News for 'Legends of India'

Leander Paes To Inspire Next Generation Of Asian Tennis Stars

Leander Paes To Inspire Next Generation Of Asian Tennis Stars

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has been appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF). In this role, Paes will work to promote tennis across Asia, mentor young players, support grassroots development, and represent the federation at international events, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Hundreds gathered in Varanasi with tearful eyes on Saturday to bid a final farewell to India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana, whose mortal remains were flown in by air ambulance from Dehradun.

Tennis Legend Leander Paes Joins BJP Ahead of West Bengal Elections

Tennis Legend Leander Paes Joins BJP Ahead of West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Indian tennis icon Leander Paes has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant transition from his celebrated sports career to the political arena, ahead of assembly elections in West Bengal.

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

'I Was Hit By A Burst Of Gunfire'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Kargil War Hero looks back at the victory of Tiger Hill and the men who didn't return.

Dilip Kumar To Shah Rukh Khan: Indians Who Refused Iconic Hollywood Films

Dilip Kumar To Shah Rukh Khan: Indians Who Refused Iconic Hollywood Films

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

From Fahadh Faasil and Dilip Kumar to Sridevi and Shah Rukh Khan, a look at Indian actors who reportedly came close to starring in iconic Hollywood blockbusters but ultimately missed out.

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.

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

When I planned my 27th birthday trip to Kerala, I had a very clear vision in mind. There would be beaches. There would be the backwaters. There would be long boat rides, cute cafs and perhaps a fancy dinner overlooking the water. What I did not anticipate was celebrating my birthday with Lionel Messi.

NBA Great Vlade Divac Hopes Basketball Gains Popularity In India

NBA Great Vlade Divac Hopes Basketball Gains Popularity In India

Rediff.com8 May 2026

NBA legend Vlade Divac expresses optimism about the growth of basketball in India, acknowledging cricket's dominance but highlighting the potential for Indian talent in the NBA.

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a necessary addition in the existing assortment of franchise-based tourneys as the format is here to stay unlike ODIs, said Indian spin bowling legend Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday.

Will Nagraj Manjule Recreate Sairat Magic With Khashaba?

Will Nagraj Manjule Recreate Sairat Magic With Khashaba?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Khashaba teaser leaves behind the feeling that Marathi cinema is gearing up for something monumental, notes Mayur Sanap.

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Matthew Hayden cautions young cricketers against blindly copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting style, backs Shubman Gill's consistency, and raises concerns over the future of bilateral ODI cricket amid the franchise boom.

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Aamir Khan Reunites With Ashutosh Gowariker For Next Film

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Aamir Khan is set to bring the life of cricketing legend Lala Amarnath to the big screen in a biopic directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

FIFA World Cup: Remember the name 'Cabo Verde'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Cabo Verde on X, urging fans to "Remember the name" after their spirited performances.

Sreejesh Slams Hockey India For Preferring Foreign Coaches

Sreejesh Slams Hockey India For Preferring Foreign Coaches

Rediff.com13 May 2026

P. R. Sreejesh has voiced his frustration after his contract as head coach of the India U-21 hockey team was not renewed, alleging Hockey India prefers foreign coaches despite his successful tenure.

IPL Eliminator: Cricket world hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after blitzkrieg knock vs SRH

IPL Eliminator: Cricket world hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after blitzkrieg knock vs SRH

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The whirlwind knock drew wide admiration, with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauding his fluent bat swing and describing the innings as "spectacular", underlining the growing stature of a youngster fast becoming the face of fearless modern T20 batting.

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Rejects Political Bids, Considers Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Former Indian football captain I.M. Vijayan has declined offers from multiple political parties to contest in the upcoming elections, but would consider a Rajya Sabha nomination.

Olympian Jennifer Paes, Mother Of Leander Paes, Passes Away At 72

Olympian Jennifer Paes, Mother Of Leander Paes, Passes Away At 72

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Former India basketball captain and Olympian Jennifer Paes, mother of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 72.

DP World PGTI Launches NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial Golf Tournament

DP World PGTI Launches NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial Golf Tournament

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The DP World PGTI has launched the inaugural NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial golf tournament to honour the late Indian golfing legend, Vijay Kumar. The event, held at his home course in Lucknow from June 9-11, celebrates his legacy and aims to inspire new talent.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.

Sooryavanshi more than ready to play for India, says RR head coach Sangakkara

Sooryavanshi more than ready to play for India, says RR head coach Sangakkara

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Kumar Sangakkara believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready to play for India after his sensational batting performances in IPL 2026.

Narang, Kunjarani Join Panel For National Sports Board

Narang, Kunjarani Join Panel For National Sports Board

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Olympic medallist Gagan Narang and weightlifting great N Kunjarani Devi have been appointed to a five-member search-cum-selection committee for the National Sports Board. Chaired by Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, the committee will recommend names for the Board's Chairperson and Members. The National Sports Board is tasked with recognising National Sports Bodies and ensuring compliance with governance, financial, and ethical standards under the new National Sports Governance Act.

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India's roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, including discussions on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is confidential and not for public consumption. He also clarified that the BCCI adheres strictly to the Government of India's policies regarding bilateral tours, such as the potential resumption of ties with Bangladesh, without concern for the political situation in other countries.

Bollywood's Fascination With The Jungle!

Bollywood's Fascination With The Jungle!

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Explore Bollywood's fascination with wild, untamed settings, from the comedic antics of Welcome To The Jungle to the intense dramas and romances set amidst lush forests, showcasing how these natural backdrops shape diverse cinematic narratives.

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.

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, joining global icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James after another record-breaking year in cricket.

Indian Football Star Grace Dangmei Ends Career On High Note

Indian Football Star Grace Dangmei Ends Career On High Note

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Indian women's football team veteran Grace Dangmei has announced her international retirement following the team's SAFF Championships victory. The 30-year-old forward, who represented India 95 times, concluded her nearly 15-year career with a third SAFF title, having also played for top Indian and Uzbek clubs.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Former India and Irish cricketer M V Narasimha Rao said the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds him of the legendary Gary Sobers.

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian coaches, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims.

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian talent, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected the claims.

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is set to be dismantled due to safety concerns after being found unstable in the wind.

Neeru Dhanda Seventh As India's Medal Wait Continues

Neeru Dhanda Seventh As India's Medal Wait Continues

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Neeru Dhanda finished seventh in the women's trap final at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup, continuing India's medal drought in the competition. Despite a strong comeback in qualification, she was eliminated early in the final. Australia's Penny Smith won gold, setting a world record.

How Cricket Strengthens India-Jamaica Relations

How Cricket Strengthens India-Jamaica Relations

Rediff.com4 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the unifying role of cricket between India and Jamaica, dedicating a digital scoreboard gifted by India to Sabina Park in Kingston.

Ancy Sojan erases Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old long-jump record

Ancy Sojan erases Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old long-jump record

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Kerala's Ancy Sojan created history on Saturday by breaking the long-standing national record in women's long jump at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.

Rohit Sharma completes 16,000 international runs as opener, joins elite list

Rohit Sharma completes 16,000 international runs as opener, joins elite list

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Adding another feather to his illustrious cap, Rohit Sharma on Saturday became only the second Indian opener after Virender Sehwag to score 16,000 international runs while opening the batting.

Bhagwat's Haldighati Claim Diminishes History

Bhagwat's Haldighati Claim Diminishes History

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Maharana Pratap became a hero not because he won a battle, but because he continued fighting after he lost one, asserts Harishchandra.

'Scrap Ranji Trophy If It Doesn't Matter': Vengsarkar Blasts Selectors For Auqib Nabi Snub

'Scrap Ranji Trophy If It Doesn't Matter': Vengsarkar Blasts Selectors For Auqib Nabi Snub

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Cricket legend Dilip Vengsarkar has slammed the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for ignoring Ranji Trophy star Auqib Nabi for the Afghanistan Test, calling the decision 'absurd' and questioning the value of domestic cricket performances.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.