News for 'National Performance Squad'

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Ancelotti arrived with hope, but Brazil's problems ran too deep

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's World Cup campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway as Carlo Ancelotti's gamble on experienced stars backfired, exposing deeper structural issues and leaving the five-time champions facing a long road back to the summit of world football.

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed pride in his team's performance after a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup opener. Despite coming close to a historic win, Hassan highlighted the team's quality, ambition, and the strong contributions of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, asserting that Egypt is not just there to "make up the numbers." The draw is seen as a significant step in reinventing the national team's identity.

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) if she is not provided a 'factual explanation' for her omission from the Asian Games squad.

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The umbrella of 'inexperience' or 'reset' is merely an excuse. Team India's think-tank will have to admit that this is experimentation without a roadmap, points out K R Nayar.

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

My Dear Friend Garry Sobers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed into the ages on July 17, would have turned 90 today, July 28. Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam remembers a dear friend who he believes was 'undoubtedly the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.'

Indian Women's Hockey Team Prepares for World Cup with National Camp

Indian Women's Hockey Team Prepares for World Cup with National Camp

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian senior women's national hockey team is set to begin a training camp in Bengaluru to prepare for the upcoming World Cup and other major tournaments.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns India A Call-Up For Sri Lanka Tri-Series

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns India A Call-Up For Sri Lanka Tri-Series

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named in the 15-member India A squad for the tri-nation 50-over series in Sri Lanka, starting June 9.

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

Gurnoor Brar: Why this 6'4 pacer is India's next big fast bowler

Gurnoor Brar: Why this 6'4 pacer is India's next big fast bowler

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has emerged as one of the country's promising pace prospects after a steady rise through college cricket and domestic performances, earning a call-up to the national setup ahead of India A's upcoming tour.

From FIFA World Cup title dreams to heartbreak for Germany

From FIFA World Cup title dreams to heartbreak for Germany

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shocking penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, marking another early exit for the four-time champions. This defeat highlights a concerning pattern of underperformance in major tournaments since 2014, raising questions about coach Julian Nagelsmann's future and the team's overall direction.

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Neymar returns for Brazil but there's a new Junior in town

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Neymar Junior returned to international football after a 981-day absence, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup victory over Scotland.

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Salima Tete will lead the Indian women's hockey team in their upcoming tour of Australia, with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas receiving their first senior team call-ups.

Afghanistan name new T20I captain as squad for SL series announced

Afghanistan name new T20I captain as squad for SL series announced

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Ibrahim Zadran takes over the reins from Rashid Khan after Afghanistan's early ouster from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

'BCCI has found its poster boy': Coach hails Sooryavanshi's India call-up

'BCCI has found its poster boy': Coach hails Sooryavanshi's India call-up

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood coach Manish Ojha hailed the 15-year-old's historic India selection, saying the BCCI may have found the future 'poster boy' of Indian cricket after his record-breaking IPL season.

Croatia bank on Modric for one last World Cup push

Croatia bank on Modric for one last World Cup push

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Luka Modric is expected to lead Croatia at what could be his final World Cup as Zlatko Dalic's side aim to continue their remarkable record of success on football's biggest stage despite fitness concerns over their captain.

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Canada's national football team is preparing for their World Cup Group B match against Qatar in Vancouver, aiming to improve on their opening draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasizes setting the tone early and confirms Alphonso Davies' fitness for the crucial game.

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a victory in the historic Lord's Test against England would be a 'very big moment' for her side, helping them regain confidence after their T20 World Cup exit and marking a landmark achievement in women's cricket.

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Equestrian Federation of India's (EFI) selection process for the Asian Games dressage team, dismissing petitions from riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela. The court found no arbitrariness or procedural impropriety, reinforcing the principle that judicial interference in expert selection bodies is limited. Challenges regarding Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs), criteria interpretation, and bias were all rejected.

Kiran Pisda: From National Team Full-Back To Goalkeeper At Khelo India Tribal Games

Kiran Pisda: From National Team Full-Back To Goalkeeper At Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Kiran Pisda, an Indian footballer with international experience, showcased her versatility by playing as a goalkeeper for Chhattisgarh in the Khelo India Tribal Games.

Rajat Patidar stakes claim for spot in India T20 side with IPL special

Rajat Patidar stakes claim for spot in India T20 side with IPL special

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajat Patidar's explosive T20 form has sparked debate about his inclusion in India's T20 squad, with calls for his selection growing louder after a blistering innings in the IPL.

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

Mumbai Indians' Coach Explains Team's IPL 2026 Struggles

Mumbai Indians' Coach Explains Team's IPL 2026 Struggles

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene reflects on the team's disappointing I_L 2026 season, citing a lack of individual brilliance and collective effort.

Suryakumar dropped! Shreyas Iyer India's new T20 captain

Suryakumar dropped! Shreyas Iyer India's new T20 captain

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Shreyas Iyer has been named India's new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav signalling a new era for Indian T20I cricket.

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Kapil Dev has urged patience with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his historic India call-up, while Madan Lal backed the teenage batting sensation to carry his IPL form onto the international stage.

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.

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Pochettino expects a "very tough game" against Paraguay, praising their aggression and discipline.

Sharing Dressing Room With Kohli, Rohit A Dream Come True: Harsh Dubey

Sharing Dressing Room With Kohli, Rohit A Dream Come True: Harsh Dubey

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India all-rounder Harsh Dubey recalls the emotional moment he learnt of his maiden national call-up and speaks about the prospect of sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill during the Afghanistan series.

How Brar, Suthar, Prince, Dubey Made It To Team India For Afghanistan Series

How Brar, Suthar, Prince, Dubey Made It To Team India For Afghanistan Series

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's selectors have included Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar in the national squad for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, recognising their pace and spin capabilities.

India T20 Captaincy: Suryakumar Yadav out, Shreyas Iyer Or Tilak Varma in?

India T20 Captaincy: Suryakumar Yadav out, Shreyas Iyer Or Tilak Varma in?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Suryakumar Yadav is expected to be removed as India's T20 captain due to a prolonged period of poor form. Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma are the leading contenders to take over, with discussions ongoing within the BCCI and selection committee, including head coach Gautam Gambhir's preferences.

Surya's axing will set precedent: Ashwin

Surya's axing will set precedent: Ashwin

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

R Ashwin has questioned India's decision to drop T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav, calling it a significant selection precedent and suggesting the star batter deserved more time to rediscover form.

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss upcoming Test series against West Indies and England due to workload management, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about. This move aims to focus him on white-ball cricket and provide opportunities for other pacers.

Kamali Moorthy Secures Double Win At Indian Open Of Surfing

Kamali Moorthy Secures Double Win At Indian Open Of Surfing

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Tamil Nadu's Kamali Moorthy won both the Women's Open and Surfing Juniors U-18 Girls titles at the seventh NMPA Indian Open of Surfing. Kishore Kumar also won the Men's Open category.

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Indian women's national football team has lodged a formal complaint with the AIFF regarding ill-fitting kits received just before their opening AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Australia, citing a lack of professionalism and disruption to their preparations.

Saba Karim On Kohli's Assured 2027 World Cup Spot And Rohit's Fitness Challenge

Saba Karim On Kohli's Assured 2027 World Cup Spot And Rohit's Fitness Challenge

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former cricketer and selector Saba Karim discusses the prospects of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting Kohli's assured spot due to fitness and performance, while Rohit needs to prove himself. Karim also praises Kohli's multi-format adaptability and addresses Rishabh Pant's struggles in white-ball cricket.

Who is cricket's Federer? Sanju Samson has an answer

Who is cricket's Federer? Sanju Samson has an answer

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew parallels between cricket and tennis legends, comparing MS Dhoni to Roger Federer and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz. He also reflected on India's recent T20 World Cup victory, crediting the women's team for inspiring the men, and discussed the challenge posed by Australia. Former tennis player Rohan Bopanna shared his Wimbledon predictions and memories.

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming series against Afghanistan is under consideration as the selection committee assesses his workload.

Deepak Punia Shines At Asian Games Selection Trials

Deepak Punia Shines At Asian Games Selection Trials

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Deepak Punia's move to a higher weight category proved successful as he secured a spot in the Indian team for the Asian Games in the 97kg division. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal retained their places in the men's freestyle squad.

Pakistan announce T20 World Cup squad amid drama

Pakistan announce T20 World Cup squad amid drama

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

After veiled boycott threat, Pakistan name 15-member squad for T20 World Cup.