Poonam Mehra

Stories by Poonam Mehra

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com   17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is shifting its focus from individual athletes to the criminal networks that supply performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recognising that athletes are often victims of sophisticated doping operations.

Sports Ministry Issues Advisory to Prevent Playground Accidents

Sports Ministry Issues Advisory to Prevent Playground Accidents

Rediff.com   6 Apr 2026

The Sports Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments in India to improve safety at playgrounds and sports facilities following fatal accidents.

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Rediff.com   26 Mar 2026

The Sports Ministry has introduced stricter guidelines for selecting coaches for India's Asian Games contingent, prioritising demonstrable contribution and regular association with athletes to manage the increasing number of requests.

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2026

A 16-year-old Taekwondo player uncovered a fraudulent sports body, the 'Youth Khelo India Federation (YKIF),' which falsely claimed government affiliation and scammed athletes, prompting the Sports Ministry to file an FIR.

IIT Delhi and University of Exeter collaborate on sports tech innovations for injury prevention and real-time concussion detection.

IIT Delhi and University of Exeter collaborate on sports tech innovations for injury prevention and real-time concussion detection.

Rediff.com   12 Mar 2026

IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the University of Exeter, is developing cutting-edge sports technology, including wearable ultrasound sensors for injury prevention and helmets that can detect concussions in real-time, potentially revolutionising athlete safety and performance.

Randhawa tied second, Ghei disqualified

Randhawa tied second, Ghei disqualified

Rediff.com   1 Mar 2008

A resolute Jyoti Randhawa put himself in title contention by climbing to the tied second spot but it was heartbreak for veteran golfer Gaurav Ghei who was disqualified under bizzare circumstances on day three of the USD 2.5 million Johnnie Walker Classic in Gurgaon on Saturday.

Qureshi relishing 'year of firsts'

Qureshi relishing 'year of firsts'

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2007

Following consistent performances on tour, the Pakistan ace has risen to a career-high of 129 in the ATP rankings.

Prakash beats Karan in final

Prakash beats Karan in final

Rediff.com   16 Jun 2007

He beat him for the third consecutive time and completed a hat-trick of ITF Futures titles on Saturday.