News for 'Asian Group of Two'

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie, with Zeel Desai making a successful singles debut. India now faces Korea in their final match, hoping to keep their playoff chances alive.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to rework its selection criteria after talks with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) following the suspension of an assessment camp due to alleged irregularities. The decision comes after concerns were raised about transparency and fair play in the selection process for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.

Chettri Set to Lead India Women's Football Team Again

Chettri Set to Lead India Women's Football Team Again

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Crispin Chettri is expected to be reappointed as the head coach of the Indian women's football team, succeeding Amelia Valverde, following a recommendation from the AIFF's Technical Committee.

India eye first win as Goa hosts Asian Cup qualifier

India eye first win as Goa hosts Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will feature 24 teams in all, including the hosts.

How India Reached Thomas Cup Semifinals

How India Reached Thomas Cup Semifinals

Rediff.com1 May 2026

India's badminton team advances to the Thomas Cup semifinals after a decisive 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, fuelled by standout performances from Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen.

Karandeep Kochhar Tied-4th After Third Round in Japan

Karandeep Kochhar Tied-4th After Third Round in Japan

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Indian golfer Karandeep Kochhar slipped to Tied-4th after the third round of the International Series Japan, while Korea's Hongtaek Kim maintained his lead.

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

India colts staged a remarkable comeback to stun overwhelming favourites Iran 2-1 in their last Group D qualifying game and seal a place in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

India U20 team prepares to face Pakistan in their opening match of the SAFF U20 Championship, aiming for a strong start and a place in the semifinals.

Shriya Satam adds to India's 16-medal Asian haul

Shriya Satam adds to India's 16-medal Asian haul

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

India's Shriya Milind Satam clinched the silver medal in the girls' 50kg Traditional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) category at the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, on Saturday.

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid an escalating regional war, questions deepen over whether Iran's soccer team will compete at this year's FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Ryan Williams Debut Goal Leads India to Victory Over Hong Kong

Ryan Williams Debut Goal Leads India to Victory Over Hong Kong

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Ryan Williams scored on his India debut as the home side defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in an Asian Cup qualifying match. Akash Mishra added another goal for India, while Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong.

India Women's Football Team Aim for Quarter-Finals in Decisive Match Against Chinese Taipei

India Women's Football Team Aim for Quarter-Finals in Decisive Match Against Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

India women's football team face Chinese Taipei in a crucial AFC Women's Asian Cup match, needing a victory to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Ryan Williams Describes 'Blurry' Moment After Scoring on India Debut

Ryan Williams Describes 'Blurry' Moment After Scoring on India Debut

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Australian-born striker Ryan Williams describes his emotions after scoring on his India debut in an Asian Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong.

India's Billie Jean King Cup Hopes Dim After Indonesia Defeat

India's Billie Jean King Cup Hopes Dim After Indonesia Defeat

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

India's chances of progressing in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie are jeopardised after a 0-3 loss to Indonesia, with Vaishnavi Adkar's valiant effort ending in defeat and Sahaja Yamalapalli outplayed by Janice Tjen.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Chhetri named in probables for Asian Cup qualifier

Chhetri named in probables for Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

The camp is aimed at helping the Blue Tigers prepare for their two 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round in Group C, where they will play two back-to-back matches against Singapore on October 9 at the National Stadium and on October 14 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.

Why Are Small, Midcaps Galloping?

Why Are Small, Midcaps Galloping?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Small- and midcap stocks have delivered their biggest monthly rally in 12 years, but rising oil prices and global tensions could make the road ahead volatile.

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

...is a way out, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War. What the indefinite extension produces is a prolonged condition of not-war-not-peace, in which oil markets cannot stabilise, Asian refineries cannot plan, European governments cannot stop subsidising consumption they cannot afford, and the next flashpoint -- a seized tanker, a miscalculated drone strike, a Truth Social post that claims too much -- is one news cycle away.

Rahim Ali's late goal rescues India in Asian Cup qualifier

Rahim Ali's late goal rescues India in Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

India now have two points from three matches after a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh and 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in their earlier match.

National trials: Manu Bhaker emerges victorious in 10m pistol event

National trials: Manu Bhaker emerges victorious in 10m pistol event

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Olympian Manu Bhaker emerged victorious in the women's 10m pistol event at the national selection trials, showcasing her shooting prowess.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

Indian HNIs maintain grip on Dubai luxury real estate despite West Asia tensions

Indian HNIs maintain grip on Dubai luxury real estate despite West Asia tensions

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have slowed deal momentum in Dubai's luxury residential market, but Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are not exiting their marquee assets, with any 'discounted' resale deals attributed to investor liquidity stress rather than geopolitical flight.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

Sheeba Chaddha: 'Wish I Was Given Other Roles In Addition To Mothers'

Sheeba Chaddha: 'Wish I Was Given Other Roles In Addition To Mothers'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Each mother I have played is different, but the writing dictates the doing of it. If it's written well, that's half the work done for an actor.'

Aman Raj Leads IGPL Season Opener After Injury Struggles

Aman Raj Leads IGPL Season Opener After Injury Struggles

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Aman Raj, after battling injuries, takes a commanding lead at the IGPL season-opener in Chandigarh, with Gaganjeet Bhullar trailing behind.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

FIH Pro League: New skipper, new start: India eye comeback

FIH Pro League: New skipper, new start: India eye comeback

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Indian men's hockey team, led by new captain Hardik Singh, is looking to rebound from recent losses as they begin the FIH Pro League's overseas leg against Spain in Hobart. The team aims to use these matches to refine their strategy and build momentum for upcoming major tournaments.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'

Three India-Origin Persons Killed in Canada Amidst Hate Crime Fears

Three India-Origin Persons Killed in Canada Amidst Hate Crime Fears

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Three individuals of Indian origin have been killed in Canada in separate incidents, raising concerns about potential hate crimes and prompting investigations by Canadian authorities.

Three India-Origin Persons Killed in Canada Amidst Hate Crime Fears

Three India-Origin Persons Killed in Canada Amidst Hate Crime Fears

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Three individuals of Indian origin have been killed in Canada in separate incidents, raising concerns about potential hate crimes and prompting investigations by Canadian authorities.