News for 'Oceania'

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.

Davis Cup: India To Battle South Korea On Hard Courts

Davis Cup: India To Battle South Korea On Hard Courts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India will face South Korea in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 2 on September 18-19 in Seoul. South Korea, ranked 16th, chose hard courts for the tie, a surface they traditionally prefer. India, ranked 19th, secured their spot with a dramatic win over the Netherlands, while Korea upset Argentina. The winner of this tie will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8 in November.

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.

Harsh Singh makes history with Commonwealth Games judo gold

Harsh Singh makes history with Commonwealth Games judo gold

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's Harsh Singh secured a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first male Indian judoka to achieve this feat. He defeated Australia's experienced Olympian Joshua Katz in the men's -60kg final with a decisive waza-ari, marking the biggest triumph of his young career.

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.

US men's cricket team in line for home Olympic berth, women to sit out

US men's cricket team in line for home Olympic berth, women to sit out

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Reigning world champions India, Britain, South Africa and hosts United States are set to feature in the men's Twenty20 competition when cricket returns to the Olympics at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles following a qualification pathway approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

India rewrites Commonwealth Games judo history with two golds and a silver

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

India's judokas scripted history at the Commonwealth Games on Friday as Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh clinched the country's first-ever gold medals in the sport, while Yamini Mourya added a silver to cap the nation's best-ever judo campaign.

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

UEFA's member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary managing its tournaments.

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Jaspreet Kaur and Jhandu Kumar, two Indian para powerlifters, have overcome significant personal challenges, including polio and poverty, to qualify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Spark Shines: Indian Trackmania Star Secures Esports World Cup Berth

Spark Shines: Indian Trackmania Star Secures Esports World Cup Berth

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Kunal Upreti, known as Spark, has become India's sole Trackmania representative at the Esports World Cup 2026 after excelling in the Asia and Oceania qualifiers. He will compete for a significant prize pool, representing both India and S8UL on the global stage.

Indian Ultra Runners Dominate IAU 24H Championship

Indian Ultra Runners Dominate IAU 24H Championship

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Indian ultra runners achieved remarkable success at the IAU 24H Asia and Oceania Championship in Japan, securing gold in the men's team event and a bronze in the women's team event. Amar Singh Devanda won gold in the men's individual event, setting a new national record.

Classification Issue Bars Tejas Nandakumar From Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Classification Issue Bars Tejas Nandakumar From Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled out of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to a classification issue. His entry, initially accepted, was later rejected by organisers after a validation process by World Para Athletics, citing his R-2025 class status as ineligible for the G2026 competition.

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

How India's Bridge Teams Began Their Asia Cup Campaign

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's senior bridge teams, both A and B, have made an impressive start at the fifth Asia Cup Bridge Championship in Goa, positioning themselves among the top contenders after the opening day. While the senior teams excelled, the women's teams faced a challenging start.

India's Strongest Bridge Contingent Ready For Asia Cup Challenge

India's Strongest Bridge Contingent Ready For Asia Cup Challenge

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India is set to field its strongest-ever contingent at the Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026 in Goa, featuring top international stars and Asian Games medallists. The tournament, organised by the Bridge Federation of India, will host 46 elite teams from Asia and Oceania, highlighting India's growing prominence in intellectual sports.

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India is set to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships for the first time from June 19-24 in New Delhi, featuring athletes from 34 countries, including Olympic medallists. The event is a direct qualifier for the Asian Games and offers ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi leading the home challenge.

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.

Indian Women's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Team to Compete at Commonwealth Games

Indian Women's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Team to Compete at Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's 3x3 women's wheelchair basketball team has qualified for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, securing their spot through the Asia Oceania qualifiers.

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Asian Fencing Championships: Pakistan declines invitation amid visa issues

Asian Fencing Championships: Pakistan declines invitation amid visa issues

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Pakistan has decided not to send its team to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi, despite an invitation from local organisers. India is hosting the event for the first time, which will also include the General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia. Several other nations, including Hong Kong and Australia, are also facing visa-related challenges for their delegations.

Vaishnavi Adkar's Fight Not Enough as India Trails Indonesia in Billie Jean King Cup

Vaishnavi Adkar's Fight Not Enough as India Trails Indonesia in Billie Jean King Cup

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

India trails Indonesia 0-1 in their Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie after Vaishnavi Adkar's defeat in the opening singles match. Sahaja Yamalapalli faces a tough challenge next.

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

India Ready for Billie Jean King Cup Challenge Despite Injury Setback

India Ready for Billie Jean King Cup Challenge Despite Injury Setback

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India's Billie Jean King Cup team expresses confidence and readiness for the Asia-Oceania Group I ties despite an injury to Shrivalli Bhamidipaty. Captain Vishal Uppal highlights the team's depth and preparation, while players emphasise the advantage of home conditions and familiarity with opponents.

Zeel Desai's Debut Win Gives India Lead in Billie Jean King Cup Tie

Zeel Desai's Debut Win Gives India Lead in Billie Jean King Cup Tie

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Zeel Desai secured a dominant victory in her Billie Jean King Cup debut, giving India a 1-0 lead against Mongolia in the Asia/Oceania Group I tie.

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's defence expenditure surged to $92.1 billion in 2025, making it the world's fifth-largest military spender, according to SIPRI data. This 8.9 per cent year-on-year rise was primarily driven by operational and procurement needs following heightened regional tensions with Pakistan in May 2025.

Sahaja Yamalapalli's Fight Not Enough as India Trails Thailand in Billie Jean King Cup

Sahaja Yamalapalli's Fight Not Enough as India Trails Thailand in Billie Jean King Cup

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India trails Thailand 0-2 in the Billie Jean King Cup after Sahaja Yamalapalli's narrow defeat. Vaishnavi Adkar also lost her debut match.

Vaishnavi Adkar Joins India's Billie Jean King Cup Squad

Vaishnavi Adkar Joins India's Billie Jean King Cup Squad

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Vaishnavi Adkar, following her recent success, has been selected for the Indian team participating in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie.

India Loses to Thailand in Billie Jean King Cup Despite Doubles Victory

India Loses to Thailand in Billie Jean King Cup Despite Doubles Victory

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India lost to Thailand 1-2 in the opening Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup, with Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina securing a consolation win in the doubles after Sahaja Yamalapalli's defeat in the singles.

Billie Jean King Cup: Vaishnavi Adkar loses opening singles against Thailand's Chanta

Billie Jean King Cup: Vaishnavi Adkar loses opening singles against Thailand's Chanta

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Vaishnavi Adkar's unforced errors resulted in a straight-set defeat against Aunchisa Chanta, leaving India trailing 0-1 against Thailand in their Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie.

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli Secure India's Victory Over Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli Secure India's Victory Over Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli secured dominant victories for India against Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I, with both players winning in straight sets.

Billie Jean King Cup: Confident India Bank On Home Advantage Against Thailand

Billie Jean King Cup: Confident India Bank On Home Advantage Against Thailand

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India is set to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I ties, aiming for promotion to the 2026 play-offs. Despite a setback with Shrivalli Bhamidipaty's withdrawal, the team hopes to capitalise on home advantage.

India Prepares for Billie Jean King Cup with Blend of Youth and Experience

India Prepares for Billie Jean King Cup with Blend of Youth and Experience

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's Billie Jean King Cup team is preparing for the Asia/Oceania Group I tournament in Delhi, with a focus on team unity and a blend of experienced players and rising stars.

South Korea dump India out of Billie Jean King Cup play-off race

South Korea dump India out of Billie Jean King Cup play-off race

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Ankita Raina's defeat to Dayeon Back resulted in India's elimination from the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs race. Despite a spirited effort from Raina, India could not secure the crucial win needed to advance.