News for 'National Team'

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh addressed allegations of bias against Haryana wrestlers and acknowledged ongoing doping concerns after used syringes were found at the National Open Ranking Tournament.

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Bubista hails Cape Verde's spirit after scaring Argentina

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed immense pride in his team's performance at their first World Cup, despite their 3-2 extra-time loss to three-time champions Argentina in the last-32. He highlighted their draws against Spain and Uruguay, and the character shown by his players, many of whom are not from elite leagues, in taking Argentina to the wire. Bubista emphasised that their World Cup campaign was about showcasing the island-nation's spirit and identity.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Captain Messi trusts Argentina's never-say-die spirit

FIFA World Cup 2026: Captain Messi trusts Argentina's never-say-die spirit

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Messi, who said he was thoroughly enjoying the ride at his sixth World Cup and giving no thought to retirement, was looking forward to locking horns with 2010 champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup PIX: Thousands of Colombia Fans Paint Mexico Yellow

FIFA World Cup PIX: Thousands of Colombia Fans Paint Mexico Yellow

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Thousands of Colombian football fans transformed Mexico City into a vibrant yellow sea, celebrating their national team's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener. The city's streets and restaurants buzzed with supporters enjoying Colombian food, music, and a strong cultural connection, making the Estadio Azteca feel like a home venue for the victorious team.

BCCI's Caring Gesture! Allows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Parents To Join Him For Ireland-England Tour

BCCI's Caring Gesture! Allows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Parents To Join Him For Ireland-England Tour

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A 15-year-old schoolboy needs to be eased into a senior team set-up, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia as he explained the decision to allow Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's parents to accompany him on the white-ball tour of Ireland and England.

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Early data from the World Cup indicates that sportswear giant Adidas is currently gaining a significant advantage over rival Nike in brand visibility and sales. Adidas, an official sponsor, is seeing a substantial surge in apparel spending and foot traffic, particularly driven by jersey sales. While Nike's business is also growing, it is being outpaced by Adidas, which appears to have a more resonant product offering. Nike, facing declining market share and intense competition, is relying on the World Cup for a boost, though its footwear presence remains strong.

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.

Asunta Lakra Calls For Urgent Intervention Against Sexual Harassment In Indian Hockey

Asunta Lakra Calls For Urgent Intervention Against Sexual Harassment In Indian Hockey

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has written to the Sports Ministry, SAI, and IOA, alleging institutional protection of sexual harassment and intimidation of women athletes within the sport. She claims she faced threats and a smear campaign after raising concerns about an individual, Sudhir Gola, and has accused Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh of threatening her. Singh denies the allegations, linking them to upcoming elections, while Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has acknowledged Lakra's concerns and promised an amicable resolution.

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.

Nepalese National Arrested With Illegal Charas In UP

Nepalese National Arrested With Illegal Charas In UP

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A Nepalese national was arrested near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district with 4.66 kilograms of illegal charas worth about Rs 2.5 crore.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.

England's Pickford to face Messi for first time in World Cup semi-final clash

England's Pickford to face Messi for first time in World Cup semi-final clash

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian cricket team faces a significant selection challenge regarding the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, especially after recent losses to Ireland. The article explores various scenarios and opinions, including Sunil Gavaskar's strong recommendation, on how to integrate Sooryavanshi into the playing XI for the upcoming T20 series against England without disrupting the team's balance.

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.

National Record Broken Twice At Athletics Federation Competition

National Record Broken Twice At Athletics Federation Competition

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The national record in the men's 100m race was broken twice within minutes at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition. Ancy Sojan won the women's long jump with a meet record, and Seema achieved the Commonwealth Games qualification mark in the women's discus throw.

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.

Junior Women's Hockey Squad Embarks On UK Exposure Tour

Junior Women's Hockey Squad Embarks On UK Exposure Tour

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 24-member Indian Junior women's hockey team has travelled to the United Kingdom for an exposure tour, playing matches against junior teams from England, Scotland, the United States, and Belgium, as well as the Scotland senior women's team, to prepare for upcoming international tournaments like the Junior Asia Cup.

Xavi And Mascherano Reflect On Barcelona's Impact On World Cup Final

Xavi And Mascherano Reflect On Barcelona's Impact On World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Belgium look to have found their best playing style at the World Cup after thrashing co-hosts the US 4-1 on Monday, but the successful tinkering of coach Rudi Garcia has come at a cost to his top players.

World Cup 2026: France seek revenge on Spain in blockbuster semi-final

World Cup 2026: France seek revenge on Spain in blockbuster semi-final

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Gears Up For Australia Tour

Indian Women's Hockey Team Gears Up For Australia Tour

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian women's hockey team will tour Australia for a four-match series from May 21 to June 3 as part of its preparations for next month's Nation's Cup in New Zealand, which is a pathway to the elite FIH Pro League.

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Croatia coach hails 'fantastic' Modric; hits back at doubters

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic hit out at the team's doubters and said they were back to the Croatia of old after they snatched a 2-1 win over Ghana to reach the last 32 of the World Cup on Saturday.

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.

'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.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Ruthless Touch And Street Smarts: The Secret Of Morocco's Evolution

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco showcased their evolution as a top football nation with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup last 16.

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Syndrela Das won the U-19 singles title after securing the Under-17 singles crown at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships. Karnataka's Tanishka Kalbhairav and Himanshi Chowdhary won the U-19 doubles title, while West Bengal's Ankolika Chakraborty and Ahona Ray won the U-17 title.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Set for FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand

Indian Women's Hockey Team Set for FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Indian women's hockey team will participate in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21, following their relegation from the Hockey Pro League.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's smooth machine faces Belgium's thunder in last-eight clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's smooth machine faces Belgium's thunder in last-eight clash

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Spain face Belgium on Friday in a World Cup quarterfinal that pits one of the tournament's smoothest operators against a side emboldened by a thunderous 4-1 win over the United States that followed one of football's most bizarre political interventions.

Vietnam tragedy: 'Boat had gone barely 300 to 400 metres when it capsized'

Vietnam tragedy: 'Boat had gone barely 300 to 400 metres when it capsized'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A boat carrying Indian tourists capsized off an island in south Vietnam, killing 15 people. An eyewitness described the incident, stating the boat overturned shortly after leaving the shore, and rescue efforts were launched, though medical teams were reportedly not immediately available.

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has defended its decision to appoint Amelia Valverde as head coach of the women's national team and addressed the controversy surrounding team kits during the Asian Cup.

Assam Floods: Baby Born Inside Tea Factory

Assam Floods: Baby Born Inside Tea Factory

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The devastating floods sweeping Assam's Upper Assam region have exposed the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the state's tea gardens, with a pregnant worker delivering her baby inside a tea factory after rising floodwaters cut off access to a hospital.

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.

'Sooryavanshi Was Rushed': Jaffer Blames Media Hype

'Sooryavanshi Was Rushed': Jaffer Blames Media Hype

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has criticised the Indian cricket team's selection policy, particularly regarding the T20I debuts of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the inconsistent opportunities given to Sanju Samson. Jaffer believes Sooryavanshi was rushed into the team due to media hype, while Samson deserves a more consistent run.

NDA cadet dies during routine physical training

NDA cadet dies during routine physical training

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A first-term cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, Abhinav Bajpai, died after complaining of uneasiness during a routine physical training session. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances of his death.

Haaland, Norway train ahead of England quarter-final showdown

Haaland, Norway train ahead of England quarter-final showdown

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Norway forward Erling Haaland has openly challenged the media to 'put every single pressure on the English lads' ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, following Norway's stunning upset victory over Brazil.

Harshit Rana faces fitness heat as Varun Chakaravarthy's T20 future hangs in balance

Harshit Rana faces fitness heat as Varun Chakaravarthy's T20 future hangs in balance

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Harshit's fitness, Varun's longevity under scanner post hamstring injuries

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.