News for 'Sport and Culture'

'Indian boxers' success a proud symbol of Haryana's sporting culture'

'Indian boxers' success a proud symbol of Haryana's sporting culture'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has lauded the state's athletes for their stellar performance at the Commonwealth Games, where India secured 16 medals on a single day, climbing to fourth in the overall standings.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

Sports Alphabet Booklets Released in 21 Languages to Promote Sports Culture

Sports Alphabet Booklets Released in 21 Languages to Promote Sports Culture

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

India has launched a unique multilingual initiative, 'Sports Alphabet Booklets,' in 21 languages to integrate sports with early education and foster a sports culture among children.

How Neeraj Chopra's Co-Ownership Will Boost Grassroots Sports In India

How Neeraj Chopra's Co-Ownership Will Boost Grassroots Sports In India

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has become a co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup, a grassroots initiative promoting sports among children. Having served as an ambassador, Chopra's new role aims to expand the programme's reach to one million children across India, fostering confidence, discipline, and a stronger sporting culture from the ground up.

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

BRICS Ministers Forge Stronger Sports Cooperation

Rediff.com2 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.

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.

Hyderabad To Host Eighth Season Of Tennis Premier League

Hyderabad To Host Eighth Season Of Tennis Premier League

Rediff.com4 days ago

The eighth season of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) will take place in Hyderabad from December 8 to 13, featuring eight teams and a new partnership with Kia India. The event will be held at the LB Tennis Stadium with support from the Telangana government.

Women's Sports See Record Viewership, Sponsorship Growth in US

Women's Sports See Record Viewership, Sponsorship Growth in US

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Women's sports garnered 28.6 billion minutes of views in the U.S. in the first half of 2026, an 18% increase year-over-year, with advertising spend up 120% since 2022, according to a Nielsen report.

India's Grand Cultural Display At Commonwealth Games Handover

India's Grand Cultural Display At Commonwealth Games Handover

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's rich culture and shared Commonwealth values will be prominently featured during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games closing ceremony's handover segment on August 2. This event will welcome Ahmedabad as the host of the 2030 centenary edition, showcasing India's biggest music and dance stars, including a tribute to Vande Mataram, a unique sitar-pipes Jugalbandi, and a grand finale celebrating Gujarat's heritage.

Will Tiger Shroff make Durand Cup debut?

Will Tiger Shroff make Durand Cup debut?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff is all set to turn his football dream into reality with a likely Durand Cup debut for Mumbay FC.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the brand ambassador for the Pro Govinda League (PGL) -- India's first professional human-pyramid league.

High Stakes: Supreme Court To Decide Legality Of Transgender Sports Bans

High Stakes: Supreme Court To Decide Legality Of Transgender Sports Bans

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The US Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender student athletes from female sports teams. This contentious issue, deeply embedded in the nation's culture wars, challenges federal anti-discrimination laws and the Constitution's equal protection clause.

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar visited Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district to support the 'Maidan Cup' initiative, aimed at transforming the Maoist-affected region into a sports hub. The initiative has developed around 50 school playgrounds and benefits over 5,000 children, promoting sports like kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics, and volleyball.

India Set To Embrace Fast-Paced 3x3 Basketball With Quest 2026

India Set To Embrace Fast-Paced 3x3 Basketball With Quest 2026

Rediff.com7 days ago

Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. has launched Quest India 2026, marking the official introduction of 3x3 basketball to the country. This fast-paced, urban Olympic sport, backed by BFI and FIBA, will feature its inaugural event in September 2026, blending elite competition with street culture.

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

FIFA World Cup: 'Hydration breaks add nothing but take away a lot'

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.

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

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

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

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.

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com13 hours ago

England captain Joe Root has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration over recurring nightclub incidents involving national team players, following fast bowler Brydon Carse's recent arrest and subsequent de-arrest. Root emphasised the team's commitment to building a strong culture and addressing off-field behaviour that detracts from their performance.

IOA Unveils Official Kit For Commonwealth Games Athletes

IOA Unveils Official Kit For Commonwealth Games Athletes

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Indian Olympic Association hosted a grand send-off for the country's Commonwealth Games contingent, unveiling the official ceremonial and competition kit for athletes heading to Glasgow. Dignitaries including Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha attended the event, expressing hopes for a successful campaign.

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

An Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, is undergoing training in Glasgow to learn about staging a multi-sport event. This is part of Ahmedabad's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the event's return to India after two decades. The training covers various aspects of Games operations, including venues, transport, accreditation, and athlete accommodation, and includes sports diplomacy sessions.

Subroto Cup Kicks Off With Exciting Junior Girls' Match

Subroto Cup Kicks Off With Exciting Junior Girls' Match

Rediff.com7 days ago

The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament commenced in New Delhi, featuring a junior girls' match where Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh 2-0. The opening ceremony included vibrant performances and an address by Air Marshal S Sivakumar, highlighting the tournament's role in promoting young talent.

Cricket Star Suryakumar Yadav Becomes MLB Ambassador For India

Cricket Star Suryakumar Yadav Becomes MLB Ambassador For India

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Major League Baseball has announced a partnership with Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav, appointing him as an MLB Ambassador to promote baseball among Indian sports fans. Yadav will participate in various events in India and the U.S., including the MLB All-Star week, and will curate content to connect with fans. This initiative is part of MLB's broader strategy to engage with India's vibrant sports culture, alongside renewing its broadcast agreement with JioStar.

India Launches Initiatives To Boost 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid

India Launches Initiatives To Boost 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has launched three nationwide engagement initiatives, including a reel-making contest, to build momentum for Ahmedabad's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Ahmedabad's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Invitation for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Ahmedabad's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Invitation for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

India officially launched its bid to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, presenting a vibrant cultural showcase at the Glasgow closing ceremony that blended ancient philosophy, contemporary artistry, and cultural grandeur.

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Left AAP because...: Harbhajan Singh opens up on joining BJP

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh revealed in a podcast interview that his decision to switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stemmed from the AAP government's alleged neglect of his concerns regarding drug abuse and sports promotion in Punjab.

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

How Sachin Tendulkar Is Transforming Dantewada Through Sports

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in an event in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist hotbed into a thriving sports hub and opening new avenues for the youth.

How Sports Can Positively Impact Young People

How Sports Can Positively Impact Young People

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlights the transformative role of sports in shaping young minds and fostering community spirit at a documentary screening.

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The upcoming 2026 Ladakh Marathon will feature a record prize pool of Rs 1 crore, aiming to attract over 10,000 visitors globally. This high-altitude event, scheduled from September 10 to 13, is set to welcome participants from 28 Indian states, six Union Territories, and all six inhabited continents, reinforcing its growing international stature.

'The pressure is on another level': Harmanpreet on India-Pakistan clash

'The pressure is on another level': Harmanpreet on India-Pakistan clash

Rediff.com19 hours ago

Harmanpreet Kaur says a winning culture is taking shape in the Indian women's cricket team as they prepare for the Asia Cup and Asian Games.

Delhi Secures Hosting Rights For 2027 World School Championships

Delhi Secures Hosting Rights For 2027 World School Championships

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Delhi government has signed a tripartite MoU with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) to host international school badminton and wrestling events in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen Delhi's sports ecosystem, provide young athletes with international exposure, and bolster India's global sporting identity.

Shankar Mahadevan, Rashmika Mandanna to headline India's CWG 2030 handover show

Shankar Mahadevan, Rashmika Mandanna to headline India's CWG 2030 handover show

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India will officially receive the Commonwealth Games flag at the closing ceremony on August 2, marking its role as the host for the 2030 centenary edition in Ahmedabad. The ceremony will feature a cultural presentation by Shankar Mahadevan and Rashmika Mandanna, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has announced there will be no team curfew for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, expressing trust in his players to act responsibly. This decision comes amidst recent scrutiny over the team's culture following several off-field incidents and player suspensions. Root, who returned to captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement, believes players should be self-policing.

Gujarat Confident Of Hosting World Athletics Championship

Gujarat Confident Of Hosting World Athletics Championship

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed optimism about the state securing hosting rights for the World Athletics Championship 2031 after meeting a delegation from the international governing body. The delegation is assessing Gujarat's sports infrastructure and readiness for both the 2028 U20 Championships and the 2031 senior championships, highlighting the state's growing ambition to host major global sporting events.

National Centre of Excellence for Winter Sports Coming to J&K

National Centre of Excellence for Winter Sports Coming to J&K

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence to promote winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir and the expansion of the Khelo India Winter Games into a 15-day event.

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Rediff.com6 days ago

The third edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has commenced with a quiz contest, leading to a national finale in January 2027 where young leaders will present their ideas for a developed India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The multi-stage event includes essay challenges, district championships, and state-level dialogues, aiming to foster youth participation in nation-building across various thematic areas.

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship was inaugurated at the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, with over 2,000 players from 27 states and Union territories participating.

Delhi To Host Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship In 2026

Delhi To Host Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship In 2026

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi will host the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in 2026 at the Thyagraj Stadium, with players from more than 35 countries expected to participate, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Wednesday.

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's burgeoning franchise volleyball ecosystem, particularly with dedicated Under-21 tournaments like the Guardians Trophy, is creating a structured pathway for young players. This initiative aims to develop talent from the grassroots to professional levels, fostering cultural adaptation and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the senior national team and achieving Olympic qualification.