News for 'CHAMPION'

Atletico Madrid CEO: Julian Alvarez will 'never, ever' be sold to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid CEO: Julian Alvarez will 'never, ever' be sold to Barcelona

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has vehemently rejected Barcelona's attempts to sign Julian Alvarez, accusing the Catalan club of dishonesty and stating that the Argentine forward will 'never, ever' be sold to them. This comes after Barcelona's president expressed continued interest in Alvarez.

'Seeds were sown much earlier': Vidit on Praggnanandhaa's rise

'Seeds were sown much earlier': Vidit on Praggnanandhaa's rise

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, defeating GM Fabiano Caruana in a stunning comeback. Chess legends Garry Kasparov and Vidit Gujrathi congratulated him on this significant achievement.

Worlds medal gives Treesa-Gayatri a new belief in their potential

Worlds medal gives Treesa-Gayatri a new belief in their potential

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian badminton players Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly secured a landmark women's doubles bronze medal at the World Championships, marking India's first in the category since 2011. Despite a semifinal loss to the world No. 1 pair, their impressive performance has instilled new belief and earned them a place among India's elite badminton medallists.

Pegula's perfect start, Krejcikova's painful exit headline US Open opening day

Pegula's perfect start, Krejcikova's painful exit headline US Open opening day

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Jessica Pegula cruised into the US Open second round with a straight-sets win, while 27th seed Barbora Krejcikova became the first seeded casualty despite saving six match points.

How Ariha Pangambam Won India's First Aerobics Gymnastics Gold

How Ariha Pangambam Won India's First Aerobics Gymnastics Gold

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

At 22, Ariha Pangambam from Manipur created history by winning the first ever individual gold for India in aerobic gymnastics at the Asian championships.

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Djokovic: 'My Whole Body Starts to Collapse' in US Open Exit

Rediff.com7 days ago

Novak Djokovic, hampered by illness and injuries, suffered a shocking first-round exit at the U.S. Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam departure since 2006.

Sports Ministry Boosts Table Tennis Talent With TOPS Inclusion

Sports Ministry Boosts Table Tennis Talent With TOPS Inclusion

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Young table tennis players Syndrela Das and Payas Jain have been inducted into the Sports Ministry's TOPS Development group, while Manika Batra's international event funding request has also been approved, aiming to strengthen India's table tennis presence on the global stage.

Ellyse Perry reveals what makes Smriti Mandhana so special

Ellyse Perry reveals what makes Smriti Mandhana so special

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry has lauded Indian superstars Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, highlighting Mandhana's "incredible willpower" and "super-strong mind," and Kaur's "tenacity." Perry also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming ICC Women's Champions Trophy and reflected on the evolving landscape of women's cricket.

Veteran golfer Rashid Khan claims Telangana Open crown after seven-year victory drought

Veteran golfer Rashid Khan claims Telangana Open crown after seven-year victory drought

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

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.

Angad Cheema Holds Two-Shot Lead After Round Three Of Telangana Open

Angad Cheema Holds Two-Shot Lead After Round Three Of Telangana Open

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Angad Cheema shot a seven-under 65 to retain his two-shot lead after the third round of the Telangana Open, moving to 20-under 196. Delhi's Rashid Khan matched Cheema's 65 to stay in second place, while Jairaj Singh Sandhu made a significant climb to third.

Treesa Jolly And Gayatri Gopichand Secure Maiden World Championships Bronze

Treesa Jolly And Gayatri Gopichand Secure Maiden World Championships Bronze

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian badminton pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured a historic bronze medal at the World Championships after a hard-fought loss to world No. 1 Chinese duo Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the women's doubles semifinals. This marks India's first women's doubles medal at the BWF World Championships since 2011.

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

AG.AL has been crowned the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Champion, winning a USD 7 million prize from a record-breaking USD 75 million total pool. Their victory was secured after a dramatic win in Trackmania, capping a seven-week competition.

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is embroiled in a controversy with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for travelling to South Africa for training without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This unapproved travel could impact his participation in upcoming international competitions like the World Ultimate Athletics Championship and the Asian Games.

Shafali's 64, Deepti's record spell help India rout Thailand in Asia Cup opener

Shafali's 64, Deepti's record spell help India rout Thailand in Asia Cup opener

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Shafali Verma's explosive 64 set up India's 159 before Deepti Sharma's record-breaking 3/0 destroyed Thailand's chase, sealing a 94-run Asia Cup victory on her landmark 150th T20I.

Unrelenting Djokovic refuses to give up on record major dream

Unrelenting Djokovic refuses to give up on record major dream

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The 146th US Open begins with Novak Djokovic aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and Jessica Pegula hoping to secure her first major on home soil.

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United, chasing a third consecutive title, made a strong comeback in their quarterfinal, while Mohun Bagan advanced via a penalty shootout after a solid defensive campaign. Both teams are fully fit and ready for a challenging encounter.

'It's Do-or-Die': Harmanpreet's 60-Minute Challenge to India

'It's Do-or-Die': Harmanpreet's 60-Minute Challenge to India

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has called for a complete 60-minute performance from his squad in their "do-or-die" FIH World Cup match against Olympic champions Netherlands. Both Harmanpreet and coach Craig Fulton believe India can upset the hosts by playing smartly, maintaining impeccable defense, and capitalising on their underdog status.

Sinner out, Alcaraz returning: Zverev now the man to beat at US Open?

Sinner out, Alcaraz returning: Zverev now the man to beat at US Open?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Alexander Zverev arrives at the U.S. Open as the top seed, aiming for his second Grand Slam title. With Jannik Sinner's absence due to injury and Carlos Alcaraz's limited match practice, Zverev has a clear path to capitalise on his recent French Open success. Despite a mixed record at Flushing Meadows, his powerful game and new world number two ranking position him as a strong contender.

Dulquer Salmaan's 10 Best Malayalam Movies

Dulquer Salmaan's 10 Best Malayalam Movies

Rediff.com5 days ago

From Ustad Hotel to Salute, these Dulquer Salmaan Malayalam films prove why his homecoming with I'm Game is worth celebrating.

Lalrindika's hat-trick powers East Bengal to record-equalling Durand Cup glory

Lalrindika's hat-trick powers East Bengal to record-equalling Durand Cup glory

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

East Bengal secured a historic 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final, with Edmund Lalrindika scoring a sensational hat-trick. This triumph marks East Bengal's 17th Durand Cup title, bringing them level with Mohun Bagan's record in Asia's oldest football competition.

Star Duo Djokovic-Sabalenka Crash Out Of US Open Mixed Doubles

Star Duo Djokovic-Sabalenka Crash Out Of US Open Mixed Doubles

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were eliminated from the U.S. Open mixed doubles in their opening match, losing to Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova. Despite winning the first set, the star-studded pair could not hold on, with Siniakova sealing the upset with an ace.

Pranesh Wins Kanizsa Open 2026 Chess Championship In Hungary

Pranesh Wins Kanizsa Open 2026 Chess Championship In Hungary

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India's 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M clinched the Group A title at the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026, defeating Germany's Vadim Petrovskiy in the final round.

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'

Jain And Das Clinch National Ranking Table Tennis Titles

Jain And Das Clinch National Ranking Table Tennis Titles

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Payas Jain and Syndrela Das have been crowned men's and women's singles champions, respectively, at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur. The tournament also highlighted the rise of younger players, with several top seeds being eliminated early.

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.

Hamilton's Podium Hopes Dashed By Ferrari's Dutch GP Strategy

Hamilton's Podium Hopes Dashed By Ferrari's Dutch GP Strategy

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix, believing that a delayed pit stop for teammate Charles Leclerc cost him a podium finish. Hamilton, who finished fourth, stated that the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately made the difference in his pursuit of a top-three spot.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Ben Shelton wins back-to-back Canadian Open titles

Ben Shelton wins back-to-back Canadian Open titles

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Ben Shelton successfully defended his Canadian Open title, defeating fellow American Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final.

'With Every Competition, I Feel That I'm Coming Back': Neeraj Chopra

'With Every Competition, I Feel That I'm Coming Back': Neeraj Chopra

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra achieved his season's best throw of 88.05m at the Lausanne Diamond League, securing second place, narrowly beaten by Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage who threw 88.14m.

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.

Asian Games Gold Medallist Swapna Barman Faces Provisional Suspension

Asian Games Gold Medallist Swapna Barman Faces Provisional Suspension

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete Swapna Barman has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for the banned anabolic-androgenic steroid Boldenone. Barman, who recently announced her retirement, won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and represented India in the 2016 Olympics.

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

European women's singles champion Kirsty Gilmour discusses the evolving nature of badminton, emphasising its mental aspect akin to a game of chess. Despite her early exit from the World Championships, she praised the improved arrangements at the New Delhi venue, particularly the availability of sanitary products, and contrasted it with the issues faced during the India Open.

Rybakina Edges Osaka in Epic Battle, Sets Up Gauff Semi-Final

Rybakina Edges Osaka in Epic Battle, Sets Up Gauff Semi-Final

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Elena Rybakina mounted a stunning comeback from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka in a hard-fought Canadian Open quarter-final, setting up a semi-final clash with Coco Gauff.

Manchester United Sign Carlos Baleba From Brighton

Manchester United Sign Carlos Baleba From Brighton

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba for an initial 65 million, with potential add-ons.

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Arsenal open championship defence with rivals reshaped and Premier League reborn

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence as the hunted, facing heightened expectations and a reshaped league featuring new managers, major departures and ambitious rivals challenging their supremacy.

Om Patel And Deepshika Vinayagamurthy Win UNIFI ITF Junior Tennis Cup

Om Patel And Deepshika Vinayagamurthy Win UNIFI ITF Junior Tennis Cup

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Om Patel and Deepshika Vinayagamurthy have won the boys' and girls' singles titles, respectively, at the UNIFI ITF Junior Tennis Cup in Chennai. Patel overcame Om Verma in a three-set thriller, while Deepshika defeated Savitha Bhuvaneswaran in straight sets, adding another title to her recent Junior National Championship victory.

Sharma And Imangali Dominate Asian Junior Rapid Chess

Sharma And Imangali Dominate Asian Junior Rapid Chess

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India's Madhavendra Pratap Sharma and Kazakhstan's Akhilbay Imangali are leading the rapid event of the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Mumbai, both with a perfect score of 4 points after four rounds. While the open section sees clear leaders, the girls' rapid championship is a much closer contest with six players sharing the lead, all unbeaten. With three rounds remaining, the competition for titles and podium finishes remains intense in both categories.

Roger Federer: An icon returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium

Roger Federer: An icon returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Tennis icon Roger Federer made an emotional return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an exhibition event, marking his first appearance since 2019. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired without a formal farewell in New York, delighted fans in singles and doubles matches alongside fellow legends.

Bhattacharya Holds Two-Shot Lead Heading Into Final Round

Bhattacharya Holds Two-Shot Lead Heading Into Final Round

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Delhi golfer Shaurya Bhattacharya maintained his two-shot lead after shooting a one-under 71 in Round 3 of the PGTI Kolar Open. He now aggregates 10-under 206, with Chandigarh's Angad Cheema and Hyderabad's Mohammed Azhar tied for second at eight-under 208. Bhattacharya faced challenging weather conditions but secured a crucial birdie on the final hole to restore his advantage for the final round.