News for '-punia'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over a 'new type of fraud' involving individuals from dominant upper-caste backgrounds in Haryana converting to Buddhism solely to claim minority reservation benefits. The court has sought a report from the chief secretary of Haryana on the issuance of minority certificates.

From Sirsa to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Savita's long walk to Padma Shri

From Sirsa to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Savita's long walk to Padma Shri

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

For women's hockey goalkeeping stalwart Savita Punia, the Padma Shri is more than a national honour -- it is a quiet acknowledgement of years marked by sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief, both her own and that of a family that stood by her when the odds were firmly stacked against her.

Vijay Amritraj receives Padma Bhushan; Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet get Padma Shri

Vijay Amritraj receives Padma Bhushan; Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet get Padma Shri

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Vijay Amritraj gets Padma Bhushan; Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur receive Padma Shri

'It's a huge moment for me': Harmanpreet on Padma Shri

'It's a huge moment for me': Harmanpreet on Padma Shri

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

India women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former men's skipper Rohit Sharma headline the list of sportspersons to be honoured with Padma awards this Republic Day.

'I'm blessed that my in-laws also support me'

'I'm blessed that my in-laws also support me'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'My next target for the whole year is very important. I have always set my goals in life. So now I have only one goal in my mind, that is we must win a gold medal in the Asian Games and directly qualify for the Olympics.'

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

For the year 2026, the President has approved the conferment of 131 Padma awards. The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.

BPL host Ridhima refutes claims: 'I was not dropped'

BPL host Ridhima refutes claims: 'I was not dropped'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Bangladesh's local media reported on Wednesday, quoting sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that Ridhima was axed from the BPL.

Star Indian discus thrower banned for doping offence

Star Indian discus thrower banned for doping offence

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Seema Punia gets 16-month ban for failing dope test

Bajrang, Vinesh's petition against WFI dismissed

Bajrang, Vinesh's petition against WFI dismissed

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has dismissed petitions filed by top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Satyawart Kadian challenging the Wrestling Federation of India's December 2023 elections.

From Junior World Cup hero to exile: Harjeet seeks answers

From Junior World Cup hero to exile: Harjeet seeks answers

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'Many of the players I played alongside like Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Krishan Pathak are doing very well today. Somewhere, there is regret that I could not do that.'

2025 Review: Neeraj crosses 90m amid India's doping woes

2025 Review: Neeraj crosses 90m amid India's doping woes

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The country also mounted bids on some high-profile continental and global events, including the 2031 World Athletics Championships with Ahmedabad as the proposed venue.

Bajrang Punia apologises to coach Dahiya for defamation

Bajrang Punia apologises to coach Dahiya for defamation

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Bajrang Punia has tendered an unconditional apology to wrestling coach Naresh Dahiya for sullying his name during their protest against the then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

From Antim to Vinesh: A Year of Turmoil and Promise

From Antim to Vinesh: A Year of Turmoil and Promise

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The medal count was nowhere close to satisfactory at the senior level but junior performances held out hope for a brighter future as Indian wrestling searched for new stars in a challenging 2025.

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.

Delhi blast tragedy: Gambhir, Dhawan express shock

Delhi blast tragedy: Gambhir, Dhawan express shock

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has condoled the loss of lives in the blast in the national capital on Monday evening and wished for a speedy recovery to the injured.

Punia, Panghal picked for Asian Wrestling Championship

Punia, Panghal picked for Asian Wrestling Championship

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

World Championships medallists Deepak Punia and Antim Panghal were among 30 Indian wrestlers selected for the Senior Asian Championships to be held in Amman, Jordan from March 25-30.

Asian wrestling: Punia, Udit in line for maiden gold

Asian wrestling: Punia, Udit in line for maiden gold

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

India's Deepak Punia and Udit reached the final of the 92 and 61 categories, respectively, at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Sunday.

'No Leader Like Nitish Babu In Bihar'

'No Leader Like Nitish Babu In Bihar'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Nitish Kumar is the only leader who gave us everything.'

Antim Panghal, Deepak Punia Lead Indian Contingent at Asian Wrestling Championships

Antim Panghal, Deepak Punia Lead Indian Contingent at Asian Wrestling Championships

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

After a disappointing 2024 season, the senior Asian Championships will provide an opportunity for Indian wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Deepak Punia to make a fresh start.

Wrestling Worlds: Aman disqualified; Deepak, Vikash ousted

Wrestling Worlds: Aman disqualified; Deepak, Vikash ousted

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Aman, who won a bronze medal at the Paris Games last year, was found overweight by 1.7kg during the weigh-in ahead of the men's freestyle 57kg competition.

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia banned for 4 years!

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia banned for 4 years!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The suspension means that Bajrang Punia will not be able to return to competitive wrestling and apply for a coaching job abroad

India hammer Thailand 11-0 in Asia Cup opener

India hammer Thailand 11-0 in Asia Cup opener

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

India have come into the tournament without the injured duo of veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia and ace drag-flicker Deepika.

Asia Cup Hockey: India Women Maintain Winning Streak

Asia Cup Hockey: India Women Maintain Winning Streak

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

India beat Korea 4-2 in women's Asia Cup hockey Super 4 stage

If I join BJP my ban will be lifted: Bajrang Punia

If I join BJP my ban will be lifted: Bajrang Punia

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Olympic medallist Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia said it was a vindictive move by the government which would quash the ban if he joins the BJP.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia meet Rahul Gandhi, may contest Haryana polls

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia meet Rahul Gandhi, may contest Haryana polls

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat met former Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday amid speculation that the two star grapplers could be fielded in the Haryana assembly polls by the party.

6 Teams, 48 Archers, APL Looks To Hit Bullseye!

6 Teams, 48 Archers, APL Looks To Hit Bullseye!

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Top archers to compete for six franchises; Jyoti, Deepika, Dhiraj top Indians in inaugural APL

Women's Asia Cup hockey: Navneet's last-minute goal saves India against Japan

Women's Asia Cup hockey: Navneet's last-minute goal saves India against Japan

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Navneet Kaur struck from a penalty corner seconds before the final hooter as India came from behind twice to hold defending champions Japan to a 2-2 draw

Vinesh, Punia join Congress: Rathore calls it 'sad trend'

Vinesh, Punia join Congress: Rathore calls it 'sad trend'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

'Sports has been politicised, it is a sad thing': Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia Joining Congress

India aim bright Asia Cup start despite defensive frailties

India aim bright Asia Cup start despite defensive frailties

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

India conceded more than 100 penalty corners, including 17 in a game against Belgium across 16 Pro League matches.

Rahul Wrestles With Bajrang Punia!

Rahul Wrestles With Bajrang Punia!

Rediff.com27 Dec 2023

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited an akhada in Haryana's Jhajjar district on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and met with a group of wrestlers including Olympian Bajrang Punia.

Bajrang Punia dodges defamation trial on medical grounds

Bajrang Punia dodges defamation trial on medical grounds

Rediff.com6 Sep 2023

Delhi court grants wrestler Bajrang Punia exemption from personal appearance in defamation case

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The Indian Youth Congress has filed police complaints in multiple states alleging a "coordinated and defamatory" digital campaign targeting Rahul Gandhi and undermining the dignity of women, following a row over his image on sanitary pad packets to be distributed in Bihar.

Amid WFI row, Rahul meets Bajrang Punia, tries wrestling

Amid WFI row, Rahul meets Bajrang Punia, tries wrestling

Rediff.com27 Dec 2023

Gandhi's meeting with the wrestlers comes against the backdrop of a controversy surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Sports Minister refuses to get drawn into Bajrang Punia controversy

Sports Minister refuses to get drawn into Bajrang Punia controversy

Rediff.com23 Dec 2023

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday refused to involve himself in the boiling controversy over wrestler Bajrang Punia returning his Padma Shri.

Wrestling Turmoil: Juniors slam Punia, Malik, Phogat at Jantar Mantar

Wrestling Turmoil: Juniors slam Punia, Malik, Phogat at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com3 Jan 2024

Hundreds of junior wrestlers assembled at Jantar Mantar for a symbolic three-hour protest against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat.

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, Haryana's Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate two FIRs against Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The SIT, headed by Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Mamta Singh, will include Superintendent of Police (Karnal) Ganga Ram Punia and Superintendent of Police (STF, Gurugram) Vikrant Bhushan. The SIT will expeditiously complete the investigation and submit a report at the earliest. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 for his social media posts on Operation Sindoor, which were alleged to have endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail on Thursday, but refused to stay the investigation.

Harmanpreet, Savita shine at Hockey India awards

Harmanpreet, Savita shine at Hockey India awards

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

India captain Harmanpreet Singh and senior goalkeeper Savita Punia won the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year award.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

Discus thrower Seema Punia wins silver in Kazakhstan

Discus thrower Seema Punia wins silver in Kazakhstan

Rediff.com2 Jul 2023

Seema Punia hurled the disc to a distance of 57.35m to claim a silver medal at the Qosanov Memorial athletics meet.

At no stage did I refuse to give dope sample: Bajrang Punia

At no stage did I refuse to give dope sample: Bajrang Punia

Rediff.com10 May 2024

Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia has claimed that he refused to provide urine samples during the selection trials in Sonepat in March because the dope control officials failed to furnish adequate proof that they were carrying proper equipment to conduct the tests.