News for 'Defender'

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

CWG 2026: India's wait for men's shot put medal continues as Toor, Gill miss podium

CWG 2026: India's wait for men's shot put medal continues as Toor, Gill miss podium

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's long wait for a maiden Commonwealth Games medal in men's shot put continued as Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill finished fifth and seventh respectively in the final in Glasgow on Thursday.

Sarfaraz Khan's Test recall: 17kg weight loss, Kashmir grind and a second chance

Sarfaraz Khan's Test recall: 17kg weight loss, Kashmir grind and a second chance

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to India's Test squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15, following an injury to Sai Sudharsan. This recall comes after two years of consistent performance and a significant physical transformation, including shedding 17kg.

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has expressed his disappointment over social media criticism following his poor performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He attributed his ninth-place finish to the extremely cold weather affecting his javelin throws and affirmed his commitment to return to winning form, stressing his grounded nature despite fame.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a CNN report claiming that the Pentagon's missile defence stockpiles have fallen to 'dangerously low levels' amid the conflict with Iran.

Gukesh vs Sindarov: Geneva Set to Stage Youngest-Ever World Chess Final

Gukesh vs Sindarov: Geneva Set to Stage Youngest-Ever World Chess Final

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The FIDE World Championship Match 2026 will feature reigning champion Gukesh D and challenger Javokhir Sindarov in Geneva, Switzerland. Both players will be 20, making it the youngest World Championship contest in history and signalling a generational shift in chess. The match will consist of 14 classical games, with tie-breaks if needed.

Cucurella must tattoo Spain coach after World Cup win

Cucurella must tattoo Spain coach after World Cup win

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Spain defender Marc Cucurella is set to get a tattoo of coach Luis de la Fuente's face after Spain won the World Cup, fulfilling a promise made before the tournament. Coach De la Fuente humorously acknowledged the promise, noting his players are men of their word.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has responded to social media criticism following his disappointing ninth-place finish at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nadeem attributed his poor performance to the extremely cold weather, which stiffened his muscles and hindered his throws. He emphasised his commitment to his country and his grounded nature, expressing confidence in his ability to return to winning form at the upcoming Athletissima event.

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.

IPL 2026: 'RCB can defend title': Raina backs Bengaluru

IPL 2026: 'RCB can defend title': Raina backs Bengaluru

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the favourites to defend their Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2026. He also acknowledged Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans as strong contenders.

Born with a diamond spoon: Lalit Modi defends luxury life

Born with a diamond spoon: Lalit Modi defends luxury life

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, who claims that there is no wrongdoing by him in the legal cases faced by him in India, has said that he was born with "a diamond spoon", has a kingsize lifestyle, travels everywhere and that "Rs 10-12 crore" may not last with him a week.

I was a moderate Hindu, now I want to convert to...: Kangana

I was a moderate Hindu, now I want to convert to...: Kangana

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Kangana Ranaut has sparked fresh controversy by declaring her intention to "convert" to an "awakened Hindu" ideology, aligning with BJP and RSS.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Mauricio Pochettino to lead US men's team through 2030 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino to lead US men's team through 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to extend his contract, leading the men's national team through the 2030 World Cup, following their last-16 finish at this year's finals.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

Jamshedpur FC Players' Emotional Appeal To Tata Group To Reconsider Club Closure

Jamshedpur FC Players' Emotional Appeal To Tata Group To Reconsider Club Closure

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players have released an emotional video appealing to owners Tata Group to reverse their decision to shut down the Indian Super League club.

Why make Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vice-captain now? Bhogle questions

Why make Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vice-captain now? Bhogle questions

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle has raised concerns over the appointment of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone's vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy, citing his limited red-ball experience, while selectors defend the decision as a long-term learning opportunity.

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri are set to lead the home challenge at the DP World India Championship, scheduled for October 15-18 at the Delhi Golf Club. The tournament will feature a star-studded international field including Major winner Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, and Viktor Hovland. Both Sharma and Lahiri expressed excitement about competing on home soil, highlighting the event's significance for Indian golf.

Naveen Rathi And Ayesha Gupta Crowned Champions At NCR Cup Junior And Amateur Golf Tournament

Naveen Rathi And Ayesha Gupta Crowned Champions At NCR Cup Junior And Amateur Golf Tournament

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Naveen Rathi successfully defended his Category A boys' title, and Ayesha Gupta won the girls' crown at the 25th NCR Cup Junior and Amateur Golf tournament in Manesar. The event, organised by the Delhi Golf Society, saw over 160 participants, with other categories also witnessing strong performances from emerging talents like Arush and Unnati Singh.

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India's CFO, Arnab Roy, has urged the central government to introduce an amnesty scheme or an 'as-is' settlement option to resolve past indirect tax disputes, aiming to clear legacy litigation and foster growth in the automotive industry. Roy emphasised the need for a 'smarter way to address the past' to provide long-term certainty for businesses.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has questioned some refereeing decisions involving Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying aggressive play should not go unpunished.

Delhi man stabbed to death protecting woman from molesters

Delhi man stabbed to death protecting woman from molesters

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A man was fatally stabbed and a woman seriously injured in a Delhi park while he attempted to protect her from alleged molesters. Police are investigating the incident, scanning CCTV footage, and seeking to identify the attackers and their motive.

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Indian Navy football team secured their first victory in the Durand Cup, defeating NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D fixture. Goals from Roshan Panna and E Muhammed Inayath sealed the win, moving the Navy to second place in their group.

Neeraj Chopra's 'one line' advice helped Yashvir Singh clinch CWG bronze

Neeraj Chopra's 'one line' advice helped Yashvir Singh clinch CWG bronze

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Indian javelin thrower Yashvir Singh credited Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra's last-second advice for his bronze medal-winning throw of 85.41m at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, a personal best that propelled him from seventh to third place.

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

India's Hockey World Cup Journey: From 1971 to 2023

India's Hockey World Cup Journey: From 1971 to 2023

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

India's men's hockey team has experienced a varied journey in the World Cup, from winning bronze in 1971 and gold in 1975 to a prolonged period without a podium finish.

Delhi HC orders removal of Kala Hiran teaser, backs Salman Khan's plea

Delhi HC orders removal of Kala Hiran teaser, backs Salman Khan's plea

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order for the removal of the film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal' teaser and related online posts, following objections from actor Salman Khan regarding the unauthorised use of his name, mannerisms, and reputation for commercial gain.

Harsh Singh makes history with Commonwealth Games judo gold

Harsh Singh makes history with Commonwealth Games judo gold

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's Harsh Singh secured a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first male Indian judoka to achieve this feat. He defeated Australia's experienced Olympian Joshua Katz in the men's -60kg final with a decisive waza-ari, marking the biggest triumph of his young career.

Kangana To Hrithik: 'Doesn't Suit You To Tease A Woman'

Kangana To Hrithik: 'Doesn't Suit You To Tease A Woman'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The long-standing public feud between Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan has reignited, triggered by a social media post and Kangana's controversial comments regarding Gen Z.

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

SEE: Taslima Nasreen returns to Kolkata after 19 years

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Gen Z is 'Generation gutter', 'puke-inducing videos'. Kangana

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Kangana Ranaut said some of the women protestors were "so ugly and corrupt that they can't be home makers either"

CJP Spokesperson Under Fire For Eating Burger At Monday's Protest

CJP Spokesperson Under Fire For Eating Burger At Monday's Protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janata Party Spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya has sparked a controversy by defiantly defending his decision to eat a burger during Monday's protests against the NEET paper leak, rejecting public accountability for his personal actions.

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

'Why link it to delimitation?': Rahul, Rijiju spar over women's quota

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Congress and BJP are engaged in a political spat over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill and its proposed link to delimitation, with Rahul Gandhi urging unconditional implementation of the 2023 law and Kiren Rijiju highlighting the constitutional requirement for delimitation based on post-2026 census figures.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem Sends CWG Warning To Neeraj Chopra

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem Sends CWG Warning To Neeraj Chopra

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem admits feeling pressure as he prepares to defend his title at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Nadeem, who will lead Pakistan's contingent, is set to renew his rivalry with India's Neeraj Chopra, who missed the last Games. Despite recent injury setbacks for both athletes, Nadeem is confident in his preparation, including an international meet in Switzerland, to regain his form and secure another gold.

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Manipur government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20, 2026, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The order covers schools, colleges, and universities across the state.