The team returned from Lahore after losing in the final on Sunday amid the furore over its participation in an event declared "invalid" by the International Kabaddi Federation.

Sports minister Kiren Rijiju has called Srinivas Gowda for trials under 'top SAI coaches'.

Indian sportspersons winning medals at international sporting or paralympic events are eligible for lifelong pension upon retirement, or after attaining the age of 30 years, whichever is later.

The third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games is scheduled to begin in Guwahati on January 10.

Mary Kom defeated Zareen 9-1 in the trials held on Saturday to make the squad for Olympic Qualifiers in China in February.

"The issue has not been communicated properly... or some people don't want to understand. We don't want north-eastern region to fall in the trap of some mis-campaigning," said Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju believes that the blame will lie with stakeholders and policymaking if India doesn't put its best foot forward by 2028 Olympics.

Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that the basic concerns of the indigenous people from the Northeastern states on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, are being addressed by the government.

Besides Rijiju, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also present as the composite logo, players jersey, Mascots and the theme song of the 3rd edition of the Games was launched.

Rijiju said the government is committed to extend all possible support to the athletes in their endeavours to earn Olympic glory for the country.

Former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen had written a letter to Rijiju on Thursday, demanding that she be given a trial bout against Mary Kom before the Indian squad for next year's Olympic qualifiers in China is decided.

Nikhat Zareen had written a letter to Kiren Rijiju, demanding that she be given a trial bout against Mary Kom before the Indian squad for next year's Olympic qualifiers in China is decided.

The BFI now also plans to send Mary Kom for the Olympic qualifiers on the back of her bronze-winning show at the world championships, moving away from the previous decision to give direct selection only to the gold and silver winners.

The Minister earlier in the day a Sports Code which is acceptable to all will be put in place by the government.

Rijiju said with India set to become the third-largest economy in a few year's time, the country cannot lag behind in sports and the prevailing mediocrity in management of National Sports Federations (NSF) is "unacceptable".

He did not elaborate on how this will be done but including a new sport in the Olympic roster is a long-drawn and cumbersome process, which also requires intense lobbying.

Over 28 lakh people participated in the Fit India Plog Run organised by the Sports Ministry in a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju heaped praises on the Indian shooting contingent following the impressive performances in the ISSF World Cup in Rio, and believes that Indian shooters will win medals in Tokyo Olympics next year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the 'Fit India Movement' in New Delhi on August 29, which is also celebrated as the National Sports Day.

Sumit Nagal became the first tennis player to win a set in the first round of the US Open against Swiss legend Roger Federer since 2003.