News for 'Defending India'

Neeraj Chopra in 'perfect physical shape' for Commonwealth Games, India eyes more medals

Neeraj Chopra in 'perfect physical shape' for Commonwealth Games, India eyes more medals

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India's chief athletics coach Radhakrishnan Nair has confirmed that javelin ace Neeraj Chopra is in 'perfect physical shape' ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, expressing strong confidence that India will surpass its previous medal tally and potentially achieve a record number of gold medals.

Saffron jersey row deepens rift within Hockey India

Saffron jersey row deepens rift within Hockey India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted within Hockey India over the national teams' new saffron jerseys, replacing the traditional blue.

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Rediff.com2 hours ago

AIFF Super Cup winners FC Goa are set to face Turkmenistan's dominant FC Arkadag in a single-leg qualifying match for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. This crucial encounter marks former India defender Gouramangi Singh's debut as head coach for FC Goa, who enter the playoff with a depleted squad. The winner advances to the group stage, while the loser drops to the AFC Challenge League.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com8 hours ago

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's judokas scripted history at the Commonwealth Games on Friday as Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh clinched the country's first-ever gold medals in the sport, while Yamini Mourya added a silver to cap the nation's best-ever judo campaign.

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Airtel Defends Its Priority Postpaid Plans

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Airtel, which upgraded all postpaid customers to priority plans, argued that the service did not throttle or degrade the experience for its prepaid customers, forming the majority of its 368 million customers in the country.

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi's biggest strength lies in his ability to force top batters into errors while defending, rather than relying on raw pace.

Anmol Ekka To Lead Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team At AHF Asia Cup

Anmol Ekka To Lead Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team At AHF Asia Cup

Rediff.com4 days ago

Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the 18-member Indian men's hockey team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup in China from August 30 to September 13. The squad, training in Bengaluru under coach Frederic Soyez, recently completed an exposure tour of Belgium and is playing friendly matches against Malaysia U-21 as part of their preparations.

India have six per cent chance to win Hockey World Cup, says coach Craig Fulton

India have six per cent chance to win Hockey World Cup, says coach Craig Fulton

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Having registered a ninth-place finish in the 2023 edition held at Bhubaneswar, India will be aiming to bring the gold home, riding on the back of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold.

Donald And Lowry Lead Stellar Field At DP World India Championship

Donald And Lowry Lead Stellar Field At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and Major winner Shane Lowry are confirmed to participate in the second edition of the DP World India Championship in October. They will join a strong field of international golf stars, including other Ryder Cup heroes and Open Champion Ryan Fox, at the Delhi Golf Club for the USD 4,000,000 event.

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton is focused on ending the 51-year World Cup medal drought, aiming for consistency and a strong performance at the upcoming tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Hardik Singh: 'Orange jersey is a team strategy, a tactic'

Hardik Singh: 'Orange jersey is a team strategy, a tactic'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that the new orange-coloured jersey for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is a 'team strategy' and a 'tactic' to avoid clashes with the blue Astroturf, a decision that has sparked controversy.

Congress on Tharoor's remark: Leaders must avoid 'appeasing BJP'

Congress on Tharoor's remark: Leaders must avoid 'appeasing BJP'

Rediff.com1 days ago

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has urged Congress leaders to exercise caution and avoid making statements that could 'please the BJP', in response to remarks attributed to Shashi Tharoor regarding Rahul Gandhi's student outreach programme.

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

The India Story Review: Not Brave Enough!

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The India Story adopts a very soap opera-like approach, piling on ham-fisted melodrama along with plenty of unevenness, sighs Sreeju Sudhakaran

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted a directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that prohibited Dabur India from marketing certain food products with "100 per cent" claims. The court cited a lack of hearing for Dabur before the FSSAI order was issued, granting prima facie relief to the company.

Manush Shah: UTT success provides 'perfect platform' for Asian Games

Manush Shah: UTT success provides 'perfect platform' for Asian Games

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's top paddler Manush Shah believes the Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) campaign has significantly boosted team chemistry and momentum, providing a 'perfect platform' for the upcoming Asian Games.

CWG 2026: Day 3: Siwach, Lawn Bowls Pair Advance; India Eye More Medals

CWG 2026: Day 3: Siwach, Lawn Bowls Pair Advance; India Eye More Medals

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian boxer Sachin Siwach advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men's 60kg class, while the women's lawn bowls pair of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured their third consecutive victory at the Commonwealth Games. Despite some disappointments in swimming and wheelchair basketball, India is looking forward to potential medals, with Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu expected to retain her weightlifting crown.

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence to submit a petition with two lakh signatures against E20 petrol. He is demanding consumer choice, lower E20 prices, and transparency regarding studies supporting the fuel. The government defends the E20 programme, citing energy security and no evidence of vehicle harm.

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for contributing to the national team's T20I struggles, particularly in overseas conditions. He urged selectors to pick players based on their suitability for international cricket rather than their IPL performance, highlighting issues like batting-friendly pitches and the 'Impact Player' rule.

US senators name India in sweeping Russia sanctions bill

US senators name India in sweeping Russia sanctions bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a comprehensive bill imposing extensive sanctions on Russia, with India identified as one of five countries that could incur tariffs for its continued purchase of Russian oil.

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.com1 days ago

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.

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Neeraj Chopra Doesn't Deserve Scrutiny After One Silver: Sumariwalla

Rediff.com4 days ago

Athletics Federation of India's selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla has dismissed concerns over Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal, stating that the "country's greatest athlete" should not be scrutinised for an occasional silver after consistently delivering gold for a decade.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem Primed For Commonwealth Games Javelin Qualifiers

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem Primed For Commonwealth Games Javelin Qualifiers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Defending Commonwealth Games javelin champion Arshad Nadeem is prepared for the qualification round despite a challenging build-up due to adverse weather in Switzerland. His coach, Salman Butt, confirmed his readiness for the event in Glasgow, where he will face a strong field including India's Neeraj Chopra.

Football bids farewell to Franco Baresi, the heart of AC Milan's golden era

Football bids farewell to Franco Baresi, the heart of AC Milan's golden era

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, one of the most recognisable players of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 66, his former club said on Friday.

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Defending champions U Mumba TT, led by captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey, secured an emphatic 8-3 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in the second semi-final of Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, setting up a final clash with Dempo Goa Challengers.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com3 days ago

'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.'

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali to spearhead Indian challenge in Chess Olympiad

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali to spearhead Indian challenge in Chess Olympiad

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India is sending a strong contingent, including world champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and R Vaishali, to the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 16 to 27.

'No one even asks about us': Kargil martyr's family alleges broken promises

'No one even asks about us': Kargil martyr's family alleges broken promises

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

More than a quarter of a century after Indian Army soldier Avnish Yadav laid down his life in the Kargil War defending the nation, his family said that several promises made by the authorities in recognition of his sacrifice are yet to be fulfilled.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem reveals why he struggled in Glasgow

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com3 hours ago

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.

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.

India Batting Coach Supports Rohit Sharma Despite Struggles Vs England

India Batting Coach Supports Rohit Sharma Despite Struggles Vs England

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed strong support for veteran opener Rohit Sharma, dismissing concerns over his recent lean run in the ongoing ODI series against England. Despite Sharma's low scores in the first two matches and a challenging year with the bat, Kotak believes a player of his calibre does not feel pressure and expects him to return to form soon. England won the second ODI, levelling the series 1-1, with the decider set for Lord's.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Explains Glasgow Performance

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

Trump secretly switched planes via catering truck to foil Iran threat

Trump secretly switched planes via catering truck to foil Iran threat

Rediff.com5 hours ago

How US President Donald Trump employed a clandestine 'decoy' Air Force One operation to secretly depart Turkiye following a NATO Summit.

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.com4 days ago

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.

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The umbrella of 'inexperience' or 'reset' is merely an excuse. Team India's think-tank will have to admit that this is experimentation without a roadmap, points out K R Nayar.

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ravi Shastri watched Australia beat India by six wickets at Lord's.