Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for October 03, 2026
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India produced a dominant display to defeat Malaysia 5-1 in the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey final in Kakamigahara, successfully defending their title and securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Captain Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring with a penalty-corner drag-flick in the 11th minute, but Malaysia quickly responded through Shello Silverius three minutes later. India restored their lead before half-time when Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 23rd minute. Hardik Singh then extended the advantage by converting a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute, before Shilanand Lakra made it 4-1 in the 54th. Harmanpreet completed his brace three minutes later with another superb drag-flick. The victory gave India their fifth Asian Games men’s hockey gold and their first back-to-back titles, while completing a historic hockey gold-medal double after the women’s triumph.
Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 F1 season in a dramatic qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit after the original Bahrain race was relocated. The Red Bull driver topped all three qualifying segments and produced a stunning 1:35.130 in Q3, finishing 0.298 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who secured Ferrari’s place on the front row. Isack Hadjar qualified third for Red Bull but will drop five places because of an engine penalty, promoting Kimi Antonelli to third. Charles Leclerc qualified fifth, ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while George Russell managed only eighth. High temperatures and tyre degradation added another challenge at Sepang, setting up an intriguing race. Verstappen will now chase his first victory of the season from pole.
France and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested UEFA Nations League clash at the Stade de France. After a goalless first half, France broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Michael Olise produced a superb finish from outside the box following a clever free-kick routine involving Rayan Cherki. Italy responded 13 minutes later, with Alessandro Bastoni capitalising on uncertainty in the French defence to restore parity. France continued to create pressure, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several important saves to keep Italy level. The hosts’ task became tougher late on when Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 85th minute. Despite playing with 10 men, France pushed for a winner but Italy held firm to secure a valuable point. France remain top of Group A1 with seven points.
India retained the Asian Games men’s cricket gold with a thrilling 19-run win over Pakistan in the final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. After winning the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat, and India posted 211/6, their highest total of the tournament. Abhishek Sharma set the platform with a blistering 61 off 28 balls, smashing seven sixes, while Tilak Varma provided a sensational finish with an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls. Chasing 212, Pakistan were in trouble at 39/3 before Hasan Nawaz launched a remarkable counterattack. His 96 off 51 balls kept Pakistan alive, but India’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs. Pakistan eventually finished 192/6, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube taking two wickets apiece. The victory gave India back-to-back Asian Games men’s cricket gold medals.
Protests have intensified across Spain over the country’s worsening housing crisis, with demonstrators demanding stronger protections for renters
High school students across France have stepped up protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, poor infrastructure and inadequate school resources.
Sujeet Kalkal scripted an unforgettable campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, claiming a dramatic gold medal in the men's freestyle 65kg category. He began by defeating Afghanistan's Sayed Omar Zazai 13-3 and blanking Iran's Abbas Ebrahimzadehsavadkouhi 10-0. In the semifinals, he produced a tactical masterclass against Paris Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka, leveling 3-3 to advance on criteria. Facing Tajikistan’s Abdulmazhid Kudiev in the final, Sujeet staged a legendary comeback. Trailing 2-9 with under two minutes left, he executed three explosive, unanswered takedowns to snatch a breathtaking 10-9 victory. This triumph secured India's first wrestling gold of the games, cementing Sujeet's legacy in the division.
The Indian women’s hockey team etched their names in history by clinching the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, defeating defending champions and Olympic silver-medallists China 1-0 in a gripping final. Ending a agonizing 44-year wait since their last triumph in 1982, India displayed exceptional tactical discipline and defensive resilience. The match's defining moment arrived through a brilliant strike by forward Lalremsiami, which broke the deadlock and put India ahead. Throughout the remainder of the encounter, the backline successfully weathered intense, waves of Chinese pressure, repelling numerous attacks with stellar composure. Goalkeeper and defenders stood tall to protect the slender lead until the final whistle.Beyond securing the prestigious continental crown, this momentous victory earned the team a direct quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, capping off a remarkable campaign for Indian hockey.
Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for October 02, 2026
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