News for 'CHAMPION'

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

What do you need to know about the MetLife Stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final?

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek was defeated by Filipina Alexandra Eala in the third round of Wimbledon. Swiatek attributed the loss to shortcomings in her game rather than pressure, contrasting it with her French Open exit. She acknowledged a year of inconsistency and stated her intention to "trust the process" and focus on improving her tennis.

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

England's World Cup exit: Tuchel blames 'DNA' not tactics, Messi's magic key

England's World Cup exit: Tuchel blames 'DNA' not tactics, Messi's magic key

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

England's manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he attributes the loss to fundamental issues like a lack of 'ball possession DNA' rather than just tactical errors, while acknowledging the unstoppable brilliance of Lionel Messi.

'Spain never allowed Mbappe to get into the game'

'Spain never allowed Mbappe to get into the game'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former India internationals analyse Spain's dominant performance and tactical discipline that led them to the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting their defensive solidity and adaptability.

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Cabo Verde on X, urging fans to "Remember the name" after their spirited performances.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Spain Vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final Shatters US Viewership Records

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.

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.

Djokovic prevails in longest Wimbledon quarter-final; sets up Sinner clash

Djokovic prevails in longest Wimbledon quarter-final; sets up Sinner clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller lasting over five hours to reach his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, setting a new record.

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.

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.

Alfie Haaland claims Norway 'robbed' in World Cup quarter-final defeat to England

Alfie Haaland claims Norway 'robbed' in World Cup quarter-final defeat to England

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former Norway international Alf-Inge 'Alfie' Haaland expressed his disappointment after Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, claiming the Scandinavian side had been 'robbed' in the contest.

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.

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Rediff.com15 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.

Why female athletes demanded camera rule changes

Why female athletes demanded camera rule changes

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union have jointly introduced new guidelines aimed at preventing the sexualisation of female athletes in sports broadcasts. These guidelines, developed in response to athlete feedback, advise broadcasters to avoid specific camera angles and replays that detract from athletic performance, promoting instead a focus on technique and movement.

How Sinner Overcame French Open Disappointment For Wimbledon Glory

How Sinner Overcame French Open Disappointment For Wimbledon Glory

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon title, crediting intensive training after a surprising early exit from the French Open. He defeated Alexander Zverev in the final, marking his fifth major title and highlighting his dedication and resilience.

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.

Ecstacy And Relief After Argentina Pull Off Another Great Escape

Ecstacy And Relief After Argentina Pull Off Another Great Escape

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's Argentina celebrate after their come-from-behind win over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

10 Takeaways From 2026 FIFA World Cup

10 Takeaways From 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 10 takeaways from the FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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.

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Messi, Bellingham and history collide in Argentina-England semi-final

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.

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.

Khalid Jamil's Heart Says Messi, Mind Says Spain For World Cup Final

Khalid Jamil's Heart Says Messi, Mind Says Spain For World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, expressing a personal preference for Lionel Messi's Argentina while acknowledging Spain's strong form and tactical advantages. He anticipates a tough and equal match.

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

FIFA WC FINAL: Singer Post Malone, Robbie Williams headline closing ceremony

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team, La Roja, has reached their second World Cup final, sparking widespread celebrations across the country. Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, along with the Spanish Royal Family, extended their congratulations, highlighting the national unity and pride surrounding this historic achievement.

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.