News for 'CHAMPION'

FIFA World Cup: 'In our hearts you won': Swiss fans back team

FIFA World Cup: 'In our hearts you won': Swiss fans back team

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Swiss football fans expressed pride in their national team despite a 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, marking the end of an 'exceptional campaign' that captivated the country.

Google Bets Big on India's AI Future

Google Bets Big on India's AI Future

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The aim is to win over the country's enterprises, developers and startups as AI systems shift from answering questions to autonomously executing tasks.

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.

England defeat sparks BCCI rethink as Gambhir faces first real scrutiny

England defeat sparks BCCI rethink as Gambhir faces first real scrutiny

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BCCI will review the performances of India's players and coaching staff after the T20I series defeat to England, with head coach Gautam Gambhir's role also coming under scrutiny following back-to-back series losses.

Dembele 'picking up momentum' as France eye World Cup glory

Dembele 'picking up momentum' as France eye World Cup glory

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Ousmane Dembele expressed his delight after scoring and helping France reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, stating he is gaining confidence and momentum as the tournament progresses and the team remains focused on going all the way.

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro added another goal as Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.

Enzo Maresca Steps Into Guardiola's Shoes At Manchester City

Enzo Maresca Steps Into Guardiola's Shoes At Manchester City

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Manchester City has announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who previously coached City's youth team and served as assistant coach, returns to the club after guiding Leicester City to the Premier League title. He faces the significant challenge of maintaining City's dominance following Guardiola's highly successful decade-long tenure.

Penalties shared as Atletico, Arsenal draw Champions League semis first leg

Penalties shared as Atletico, Arsenal draw Champions League semis first leg

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal played to a 1-1 draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg, with both goals coming from penalties. Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico after Viktor Gyokeres had given Arsenal the lead.

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.

Gukesh And Praggnanandhaa To Compete In Grand Chess Tour's Zagreb Event

Gukesh And Praggnanandhaa To Compete In Grand Chess Tour's Zagreb Event

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

World champion D Gukesh and Indian star R Praggnanandhaa are set to compete in the Zagreb Rapid and Blitz Tournament, part of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour. Despite Gukesh's sabbatical from classical chess, he joins a strong field including recent Norway Chess winner Praggnanandhaa, promising an exciting week of high-stakes chess.

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's World Cup campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway as Carlo Ancelotti's gamble on experienced stars backfired, exposing deeper structural issues and leaving the five-time champions facing a long road back to the summit of world football.

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.

Germany's defensive frailties haunt them again in Paraguay defeat

Germany's defensive frailties haunt them again in Paraguay defeat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's World Cup misery continued as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions on penalties in the Round of 32, extending a decade-long decline marked by defensive frailties and major tournament disappointments since 2014.

Winning A Lord's Test Is Like Climbing Everest For The First Time

Winning A Lord's Test Is Like Climbing Everest For The First Time

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

For Team India's women cricketers, producing such a feat at Lord's -- the Home of Cricket -- will remain an achievement that can be recalled again and again with pride, notes K R Nayar.

Esports World Cup: A New Era For Competitive Gaming

Esports World Cup: A New Era For Competitive Gaming

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The inaugural international Esports World Cup has commenced in Paris, featuring over 2,000 elite players from 100+ countries competing for a record USD 75 million prize pool across 25 tournaments. The event also highlights a unique Club Championship and includes global ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen.

Grand Chess Tour: Praggnaandhaa ends rapid section as joint-leader

Grand Chess Tour: Praggnaandhaa ends rapid section as joint-leader

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won three matches in a row on the final day to tie for the first place with Firouzja Alireza of France on 12 points as the rapid section of the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour ended in Zagreb, Croatia on Friday.

Teen sensation Antonelli stuns Hamilton to claim Silverstone sprint victory

Teen sensation Antonelli stuns Hamilton to claim Silverstone sprint victory

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Kimi Antonelli beat Lewis Hamilton to win the British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone, extending his Formula One championship lead to 43 points after another impressive Mercedes display.

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, facing Australia's Maya Joint in the first round.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Rain Halts Archery World Cup Stage 4 Qualification

Rain Halts Archery World Cup Stage 4 Qualification

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

India's Sahil Jadhav was placed third in the men's compound qualification at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid before persistent rain forced the suspension of play. Other Indian archers, including Rishabh Yadav and women compound archers like Prithika Pradeep and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, also competed, with their qualification rounds impacted by the weather.

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

An emotional Stale Solbakken praised Norway's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England ended their dream run in the quarter-finals.

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has challenged the T20 team to shed its 'underachievers' tag in foreign conditions, emphasising the need for quicker adaptation to varied playing environments after recent series losses.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain oust Belgium, set up semifinal clash with France

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain oust Belgium, set up semifinal clash with France

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubars's long-range effort, restoring Spain's lead and putting the 2010 champions 2-1 ahead of Belgium.

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.

FIFA World Cup: 'Anyone can beat anyone': Argentina brace for Egypt

FIFA World Cup: 'Anyone can beat anyone': Argentina brace for Egypt

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Argentina's national football team anticipates a challenging last-16 World Cup match against Egypt, following a hard-fought victory over Cape Verde. Players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina emphasised the increasing competitiveness of international football, highlighting that no easy games remain in the tournament, as they prepare for a stern test from the highly motivated Egyptian side.

Giorgia Meloni, Carlos Alcaraz congratulate Jannik Sinner on retaining Wimbledon crown

Giorgia Meloni, Carlos Alcaraz congratulate Jannik Sinner on retaining Wimbledon crown

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and rival Carlos Alcaraz led congratulations for Jannik Sinner after he successfully defended his Wimbledon men's singles title, a victory that also significantly widened his lead over Alcaraz in the 'Big Titles' race.

World Cup 2026: France seek revenge on Spain in blockbuster semi-final

World Cup 2026: France seek revenge on Spain in blockbuster semi-final

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.

India Women Win Compound Team Silver In Archery World Cup

India Women Win Compound Team Silver In Archery World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The Indian women's compound archery team, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi, secured a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid.

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Naomi Osaka continued to make a statement at Wimbledon as she paired her flair off the court with growing confidence on it to dismiss unseeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 on Friday and reach the last 16 for the first time.

This is a transition phase, we will make mistakes: Shreyas

This is a transition phase, we will make mistakes: Shreyas

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his disappointment over the team's 'utter failure in execution' across all departments after England secured the T20I series with a dominant nine-wicket victory.

Wimbledon: Swiatek, Rybakina survive scare; Anisimova sends strong warning

Wimbledon: Swiatek, Rybakina survive scare; Anisimova sends strong warning

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Last year's Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova secured a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over qualifier Lina Gjorcheska in her first-round match, showing no signs of her previous final defeat. The American advanced to the second round in just 61 minutes, despite recent wrist injury concerns.

Noskova ends Kostyuk's run, sets up first all-Czech Wimbledon final

Noskova ends Kostyuk's run, sets up first all-Czech Wimbledon final

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to reach her maiden Grand Slam final, setting up a historic all-Czech Wimbledon title clash against compatriot Karolina Muchova and extending Czech dominance.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe's crucial second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for France over a resilient Paraguay, propelling them into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Receives Prestigious SJFI Medal

Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Receives Prestigious SJFI Medal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand was awarded the Sports Journalists' Federation of India (SJFI) medal, joining a distinguished list of Indian sports legends. Anand expressed pride in being a catalyst for chess growth in India, receiving the honour from former India cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal have announced the appointment of decorated Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Habas, known for his successful stints in Indian football, returns to familiar territory as the club prepares to defend its maiden ISL League Shield amidst ownership uncertainties.

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Having governed Odisha for 24 uninterrupted years, the BJD now finds itself in the unfamiliar role of Opposition. Its organisational overhaul following the 2024 defeat has yet to produce a recognisable second line of leadership.

SEE: Belgium get Royal backing before Spain FIFA World Cup blockbuster

SEE: Belgium get Royal backing before Spain FIFA World Cup blockbuster

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

King Philippe of the Belgians visited the national football team to offer his support and encouragement ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Spain. He shared a meal, received a signed jersey, and praised their performance, expressing confidence in their victory. Both teams have had strong runs to the quarter-finals, with Belgium overcoming several challenges and Spain maintaining an unbeaten record.

Arsenal edge past Sporting to reach Champions League semis

Arsenal edge past Sporting to reach Champions League semis

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Arsenal edged past Sporting to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second successive season with a 0-0 home draw earning them a 1-0 aggregate victory.