News for 'National Performance Squad'

Can Santhosh deliver India's next CWG athletics medal?

Can Santhosh deliver India's next CWG athletics medal?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian hurdler Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan is heading to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with high confidence, following impressive performances at the Paris Olympics and Asian Athletics Championships. He attributes his success to consistent training at the Inspire Institute of Sport and is focused on delivering his best performance while representing India.

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Nadal, Alcaraz caught up in Spain's FIFA World Cup Final frenzy

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain's national football team, La Roja, has reached their second World Cup final, sparking widespread celebrations across the country. Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, along with the Spanish Royal Family, extended their congratulations, highlighting the national unity and pride surrounding this historic achievement.

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Vijender Singh Warns Against 'Sycophancy' In Indian Boxing

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India's first Olympic boxing medallist, Vijender Singh, expresses deep concern over the future of male pugilists, citing a lack of competitions and a selection system he claims promotes 'sycophancy'. He argues that women boxers are currently outperforming men and are brighter medal prospects for the 2028 Olympics. Singh is highly critical of the new grading system, advocating for a return to the traditional trials-based selection process.

Why Indian Boxing May Shift To Performance-Based Selection

Why Indian Boxing May Shift To Performance-Based Selection

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Indian boxing is considering rewarding boxers who perform well at major international events like the Asian Games with direct entry to the Olympic qualifiers, according to women's head coach Santiago Nieva.

Spain Turn Back the Clock to 2010: One Win From World Cup Glory

Spain Turn Back the Clock to 2010: One Win From World Cup Glory

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente attributes his team's commanding 2-0 victory over France and progression to the World Cup final to a revived "spirit of 2010" and strong team unity. He praised the squad's commitment, solidarity, and talent, highlighting their collective goal-oriented approach and humility. Spain has now equalled Italy's unbeaten record and looks forward to the final, with De la Fuente emphasising the team's continuous potential for growth.

Ramiz Raja criticises PCB's decision to remove Shan Masood as Test captain

Ramiz Raja criticises PCB's decision to remove Shan Masood as Test captain

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to remove Shan Masood as Test captain.

SEE: Belgium get Royal backing before Spain FIFA World Cup blockbuster

SEE: Belgium get Royal backing before Spain FIFA World Cup blockbuster

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

King Philippe of the Belgians visited the national football team to offer his support and encouragement ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Spain. He shared a meal, received a signed jersey, and praised their performance, expressing confidence in their victory. Both teams have had strong runs to the quarter-finals, with Belgium overcoming several challenges and Spain maintaining an unbeaten record.

Who replaces Washington? India face major selection test

Who replaces Washington? India face major selection test

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Indian selectors face a selection dilemma for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with Washington Sundar unlikely to be fit for the first Test, while senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to white-ball cricket from August after recovering from injury.

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson has been dropped from the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, making way for Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.

India's Wrestling Squad Poised for Asian Championships Challenge

India's Wrestling Squad Poised for Asian Championships Challenge

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

India's wrestling team, featuring a mix of experienced and emerging talent, is set to compete in the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, with high hopes for medal contention.

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, has expressed confidence in the left-arm wrist spinner's ability to regain his place in the Indian team despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Pandey highlighted Kuldeep's fighting spirit, impact in previous matches, and consistent work ethic, dismissing concerns about his limited appearances and emphasising his value as a top spinner.

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The India A squad is set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball series, offering a crucial platform for emerging cricketers like Aquib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal to impress selectors and stake their claim for a spot in the senior national team. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side.

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold in Shotgun World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Asian Championships gold medallist Neeru Dhanda has secured her first individual ISSF World Cup title in the women's trap event in Lonato, Italy.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

India's Aman Sehrawat Clinches Gold In Hungary Wrestling Tournament

India's Aman Sehrawat Clinches Gold In Hungary Wrestling Tournament

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat won a gold medal in the men's 57kg freestyle category at the Polyak Imre, Varga Janos and Kozma Istvan Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament in Budapest. Deepak also secured a bronze in the 61kg category, with two more Indian wrestlers vying for podium finishes.

India's Aman Sehrawat Clinches Gold In Hungary Wrestling Tournament

India's Aman Sehrawat Clinches Gold In Hungary Wrestling Tournament

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat won a gold medal in the men's 57kg freestyle category at the Polyak Imre, Varga Janos and Kozma Istvan Memorial Senior Ranking Tournament in Budapest. Deepak also secured a bronze in the 61kg category, with two more Indian wrestlers vying for podium finishes.

England pick uncapped James Coles for India T20I series

England pick uncapped James Coles for India T20I series

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

England has announced a 17-member T20I squad, including uncapped all-rounder James Coles, to face India in a five-match series starting next month.

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Rookie pacer Ashok Sharma credits the mentorship of Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, along with advice from Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, for his evolution as a bowler and his selection for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.

'Suffering is in our DNA': Scaloni hails Argentina's fighting spirit

'Suffering is in our DNA': Scaloni hails Argentina's fighting spirit

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to 'suffer without losing belief' after their dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals, highlighting their growth in navigating challenging situations.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sai Sudharsan scored his second consecutive century, and Devdutt Padikkal added an unbeaten 94, guiding India A to a strong 247 for one on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, trailing by 119 runs.

Why Preeti almost quit boxing before winning CWG gold

Why Preeti almost quit boxing before winning CWG gold

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Following her Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medal win, Indian boxer Preeti Pawar reflected on the learning experience that the event gave her ahead of the Asian Games this year and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the boxing culture in her hometown Bhiwani, known as 'Mini Cuba' for producing world-class talent and the fulfillment of her baklava promise after her medal win in Glasgow.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

Mammootty's 10 Best Roles From This Decade

Mammootty's 10 Best Roles From This Decade

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

From Peranbu to Bramayugam, Padma Bhushan winner Mammootty's recent filmography is proof that legends can keep reinventing themselves, even post 70.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

Deschamps' Golden Era Ends in FIFA World Cup Heartbreak

Deschamps' Golden Era Ends in FIFA World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Didier Deschamps, who led France to their second world title in 2018 and established them as international football's most consistent major-tournament force, will be remembered for his unprecedented legacy despite recent semi-final defeats.

Sports Ministry Approves Indian Contingent For Commonwealth Games

Sports Ministry Approves Indian Contingent For Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has approved a 191-member Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, comprising 126 athletes and 51 officials. The Ministry has stipulated that expenses for Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Committee members will not be covered by the government. Additionally, National Sports Federations are required to conduct background checks on their contingents, and a performance report must be submitted post-Games.

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson's biggest opponent isn't the opposition, it's the selection committee. Samson has never been given a long rope; all he receives is a thin thread.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout phase. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, was eliminated. Ivory Coast will now face the second-place team from Group I (France or Norway) in Arlington, Texas.

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Strong Weightlifting Team To Glasgow

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Strong Weightlifting Team To Glasgow

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Two-time Commonwealth Games champion Mirabai Chanu will lead India's weightlifting contingent at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which also features other medal winners and debutants, as India aims to continue its strong performance in the sport.

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at India's recent white-ball slump, which saw them suffer a crushing 125-run defeat against England and a 0-2 series loss to Ireland, but backed the team to recover, while also commenting on his upcoming biopic 'Dada'.

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.

Savita Punia Back in India Women's Hockey Squad for Argentina Series

Savita Punia Back in India Women's Hockey Squad for Argentina Series

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Star goalkeeper Savita Punia returns to the Indian women's hockey team after a 10-month break, while Salima Tete misses the Argentina series due to illness. The tour serves as crucial preparation for upcoming major tournaments.

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Portugal and Croatia face off in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both eyeing a deep World Cup run in what could be the final chapter of their legendary international careers.

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.