for Argentina. Messi finished his Argentina career with a record 208 appearances and 126 international goals. His journey included Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Fans, teammates and former champions gathered to celebrate his remarkable 21-year contribution to Argentine football. (PC: AFP)

India captain Shreyas Iyer hit his maiden T20I century on Tuesday, powering the hosts to an eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the series opener in Lucknow. Iyer scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and 6 sixes, and became the first Indian skipper to score a T20I hundred in a run chase. Chasing 172, India won with 32 balls to spare. Debutant Naman Dhir took three wickets earlier as the Windies were bowled out for 171. Ishan Kishan made 37 not out. "Dreams do come true," said Iyer, as India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. (PC: HT)

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down across all three formats. Mandhana, who has captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, will make her full-time debut as captain in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The left-handed batter has also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles, in 2024 and 2026. The BCCI said Mandhana brings considerable experience and leadership qualities into the role. She has been part of India’s team since 2013 and is the highest run-scorer in international women’s cricket and T20Is. Mandhana called the appointment a special honour and thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for their trust. (PC: X)

India is among seven countries in the race to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee confirmed on Tuesday. India's plan centres on Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the country is seeking its first Olympics. Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary and Turkey are also in talks with the IOC. The IOC will draw up a shortlist in March 2027, with a final decision expected in 2029. Other national Olympic bodies have until October 31 to join the race. Qatar, host of the 2022 football World Cup, is campaigning to become the first Muslim-majority nation to host the Games.

India women’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain across all formats. The 37-year-old made the announcement on October 6 after leading India to Asian Games gold. Harmanpreet, who captained India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, said she believed it was the right time for a change. She thanked her teammates, coaches, BCCI, family and fans, while confirming she will continue playing for India. Harmanpreet led India to the 2025 Women’s World Cup title and two Asian Games gold medals. Smriti Mandhana is reportedly in line to succeed her as India’s next captain across formats. (PC: India Today)

The Mizoram government awarded Rs 40 lakh each to hockey players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi after India’s women’s team won Asian Games gold on October 2. The players received a hero’s welcome in Aizawl and were felicitated by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who said each would get Rs 25 lakh under the State Incentive Cash Award scheme and Rs 15 lakh through the Bana Kaih scheme. He said they were the first athletes from Mizoram to win Asian Games medals, with the state’s medal journey beginning with gold. Lalduhoma announced plans to name a hockey ground after Lalremsiami. Hockey infrastructure is expanding, including a Rs 6-crore turf and a 30-bed hostel at Thenzawl.

India's women's hockey team ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold, beating China 1-0 in Nagoya. The last gold came in 1982 at Delhi's Shivaji Stadium, under captain Eliza Nelson and coach Balkrishan Singh. Back then, players competed on uneven grass, goalkeepers wore cane and cotton pads, and the squad lived in a hall sharing one washroom. Today, Savita Punia leads a pan-India side, with Lalremsiami scoring the winner, backed by modern gear, video analysis and coach Sjoerd Marijne's tactical vision. Unbeaten in the tournament, India have also booked a place at the LA 2028 Olympics, bridging two generations. (PC: India Today)

India finished the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with 85 medals, including 21 golds, its second-best Asiad haul after 106 medals and 28 golds in Hangzhou 2023. Only eight of those 28 golds were defended. Cricket (men and women), kabaddi (men and women), men's hockey and three compound archery team events retained their titles. All 13 solo and pair golds were lost, including Tajinderpal Singh Toor's shot put crown, which slipped by 17 cm. Nine of the 20 lost golds were near misses. Positives came from 13 fresh champions, including 17-year-old archer Kumkum Mohod and trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, who won India's first individual gold at these Games. (PC: X)

India's matches against Pakistan in cricket and hockey drew the biggest audiences in Asian Games history, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said on Sunday. India beat Pakistan 4-3 in the men's hockey semifinal, then won gold against Malaysia. A day later, India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the cricket final to retain its Asiad title. OCA's Tayyab Ikram gave no viewership figures. Defending the Aichi-Nagoya Games despite complaints over accommodation and transport, the OCA said 212 Asian Games records fell and sponsorship revenue rose 19% compared with Hangzhou 2023. Organisers admitted challenges but called the Games safe and successful. (PC: X)

India finished 4th at the 2026 Asian Games with 85 medals, with the campaign marked by historic firsts, new Asian records and long-awaited breakthroughs. India won its first-ever Asian Games medals in Mixed Martial Arts, Soft Tennis, men’s Double Sculls, women’s Pole Vault and several shooting events. The women’s hockey team ended a 44-year wait for gold, while Mirabai Chanu helped end a 28-year weightlifting medal drought. Kynan Chenai and Neeru set a new Asian record in Trap Mixed Team. India also collected historic golds in women’s archery and boxing, with 83 debutants winning medals during the Games. (PC: NDTV)