IOC President Thomas Bach acknowledged India's keen interest in hosting the Olympics and noted India's improving performance in multi-sport events. He praised India's medal haul at the Asian Games and highlighted the country's growing Olympic sports participation. Bach also expressed support for including T20 cricket in the Olympics, citing its global appeal and potential for growth. Discussions with the International Cricket Council have focused on the format and universal appeal. He emphasized that T20's inclusion could lead to increased funding for cricket federations worldwide. Bach cautiously addressed India's bid, emphasizing the need for a well-governed National Olympic Committee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with and address India's Asian Games 2022 contingent on October 10 in New Delhi. The event at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium aims to congratulate and motivate the athletes for their record-breaking medal tally of 107 at Hangzhou, surpassing the previous best of 70 in 2018. The program will be attended by the athletes, coaches, officials from the Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and the Sports Ministry. PM Modi's interaction underscores the exceptional performance by the Indian contingent at the Asian Games.

  Over 11,000 personnel, including Gujarat Police, NSG, RAF, and home guards, will be deployed in Ahmedabad and at Narendra Modi Stadium during the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket match on October 14. The security measures come in response to threats, with the city's police commissioner highlighting the movement of over 1 lakh spectators and a recent threat via email. The elaborate plan includes police, home guards, NSG 'hit teams,' anti-drone teams, and bomb disposal squads. Mumbai Police received a threat demanding Rs 500 crore and the release of a gangster, assessed to be from a foreign location.

The BCCI has confirmed that opener Shubman Gill will not travel with the Indian team to Delhi for their next ICC World Cup match against Afghanistan. Gill had earlier missed the high-profile opener against Australia in Chennai due to illness, with Ishan Kishan replacing him. As per the BCCI, Gill will stay back in Chennai under medical supervision to continue his recovery. The young opener's absence deals a blow to India's batting plans for the tournament. Despite his unavailability, India successfully defeated champions Australia in their first match as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul powered the chase. The team will hope Gill can rejoin the squad soon even as they prepare to take on Afghanistan without him. 

In a spectacular World Cup 2023 debut, India secured a six-wicket victory over Australia in Chennai. Despite a shaky start at 2-3 in the second over, Virat Kohli (85) and KL Rahul (97*) showcased brilliance, crafting a vital 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket. India chased down the 200-run target with 9.4 overs to spare. Additionally, India's spin trio—Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav—played a pivotal role, limiting Australia to 199/10 in 49.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (3/28) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/42) kept the Aussies under pressure from the very start of the game. The pace attack of Bumrah, Siraj, and Pandya also chipped in as Australia collapsed from 110/2, losing their last 8 wickets for only 89 runs. KL Rahul won the Player of the Match title for his brilliant innings. [Image: BCCI]

India created history at the Asian Games 2023 with a mammoth 28 gold medals as part of its record 107-medal haul. Gold came in men's and women's kabaddi, men's cricket, men's doubles badminton, men's 3000m steeplechase, men's triple jump, men's shot put, women's 10m air pistol team, men's 10m air pistol team, men's javelin throw, and more. India topped 100 medals for the first time ever and finished with 38 silvers and 41 bronzes too. The record-shattering golden performances across numerous sports marked India's most successful Asian Games ever. With 28 glittering golds, India achieved new peaks of sporting glory at the Continental event. On the other hand, neighbour Pakistan could only manage to win 3 medals at the Asian Games 2023 - one silver and two bronze. 

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the high-profile World Cup clash at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. India made one change with ill Shubman Gill missing out and Ishan Kishan opening. The venue has witnessed classics and promises an exciting chapter in the iconic rivalry if weather permits. India boasts a formidable lineup led by in-form Rohit Sharma and featuring Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and others. Their strong bowling attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin. Australia has a potent bowling unit including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. Their batting too appears solid with Warner, Labuschagne, and Smith in good nick.

Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan tweeted he will donate all his match fees from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to help victims of the devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that killed over 2000 people in Afghanistan. He wrote: "I learned with great sadness about the tragic consequences of the earthquake...I am donating all of my #CWC23 match fees to help the affected people. Soon, we will be launching a fundraising campaign." Rashid added: "I cannot do all great things, but I can do small things with great love and inspiration. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." His @RashidKhanFund will support Afghan children's education, orphans, and healthcare.

The cricket carnival begins as hosts and favorites India start their World Cup campaign against 5-time champions Australia at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today. The venue has witnessed many classics and this epic rivalry's fresh chapter promises excitement, weather permitting. Indian fans dressed in blue have created a buzz since early morning at Chepuk. India will likely be without Shubman Gill who is down with dengue, with Ishan Kishan expected to open. Jasprit Bumrah's swing, KL Rahul's form, and Kuldeep Yadav's confidence boost India. But Australia found rhythm in their last ODI win despite injuries. Adam Zampa's leg-spin poses a threat but no Travis Head and maybe no Marcus Stoinis hampers Australia. The high-stakes battle between heavyweights at the historic ground promises a thriller.

Bangladesh started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with a convincing 6-wicket win over Afghanistan. Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh restricted Afghanistan to 156 runs in 37.2 overs, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking three wickets each. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in 34.4 overs, thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz's 57 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 59. This win marked Bangladesh's third consecutive opening match victory in World Cup campaigns. With this triumph, Bangladesh secured a significant victory in their World Cup opener against Afghanistan. (Image Courtesy: ICC on X)