News for 'No Practice Games'

No Practice Games! Australia's Bold Plan For India Tests Next Year

No Practice Games! Australia's Bold Plan For India Tests Next Year

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has announced that the team will forgo traditional practice matches before their upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series in India, opting instead for a short preparatory camp in sub-continental conditions. This strategic decision aims to better acclimatise players for the challenging Indian pitches.

Iran women's kabaddi team trains in India ahead of Asian Games

Iran women's kabaddi team trains in India ahead of Asian Games

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Iran national women's kabaddi team conducted a six-day practice camp at the Sports Authority of India's Sonepat centre, engaging in matches against the Indian team and local sides.

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com5 days ago

Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.

Ready For The World Humanoid Robot Games?

Ready For The World Humanoid Robot Games?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Glimpses of humanoid robots training across soccer, table tennis and other events ahead of the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.

India's Junior Men's Hockey Squad Fine-Tunes Asia Cup Strategy In Dalian

India's Junior Men's Hockey Squad Fine-Tunes Asia Cup Strategy In Dalian

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian junior men's hockey team is undergoing a preparatory camp in Dalian, China, playing three practice matches against the host country's junior team. This camp is crucial for fine-tuning their skills and strategy ahead of the Junior Asia Cup, scheduled from September 4 to 13 in Moqi, China.

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh offers crucial advice to the national golf team ahead of the Asian Games, emphasising the importance of a strong short game and adapting to Japan's fast greens and windy conditions to secure medals.

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Rewari's Kamaljeet, a 22-year-old pistol shooter, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after an injury ended his athletics dream and he transitioned to shooting in 2019, overcoming financial struggles with strong family and institutional support.

CWG Gold Medallist Harsh Singh Targets Asian Games Success

CWG Gold Medallist Harsh Singh Targets Asian Games Success

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

After making history as the first Indian male judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold, Harsh Singh is now focused on securing a medal at the upcoming Asian Games.

Ajinkya Rahane: 'I gave this game everything I had'

Ajinkya Rahane: 'I gave this game everything I had'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades and included an undefeated Test captaincy record.

Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal At Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal At Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Jhandu Kumar, an Indian para powerlifter, secured India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games, winning bronze in the men's heavyweight category.

Bindyarani Devi's Bronze Medal at Commonwealth Games Exceeds Family's Expectations

Bindyarani Devi's Bronze Medal at Commonwealth Games Exceeds Family's Expectations

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam's bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in the 58kg category came as a pleasant surprise for her family, who had not anticipated a podium finish after her move up in weight class, her mother told ANI.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran: Ultimate Table Tennis perfect for Asian Games prep

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran: Ultimate Table Tennis perfect for Asian Games prep

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Indian table tennis star Sathiyan Gnanasekaran believes the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league is serving as ideal preparation for the national side ahead of the upcoming Asian Games, highlighting its role in team bonding and match practice.

Injury Sidelines Sai Sudharsan From Sri Lanka Test Series

Injury Sidelines Sai Sudharsan From Sri Lanka Test Series

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a big toe injury. The injury, sustained during the India A tour last month, requires further healing time, leading to his withdrawal from the squad.

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

Rediff.com1 days ago

BRICS Sports Ministers adopted a Joint Declaration in Visakhapatnam, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen sports cooperation through dialogue and mutual respect. The meeting, held under India's 2026 Chairship, saw Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya call for a BRICS Sporting Partnership and introduce three key initiatives: a Working Group on Sports Technology, a Sports Manufacturing Conclave in Udaipur, and Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad in 2026.

Padikkal Joins Kohli in Historic Independence Day Ton

Padikkal Joins Kohli in Historic Independence Day Ton

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle, becoming the second Indian, and first Test centurion, to achieve this feat on Independence Day, joining Virat Kohli in an elite list.

Jurel's Test spot at risk? Sarfaraz adds to pressure

Jurel's Test spot at risk? Sarfaraz adds to pressure

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is at a critical juncture in his Test career, with his performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka series crucial for his future, especially given his struggles against spin and the presence of Sarfaraz Khan.

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

India's Men's Hockey Team Aim to Break 51-Year World Cup Jinx

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is determined to end a 51-year World Cup drought, beginning their campaign against Wales with genuine optimism following recent Olympic bronze medals and an Asia Cup title.

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has shed light on the team's meticulous approach to player fitness, explaining that while constant monitoring is in place, risk-avoiding decisions are sometimes necessary, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket, to protect both the player and the team's long-term interests.

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Star Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has set a new national record by clearing 2.31m at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar, becoming the first Indian to breach the 2.30m mark.

India batting coach names stars who impressed in warm-up

India batting coach names stars who impressed in warm-up

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded the team's productive warm-up victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting strong performances from both batters and bowlers, including Shubman Gill's quick 44 and Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142, which set a positive tone for the upcoming two-match Test series.

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

As India prepares for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15, the team management faces critical decisions regarding their playing XI to bolster their World Test Championship 2027 final aspirations.

Sarfaraz Khan's Test recall: 17kg weight loss, Kashmir grind and a second chance

Sarfaraz Khan's Test recall: 17kg weight loss, Kashmir grind and a second chance

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to India's Test squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15, following an injury to Sai Sudharsan. This recall comes after two years of consistent performance and a significant physical transformation, including shedding 17kg.

Farooq Abdullah Sings Lata Mangeshkar Classic At Golf Tournament

Farooq Abdullah Sings Lata Mangeshkar Classic At Golf Tournament

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah surprised attendees at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament in Srinagar by spontaneously singing the iconic Lata Mangeshkar song "Lag ja gale". His impromptu performance drew significant applause. Later, Abdullah addressed the audience, commending golfers and urging youth to work hard and avoid alcohol to achieve sporting excellence. He also mentioned government support for improving the Royal Springs Golf Course.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

The Ajinkya Rahane You Must Know

The Ajinkya Rahane You Must Know

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'While his cricketing achievements are obvious, people should remember Ajinkya Rahane, the person. Because he has inspired youngsters in the dressing room by his powerful humane gestures.'

'K L Rahul better off without captaincy'

'K L Rahul better off without captaincy'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes K L Rahul performs best when not burdened by captaincy.

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India head coach Amol Muzumdar is baffled that it has taken this long to stage a women's Test at Lord's, 142 years after the 'Home of Cricket' hosted a men's Test.

Joe Root: 'I Feel Ready As Captain'

Joe Root: 'I Feel Ready As Captain'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I do not believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You have got to be adaptable and play the situation.' 'It is never the same throughout five days, there is different challenges and you have got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout.'

'18 years ago today...': Abhinav Bindra reflects on historic Olympic gold

'18 years ago today...': Abhinav Bindra reflects on historic Olympic gold

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, reflected on the 18th anniversary of his historic win at the Beijing Olympics, stating, 'Life since has taught me that the spaces between the peaks matter just as much.'

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

'India late for 2036 Olympics, winning 30-40 medals is...'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Former Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes India's ambitious target of 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is a 'distant prospect', citing significant delays in talent identification, scouting, and critical infrastructure improvements.

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15. Gambhir also welcomed new squad members Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, emphasising the team's preparation for their first ICC World Test Championship assignment since a previous home defeat.

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Face Olympic Silver Medallists China In Crucial Opener

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Face Olympic Silver Medallists China In Crucial Opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's women's hockey team faces a challenging opening match against Olympic silver medallists China in the FIH Hockey World Cup. The crucial Pool D encounter in Amstelveen will set the tone for India's campaign, with both teams also set to meet at the upcoming Asian Games. India, buoyed by recent strong performances and an experienced squad, aims to improve on past World Cup finishes and secure a positive start against a formidable Chinese side.

Nihal Sarin has a strong message for struggling Gukesh

Nihal Sarin has a strong message for struggling Gukesh

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin discusses fellow world champion D Gukesh's recent performance slump, attributing it to a lack of confidence rather than a decline in skill. Sarin expresses hope that the upcoming Chess Olympiad will help Gukesh regain his form. He also shares his views on the increasing role of AI in chess, the evolution towards faster formats, and potential improvements in the chess ecosystem.

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Om Prakash Chouhan has taken the opening-round lead at the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open in Kolkata, delivering a spectacular eight-under 62. His impressive performance included a hole-in-one and an eagle, giving him a one-shot advantage over former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu.

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Difficult to think of cricket without ODIs: Jonty Rhodes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that while bilateral ODI series may become fewer in the future, the 50-over format is unlikely to disappear entirely, with passionate fans continuing to support their teams.

Shelton storms into Canadian Open semis; Nakashima, Jodar in last four

Shelton storms into Canadian Open semis; Nakashima, Jodar in last four

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, and Rafael Jodar have all secured their spots in the Canadian Open semi-finals, showcasing strong performances and building momentum ahead of the US Open.

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.

French Badminton Makes History With Double World Titles

French Badminton Makes History With Double World Titles

Rediff.com20 hours ago

France achieved a historic double victory at the World Championships, with Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue winning mixed doubles and Alex Lanier securing the men's singles title. This unprecedented success is attributed to decades of strategic investment in a national badminton system, including national and regional centres, coach education, and a focus on holistic player development, aiming to elevate France among traditional Asian powerhouses in the sport.

Neeraj Chopra, Gopichand Launch Indian School Of Coaching Excellence

Neeraj Chopra, Gopichand Launch Indian School Of Coaching Excellence

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and badminton legend Pullela Gopichand have launched the Indian School of Coaching Excellence (ISCE), an initiative designed to strengthen India's sports coaching landscape.