News for 'PLAY'

Carlos Alcaraz Pulls Out Of Cincinnati Open; Doubtful For US Open

Carlos Alcaraz Pulls Out Of Cincinnati Open; Doubtful For US Open

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, casting fresh doubts over the Spaniard's fitness ahead of his US Open title defence this month.

Anmol Ekka To Lead Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team At AHF Asia Cup

Anmol Ekka To Lead Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team At AHF Asia Cup

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the 18-member Indian men's hockey team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup in China from August 30 to September 13. The squad, training in Bengaluru under coach Frederic Soyez, recently completed an exposure tour of Belgium and is playing friendly matches against Malaysia U-21 as part of their preparations.

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?

Gurugram: Father hangs self, 7-yr-old makes video as mother screams

Gurugram: Father hangs self, 7-yr-old makes video as mother screams

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A 36-year-old man was found hanging in his Gurugram home, with his wife detained by police following allegations from his family that she sought a divorce and may be involved in his death. The couple's seven-year-old son reportedly recorded a video of his father hanging.

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, chief of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), confirmed that the search for a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine is ongoing, nearly 18 months after Nitin Patel's departure, despite mounting injury cases among Indian cricketers.

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

India's U-21 men's hockey team will host Malaysia for an eight-match exposure series in Bengaluru from August 7-13, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup and strengthening bilateral sporting ties.

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to make his return to Test cricket against Sri Lanka, a team he has historically performed well against, bringing significant experience in both batting and bowling to the Indian squad.

Warm-up Match: Sri Lanka XI Batters Make India Toil On Day 1

Warm-up Match: Sri Lanka XI Batters Make India Toil On Day 1

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket XI's batters made India's bowlers toil as they piled up 363/8 on Day 1 of the Warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on Friday.

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.

What Made The Toxic Trailer Launch So Different

What Made The Toxic Trailer Launch So Different

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Toxic trailer seems to be deliberately ambiguous. It throws period drama, gangster wars, family conflict, violence, romance, and something fantastical into the same pot. At times, it feels as if I am watching several films fighting for space inside one trailer.

Catch The End of July Bollywood Quiz!

Catch The End of July Bollywood Quiz!

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.

Back as Italy boss, Mancini targets two trophies

Back as Italy boss, Mancini targets two trophies

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell as Italy coach, vowing to revive the Azzurri's fortunes after the nation missed the last three World Cups and failed to win a major trophy since Euro 2020 under his previous leadership.

Will Rashid play Tests again? Afghanistan coach breaks silence

Will Rashid play Tests again? Afghanistan coach breaks silence

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus discussed the upcoming one-off Test against India, highlighting the crucial role of spin bowling on the Mullanpur pitch. He also confirmed star spinner Rashid Khan's absence due to a long-standing back problem and workload management.

Tamil Nadu Government Funds Chennai Open's Return

Tamil Nadu Government Funds Chennai Open's Return

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Chennai Open, a WTA 250 tennis tournament, is scheduled to return in November after the Tamil Nadu government allocated Rs 10 crore for its conduct. The event, which was absent in 2023 and 2024, will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium.

R Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 ODI World Cup Squad

R Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 ODI World Cup Squad

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Ashwin wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India's 2027 World Cup squad, saying the veteran seamer's swing bowling could be crucial in South African conditions.

East Bengal FC Thrash South United 5-0 In Durand Cup

East Bengal FC Thrash South United 5-0 In Durand Cup

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

East Bengal FC secured a comprehensive 5-0 victory over South United FC in their final Durand Cup Group A match, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.

Football bids farewell to Franco Baresi, the heart of AC Milan's golden era

Football bids farewell to Franco Baresi, the heart of AC Milan's golden era

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, one of the most recognisable players of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 66, his former club said on Friday.

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Neymar confirms Brazil retirement weeks after heartbreaking World Cup exit

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Neymar appeared to confirm his retirement from international soccer, saying he no longer wanted to play for Brazil, weeks after suggesting his international career had ended following their World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

Unseeded Indian Pair Advances In Korea Masters Badminton

Unseeded Indian Pair Advances In Korea Masters Badminton

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Unseeded Indian men's doubles pair Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy defeated the sixth-seeded Thai duo to reach the second round of the Korea Masters Super 300 badminton tournament. However, other Indian participants faced early exits in various categories.

Ajinkya Rahane Retires: Why India's Crisis Man Deserved Better

Ajinkya Rahane Retires: Why India's Crisis Man Deserved Better

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Ajinkya Rahane will always be remembered as the man who let his bat -- and his character -- do the talking, recalls K R Nayar.

If you love India and PM...: Raj Thackeray jabs Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan

If you love India and PM...: Raj Thackeray jabs Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Raj Thackeray has sparked a debate by questioning actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development initiatives while choosing to reside in Dubai.

Unscramble The Silaa Jigsaw Puzzle!

Unscramble The Silaa Jigsaw Puzzle!

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Solve the Silaa jigsaw puzzle!

BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag can beat anyone, but ...

BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag can beat anyone, but ...

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

India's men's doubles coach Tan Kim Her has expressed concern over Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's recurring shoulder injury ahead of the BWF World Championships, despite the pair's recent Singapore Open victory.

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.'

10 Questions Men Hate Hearing From Wives

10 Questions Men Hate Hearing From Wives

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Married men reveal the everyday questions from their wives that leave them feeling awkward, guilty or annoyed.

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan secured their first away Test win in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level the series 1-1 and end an eight-match losing streak away from home.

Hockey India defends new saffron jersey for World Cup teams

Hockey India defends new saffron jersey for World Cup teams

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Hockey India has defended its decision to change the national men's and women's hockey teams' jerseys to saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing technical feedback and the symbolic value of the colour.

Rain Washes Out Ireland's Direct World Cup Qualification Dream

Rain Washes Out Ireland's Direct World Cup Qualification Dream

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Ireland's aspirations for direct qualification to the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup have been extinguished after the opening ODI against Afghanistan was abandoned due to persistent rain, mathematically ruling them out of contention for an automatic spot.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi caps Zimbabwe T20I series with double individual honours

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi caps Zimbabwe T20I series with double individual honours

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Teen Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Series after India's 3-0 T20 series sweep against Zimbabwe. Sooryavanshi scored 151 runs, including a rapid 50 and an 81, crediting his natural T20 game and team support for his success. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised the young team's fearless energy, while Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza highlighted the valuable experience gained by his side.

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from all formats of international cricket, stating that the time is right for him to 'move on' after a career spanning over a decade.

Vedika Pinto Looks So Captivating!

Vedika Pinto Looks So Captivating!

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Vedika Pinto may have everyone talking thanks to her performance in Musafir Cafe, but anyone who's been following her Instagram knows she's been serving main-character moments long before Netflix came calling.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has announced he will dedicate his performance at the upcoming World Cup to his late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, following an emotional letter from Jota's widow.

BWF Worlds: Sindhu gets dream start, Ayush faces defending champ

BWF Worlds: Sindhu gets dream start, Ayush faces defending champ

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Top Indian shuttlers have received a mixed draw for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen getting relatively favourable starts, while Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty faces a formidable opening round against defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China.

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Sai Sudharsan Misses India's Departure To Sri Lanka, Recovery Underway at CoE

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has not joined the Indian team in Colombo for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury. He is undergoing recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with his availability for the series to be decided in the coming days.

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

FIH Hockey World Cup: What makes India's attack so dangerous?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Indian men's hockey team's forward line, including Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra, is meticulously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. They are focusing on chemistry, consistency, and the evolving role of modern forwards, which now includes being the first line of defence. Senior players like Mandeep are mentoring younger talents, emphasising teamwork, mental fortitude, and converting chances.

SEE: Tearful Ajinkya Rahane thanks fans as he bids adieu to international cricket

SEE: Tearful Ajinkya Rahane thanks fans as he bids adieu to international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that began in 2013 and included 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Congress party has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the 'rot' in India's education system is profound. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted alleged scams in Maharashtra's engineering admissions and discrepancies between entrance exam and board results, urging deep introspection beyond mere legislative fixes for paper leaks.