Top news of the day: India ends 44-year wait for women’s hockey Asian Games gold, qualifies for 2028 Olympics; PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchaar, and more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised a pilot for preventing a mid-air hijacking, while the Indian women's hockey team secured an Asian Games gold medal. Additionally, wrestler Sujeet Kalkal won gold in the men's 65kg category.
Why it matters
These events highlight significant national achievements in sports and individual heroism, reflecting current Indian public interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call on Friday (October 2, 2026) and lauded him for foiling an attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight. Mr. Modi called the pilot a hero who proved to the world that Indians “are willing to risk their lives to save others”. “Today is Gandhi Jayanti, you have shown the world what the true meaning of ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) is,” Prime Minister Modi told Captain Machchar. The pilot called Mr. Modi his “biggest idol”.
Captain Machchhar is currently hospitalised in the UAE, recovering from wounds he received when his co-pilot attacked him in an alleged bid to seize control of the aircraft that was going to Tel Aviv. A wounded Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, following which passengers overpowered the co-pilot. The plane later landed safely in Saudi Arabia after two other pilots on board took control.
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