For India, the goal is not simply to host another grand diplomatic gathering. It is to prove that a diverse coalition of emerging powers can still deliver.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's ambitious plan to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity managing the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has been abandoned following widespread opposition, including a boycott threat from UEFA.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has denied sanctioning an emergent Executive Committee Meeting called by secretary Bhola Nath Singh, intensifying an internal power struggle. The dispute stems from a jersey colour change controversy and the secretary's attempt to address various issues, including the Hockey India League's future and upcoming elections, which Tirkey claims is beyond his authority to convene.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.
Netas are embracing the viral '80s social media trend, sharing AI-generated images and real throwback photos.
The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the year's top television achievements, creating unforgettable moments.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'
India's Asian Games athletics team has been trimmed to 74 members, with prominent athletes like javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, and sprinter Nithya Gandhe dropped due to performance or medical reasons. The decision followed a confirmatory event, while some injured national record holders were cleared to participate.
Digital money is gradually starting to behave like software. It's no longer inert -- sitting passively in accounts. In the not-so-distant future, your money could become 'smart' and 'active,' understanding your preferences, paying your bills automatically, optimising your returns, and managing your risks -- all without you having to manage the details.
Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, seeded 17th, commenced her US Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana. Returning to Flushing Meadows with increased attention and expectations, Eala aims for a deeper run after a breakthrough season and her first WTA title.
Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.
The FIDE elections will see three Indians, including chess legend Viswanathan Anand, vying for crucial leadership positions amidst a complex electoral landscape and a high-stakes three-way presidential battle.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, celebrated his 39th birthday. The article chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his unparalleled success at Barcelona, his international triumphs with Argentina including the 2022 World Cup, his individual accolades like eight Ballon d'Or awards, and his current impact with Inter Miami, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking legend.
Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich, and Napoli all secured crucial victories in their respective European football leagues, with Ferran Torres, Harry Kane, and Stanislav Lobotka scoring decisive goals. Juventus, however, suffered a late defeat to Sassuolo.
FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed immense pride after his team defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup last 16.
For five Mumbaikars who were teenagers or in their 20s during the 1980s, the decade was not a sepia-toned Instagram filter. It was their everyday life, they tell Rediff's Rishika Shah. And while they remember its limitations, what they seem to miss most is something technology can't recreate -- the unhurried warmth of human connection.
In the Global Chess League, Ganges Grandmasters ended FYER American Gambits' winning streak with a 9-7 victory, moving to second place. Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers secured their second consecutive win, defeating Ganges Grandmasters 11-6. Key players like Polina Shuvalova, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Koneru Humpy delivered crucial performances, while Magnus Carlsen showcased his endgame prowess with a draw against Nepomniachtchi. PBG Alaskan Knights also registered a comfortable win against CheQ Mumba Masters.
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami discusses his undiminished motivation and desire to reach the "next level" in his career, despite not playing for India since March 2025. He reflects on East Zone's Duleep Trophy final victory, which coincided with his 100th first-class match, and shares insights on playing domestic cricket, mentoring young players, and his tactical approach to bowling in challenging conditions.
Veteran Indian golfer Rashid Khan secured his 15th professional title by winning the Telangana Open, ending a seven-year wait for victory. Khan closed with a five-under 67 to finish at 23-under 265, three strokes ahead of runner-up Honey Baisoya. This win marks his 11th victory on the DP World PGTI and significantly boosts his position on the Order of Merit.
US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.
Karen Khachanov stunned third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime after losing the opening-set tiebreak, dominating the next three sets with powerful serving and relentless pressure to reach round three.
'It's A Cat And Mouse Game.'
'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
Indian steeplechaser Avinash Sable made an emotional and triumphant return to competition, winning the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Indian Athletics Series Final. This victory marks his first race in the distance since suffering a career-threatening ACL and meniscus injury in July 2025, which led to surgery and a challenging recovery period. Sable, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, expressed the immense struggle he faced but is now confident of winning a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.
Janmashtami is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a celebration of Lord Krishna.
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third successive US Open title with a dominant win against Colombia's Camila Osorio.
Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the China Masters title, defeating China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in a hard-fought final. This marks their second title of the season, adding to their Singapore Open Super 750 victory.
Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.
The third week of the Esports World Cup 2026 concluded in Paris, seeing Razvan "RvPLegend" Puiu win in EA FC 26, Virtus.pro dominate PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Team Vision secure the Teamfight Tactics title. The event featured significant prize pools and impacted the Club Championship standings.
Suryakumar Yadav revealed he was "completely shocked" by India's captaincy axe after leading the team to Asia Cup and T20 World Cup triumphs without losing a series.
Daniil Medvedev defeated Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4 to reach the fourth round of the US Open. The former champion overcame an early break in the first set to secure a dominant victory, extending his strong form and avenging a previous loss to Rinderknech. He now looks to make a deep run in the tournament.
Didier Deschamps, who led France to their second world title in 2018 and established them as international football's most consistent major-tournament force, will be remembered for his unprecedented legacy despite recent semi-final defeats.
Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to be a dominant force in football, leading Argentina and achieving new milestones. Fans in Kolkata marked the occasion with grand tributes, including a 30-foot portrait and neighbourhood decorations, honouring the football legend.
Lionel Messi scored four goals, including a hat-trick, to lead Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer, ending their five-game winless streak and moving them to second in the Eastern Conference.
The cast, once again, remains the biggest reason to invest in this world, notes Mayur Sanap.
"When Royal Enfield turned 100, we were struggling for survival"
'Modi had his own cricket team in his school days. He was a good cricketer.'
