News for 'First World'

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten praised Sonal Dinusha's twin centuries and pressure-handling ability, while calling India's Dhruv Jurel a world-class player with superb technique and short-ball skills.

Rohit Sharma remains India's first-choice opener for 2027 World Cup: Aakash Chopra

Rohit Sharma remains India's first-choice opener for 2027 World Cup: Aakash Chopra

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said Rohit Sharma should remain India's first-choice ODI opener until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup as long as he is fit, available and continues to score runs.

Lionel Messi Scores Emotional First Goal Since Father Jorge's Death

Lionel Messi Scores Emotional First Goal Since Father Jorge's Death

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi scored his first goal for Inter Miami since the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi, during a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union.

Fils wins first ATP Masters 1000 title as Gauff clinches second Cincinnati crown

Fils wins first ATP Masters 1000 title as Gauff clinches second Cincinnati crown

Rediff.com6 days ago

Arthur Fils and Coco Gauff have both secured significant victories at the Cincinnati Open, with Fils winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Frances Tiafoe, and Gauff claiming her second Cincinnati Open title over Jessica Pegula.

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in the FIH World Cup, marking their first win of the tournament. Multiple players scored for India, achieving their biggest World Cup win, and setting them up for their next match against England.

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

India's World Cup Hopes Dwindle After 2-0 Loss to Dominant Netherlands

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final.

World No 7 Victor Lai sets sights on badminton's top spot

World No 7 Victor Lai sets sights on badminton's top spot

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Canadian badminton player Victor Lai, currently world No. 7, expresses his ambition to become world No. 1. He acknowledges the challenge from established stars and welcomes the rise of a new generation of young shuttlers. Lai highlights his recent Super 1000 title win and his breakthrough at the India Open as crucial steps in his mental and professional growth.

Yamaguchi Aims For Record Fourth World Championships Crown

Yamaguchi Aims For Record Fourth World Championships Crown

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Akane Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion, has reached her fourth World Championships final and is poised to become the first women's singles player to win four titles. She attributes her smooth campaign to playing without pressure and adapting well to conditions, expressing readiness for a tough final against An Se Young.

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

AG.AL Dominates Esports World Cup 2026 To Claim Club Championship

Rediff.com6 days ago

AG.AL has been crowned the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Champion, winning a USD 7 million prize from a record-breaking USD 75 million total pool. Their victory was secured after a dramatic win in Trackmania, capping a seven-week competition.

Historic! Bangladesh claim first-ever Test win in Australia

Historic! Bangladesh claim first-ever Test win in Australia

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh secured a landmark nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win in Australia and one of Test cricket's greatest upsets, despite a defiant century from Cameron Green.

Satwik-Chirag crash out of BWF Worlds after China's stunning show

Satwik-Chirag crash out of BWF Worlds after China's stunning show

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, were defeated in straight games by China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships, ending their bid for a third medal at the event.

Badminton World Championships: Satwik-Chirag progress, PV Sindhu eliminated

Badminton World Championships: Satwik-Chirag progress, PV Sindhu eliminated

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the men's doubles quarterfinals at the World Championships, securing a potential third medal. However, India faced a setback with the elimination of two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Ayush Shetty in their respective singles matches. The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also reached the quarterfinals.

Badminton World Championships: Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Assured of Historic Women's Double Medal

Badminton World Championships: Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Assured of Historic Women's Double Medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured India's first women's doubles medal at the Badminton World Championships in 15 years after defeating China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in a thrilling quarter-final match.

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Sixteen years ago, when India and Pakistan last met in a men's Hockey World Cup, the contest was more than just two arch-rivals facing each other. It was about settling an old score. And as the two teams prepare to meet again after 16 years, memories of that evening remain fresh for those who were part of it.

LaLiga: Barcelona secure first home win of season against Athletic Bilbao

LaLiga: Barcelona secure first home win of season against Athletic Bilbao

Rediff.com2 days ago

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored for Barcelona in their 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou, marking their first home win of the LaLiga season and putting them level on points at the top of the table.

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Simran Singhi, and Kavipriya Selvam are set to make their BWF World Championships debut as India hosts the prestigious badminton event after 17 years, offering a significant platform for these rising stars.

BWF Worlds: Satwik-Chirag suffer shock exit, miss out on medal

BWF Worlds: Satwik-Chirag suffer shock exit, miss out on medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Satwik-Chirag's BWF World Championships campaign ended in a disappointing quarter-final defeat.

Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty secure quarterfinal berth at World Championships

Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty secure quarterfinal berth at World Championships

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Championships after a hard-fought victory over Malaysia's Junaidi Arif and Yap Roy King.

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian men's hockey team was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race after a 3-5 loss to Argentina in a crucial pool match. India needed to win by at least two goals but struggled to find form against a strong Argentine side.

Indian men's hockey team ends World Cup campaign in eighth place after shoot-out loss

Indian men's hockey team ends World Cup campaign in eighth place after shoot-out loss

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian men's hockey team finished eighth in the FIH World Cup campaign after losing 3-4 in a shoot-out to co-hosts Belgium. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time, with Harmanpreet Singh scoring a brace for India.

ODI World Cup: Tilak Varma could be India's answer to middle-order concerns

ODI World Cup: Tilak Varma could be India's answer to middle-order concerns

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.

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.

'We Weren't Able to Convert': Satwik-Chirag Rue World Championships Loss

'We Weren't Able to Convert': Satwik-Chirag Rue World Championships Loss

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, expressed disappointment over their inability to convert attacking opportunities and losing the crucial battle over the first four shots and service, leading to their quarterfinal exit at the World Championships.

Cincinnati Open: Bejlek shocks World No 1 Sabalenka, Paul ousts top seed Zverev

Cincinnati Open: Bejlek shocks World No 1 Sabalenka, Paul ousts top seed Zverev

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and top seed Alexander Zverev were dramatically knocked out of the Cincinnati Open, with Sabalenka losing to Sara Bejlek and Zverev falling to Tommy Paul after saving a match point.

Starc Dethrones Bumrah to Become World's No. 1 Test Bowler

Starc Dethrones Bumrah to Become World's No. 1 Test Bowler

Rediff.com4 days ago

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc dethroned Jasprit Bumrah to reach a career-high No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers, after a stellar 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

Satwik-Chirag Out, Treesa-Gayatri Assure Medal At BWF World Championships

Satwik-Chirag Out, Treesa-Gayatri Assure Medal At BWF World Championships

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, were eliminated from the BWF World Championships after a quarterfinal loss. However, the women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured at least a bronze medal by advancing to the semi-finals.

Manpreet Singh Eyes Historic Hockey World Cup Title

Manpreet Singh Eyes Historic Hockey World Cup Title

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Veteran Indian midfielder Manpreet Singh, preparing for his fourth and potentially final Hockey World Cup, expresses his determination to lead India to its first title in 51 years. He highlights the team's experience, preparation, and focus on fitness and defence, confident in their ability to reach the final.

'One percent lapse proved costly': Hardik Singh on Hockey World Cup loss to Netherlands

'One percent lapse proved costly': Hardik Singh on Hockey World Cup loss to Netherlands

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Indian men's hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has taken responsibility for the team's 1-3 defeat against the Netherlands at the FIH World Cup. He attributed the loss to a "one per cent lapse" in an otherwise strong performance, highlighting how small errors proved costly in a high-stakes match. Defender Amit Rohidas also acknowledged unforced errors in the final quarter.

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Ready for World No. 1 Challenge After Medal

Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Ready for World No. 1 Challenge After Medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian badminton duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who secured India's first women's doubles medal in 15 years, are now focused on their semi-final match against the world No. 1 seeds, aiming to stay calm and give their 100 per cent.

India's hockey World Cup hopes on line against South Africa

India's hockey World Cup hopes on line against South Africa

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's Women's Hockey team, buoyed by a draw against China, is set to face South Africa in their second World Cup match. A win is crucial for their qualification hopes for the second round. Coach Sjoerd Marijne acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession, despite strong performances from key players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur.

India Vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup Match Is A Sell-Out

India Vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup Match Is A Sell-Out

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen is a complete sell-out, with tickets having been sold online in phases since September 2025.

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.

FIFA World Cup: Qatar hold Switzerland for first ever World Cup point

FIFA World Cup: Qatar hold Switzerland for first ever World Cup point

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Qatar snatched their first ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time goal to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in an energetic and one-sided Group B opener on Saturday.

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

New Zealand's football coach Darren Bazeley lauded his team's performance in a 2-2 draw against Iran at the World Cup, where they came close to securing their first-ever win. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran equalised late, leaving all Group G teams with one point.

Badminton World Championships: Lakshya Sen survives scare in opening round

Badminton World Championships: Lakshya Sen survives scare in opening round

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Lakshya Sen recovered from a slow start to beat Collins Valentine Filimon of Austria in his first round match at the BWF Badminton World Championships 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday.

BWF Worlds: Sindhu eyes 6th medal; Satwik-Chirag chase glory

BWF Worlds: Sindhu eyes 6th medal; Satwik-Chirag chase glory

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is set to chase an unprecedented sixth medal at the BWF World Championships, which are returning to India after 17 years, beginning in New Delhi on Monday. Sindhu, already a five-time World Championships medallist, is high on confidence after winning the Japan Open Super 750 last month.

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India is set to face England in a critical FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, aiming to overcome a 32-year World Cup drought against their European rivals. Following an opening win against Wales, India seeks to improve its performance, particularly in open play finishing, against a strong England side that started with a dominant victory over Pakistan. The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams' progression to the knockout stages.