News for 'Spark Sport'

Former Wimbledon champion Vondrousova hit with 4-year ban

Former Wimbledon champion Vondrousova hit with 4-year ban

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been banned for four years after missing a doping test, leading the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to demand a greater say for athletes in anti-doping regulations. Vondrousova cited safety concerns for not opening her door to a doping control officer late at night, while the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) maintains that unpredictable testing is crucial for clean sport.

Tecno Spark 50 5G Price In India, Specs And Sale Date Revealed

Tecno Spark 50 5G Price In India, Specs And Sale Date Revealed

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Tecno Spark 50 5G is priced from 16,999 for the 4 GB RAM with 128GB storage version, whereas the 6 GB RAM and 128 GB variant costs 18,999. Sales kick off on 3April through both digital platforms and physical stores, with interest-free EMI plans available for up to eight months.

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's standing in red-ball cricket faces a crucial test as the team embarks on a two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Minor Brawl Erupts After Spain Beats Argentina in World Cup Final

Minor Brawl Erupts After Spain Beats Argentina in World Cup Final

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A brief brawl erupted at the final whistle of the World Cup final after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, sparked by Argentina's Leandro Paredes shoving Spain's Gavi, leading to intervention from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

Fans go wild! Fireworks, tears as Spain wins World Cup

Fans go wild! Fireworks, tears as Spain wins World Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Thousands of fans across Spain erupted in joyous celebrations, dancing in the streets, setting off fireworks, and launching red flares, after La Roja secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Gurindervir Singh's record-breaking 10.09-second run in the 100m at the Federation Cup National Championships has ignited hopes for Indian athletes to finally break the coveted sub-10-second barrier. Experts believe that with the right training, equipment, and opportunities, an Indian sprinter could achieve this milestone in the near future.

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.

Hardik Singh: 'Orange jersey is a team strategy, a tactic'

Hardik Singh: 'Orange jersey is a team strategy, a tactic'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that the new orange-coloured jersey for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is a 'team strategy' and a 'tactic' to avoid clashes with the blue Astroturf, a decision that has sparked controversy.

MS Dhoni Turns 45, Social Media Goes Wild

MS Dhoni Turns 45, Social Media Goes Wild

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni celebrated his 45th birthday, prompting an outpouring of wishes and tributes from fans worldwide. Known as 'Captain Cool', Dhoni's remarkable career and leadership continue to inspire, even after his retirement from international cricket.

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans' Captain Shubman Gill's New Look Sparks Buzz

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans' Captain Shubman Gill's New Look Sparks Buzz

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Shubman Gill returned to the Gujarat Titans lineup with a stylish new beard and an impressive innings of 70 runs, sparking a social media frenzy among fans.

Singh And Randhawa Advance In Challenging Senior Open

Singh And Randhawa Advance In Challenging Senior Open

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian golfers Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa successfully made the cut at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open in Gleneagles, Scotland, despite challenging weather conditions. Australia's Cameron Percy leads the tournament by three shots after a strong second round, with Jerry Kelly, Ernie Els, and Henrik Stenson among the top contenders.

Have You Seen Kareena's Chunky Obsession?

Have You Seen Kareena's Chunky Obsession?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Bollywood's most stylish actresses are making a bold fashion statement by adorning themselves with eye-catching chunky necklaces, proving that bigger is indeed better in the world of celebrity jewellery.

Ayush Shetty's Silver Medal Sparks Hope For LA 2028 Olympics

Ayush Shetty's Silver Medal Sparks Hope For LA 2028 Olympics

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Ayush Shetty's silver medal at the Asia Championships has positioned him as a potential men's singles contender for India, boosting the nation's badminton prospects as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Norway enjoyed a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament before suffering a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat to England.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

Pilot crashed plane into Beijing skyscraper for 'personal reasons'

Pilot crashed plane into Beijing skyscraper for 'personal reasons'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Investigators have revealed that the pilot of a small plane that crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, suffered from long-term anxiety and had expressed suicidal thoughts in his diaries. The incident, which killed the pilot and injured 13 others, has raised significant security concerns in the highly sensitive Chinese capital, especially given strict airspace regulations.

Pilot In Beijing Skyscraper Crash Suffered From Anxiety, Investigators Reveal

Pilot In Beijing Skyscraper Crash Suffered From Anxiety, Investigators Reveal

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Investigators have revealed that the pilot of a small plane that crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, suffered from long-term anxiety and had expressed suicidal thoughts in his diaries. The incident, which killed the pilot and injured 13 others, has raised significant security concerns in the highly sensitive Chinese capital, especially given strict airspace regulations.

Nationwide Raids Target Euro 2024 Ticket And Hospitality Violations

Nationwide Raids Target Euro 2024 Ticket And Hospitality Violations

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

German investigators have launched nationwide searches, including at the DFB soccer association offices, as part of a probe into suspected ticket and hospitality violations related to the 2024 European Championship. The investigation targets illegal allocation of thousands of tickets and hotel invitations to preferred guests, with one municipal employee suspected of receiving benefits worth 2,400.

PV Sindhu Knocked Out Of China Open, Criticises Tournament Scheduling

PV Sindhu Knocked Out Of China Open, Criticises Tournament Scheduling

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was defeated by local favourite Chen Yufei in the second round of the China Open. Sindhu, who recently won the Japan Open, lost a close three-game match. Following her exit, she publicly criticised the tournament's scheduling, highlighting the inadequate recovery time she received compared to her opponent. Other Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen also exited the men's singles.

FIFA World Cup: Is Everything OK Between Bellingham and Tuchel?

FIFA World Cup: Is Everything OK Between Bellingham and Tuchel?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

After England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, midfielder Jude Bellingham pushed back against manager Thomas Tuchel's "sloppy" performance assessment, highlighting the team's resilience and the challenging conditions. Despite the friction, Bellingham's two goals were crucial in securing England's semi-final spot, underscoring his vital role in the tournament.

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Julian Alvarez Lauds Lionel Messi As Argentina Stages Epic World Cup Comeback

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina captain Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, prompting teammate Julian Alvarez to hail him as "the best player in the world and in history." Despite missing a penalty, Messi scored a crucial equaliser, leading Argentina to a 3-2 win and a quarter-final clash with Switzerland, keeping their title defence hopes alive.

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto was cancelled due to lightning risk, disappointing fans on the eve of Canada's first World Cup game.

Changes to World Cup formats make sense but associate teams need more: Ashwin

Changes to World Cup formats make sense but associate teams need more: Ashwin

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

India's spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the ICC to integrate lower-ranked teams into every bilateral series, arguing that this is crucial for the sport's global expansion, beyond just expanding World Cup formats.

The Balogun controversy that rocked the FIFA World Cup

The Balogun controversy that rocked the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, despite a controversial FIFA decision to suspend his red card ban, struggled in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, leading to the U.S. team's elimination. The decision, which saw U.S. President Donald Trump claim credit, sparked accusations of political pressure on FIFA, while Balogun's birthright citizenship also came under scrutiny.

England's World Cup exit: Tuchel blames 'DNA' not tactics, Messi's magic key

England's World Cup exit: Tuchel blames 'DNA' not tactics, Messi's magic key

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

England's manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism following their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but he attributes the loss to fundamental issues like a lack of 'ball possession DNA' rather than just tactical errors, while acknowledging the unstoppable brilliance of Lionel Messi.

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, causing an immediate evacuation and scattering debris. The incident, which occurred in the prominent business district, has raised concerns, with authorities yet to comment and the origin and circumstances of the crash remaining unknown. The aircraft was identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, and the crash highlights recent stringent regulations on recreational flying in Beijing's airspace.

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

'We lived up to the hype': Solbakken proud of Norway's World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

An emotional Stale Solbakken praised Norway's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England ended their dream run in the quarter-finals.

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.

President Noboa Declares National Holiday After Ecuador's Historic World Cup Win

President Noboa Declares National Holiday After Ecuador's Historic World Cup Win

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a national holiday after the country's football team secured a spot in the World Cup knockout phase with a surprising 2-1 victory over Germany. This marks only the second time Ecuador has reached this stage, sparking widespread celebrations.

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.

Ibrahimovic Criticises Koeman's Tactics In Dutch Loss

Ibrahimovic Criticises Koeman's Tactics In Dutch Loss

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic heavily criticised Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman following their penalty shootout loss to Morocco, stating that the team lost its traditional identity under his leadership, which made him "angry". Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty victory.

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Messi has work to catch Mbappe for the Golden Boot

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

When I planned my 27th birthday trip to Kerala, I had a very clear vision in mind. There would be beaches. There would be the backwaters. There would be long boat rides, cute cafs and perhaps a fancy dinner overlooking the water. What I did not anticipate was celebrating my birthday with Lionel Messi.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Erling Haaland's first-half double for Norway in Tuesday's 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq literally shook the Nordic country, with seismology institute NORSAR registering earth tremors in the coastal city of Bergen when he scored on his tournament debut.

FIFA World Cup PIX: Messi Weeps After Argentina's Great Escape

FIFA World Cup PIX: Messi Weeps After Argentina's Great Escape

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

An emotional Lionel Messi broke down in tears after inspiring Argentina to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, sending the defending champions into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after they had stared at a shock exit.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.