News for 'India First'

Asiad: India eye double kabaddi gold after easy semifinal wins

Asiad: India eye double kabaddi gold after easy semifinal wins

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

India's men's and women's kabaddi teams marched into the Asian Games finals with comfortable semifinal wins over Thailand and Nepal respectively on Friday, keeping their hopes of defending their gold medals alive.

Asian Games: Gold Awaits! Shreyas Iyer, Team India Land in Nagoya

Asian Games: Gold Awaits! Shreyas Iyer, Team India Land in Nagoya

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

India's men's cricket team arrived in Nagoya on Saturday with their Asian Games title defence set to begin, as the defending champions prepare to face Afghanistan in their quarter-final on September 28.

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.

Record-breaking Kohli fires India to easy win over Windies

Record-breaking Kohli fires India to easy win over Windies

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Maestro Virat Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill displayed their mastery in 50-over format with virtuoso hundreds as India subdued the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Jadeja's Place In Danger? India Eye Improved Bowling In 3rd ODI Vs West Indies

Jadeja's Place In Danger? India Eye Improved Bowling In 3rd ODI Vs West Indies

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India's bowling attack, particularly veteran Ravindra Jadeja, is under immense pressure to deliver an improved performance in the third and final ODI against the West Indies in Mullanpur. With the series already secured, the focus shifts to addressing the team's struggles in picking up early wickets and containing runs, especially in the powerplay and middle overs.

Asian Games: India's Full Schedule For September 29

Asian Games: India's Full Schedule For September 29

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A comprehensive schedule detailing the events and timings for Indian athletes participating in the Asian Games on Tuesday, September 29, across various sports including archery, athletics, boxing, shooting, tennis, and more, with numerous medal events highlighted.

Rohit-Kohli Reunion: India Begin West Indies ODI Prep

Rohit-Kohli Reunion: India Begin West Indies ODI Prep

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back together in the India nets on Thursday, giving fans an early glimpse of the veterans ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.

Asian Games: Rain, no practice, then gold: Iyer reveals India's 'champion' mindset

Asian Games: Rain, no practice, then gold: Iyer reveals India's 'champion' mindset

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

'We didn't complain, we didn't give any reason,' said Shreyas Iyer after India overcame a disrupted build-up to beat Pakistan and win Asian Games gold.

Jadeja still in India's ODI World Cup plans, says Bahutule

Jadeja still in India's ODI World Cup plans, says Bahutule

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has indicated that Ravindra Jadeja's prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup are strong, with his all-round skills being a crucial factor. The team is actively assessing various spin options, including Axar Patel, and using current series to experiment with combinations and fine-tune the squad for the upcoming showpiece event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Tough Draws For Sindhu, Sen At French Open Super 750

Tough Draws For Sindhu, Sen At French Open Super 750

Rediff.com1 hour ago

Indian badminton players, including P V Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, are set to compete in the French Open Super 750 tournament starting on Tuesday, aiming to overcome recent performance dips. Sindhu faces world No. 1 An Se Young, while Sen takes on Kodai Naraoka.

Six golds, 76 medals and top-5 spot: India lights up Asiad penultimate day

Six golds, 76 medals and top-5 spot: India lights up Asiad penultimate day

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India achieved a remarkable six-gold haul on the penultimate day of the Asian Games, surging to fifth place with 76 medals. Key victories included the women's hockey team securing gold and Olympic qualification, historic boxing golds from Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Ankush Panghal, a wrestling gold by Sujeet Kalkal, and maiden recurve archery gold. This strong finish significantly bolstered India's overall campaign.

AITA Organises Free All-Women Tennis Coaching Course In New Delhi

AITA Organises Free All-Women Tennis Coaching Course In New Delhi

Rediff.com20 hours ago

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) is conducting a free, all-women coaching course in New Delhi from October 24 to 30. This initiative aims to create a structured pathway for women in tennis coaching, supported by MYAS, SAI, and DLTA, and has attracted 48 entries.

Indian Army Athletes Deliver Best-Ever Performance At Asian Games

Indian Army Athletes Deliver Best-Ever Performance At Asian Games

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indian Army athletes achieved their best-ever medal haul at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, securing 20 medals, including six gold, eight silver, and six bronze. This significant contribution accounted for nearly one-fourth of India's total 85 medals. Standout performers included Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda in trap shooting and Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh in distance running, who also set a national record. The Army's increased representation and performance, particularly from women athletes, highlight the robust sporting ecosystem within the Indian Army.

India A dominate Day 3, set 363-run target for Australia A

India A dominate Day 3, set 363-run target for Australia A

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

India A, led by skipper Devdutt Padikkal's fifty and Kumar Kushagra's unbeaten 46, set Australia A a challenging target of 363 runs on day three of their four-day match in Puducherry. Australia A ended the day at 55/2, needing 308 more runs to win.

India faces power crunch as coal stocks at thermal plants hit critical levels

India faces power crunch as coal stocks at thermal plants hit critical levels

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Coal inventories at nearly half of India's thermal power plants have fallen to less than 25 per cent of required stocks, with 80 out of 190 plants at critical levels as of September 24, prompting the Centre to invoke emergency provisions and consider mandating imported coal usage.

'He will lead India for a long time': Kohli backs Gill's captaincy

'He will lead India for a long time': Kohli backs Gill's captaincy

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Virat Kohli has expressed strong confidence in Shubman Gill's leadership potential, stating that Gill possesses the right perspective and intensity to captain India for a long time.

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

What Is Driving India's Outreach To Neighbours?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India has significantly increased its diplomatic engagements with Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Why Asian Champions Trophy is special for Harmanpreet

Why Asian Champions Trophy is special for Harmanpreet

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Asian Champions Trophy returns to Punjab after 17 years, marking a special occasion for Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, whose family will watch him play internationally for the first time. The tournament, featuring six teams, highlights Punjab's rich hockey legacy and will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.

Young Indian Women's Football Squad Prepares For Russia Test

Young Indian Women's Football Squad Prepares For Russia Test

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

India's women's football team, the Blue Tigresses, will play two international friendlies against 27th-ranked Russia in Kolkata. These matches serve as a crucial test for India's young squad, with an average age of 23, as they prepare for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. Head coach Crispin Chettri views this as an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves against a stronger opponent.

Shafali Verma reveals how studying Australian batters is helping her find consistency

Shafali Verma reveals how studying Australian batters is helping her find consistency

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Indian opener Shafali Verma, after her aggressive fifty against Zimbabwe, revealed she studied Australian batters to improve her consistency. Her 25-ball 55 helped India secure a series-clinching nine-wicket win in the second T20I. Skipper Smriti Mandhana praised Shafali's performance and the team's improved bowling effort, while Zimbabwe's captain Josephine Nkomo acknowledged learning from India's batting masterclass.

Kapil Dev Addresses Fan Access, Gen Z, And Golf's Future

Kapil Dev Addresses Fan Access, Gen Z, And Golf's Future

Rediff.com2 days ago

PGTI president Kapil Dev has called on authorities to facilitate fan access to the D P World India Championship amidst ongoing protests in Delhi. He also urged Gen Z to listen to others while acknowledging their intelligence, and advocated for shorter golf formats and improved infrastructure to boost the sport's popularity in India.

Sensex drops 429 points as RBI hikes rates, crude prices surge

Sensex drops 429 points as RBI hikes rates, crude prices surge

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Indian stock markets closed lower, with the Sensex falling 429 points, after the Reserve Bank of India raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in nearly four years, coupled with rising crude oil prices and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Historic! Harmanpreet first captain to lead in 150 T20Is

Historic! Harmanpreet first captain to lead in 150 T20Is

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

India's Harmanpreet Kaur has become the first cricketer, male or female, to captain a team in 150 T20 Internationals.

J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi Makes India ODI Debut Against West Indies

J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi Makes India ODI Debut Against West Indies

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi made his international debut for India in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati, becoming the third player from J&K to play for India in ODIs.

Reliance welcomes Starlink competition, insists on adherence to Indian laws

Reliance welcomes Starlink competition, insists on adherence to Indian laws

Rediff.com3 days ago

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has publicly welcomed competition from Elon Musk's Starlink in the satellite communications sector, asserting that all players, including Jio, must abide by Indian laws and policies.

Arshdeep Singh ready for Test cricket despite fewer first-class games

Arshdeep Singh ready for Test cricket despite fewer first-class games

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh discusses his aspirations for Test cricket, acknowledging his limited first-class appearances but asserting his readiness. He highlights the importance of understanding body mechanics, managing workload, and adapting to various pitch conditions. Arshdeep also touches upon the strong contingent of Punjab players in Indian cricket and his preparations for upcoming international assignments like the T20I series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games.

Steve Smith reveals anxiety after latest concussion scare

Steve Smith reveals anxiety after latest concussion scare

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Australian batsman Steve Smith admitted to feeling anxious after being hit on the head during the first Test against South Africa, fearing another concussion, despite passing all protocols.

Coach Craig Fulton Reflects On India's Asian Games Gold And Olympic Ambitions

Coach Craig Fulton Reflects On India's Asian Games Gold And Olympic Ambitions

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton discusses the team's recent successes, including defending the Asian Games gold and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He surprisingly rates the Paris Olympics bronze medal as his most satisfying achievement, highlighting the team's strategic planning and resilience. Fulton also outlines the team's future transition plans, focusing on upcoming tournaments and developing new talent for LA 2028.

Asian Games: India's EFootball Campaign Ends

Asian Games: India's EFootball Campaign Ends

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

India's eFootball team concluded its Asian Games campaign after failing to qualify for the quarterfinals, despite securing a draw against Uzbekistan and a walkover from Mongolia. Uzbekistan advanced from Group F due to their win against Mongolia.

India Among Countries Who Love Instant Noodles Most!

India Among Countries Who Love Instant Noodles Most!

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Instant noodles continued to be a favourite worldwide, with consumption climbing to an estimated 124.21 billion servings last year.

'Maybe not': India coach Peter Wilson's wild Asian Games pledge

'Maybe not': India coach Peter Wilson's wild Asian Games pledge

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India trap coach Peter Wilson explains his wild medal pledges after Neeru Dhanda's Asian Games gold, recalling his bald-headed celebration in 2025.

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.

'Beautiful': Shreyas Iyer on India's Japan experience

'Beautiful': Shreyas Iyer on India's Japan experience

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Indian T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his excitement for the historic one-off T20I against Japan, marking the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations. He praised Japan's hospitality and acknowledged the team's anticipation despite unfamiliar conditions.

Captain Smriti Mandhana Outlines Ambitious Goals For Indian Women's Team

Captain Smriti Mandhana Outlines Ambitious Goals For Indian Women's Team

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's new captain Smriti Mandhana is set to lead the women's team in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, marking a new era. She aims to elevate the team's professionalism, power-hitting, and fielding, while fostering a strong team culture. Mandhana also highlighted the importance of Harmanpreet Kaur's experience and praised deputy Shafali Verma's growth, as the team prepares for the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027.

Compound Archers Sweep Golds, Shooters Add To India's Asian Games Haul

Compound Archers Sweep Golds, Shooters Add To India's Asian Games Haul

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

India achieved its most successful day at the Asian Games, securing 10 gold medals, 21 silver, and 29 bronze, bringing the total to 60 and improving its ranking to seventh. Compound archers swept all team golds, including an Olympic quota, while trap shooters Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai also won mixed gold. Boxing and wrestling added bronze medals, and the women's hockey team reached the final, assuring at least a silver.

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India's CEO and MD-designate, has outlined passenger safety, operational reliability, and sustainable profitability as the airline's foremost priorities, emphasising a stronger safety-reporting culture and improved disruption recovery.

Asian Games Boxing: Lovlina, Parveen Win Historic Golds; End India's 12-Year Drought

Asian Games Boxing: Lovlina, Parveen Win Historic Golds; End India's 12-Year Drought

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Parveen Hooda (65kg) have clinched gold medals in women's boxing at the Asian Games, ending India's 12-year wait for titles in the category.

Nitesh Kumar, Thulasimathi Murugesan Secure Asian Para Games Medal

Nitesh Kumar, Thulasimathi Murugesan Secure Asian Para Games Medal

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The Indian mixed doubles badminton pair of Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a medal at the Asian Para Games by topping their SL3-SU5 Group B with an unbeaten record, advancing to the semifinals. Nitesh Kumar also won his men's singles SL3 match, and Ruthick Ragupathi won his men's singles SU5 match.

Siraj or Nabi? India face pace puzzle in Guwahati ODI

Siraj or Nabi? India face pace puzzle in Guwahati ODI

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India's batting strength, highlighted by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, is set to face the West Indies in the second ODI to seal the series. However, the team's pace-bowling combination remains a significant concern, particularly after the unsuccessful experiment with Nitish Kumar Reddy. The match is crucial for the West Indies, who are looking to keep the series alive and build confidence for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

India's Real Estate Sector Attracts Record $9.5 Billion Inflows in Q3 2026

India's Real Estate Sector Attracts Record $9.5 Billion Inflows in Q3 2026

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India's real estate sector recorded an unprecedented $9.5 billion in capital inflows during Q3 2026, primarily driven by foreign investors' strong interest in data centres, according to a CBRE Group report.