Search results for 'CHAMPION'

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is running out of words to describe Lionel Messi after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during the 3-1 win over Jordan.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.

NRAI honours Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh by naming India Open events after them

NRAI honours Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh by naming India Open events after them

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Tuesday announced that the India Open Competitions in July will be named in honour of legendary shooters Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, who died recently, leaving the fraternity shocked.

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.

'Even Hitchcock Couldn't Script This': Rangnick Hails Incredible 3-3 Thriller

'Even Hitchcock Couldn't Script This': Rangnick Hails Incredible 3-3 Thriller

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick likened his side's dramatic 3-3 World Cup draw with Algeria to an Alfred Hitchcock film, dismissing conspiracy theories and calling it the most incredible match of his coaching career.

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The opening round of the Rs 35 lakh 360 One Masters Chess tournament saw several upsets, with higher-rated players, including second and third seeds, suffering defeats. While top seed GM Iniyan Pa secured a win, many Grandmasters faced unexpected challenges from lower-rated opponents and rising stars.

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Shock Defeats Mark 360 One Masters Chess Tournament Start

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The opening round of the Rs 35 lakh 360 One Masters Chess tournament saw several upsets, with higher-rated players, including second and third seeds, suffering defeats. While top seed GM Iniyan Pa secured a win, many Grandmasters faced unexpected challenges from lower-rated opponents and rising stars.

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil rally to edge Japan in Round of 32 thriller

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil rally to edge Japan in Round of 32 thriller

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Five-times champions Brazil came back strongly from a one goal deficit to beat Japan 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at the Houston Stadium on Monday.

Serena Williams' Return To Wimbledon Ends In Shock First Round Loss

Serena Williams' Return To Wimbledon Ends In Shock First Round Loss

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams' highly anticipated return to competitive action at Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus concluded with a 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3 defeat to Australian qualifier Maya Joint in the first round. Despite flashes of brilliance and fighting back from a match point, Williams was unable to overcome the 20-year-old, who secured the most significant victory of her career.

Raphinha out of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final with hamstring injury

Raphinha out of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final with hamstring injury

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Barcelona's Raphinha will miss the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Brazil. The estimated recovery time is five weeks.

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Competing at last year's World Championships with a back injury was not a good decision, conceded seasoned Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra before assuring that he "feels fit" as he gears up for a delayed start to his season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday.

PSG too good for Liverpool in Champions League QF first leg

PSG too good for Liverpool in Champions League QF first leg

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Paris St Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Rahul Gandhi turns 56, PM Modi wishes him 'good health, long life'

Rahul Gandhi turns 56, PM Modi wishes him 'good health, long life'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received birthday wishes from across the political spectrum as he turned 56, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and various INDIA bloc leaders extending their greetings and praising his dedication to democratic values and the welfare of the marginalised.

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

India women's team need to rethink T20 strategy: Muzumdar

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has acknowledged the need for a complete strategic overhaul in the T20 format following the women's team's disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

FIFA World Cup: What Did Messi and Ronaldo Post Before Big Matches?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Spain is a threat against Saudi Arabia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Spain is a threat against Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A champions' mentality, a new generation of fearless players are some of the qualities that will have Saudi Arabia wary of the former champions in their upcoming Group H match on Sunday.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table

FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Points Table Of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Messi returns, scores and sends strong FIFA World Cup warning

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory over Iceland in a FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly, scoring a penalty and contributing to another goal after recovering from muscle fatigue.

India Seeks To Conclude Dutch Leg Of FIH Pro League On High Note

India Seeks To Conclude Dutch Leg Of FIH Pro League On High Note

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team, currently in the Dutch leg of the FIH Pro League, aims to conclude their campaign on a high note against hosts Netherlands. This tournament serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games, with coach Craig Fulton focusing on testing resources and addressing issues like conceding late goals. The team also looks forward to significant matches against England and arch-rivals Pakistan in London.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Moved by Lionel Messi's record-breaking form at the World Cup, Argentines have taken to the streets and social media to sing "Happy Birthday" to their favourite footballer who turned 39 on Wednesday.

US Open Day 1: Indian-American Golfers Navigate Challenging Conditions

US Open Day 1: Indian-American Golfers Navigate Challenging Conditions

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The first round of the US Open saw Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia finish 1-over with four holes remaining, despite a challenging start and fog delays. While Bhatia provisionally stood T-29, other Indian-origin players like Sahith Theegala, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Manav Shah, and Aaron Rai experienced mixed results, with former champion Wyndham Clark leading the field before play was suspended due to darkness.

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

Pankaj Advani Dominates to Reach 10-Ball Semis, Shocks Defending Champion

Pankaj Advani Dominates to Reach 10-Ball Semis, Shocks Defending Champion

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Pankaj Advani continues his impressive form, reaching the semifinals of the 10-ball national championships after defeating reigning champion Shivam Arora. He will face Shahbaaz Adil Khan in the next round.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Argentina Prepare For Knockout Stage Amid Squad Rotation

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Argentina, having secured top spot in Group J, will face Jordan in their final group match with an eye on the knockout stage. Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate the squad, potentially resting Lionel Messi, while Jordan aims to conclude their debut World Cup campaign on a positive note despite early elimination.

Barcelona, Liverpool, waltz into Champions League quarters

Barcelona, Liverpool, waltz into Champions League quarters

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

FC Barcelona hammered Newcastle United F.C. 7-2 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, while Liverpool F.C., Bayern Munich and Atltico Madrid also advanced.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Saturday said India will play an "aggressive brand of cricket" against Australia in the must-win Women's T20 World Cup match in London.

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge Stars As England Knock Out New Zealand

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge Stars As England Knock Out New Zealand

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Defending champions New Zealand were knocked out of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as England triumphed by nine wickets at the Oval in London on Sunday.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

R. Vaishali's Candidates Triumph: The Making Of A Chess Champion Through Family And Perseverance

R. Vaishali's Candidates Triumph: The Making Of A Chess Champion Through Family And Perseverance

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

R. Vaishali, the newly-crowned Candidates champion, exemplifies quiet intensity and strong values, nurtured by a supportive family, as she prepares for the World Championship showdown against Ju Wenjun.

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to miss the Doha Diamond League, to be held on June 19, as he is still recuperating from a back injury in Switzerland.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Indian women's cricket ecosystem will have to develop more fast bowlers and wrist spinners through the Women's Premier League (WPL) in order to garner success in the shortest format on global stage, said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop on Monday.

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The India A squad is set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball series, offering a crucial platform for emerging cricketers like Aquib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal to impress selectors and stake their claim for a spot in the senior national team. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side.

Gukesh can take inspiration from Praggnanandhaa's perseverance: Vishy Anand

Gukesh can take inspiration from Praggnanandhaa's perseverance: Vishy Anand

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Legendary Viswanathan Anand hailed R Praggnanandhaa's highly competitive style of play.

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's senior bridge teams, both A and B, have made an impressive start at the fifth Asia Cup Bridge Championship in Goa, positioning themselves among the top contenders after the opening day. While the senior teams excelled, the women's teams faced a challenging start.