News for 'First World'

Praggnanandhaa beats Sindarov for first win in Sinquefield Cup

Praggnanandhaa beats Sindarov for first win in Sinquefield Cup

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured his first victory at the Sinquefield Cup, defeating Javokhir Sindarov in a 95-move game.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.

BWF Worlds: Satwik-Chirag through to last 16 without hitting a shot

BWF Worlds: Satwik-Chirag through to last 16 without hitting a shot

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships via a walkover. Mixed doubles pair Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila also progressed, while other top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu are set to compete.

Lakshya Sen, Treesa-Gayatri Advance In BWF World Championships

Lakshya Sen, Treesa-Gayatri Advance In BWF World Championships

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen advanced to the second round of the BWF World Championships after overcoming Austria's Collins Valentine Filimon. The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also stunned 16th seeds to reach the pre-quarterfinals. However, India faced a poor outing in mixed doubles, with two pairs crashing out in the opening round, though Unnati Hooda also progressed in women's singles.

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.

Magnus Carlsen retains Esports World Cup chess title undefeated

Magnus Carlsen retains Esports World Cup chess title undefeated

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen successfully defended his title at the Esports World Cup chess competition, completing an undefeated campaign by defeating Belarusian grandmaster Denis Lazavik in a dominant final. Carlsen secured a 2-0 victory, showcasing his strategic prowess and determination throughout the tournament.

Sri Lanka Recall Dickwella, Madushanka For First Test Against India

Sri Lanka Recall Dickwella, Madushanka For First Test Against India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 16-member squad for the first Test against India, featuring the return of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella.

India's women's Hockey World Cup dream dashed after goalless draw with Australia

India's women's Hockey World Cup dream dashed after goalless draw with Australia

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's campaign in the FIH Women's World Cup concluded after a goalless draw against Australia in their final second-round match.

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen knocked out; Sindhu, Shetty advance

BWF Worlds: Lakshya Sen knocked out; Sindhu, Shetty advance

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lakshya Sen, a 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, faced a surprising second-round defeat to USA's Garret Tan at the BWF World Championships. Meanwhile, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and rising star Ayush Shetty successfully advanced to the pre-quarterfinals. Other Indian pairs also saw mixed results, with some progressing and others bowing out.

Suraj Chand Secures India's First Men's Singles Gold In 16 Years

Suraj Chand Secures India's First Men's Singles Gold In 16 Years

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Suraj Kumar Chand has won India's first men's singles gold medal in 16 years at the FISU World University Championship Squash, defeating Hungary's Benedek Takacs in a thrilling final. Spain's Marta Dominguez Fernandez also successfully defended her women's singles title.

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Ladakh has inaugurated its first international-level artificial ice hockey rink, a state-of-the-art facility costing Rs 42 crore. Equipped with a 24x7 chilling system, it allows year-round training, overcoming the previous limitation of a short natural ice season. This development is expected to boost winter sports, nurture local talent, and promote sports tourism in the region.

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,

BWF Worlds: Treesa-Gayatri stun China, assure India of medal

BWF Worlds: Treesa-Gayatri stun China, assure India of medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand staged a remarkable comeback victory in the women's doubles quarter-finals at the BWF World Championships 2026, defeating China's Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian to secure a semi-final spot and guarantee India a medal.

'Ayush has nothing to lose against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi'

'Ayush has nothing to lose against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty's coach, Sagar Chopda, believes that the Indian shuttler's challenging World Championships opener against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi could work in his favour, citing Shi Yu Qi's recent form and the home crowd advantage.

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India is poised to secure its first overseas Test series victory in three years as they face Sri Lanka in the second and final match, with skipper Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal under pressure to deliver substantial knocks.

David Miller eyes fairytale ODI World Cup farewell

David Miller eyes fairytale ODI World Cup farewell

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

South African batting stalwart David Miller has expressed his strong desire to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa. He aims to finish his career on a high note by lifting the trophy in front of home fans. Miller also reflected on his career as a middle-order finisher and highlighted his most memorable innings.

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.

Nerves, missed chances cost India women's hockey team World Cup semi-final spot: Coach Marijne

Nerves, missed chances cost India women's hockey team World Cup semi-final spot: Coach Marijne

Rediff.com6 days ago

India women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne attributed his side's goalless draw against Australia, which led to their World Cup semi-final exit, to nerves and an inability to convert opportunities, despite calling the fifth-sixth place playoff a 'significant achievement'.

6 Bangladesh Test Wins That Shocked The Cricket World

6 Bangladesh Test Wins That Shocked The Cricket World

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win on Australian soil, powered by Tanzid Hasan's century and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's five-wicket haul.

Hockey World Cup: Coach Fulton highlights defensive woes after England defeat

Hockey World Cup: Coach Fulton highlights defensive woes after England defeat

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's men's hockey team suffered a 4-2 defeat against England in their second Hockey World Cup pool match, with head coach Craig Fulton and player Manpreet Singh attributing the loss to defensive lapses, particularly in the third quarter. The team now faces a crucial match against arch-rivals Pakistan, needing to improve their defensive discipline and penalty corner conversion.

Nepal floods: 'She was coming for Raksha Bandhan, but decided to visit Kailash first'

Nepal floods: 'She was coming for Raksha Bandhan, but decided to visit Kailash first'

Rediff.com2 days ago

An NRI couple from Vadodara, Kinnari and Mihir Patel, who travelled to Nepal from New Zealand, have gone missing after devastating flash floods hit the region, prompting their family to appeal to the government for swift rescue action.

Venezuela Wins First World Baseball Classic: How National Pride Powered The Upset Over US

Venezuela Wins First World Baseball Classic: How National Pride Powered The Upset Over US

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 to win its first World Baseball Classic title, showcasing team unity and national pride.

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

'Real chance': Savita backs India for World Cup medal

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia believes their recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to challenge top teams and secure a podium finish at the upcoming World Cup.

Afghanistan secure 2027 World Cup spot, West Indies to play qualifiers

Afghanistan secure 2027 World Cup spot, West Indies to play qualifiers

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Afghanistan has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland, while the West Indies, ranked 10th, will once again have to navigate qualifiers for the third consecutive edition of the tournament.

Iga Swiatek reaches her first final of season at Canadian Open

Iga Swiatek reaches her first final of season at Canadian Open

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Iga Swiatek fought back from a break down in the deciding set to defeat Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 at the Canadian Open.

India Aims To Break 32-Year Jinx Against England In World Cup Clash

India Aims To Break 32-Year Jinx Against England In World Cup Clash

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India faces a tough challenge against world No. 3 England in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India, coming off a win against Wales, needs to improve its open play finishing and overcome a 32-year World Cup jinx against England. The outcome will significantly impact their path to the knockout stages.

'No Words Could Normalise Things': Coach on Treesa-Gayatri's Historic World Championships Medal

'No Words Could Normalise Things': Coach on Treesa-Gayatri's Historic World Championships Medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian doubles coach B Sumeeth Reddy discusses the emotional journey and struggles of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who secured a historic bronze medal at the Badminton World Championships. He highlights their contrasting personalities, improved rotation, and resilience in overcoming injuries to achieve this significant milestone.

Neeraj hails Basant Meghwal, Shahnavaz Khan after World Athletics U20 Championships medals

Neeraj hails Basant Meghwal, Shahnavaz Khan after World Athletics U20 Championships medals

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian athletes Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan have made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon, winning silver in men's high jump and bronze in men's long jump, respectively, bringing India's medal tally to three.

Independence Day Spirit Fuels Indian Hockey Fans At World Cup Opener

Independence Day Spirit Fuels Indian Hockey Fans At World Cup Opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.

Australian Star Min Woo Lee Set For DP World India Championship Debut

Australian Star Min Woo Lee Set For DP World India Championship Debut

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Australian golf sensation Min Woo Lee, a winner on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, is set to make his debut at the DP World India Championship in October. He will join an impressive lineup of international stars, including Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, and Ryan Fox, at the Delhi Golf Club for the USD 4 million tournament, which also features top Indian golfers.

FIH Hockey World Cup: 'Past performances don't matter in India vs Pakistan match'

FIH Hockey World Cup: 'Past performances don't matter in India vs Pakistan match'

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat arch-rivals India at the upcoming FIH World Cup, stating that "rankings don't matter" in such high-stakes encounters and performance on the day is key.

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India played an impressive opening match at the Women's Hockey World Cup, securing a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, with goals from Navneet Kaur and Deepika.

JCB Hydromax sets world land speed record for hydrogen-powered vehicle

JCB Hydromax sets world land speed record for hydrogen-powered vehicle

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former fighter pilot Andy Green has set a new world land speed record for a hydrogen-powered car at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, achieving a combined speed of 406.320 mph (653.909 kph) in the JCB Hydromax.

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

World Cup Sees First Red Card Under Controversial Rule

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prestianni Law enforced for the first time at FIFA World Cup as Almiron sees red.

Indian eves secure Hockey World Cup second round spot after goalless draw with England

Indian eves secure Hockey World Cup second round spot after goalless draw with England

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team advanced to the second round of the FIH World Cup after a goalless draw against England in their final Pool D match. Despite a challenging performance and facing numerous penalty corners, India's goalkeepers played a crucial role in preserving the draw and securing qualification.

First Time Germany Knocked Out On Penalties At World Cup

First Time Germany Knocked Out On Penalties At World Cup

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's shootout defeat by Paraguay on Monday was the first time they have lost on penalties at a World Cup.

Tiangong Ultra: How China's humanoid robot shattered Usain Bolt's 100m record

Tiangong Ultra: How China's humanoid robot shattered Usain Bolt's 100m record

Rediff.com2 days ago

A made-in-China humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, has shattered Usain Bolt's 100-metre sprint world record, completing the distance in 8.64 seconds compared to Bolt's 9.58 seconds. While a significant technological advancement, experts note the robot's running style differs greatly from humans, highlighting both its strengths in speed and areas where it still lags, such as decision-making and perception.

Moises Henriques to captain Portugal in T20 World Cup qualifiers

Moises Henriques to captain Portugal in T20 World Cup qualifiers

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques, born in Madeira, will captain Portugal in their bid to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup for the first time, leading a 14-man squad in the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland.

We just need to score goals, says Harmanpreet after India's big win in World Cup opener

We just need to score goals, says Harmanpreet after India's big win in World Cup opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's men's hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 3-1 victory over Wales in their Hockey World Cup opener. Harmanpreet, who scored two goals, expressed satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. Despite conceding a late goal, the team remains confident and focused on a podium finish.

Afghanistan Beats Ireland In 3rd ODI, Qualifies For 2027 World Cup

Afghanistan Beats Ireland In 3rd ODI, Qualifies For 2027 World Cup

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Afghanistan defeated Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI, securing direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.