News for 'CHAMPION'

England's Pickford to face Messi for first time in World Cup semi-final clash

England's Pickford to face Messi for first time in World Cup semi-final clash

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Antonelli takes pole at British GP after sprint win

Antonelli takes pole at British GP after sprint win

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Antonelli won the 17-lap sprint ahead of Hamilton, a record nine-times winner at Silverstone in a career that started in 2007, to go 43 points clear of Briton Russell in the standings.

P V Sindhu Wins Japan Open Super 750 Title, Ends Two-Year Title Drought

P V Sindhu Wins Japan Open Super 750 Title, Ends Two-Year Title Drought

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu secured her maiden Super 750 title at the Japan Open, defeating local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's national football coach, Hossam Hassan, has vehemently blamed 'unfair' refereeing decisions and 'external factors' for his team's dramatic World Cup elimination by Argentina, stating he will no longer watch the tournament.

Manchester United sign Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea

Manchester United sign Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Manchester United have officially signed Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea on a deal until June 2031, with an initial fee of 48 million pounds.

'Argentina is in the heart. Argentina in the final': Kerala's Leaders Enjoy FIFA World Cup

'Argentina is in the heart. Argentina in the final': Kerala's Leaders Enjoy FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Ministers and political leaders in Kerala are openly expressing their excitement and support for their favourite teams, particularly Argentina, ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed immense pride in his team's performance at their first World Cup, despite their 3-2 extra-time loss to three-time champions Argentina in the last-32. He highlighted their draws against Spain and Uruguay, and the character shown by his players, many of whom are not from elite leagues, in taking Argentina to the wire. Bubista emphasised that their World Cup campaign was about showcasing the island-nation's spirit and identity.

Global Superstars To Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

Global Superstars To Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. The ceremony will celebrate the journey of 48 teams across three host countries and 16 cities, marking the end of a record-breaking tournament.

Rohit and Kohli need to have that clarity on World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

Rohit and Kohli need to have that clarity on World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the team management and selectors to provide clear communication to senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their roles and selection for the upcoming ODI World Cup, stressing the importance of backing them fully.

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.

National Shooting Camp Kicks Off For Hangzhou World Cup And Asian Games

National Shooting Camp Kicks Off For Hangzhou World Cup And Asian Games

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

A national high-performance shooting camp has commenced in New Delhi, bringing together 35 Indian athletes for intensive training. The camp is crucial preparation for the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, and the Asian Games in Japan, featuring top talent and international coaching expertise.

SEE: GOAT Mohanlal watches GOAT Messi as Argentina beat Switzerland

SEE: GOAT Mohanlal watches GOAT Messi as Argentina beat Switzerland

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

It was a starry-starry evening in Miami and Kansas, as superstar Mohanlal, David Beckham and Mick Jagger watched the FIFA World Cup quarter-final matches from the stands on Saturday.

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's World Cup dream ended in defeat, but their story had already become one of the tournament's defining moments. After the debutants stretched defending champions Argentina to extra time, football greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry saluted the tiny island nation for proving that belief can outweigh size and reputation.

Wimbledon: Sinner snaps Struff's fairytale run to reach semifinals

Wimbledon: Sinner snaps Struff's fairytale run to reach semifinals

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Champion Jannik Sinner ended one of the feel-good stories at this year's Wimbledon when he tamed big-serving German warrior Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach the semifinals on Tuesday.

Abhijeet Gupta Leads Pune Grandmaster Chess Tournament Ahead Of Final Round

Abhijeet Gupta Leads Pune Grandmaster Chess Tournament Ahead Of Final Round

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Top-seed Indian Abhijeet Gupta secured a crucial victory in the eighth round of the Pune International Grandmaster Round Robin Chess Tournament, maintaining his lead. Fellow Indian International Masters Aswath S and Kushagra Mohan also won, positioning themselves strongly for the title in the final round, with Aswath eyeing a Grandmaster title and Kushagra a Grandmaster norm.

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

FIFA World Cup: England vs Argentina: A semi-final for the ages

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

England's football team has reached the World Cup semi-finals, demonstrating significant resilience by overcoming setbacks. They are set to face old rivals Argentina, a match steeped in history. The team's success is largely attributed to the partnership of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored a combined 12 goals. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team's fighting spirit but also sees room for improvement as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Deschamps: No doubt France would advance despite Mbappe's penalty miss

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps expressed unwavering confidence in his team's ability to advance in the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, even after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and several other chances in the first half.

Jeev Milkha Singh In Contention At OFX Irish Legends

Jeev Milkha Singh In Contention At OFX Irish Legends

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is currently Tied-20th after the second round of the OFX Irish Legends, carding a two-under 70. Robert Coles leads the tournament by three shots, with Johan Edfors in second place. Singh is aiming for his first Seniors title while balancing commitments across various global tours.

Yamal's Viral Post Fires Up Spain's Final Dream

Yamal's Viral Post Fires Up Spain's Final Dream

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, securing their place in the final. Yamal, who played a crucial role in the victory, has already expressed his team's readiness for the title clash in New York. This marks Spain's first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 triumph.

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Messi's Dark Blue Shirt: A World Cup Good Luck Charm?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.

Dominant Start For India At U-19 Asian Boxing Championships

Dominant Start For India At U-19 Asian Boxing Championships

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

India commenced its U-19 Asian Boxing Championships campaign with impressive victories from Chandrika Pujari and Joyshree Devi. Chandrika secured a unanimous 5-0 win, while Joyshree forced an RSC. The campaign continues with U-23 men's boxers entering the ring, highlighting India's strong contingent and the championships' role in developing young talent.

Mixed Trap Teams Disappoint At Shotgun World Cup

Mixed Trap Teams Disappoint At Shotgun World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The Indian mixed trap teams had a disappointing performance at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato, Italy, failing to qualify for medal matches. Despite this, the Indian contingent concluded the event with one gold medal, placing them joint third in the medal table alongside Australia. Italy topped the table with two golds.

Emotional Neymar Suggests End To Brazil International Career

Emotional Neymar Suggests End To Brazil International Career

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Neymar has suggested he may have played his final match for Brazil following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16, a result that eliminated the five-time champions. The emotional 34-year-old scored a penalty but indicated his international career might be over, marking Brazil's worst World Cup performance since 1990.

Serena Williams To Make Wimbledon Return on Centre Court

Serena Williams To Make Wimbledon Return on Centre Court

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams is set to make a highly anticipated return to the tournament on Tuesday, facing Maya Joint in the first round. The 44-year-old tennis icon, who had announced her retirement in 2022, is back in competitive play this month. The day's schedule also features defending champion Iga Swiatek and other top seeds like Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina.

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Wimbledon: Jannik Sinner Eases Past Borges To Reach Round 3

Wimbledon: Jannik Sinner Eases Past Borges To Reach Round 3

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner secured a relatively straightforward victory against Nuno Borges in the second round, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4.

Wildfire Smoke Threat to NYC World Cup Final Recedes with Weekend Rain

Wildfire Smoke Threat to NYC World Cup Final Recedes with Weekend Rain

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Concerns over Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality and player health for the World Cup final in New York are easing, with forecasts predicting significant rain and a cold front to clear the haze before Sunday's match, though hot and hazy conditions could still pose risks.

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane Breaks Silence on Tuchel-Bellingham Rift

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane Breaks Silence on Tuchel-Bellingham Rift

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

England captain Harry Kane has dismissed suggestions of a rift between manager Thomas Tuchel and midfielder Jude Bellingham, stating that media scrutiny had exaggerated a brief post-match exchange following their World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina captain Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, prompting teammate Julian Alvarez to hail him as "the best player in the world and in history." Despite missing a penalty, Messi scored a crucial equaliser, leading Argentina to a 3-2 win and a quarter-final clash with Switzerland, keeping their title defence hopes alive.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Alireza Firouzja has established a dominant lead in the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour after a stellar performance in the blitz section, accumulating 20 points.

Traffic jam delay adds to Team India's woes in Southampton

Traffic jam delay adds to Team India's woes in Southampton

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's challenging UK tour threw up another obstacle on Saturday when a traffic jam delayed their arrival at Southampton for the fifth and final Twenty20 International against England, which the hosts won by 56 runs.

Historic! Paddlers Manav Thakkar-Manush Shah rise to World No. 2

Historic! Paddlers Manav Thakkar-Manush Shah rise to World No. 2

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Guided by Indian table tennis legend Sharath Kamal, the duo have established themselves among the world's elite through a series of impressive performances on the WTT circuit.

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased past former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the Wimbledon third round, while Amanda Anisimova battled back to defeat Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought all-American contest.

Why This Teen Took His Dog For A 5000 Km Ride

Why This Teen Took His Dog For A 5000 Km Ride

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Assam's 17-year-old Ricky Phukan rode to Kedarnath and back with only his bicycle, a tent and his pet dog Paa, turning a gruelling four-month journey into a campaign for animal welfare.

Mertens Stuns Rybakina In Wimbledon Third Round

Mertens Stuns Rybakina In Wimbledon Third Round

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Second seed Elena Rybakina was defeated by Elise Mertens in the third round of Wimbledon, ending her bid for a second Grand Slam title this year and the world number one ranking. Mertens dominated after winning the first set tiebreak, securing a 7-6(4) 6-1 victory.

Puligilla And Sherif Shine In Rwanda Rally Victory

Puligilla And Sherif Shine In Rwanda Rally Victory

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian rally duo Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif secured a comfortable victory in the ARC3 class and an impressive fourth overall finish at the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, moving up to second in the ARC3 championship standings.

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Spain's Lamine Yamal: Football Is About Integration, Not Division

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Spain's young football star Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, spoke about football's power to foster integration and unity ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, while also sharing light-hearted moments about his family and personal milestones.

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon title defence gathered pace on Friday as the world number one swept aside American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 6-4 to enter the fourth round and reinforce his status as the man to beat at the All England Club.