News for 'Department of Sports'

Atlanta Police Brace for High-Risk Argentina-England World Cup Semi-Final

Atlanta Police Brace for High-Risk Argentina-England World Cup Semi-Final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Atlanta Police are implementing enhanced security measures for the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, a match deemed high-risk due to the historical animosity between the two nations.

FIFA World Cup: Japan Fans Clean Stadium, Win Hearts

FIFA World Cup: Japan Fans Clean Stadium, Win Hearts

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Japan's fans once again captured the world's admiration after clearing thrash from the stands following their Group F match against the Netherlands on Sunday.

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The DMK has approached the Supervisory Committee and the CBI, seeking action against Minister Aadhav Arjuna for allegedly influencing witnesses in the ongoing Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Karur stampede. This comes after the Supreme Court declined to regulate Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's visit to Karur to meet victims' families, a visit the DMK opposes due to the ongoing investigation.

Indian Junior Men's Hockey Squad Heads To Belgium For Exposure Tour

Indian Junior Men's Hockey Squad Heads To Belgium For Exposure Tour

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The 24-member Indian junior men's hockey team, led by new coach Frederic Soyez, has departed for an exposure tour in Belgium from July 7 to 17.

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup team conducted open training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating their base camp due to geopolitical tensions.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed sadness after Portugal's World Cup exit following a 1-0 loss to Spain, stating he gave his all and is leaving with a clear conscience, but will take time to reflect on his international future.

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A Goa forest department official has filed a police complaint against state minister Subhash Phal Desai, alleging he obstructed officials and facilitated the illegal transportation of soil from a protected forest area. The complaint details the excavation and uprooting of trees, while the minister claims the soil was for a sports ground.

India Explores 2036 Olympic Bid During CWG Review

India Explores 2036 Olympic Bid During CWG Review

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A meeting to review India's Commonwealth Games preparations included discussions on advancing the country's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participating online.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

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.

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England say they are relishing the challenge of facing hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford insisting the hostile atmosphere will motivate the team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team's presence at the tournament.

Cricket fraternity mourns loss of Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran

Cricket fraternity mourns loss of Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Afghanistan cricketers Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, among others, have expressed their profound condolences following the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran at the age of 38 due to a prolonged illness.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association secretary has apologised for using the late president's name on official letterheads, attributing it to an unintentional mistake after reports surfaced regarding invoices issued under the deceased president's name.

Hockey Coach Baldev Singh To Be Conferred Padma Shri

Hockey Coach Baldev Singh To Be Conferred Padma Shri

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Baldev Singh, a hockey coach who transformed Shahabad Markanda into a hub for hockey talent, will be awarded the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu on May 25.

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport before being allowed into the United States, while the team's photographer was denied entry ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Tragedy Strikes Rana Family Again: Jaspal Rana's Mother Dies

Tragedy Strikes Rana Family Again: Jaspal Rana's Mother Dies

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Shyama Devi, mother of late Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana, has passed away after battling multiple health issues, just weeks after her son's sudden demise.

World Cup Brings Increased Policing, Displacement For Vancouver's Homeless

World Cup Brings Increased Policing, Displacement For Vancouver's Homeless

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup in Vancouver has intensified concerns among locals regarding increased policing and displacement of homeless individuals and drug users. Residents report more aggressive sweeps and confiscation of belongings, despite city officials stating these are routine operations and not directly influenced by the tournament.

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service. Instead, roles are filled by generalist civil servants or contractual staff, often lacking sector-specific expertise.'

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Basketball fans greeted US President Donald Trump with a chorus of loud boos on Monday, as the Republican became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals.

Ravi Bishnoi Determined to End Stop-Start India Career, Targets 2028 T20 World Cup Spot

Ravi Bishnoi Determined to End Stop-Start India Career, Targets 2028 T20 World Cup Spot

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Ravi Bishnoi opens up on missing three T20 World Cups, his desire to become a permanent fixture in India's T20 side, and his goal of securing a place in the 2028 World Cup squad.

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Iranian football team is facing significant travel restrictions in the US during the World Cup, requiring them to enter and leave within 24 hours of matches. This has led the Football Federation of Iran to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing concerns over fair play and technical preparation, while US authorities maintain the measures are for safety and security.

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout phase. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, was eliminated. Ivory Coast will now face the second-place team from Group I (France or Norway) in Arlington, Texas.

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.

The Biggest Regret For Pep Guardiola At Manchester City

The Biggest Regret For Pep Guardiola At Manchester City

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Pep Guardiola has revealed his biggest regret during his decade with Manchester City was allowing goalkeeper Joe Hart to leave the club.

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.

Real Madrid strengthen midfield with free agent Bernardo Silva arrival

Real Madrid strengthen midfield with free agent Bernardo Silva arrival

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Real Madrid have signed midfielder Bernardo Silva, the LaLiga club said on Wednesday, after the Portuguese international left Manchester City at the end of his contract.

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi was removed from Kolkata's Lake Town area on Monday after concerns were raised about its safety.

Morocco rally to down Haiti and reach last 32 as Group C runners-up

Morocco rally to down Haiti and reach last 32 as Group C runners-up

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Morocco confirmed their progress to the World Cup last 32 but twice had to come from behind to get the better of plucky Haiti with a 4-2 win in an action-packed game on Wednesday and fell short of topping Brazil in the Group C standings.