News for 'Hosts Japan'

New Delhi Assures World-Class Badminton Championships After India Open Criticism

New Delhi Assures World-Class Badminton Championships After India Open Criticism

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

New Delhi organisers are confident of delivering a 'world-class spectacle' for the upcoming Badminton World Championships, having addressed previous concerns regarding venue cleanliness, air quality, and animal control that marred the India Open earlier this year.

Neymar Trolls Economist After Brazil's Dramatic World Cup Victory

Neymar Trolls Economist After Brazil's Dramatic World Cup Victory

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Neymar, despite not playing, made headlines with a social media post trolling an economist after Brazil's 2-1 comeback win against Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he held Neymar back for potential extra time, while Gabriel Martinelli scored the dramatic winner.

Race Walk Coach Calls For Fair Asian Games Selection Considering Tough Weather

Race Walk Coach Calls For Fair Asian Games Selection Considering Tough Weather

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India's race walk coach Ronald Weigel has urged national selectors to consider the extremely humid conditions during the National Inter-State Championships when picking the team for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlighted how tough weather significantly slows down endurance athletes and suggested holding future selection events in more favourable conditions like Bengaluru.

'I Had Tears in My Eyes': P V Sindhu After Ending Title Drought

'I Had Tears in My Eyes': P V Sindhu After Ending Title Drought

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

P V Sindhu clinched her maiden Super 750 title at the Japan Open, defeating local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in a dominant performance that showcased her return to top form, ending a nearly two-year title drought and rekindling hopes for a record sixth World Championships medal.

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Indian men's U-18 hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match, earning a spot in the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, leading a strong offensive performance.

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Asia Cup

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Asia Cup

Rediff.com28 May 2026

India's Under-18 boys and girls hockey teams, mentored by Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, are set to compete in the Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after intensive training and exposure matches.

How India's Fencing Team Secured Asian Games Qualification

How India's Fencing Team Secured Asian Games Qualification

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Despite not winning a medal at the recently-concluded Asian Senior Fencing Championships, India's men's foil team secured direct qualification for the upcoming Asian Games, marking a significant step forward for the sport in the country. The event, hosted in India for the first time, provided valuable experience and highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian fencers against top Asian nations.

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

As New Delhi prepares to host the BWF World Championships from August 17-23, 2026, five young talents - Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, and Kalyana Nalbantova - are identified as potential breakout stars capable of challenging the sport's biggest names and redefining their careers.

Sonam, Elavenil Reach 10m Air Rifle Final At World Cup But Miss Out On Medals

Sonam, Elavenil Reach 10m Air Rifle Final At World Cup But Miss Out On Medals

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Elavenil Valarivan reached the women's 10m air rifle final at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

Delhi to host Asia Cup Archery Championships in 2027

Delhi to host Asia Cup Archery Championships in 2027

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

India is set to host the Asia Cup archery tournament in Delhi in 2027, marking the return of major international archery events to the country after 22 years. Ahmedabad will host the Asian Para Archery Championships in September, and Kolkata will host the South Asian Archery Championships in 2026.

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Redefines Heroism For The Modern Era

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Redefines Heroism For The Modern Era

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey masterfully reinterprets the legendary figure of Odysseus, presenting him as a multifaceted hero grappling with the horrors of war, the responsibilities of leadership, and an enduring longing for home.

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Ready For Semifinal Showdown

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Ready For Semifinal Showdown

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Both the Indian U-18 men's and women's hockey teams are set to compete in the semifinals of the Asia Cup. The men's team will face arch-rivals Pakistan, focusing on improving penalty corner execution, while the dominant women's team will take on China, aiming to continue their unbeaten run.

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced that India will send 125-130 athletes to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, participating in eight able-bodied and four para sports. The IOA is also preparing for the Asian Games and is in talks with the IOC for India's 2036 Olympic bid in Ahmedabad, which is also set to host the 2030 CWG. Iyer clarified that the IOA will not interfere in athlete selection matters.

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

India's Senior B And Men's A Teams Advance To Asia Cup Bridge Semifinals

India's Senior B And Men's A Teams Advance To Asia Cup Bridge Semifinals

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India's Senior B and Men's A bridge teams have successfully advanced to the semifinals of the fifth Asia Cup Bridge Championship, held in Panaji. The Senior B team topped the Swiss league, while the Men's A team secured a third-place finish, setting the stage for Friday's knockout rounds.

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.

India Women Storm To Hockey Nations Cup Title; Secure Pro League Return

India Women Storm To Hockey Nations Cup Title; Secure Pro League Return

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian Women's Hockey team secured their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title by defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final.

Goa Welcomes Asia's Top Bridge Players For Championship

Goa Welcomes Asia's Top Bridge Players For Championship

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships are set to begin in Goa, featuring nearly 300 players from 16 countries. Defending champions India will compete across various categories, facing strong contenders like Hong Kong and Indonesia. The event, described as the "Asian Games of bridge," highlights India's growing role in the sport.

What People Munch On At Half-Time

What People Munch On At Half-Time

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

What do we eat when we watch football?

Marijne Reveals Strategy For World Cup And Asian Games

Marijne Reveals Strategy For World Cup And Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne indicated that the Indian women's hockey team will likely use the upcoming World Cup as preparation for the more crucial Asian Games, which serves as a direct qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team plans to field a consistent core group for both events, scheduled just 20 days apart. Dutch dragflick specialist Taeke Taekema will join the team for both tournaments, and skipper Salima Tete praised Deepika's strong return from injury, highlighting her importance as a dragflicker.

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday confirmed India's bid to host the Asian Cup in 2031

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Rediff.com20 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, and energy, attending meetings with senior Indian officials and participating in a Quad group meeting in New Delhi.

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Thousands of people flooded one of the world's great urban boulevards on Saturday, attempting to set a world record for the Mexican wave - naturally, in the country that gave the beloved stadium ritual its name.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table

FIFA World Cup 2026 Points Table

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Points Table Of FIFA World Cup 2026.

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday, as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being.

Tete To Lead India At FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup

Tete To Lead India At FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

India's women's hockey team, led by Salima Tete, is set to participate in the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The squad blends experienced players with emerging talents, aiming to build on recent preparations and set a high standard for future tournaments.

India's Women's Hockey Team Dominates Nations Cup, Earns Pro League Promotion

India's Women's Hockey Team Dominates Nations Cup, Earns Pro League Promotion

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Indian women's hockey team, led by coach Sjoerd Marijne, won the Nations Cup in Auckland, defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the final. This victory secures their promotion back to the FIH Pro League. Despite the win, Marijne emphasised the need to improve field-goal conversion, while captain Salima Tete highlighted the team's strong mindset and the confidence boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian women's U-18 squad for the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Twenty-two rowers have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group to prepare for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selection, made by the Mission Olympic Cell, includes prominent names like Balraj Panwar and Arvind Singh.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

Rediff.com9 May 2026

FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.

PHF Clears Dues, Boosts Morale Ahead Of FIH Pro League And World Cup

PHF Clears Dues, Boosts Morale Ahead Of FIH Pro League And World Cup

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.

India Pushing For Yoga's Inclusion In 2036 Olympics

India Pushing For Yoga's Inclusion In 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said Yogasana would be pushed for inclusion in the future Olympic Games roster keeping in mind India's bid to host the 2036 Games.

Pakistan Hockey Team Gears Up To Face India In Key Tournaments

Pakistan Hockey Team Gears Up To Face India In Key Tournaments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Pakistan's men's hockey team, led by Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, is preparing to face India in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Butt acknowledges India's strength but asserts Pakistan's readiness for a tough competition, focusing on rectifying past mistakes and enhancing key areas like attack and fitness.

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian Under-20 men's team has been drawn into Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria, and Bangladesh for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from August 25 to September 6.