AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Draw LIVE Updates: Tough Draw In Store For The Blue Tigresses
The 12 sides that have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in March 2026 will be divided into three groups of four on Tuesday.
India will be represented by Chettri and midfielder Sangita Basfore in the draw ceremony, with the latter being one of the draw assistants besides Australia's Tameka Yallop and Korea Republic's Jeon Yu-gyeong. Follow for all LIVE Updates:
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India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Fencing sisters Jyotika and Rishika turn grit and guts into global recognition
In a quiet rooftop in Jammu and Kashmir during the Covid-19 lockdown, Rishika Khajuria fenced against shadows. With no coach at hand and no proper piste underfoot, she drilled her footwork between boundary walls, her sabre cutting arcs through the miles away in Rohru, a small town in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Jyotika Dutta was already a veteran of the national circuit. Her path to the sport began at 13, when a cousin introduced her to fencing, which is late by international standards, but early compared to Rishika, who started at had gone from those first awkward bouts to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games, over 20 medals at senior and junior nationals, and a place at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. They are, in many ways, at opposite ends of the same piste. Rishika, 25, is a rising sabre specialist from a region that is producing a steady stream of national-level fencers. Jyotika, 29, is one of Himachal Pradesh's few elite fencers, carrying the dual burden of competing internationally and creating awareness back first encounter with fencing was almost accidental. She was interested when her neighbour practised the sport.'I was excited to see it. Once I tried it, I thought I should do this,' she tells her entry at age 19 drew scepticism. 'Everyone was like, 'You can't do this, don't waste time.' Fencing requires so many basic skills like footwork, and I wasn't good at that in the beginning.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishika Khajuria (@rishikakhajuria)Jyotika nods at the challenge of starting late. 'I started when I was 13, but that's still late. In other countries, they start at five. It's much like gymnastics.'For Rishika, the doubts became will pushed her to get better during the Covid-19 lockdowns.'It was just me and my inner voice against the rest,' she says. 'I wanted to do it at any cost. So, I did it.'The majority of people around me told me I can't. That stoked me. I thought, 'I have to prove them wrong.' Even after my first medal, some said I was lucky. I showed them it wasn't luck. It was my hard work. Now they've realised I've done it.'MAJOR RECOGNITIONIn July this year, Under Armour, the US-based sportswear giant, added Jyotika Dutta and Rishika Khajuria to its roster of athletes. For a niche sport still fighting for mainstream attention in India, it was a rare recognition has been sweeter for its scarcity. 'It feels great I have been recognised by a global brand (Under Armour). I feel so special connecting with them. When I look back at 2019 and now, it feels great,' Rishika, who competed in the World University Games in Germany in July, says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishika Khajuria (@rishikakhajuria)THE STEADY GROWTHFor both Jyotika and Rishika, CA Bhavani Devi's breakthrough was more than symbolic — it made their career paths feel fencing has existed since the 1970s, but its modern momentum owes much to Bhavani, who became the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics in 2021. Though she missed Paris 2024 by the narrowest of margins, her run at the Games and her medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships have sparked unprecedented grassroots interest. Participation at nationals has grown by over 50 per cent in recent years, and the government has recognised the potential of the sport, offering training at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in Patiala, Kerala, Assam, and beyond now boast better facilities and equipment.A sport that was only limited to a few states in India is now spreading its wings. At the Nationals in 2023, fencers from 29 states competed.'After Bhavani went to the Olympics, there has been a lot of improvement,' says haven't reached the stage where fencing is a sustainable career option. But we're getting there. It's still lagging behind when compared to Europe. The training facilities are also getting better, but not at European level. Sports Authority of India runs the majority of the fencing centres. There are small clubs elsewhere. But I think we need more centres and clubs that teach fencing in many more cities and towns.'For Jyotika personally, the journey has been marked by peaks and valleys. 'I have seen a lot of highs and lows throughout my career. I was No. 1 at one point. But I had to deal with injuries. But I bounced back. I didn't quit. I am doing great.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jyotika Dutta (@dutta_jyotika)Meanwhile, Rishika has watched her home state transform. 'In Jammu and Kashmir, there is a boom. Quite a few children come daily to join the sport. There were seniors from there who did well at national and international level. Then I came. I am doing well. Parents come and they want their children to pursue this sport. There is change.'advertisementIS FENCING COMPLEX?For the uninitiated, fencing can be a bit bewildering. It's been part of the Olympics since the very first Games, yet its technicalities can be hard to follow.'We have three events in fencing,' Jyotika explains. 'I fence EPee, Rishika does Sabre, and the third is Foil. Each has different target areas. In pe, it's the entire body. In Sabre, it's the upper body, arms, head, and back. In Foil, it's from the shoulders to the waist and the back.'She adds: 'It's all electric now — we wear body wires, electric jackets, and masks connected to a computer. When you touch an opponent, you get a red or green light on the screen. In pe, you score with the point of the blade, which has a button at the tip. It needs a pressure of 500 to 700 grams to register the touch.'FENCING IS LIKE CHESSRishika describes her event with pride. 'Sabre is the most furious and fastest format. The target is the upper body. Inside the electric jacket, there is a wire that is connected to the apparatus. Fencing is like mental chess.'You only get a second to think and respond to what the opponent is doing. You need quick reflexes and the ability to decide quickly. Fencing is faster than the start of a racing car. It's the second-fastest event in the Olympics. Sabre is the fastest in the sport.'advertisementCAN'T GET ANGRYWhile reflexes must be razor-sharp, the mind has to be sharper still. Physical training builds the body, but mental edge comes from drills designed to hone concentration.'Meditation, specific mind-control exercises, and reaction drills,' says Rishika.'For my event, I have to be patient, so I train for that — a lot of watching my opponent. To compete at the highest level, I need to understand their style before I even step on the piste.'Managing emotions is just as crucial. One flash of temper can undo a bout.'In a combat sport, it's easy to get angry,' Rishika says. 'But if you get worked up, you'll lose. When we started, we used to get upset — say if someone hit your helmet. Now, you have to control your body, stay calm yet keep your movements and reflexes fast.'SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER?For Rishika, social media is a way to bridge fencing's visibility gap. The 25-year-old is also a fitness enthusiast and content creator, using her platform to inspire and engage audiences through sports and wellness.'Since fencing in India is a new sport, we don't get a lot of sponsors. So, it's important for us to get attention through social media. That's the plan.'The Under Armour deal is proof that their persistence is paying off — a rare global nod for two women from small towns making a mark in an elite, demanding now trains with her eyes on the next Asian Games. Rishika is fresh off her stint — a learning experience -- from the World University Games. Between them, they represent different stages of India's fencing journey: one in a state still awakening to the sport, the other in a region where participation is the piste, those differences vanish. There, it is just two athletes armed with blades, reflexes, and the will to keep proving themselves. And in doing so, carving a sharper, surer path for Indian fencing.- Ends
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Golf's new kids are City's pride
Bengaluru: At Pinehurst, the cradle of American golf, two young girls from Bengaluru covered themselves in the spotlight. Nine-year-old Vedika Bhansali rolled in her final putt to seal a one-shot win in the Girls 9 category, becoming the first Indian to lift a trophy at the US Kids World Championship. Vedika shot a final round four-under 32 to clinch a thrilling one-shot victory — a dream she first envisioned after watching The Short Game, a documentary film on the very event she has now conquered. A few fairways away, 11-year-old Aida Thimmaiah was scripting a gritty comeback. After a shaky opening round left her in 27th place, she charged back with a four-under on Day 2, climbing to sixth place. She then produced the best score of the final round to finish third in the Girls 11 category. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru That the two train together under former India player Rahul Ganapathy at the Karnataka Golf Association is no coincidence. Both started swinging junior clubs during the Covid-19 lockdown, when closed classrooms left them with time enough to explore a sport that would soon take over their young lives. For Vedika, golf was love at first swing. Encouraged by her family, she spent her lockdown days on the field behind her house, hitting balls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Slipi: New Container Houses – Take A Look At The Prices! Container homes | Search ads Learn More Undo For Aida, coming from a family steeped in sport, golf was a more calculated choice. Now their days are a blend of dawn-to-dusk practice at the KGA, fitness training, and of course studies! Vedika's weapon is her composure; Aida's is her power off the tee. At Pinehurst, they made a point: Indian junior golf is looking at podiums. Vedika Bubbly by nature and calm and composed on the course - golf wasn't always the obvious path for Vedika. Her parents believed in exposing their child to everything — music, martial arts, swimming, cycling, gymnastics, horse riding, tennis and golf. Over time, she gravitated towards two individual sports — tennis and golf. During the pandemic, fate tipped the scales: living near an empty cricket field, she spent hours hitting balls. With KGA offering her a student membership, golf became her focus. Her first tournament in 2021, aged five, saw her finish second. The youngster slowly made her mark, winning several IGU South Zone and local tournaments. At Pinehurst, she finished in the top five twice before finally breaking through in her third attempt. "I couldn't believe it, but I didn't show any emotion," she said with a wide grin. "It's like in the movie 83 — the thought that I could be the first to win something for my country is phenomenal," she said. Vedika follows a disciplined routine: 5 am stretching and putting practice, school till noon, fitness training, and sessions at KGA, followed by reading in the evening. An avid reader, her bookshelf ranges from Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes, and she listens to audiobooks like Sapiens and The Mahabharata while stuck in Bengaluru's infamous traffic. Self-described as an instinctive player, she thrives under pressure. She looks up to Nelly Korda and India's own Aditi Ashok, often practicing with the latter. "Aditi is very fond of me! She gives me a lot of tips and inspires me," said Vedika. When the historic win came, her mother — Chandni's disbelief was telling: "No, you're lying," she said when Vedika called with the news. The celebration? A pack of 200 sketch pens! As for the future, Vedika has goals. "I want to do amazing things," she said. Aida Aida's journey to Pinehurst began far from American fairways. She moved to Bengaluru from Mysuru three years ago to train at KGA. Golf was a strategic choice. Her father, Den Thimmaiah, is a national rally champion; her uncle, Len Aiyappa, an Olympian hockey player; and her mother Sanjana Thimmaiah a former state-level swimmer. After much research, and even genetic testing, her parents decided golf was the long-term path. She first picked up a club at two but only took to the sport seriously at seven—later than many peers. The lockdown proved to be the turning point. She trains six to seven hours daily and studies privately to accommodate a schedule packed with national and international tournaments. Her game is built on power — helped by her height — though she admits her short game needs sharpening. "I want to be world No. 1 and win the Olympic gold. It will happen. I'll do whatever it takes," said Aida, who has won several IGU South Zone and national (U-13 category) tournaments. Off the course Aida is still very much an 11-year-old—into cooking and go-karting. She loves biryani, ramen, and ice cream. She counts Aditi as a mentor and idolizes Nelly and Tiger Woods. Pressure, she adds, is part of the job. "Every day is different in golf. I've learnt to play fearlessly," she said. That mindset turned her Pinehurst campaign around. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
AIFF assures Jamil of uninterrupted two-year term
Khalid Jamil is the only Indian who has managed teams as chief coach for the last 15 years Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has assured Khalid Jamil that he will have an uninterrupted two-year stint with the national team, a key factor that convinced the Jamshedpur FC coach to quit the club and take up the national team job on a full-time basis. Jamil, the first Indian to coach the men's national team since Savio Medeira in 2012 and the first full-time domestic coach since Sukhwinder Singh in almost two decades, has signed a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, the AIFF announced on Wednesday. He was initially keen on a three year contract. 'Khalid was quitting his secure job at Jamshedpur, so wanted assurance on a long-term deal,' a senior official told TOI. 'He was not interested in any short-term agreement, and the federation didn't want him in a dual club-and-country role. Since the executive committee and the technical committee had enough trust in him, it made sense to hand him a two-year contract.' Jamil is the only Indian who has managed teams as chief coach for the last 15 years, with close to 225 senior games in the top divisions. Other domestic coaches who were in the fray like Sanjoy Sen, Renedy Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, S Venkatesh, Shankarlal Chakraborty, Santosh Kashyap and Ishfaq Ahmed, the AIFF pointed out in its presentation, either had limited success or limited head coach experience at the senior level. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Click Here Undo 'I am deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team,' Jamil said on Wednesday. 'Over the years, I've had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I've grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately. These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore. " Jamshedpur were left with no choice but mutually part ways with Jamil after it became clear that the national team opportunity was too good to skip. Assistant coach Steven Dias will take over as the interim head coach. 'This is a proud moment for the Indian football fraternity as an Indian coach takes charge to guide the nation towards AFC Asian Cup qualification to start with, a challenge we believe rests on Jamil's able shoulders,' Jamshedpur said in a statement. It were Jamshedpur who showed faith in the 48-year-old after he lost his job at NorthEast United in 2022. He first worked at Bengaluru United in the third-tier of Indian football, then had a one-month stint as coach of Nepal Super League club FC Chitwan, before Jamshedpur offered him a second opportunity in the ISL. 'Witnessing his progression has been truly special,' said Jamshedpur CEO Mukul Choudhari, who was the first to provide Jamil with the coaching break during their time at Mumbai FC. 'Khalid's hard work, focus, and commitment has earned him the opportunity, and we couldn't be more proud. I am confident the national team will do well under his leadership.' Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
