News for 'The Beautiful Game'

Guwahati Restaurants To Stay Open Late For FIFA World Cup Matches

Guwahati Restaurants To Stay Open Late For FIFA World Cup Matches

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Assam government has permitted restaurants in Guwahati to remain open until 3:30 am on specific dates, including July 15, 16, 19, and 20, to allow football enthusiasts to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision, encouraging responsible enjoyment of the matches, while also allowing other districts to follow suit based on public demand and restaurant associations' requests.

Salima Tete To Lead India Women's Hockey Team At Asian Games

Salima Tete To Lead India Women's Hockey Team At Asian Games

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad, led by Salima Tete, for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The team aims to secure a gold medal to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with minor changes to the strike force from the FIH Nations Cup winning side.

Women's Hockey Squad Announced For Asian Games With Olympic Dream

Women's Hockey Squad Announced For Asian Games With Olympic Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Led by Salima Tete, the team aims to secure a gold medal, which would qualify them for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising juniors, with minor changes from the recent FIH Nations Cup-winning team.

Cruel game! VAR drama, penalty send Senegal packing vs Belgium

Cruel game! VAR drama, penalty send Senegal packing vs Belgium

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed his disappointment, calling football a "cruel game" after his team's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup round of 32. Senegal had held a 2-0 lead until the 85th minute but conceded two late goals, followed by a controversial penalty in extra time that led to their elimination.

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Mohanlal@World Cup Final: 'Thank You, Football'

Rediff.com6 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final saw a galaxy of stars on the field and off it.

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Qatar's resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.

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.

'Two flags, one heart': Khedira's beautiful message on brothers split at World Cup

'Two flags, one heart': Khedira's beautiful message on brothers split at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no identity crisis in his brother Rani playing for Tunisia at FIFA World Cup 2026.

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.

'Varun Chakravarthy Playing Through Pain But Still Bowling Beautifully'

'Varun Chakravarthy Playing Through Pain But Still Bowling Beautifully'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson has praised Varun Chakravarthy for his commitment to the team, playing through a hairline fracture in his left foot to contribute to KKR's IPL playoff push. Despite the injury, Chakravarthy has shown resilience and determination, earning accolades from Watson and highlighting his importance to the squad.

Balanced Indian Women's Hockey Squad Gears Up For World Cup

Balanced Indian Women's Hockey Squad Gears Up For World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Indian women's hockey squad for the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands has been announced, featuring the same 20 players selected for the Asian Games. Led by Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, the team is described as well-balanced, combining experienced players with promising young talent, fresh off an unbeaten victory at the FIH Nations Cup.

Bollywood's Bronze Beauties

Bollywood's Bronze Beauties

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Be it a sun-kissed glow or golden tan, the magic of bronzer in one's make-up kit is all you need to pay a scorching ode to summer glamour. Bollywood's most stylish gals demonstrate the trend.

Shreyas Iyer's World Cup Heart Beats for Brazil!

Shreyas Iyer's World Cup Heart Beats for Brazil!

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India's newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has showed his love for football, backing five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

FIFA World Cup: Mexico, where every patch of ground becomes a football pitch

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Across World Cup co-host Mexico, soccer pitches are laid out wherever communities can find the space. On the edges of towns, on highway underpasses, and even in a volcano crater, spaces are cleared that allow the young and the old to share in the dream of the beautiful game.

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.

Isha, Pooja, Mrunal Absolutely Can't Resist...

Isha, Pooja, Mrunal Absolutely Can't Resist...

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Braids have long moved beyond schoolgirl styling. Today, they can look festive, romantic, edgy or red-carpet ready depending on how you wear them.

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Kolkata's iconic 'FIFA Gully' has transformed a small neighbourhood lane into a colourful World Cup attraction, with murals and giant cut-outs of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and other football stars celebrating the city's enduring love for the beautiful game.

Pope's Love For The Beautiful Game

Pope's Love For The Beautiful Game

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

A look at Pope Francis' enduring bond with football.

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Indian Goalkeeper Reflects On Ronaldo And Neymar's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.

AMAZING Ways To Rock The Sari!

AMAZING Ways To Rock The Sari!

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A sari is more than just a fabric. It's a mood, an emotion and the easiest way to stand out in a room.

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 270-run victory over England in a one-off Test match in London, completing a dominant all-round performance on Day 4.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

Ibra hails defending champs: 'This is why the world fears Argentina'

Ibra hails defending champs: 'This is why the world fears Argentina'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

'That's not just a football victory -- that's the heartbeat of an entire nation'

Lord's Test: Historic! Yastika becomes first women's Test centurion

Lord's Test: Historic! Yastika becomes first women's Test centurion

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia's historic century and a brilliant bowling display put India firmly in control of the first-ever women's Test at Lord's, leaving England facing a huge challenge to save the match.

Messi Turns 39: The Legend Continues to Grow

Messi Turns 39: The Legend Continues to Grow

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, celebrated his 39th birthday. The article chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his unparalleled success at Barcelona, his international triumphs with Argentina including the 2022 World Cup, his individual accolades like eight Ballon d'Or awards, and his current impact with Inter Miami, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking legend.

Ponting hails 'beautiful' home-cooked meal, hopes for PBKS boost

Ponting hails 'beautiful' home-cooked meal, hopes for PBKS boost

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Ricky Ponting praises Prabhsimran Singh's mother for a home-cooked meal for Punjab Kings, hoping it sparks a winning run ahead of their clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

From Widow's Bay to Raakh: Must Watch Shows of 2026 to Fill the Post-World Cup Void

From Widow's Bay to Raakh: Must Watch Shows of 2026 to Fill the Post-World Cup Void

Rediff.com4 days ago

As the FIFA World Cup concludes, we give you a curated list of the most impressive Hindi and English shows from 2026 to fill the OTT void.

Super-sub Torres stars as Spain down 10-man Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026 title

Super-sub Torres stars as Spain down 10-man Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026 title

Rediff.com7 days ago

It's goalless at half-time in the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's national football coach, Hossam Hassan, has vehemently blamed 'unfair' refereeing decisions and 'external factors' for his team's dramatic World Cup elimination by Argentina, stating he will no longer watch the tournament.

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's World Cup dream ended in defeat, but their story had already become one of the tournament's defining moments. After the debutants stretched defending champions Argentina to extra time, football greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry saluted the tiny island nation for proving that belief can outweigh size and reputation.

FIFA World Cup semis: Tuchel reveals England's plan to stop Messi

FIFA World Cup semis: Tuchel reveals England's plan to stop Messi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel insists his players are not focusing on the historical rivalry with Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final, stating the occasion itself is significant enough and their preparation centres on the game at hand.

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Shardul Thakur on Monday expressed his disappointment on not being "utilised properly" during India's 2025 tour of England last year for five Tests, saying that he had performed the last time he played for the country.

Wimbledon: Zverev fights back to avoid shock exit

Wimbledon: Zverev fights back to avoid shock exit

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

French Open champion Alexander Zverev has an allergy to grass and admits to struggling on Wimbledon's "beautiful" Centre Court but showed enough in a first-round win over hard-hitting Belgian Alexander Blockx on Tuesday to suggest he could embark on his best run yet in southwest London.

Ramneek, The Cute Girl Next Door

Ramneek, The Cute Girl Next Door

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ramneek Kataria may have won hearts as the spirited Bareilly Ki Bachchan, but her personal style proves she is just as comfortable playing the girl next door as she is embracing full-blown glamour.

SRK's Knight Riders Play First Match At New Cricket Ground In Los Angeles

SRK's Knight Riders Play First Match At New Cricket Ground In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match.

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Naomi Osaka continued to make a statement at Wimbledon as she paired her flair off the court with growing confidence on it to dismiss unseeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 on Friday and reach the last 16 for the first time.

India get Tongue-lashing in record defeat at Trent Bridge

India get Tongue-lashing in record defeat at Trent Bridge

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

England inflicted a record T20 defeat on India, winning by 125 runs at Trent Bridge, with Josh Tongue taking 4-28 and Jofra Archer 3-29, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.