News for 'World of Difference'

England team in a very different place: Joe Root welcomes Pietersen's return

England team in a very different place: Joe Root welcomes Pietersen's return

Rediff.com23 minutes ago

England Test captain Joe Root has expressed strong support for Kevin Pietersen's return to the national setup as a specialist mentor, emphasising that the current team environment is vastly different from the one Pietersen left in 2014.

Why Sindarov Is Delaying World Championship Preparations

Why Sindarov Is Delaying World Championship Preparations

Rediff.com4 days ago

Uzbek chess prodigy Javokhir Sindarov, set to challenge D Gukesh for the world crown, reveals he will only begin preparations for the highly anticipated match after competing in the Global Chess League and the Chess Olympiad this month, maintaining focus on immediate tournaments.

Nehra weighs in on Gill's leadership and Rohit-Kohli's 2027 World Cup chances

Nehra weighs in on Gill's leadership and Rohit-Kohli's 2027 World Cup chances

Rediff.com1 days ago

Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra has offered insights into Shubman Gill's captaincy style, comparing him to Hardik Pandya and noting Gill's reserved yet keen approach to leadership. Nehra also discussed the uncertain future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating it's too early to predict. He also touched upon his own coaching ambitions and reflected on past World Cup losses.

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

Rediff.com3 days ago

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, backed by India, to correct the world map for a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution addresses the distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which minimises the perceived sizes of regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, promoting an unbalanced global view. India supports the move towards more accurate cartographic practices, specifically endorsing broader use of Equal Area map projections.

New AI Tool Maps How Different Brain Regions Age

New AI Tool Maps How Different Brain Regions Age

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Researchers have developed an AI-based approach to generate detailed maps highlighting differences in how distinct parts of the brain age. This new model reveals that not all brain regions age at the same rate, with frontal and temporal lobes appearing biologically older. The study also links these regional ageing patterns to cognitive function and neurodegeneration, particularly in Alzheimer's disease.

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's favourite teatime indulgence, the samosa, comes with many kinds of stuffings.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

Complicated FIH Hockey World Cup Format Draws Criticism

Complicated FIH Hockey World Cup Format Draws Criticism

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The current FIH Hockey World Cup format, featuring a crossover pool system where first-round results carry forward, is causing widespread confusion among teams, fans, and media. Many stakeholders believe the complex system detracts from the game's excitement, shifts focus to mathematical calculations, and potentially favours larger teams, leading to calls for a simpler structure.

'Serious introspection is needed': Rasquinha after India's hockey World Cup exit

'Serious introspection is needed': Rasquinha after India's hockey World Cup exit

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Former India captain Viren Rasquinha warns that an Asian Games gold could paper over deeper problems in Indian men's hockey after their disappointing World Cup campaign.

Bengaluru Hosts KSLTA World Tennis Junior J30 Tournament

Bengaluru Hosts KSLTA World Tennis Junior J30 Tournament

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The KSLTA World Tennis Junior J30 tournament is set to host a strong field of India's leading junior players and international youngsters in Bengaluru, offering them a crucial platform to earn ITF Junior ranking points and gain international experience.

Coach Marijne Defends Pre-World Cup Leave, Reflects On Team's Performance

Coach Marijne Defends Pre-World Cup Leave, Reflects On Team's Performance

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India women's hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne addressed concerns regarding his pre-World Cup leave, asserting his continuous involvement in the team's preparations. He reflected on the team's creditable fifth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasising the need for sustained hunger and improvement. Marijne also discussed the advantages of his second stint, his focus on team discipline, and the positive impact of the Women's Hockey India League on player development.

Yamaguchi Aims For Record Fourth World Championships Crown

Yamaguchi Aims For Record Fourth World Championships Crown

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Akane Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion, has reached her fourth World Championships final and is poised to become the first women's singles player to win four titles. She attributes her smooth campaign to playing without pressure and adapting well to conditions, expressing readiness for a tough final against An Se Young.

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in the FIH World Cup, marking their first win of the tournament. Multiple players scored for India, achieving their biggest World Cup win, and setting them up for their next match against England.

'We Weren't Able to Convert': Satwik-Chirag Rue World Championships Loss

'We Weren't Able to Convert': Satwik-Chirag Rue World Championships Loss

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, expressed disappointment over their inability to convert attacking opportunities and losing the crucial battle over the first four shots and service, leading to their quarterfinal exit at the World Championships.

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Eyes Top Spot In Pool D Against England

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Eyes Top Spot In Pool D Against England

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team, unbeaten in the FIH Women's World Cup, faces England in their final Pool D match. A draw secures India's top spot, but England desperately needs a win to advance. India's strong attacking and defensive performances have built confidence, though coach Sjoerd Marijne warns against complacency, highlighting England's previous victory over India and their strong play. The team aims to continue its impressive run and potentially secure a podium finish.

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

India's Women's Hockey team will compete against higher-ranked Germany in the fifth-place playoff at the Women's Hockey World Cup, aiming to conclude their impressive campaign with a victory and build momentum for the upcoming Asian Games.

French Badminton Makes History With Double World Titles

French Badminton Makes History With Double World Titles

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

France achieved a historic double victory at the World Championships, with Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue winning mixed doubles and Alex Lanier securing the men's singles title. This unprecedented success is attributed to decades of strategic investment in a national badminton system, including national and regional centres, coach education, and a focus on holistic player development, aiming to elevate France among traditional Asian powerhouses in the sport.

ODI World Cup: Tilak Varma could be India's answer to middle-order concerns

ODI World Cup: Tilak Varma could be India's answer to middle-order concerns

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Hockey World Cup: Indian Women Take on Australia in Virtual Quarter-Final

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's route to the semi-finals is straightforward: if the Netherlands beats China, a win over Australia would take the ninth-ranked Indian team through.

'No Words Could Normalise Things': Coach on Treesa-Gayatri's Historic World Championships Medal

'No Words Could Normalise Things': Coach on Treesa-Gayatri's Historic World Championships Medal

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian doubles coach B Sumeeth Reddy discusses the emotional journey and struggles of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who secured a historic bronze medal at the Badminton World Championships. He highlights their contrasting personalities, improved rotation, and resilience in overcoming injuries to achieve this significant milestone.

FIH Women's Hockey World Cup: India crush South Africa, stay in Round 2 hunt

FIH Women's Hockey World Cup: India crush South Africa, stay in Round 2 hunt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

India's women's hockey team delivered a dominant performance, defeating South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup. Six different players scored for India, with a prolific third quarter sealing the rout. This emphatic win significantly strengthens India's chances of advancing, placing them atop Pool D on goal difference ahead of their crucial final pool match against England.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.

Lakshya Sen leads India's charge at BWF World Championships in New Delhi

Lakshya Sen leads India's charge at BWF World Championships in New Delhi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Ayush Shetty are preparing for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. Sen, a former bronze medallist, aims for a deep run despite an inconsistent year, while the doubles pair focuses on adapting to court conditions. Rising star Ayush Shetty faces a tough opening challenge against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, with all players expressing excitement about playing in front of a home crowd and noting improved venue conditions.

28 years on, Pritam hopes son Yashdeep can realise her unfulfilled World Cup dream

28 years on, Pritam hopes son Yashdeep can realise her unfulfilled World Cup dream

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former India hockey star Pritam Siwach will watch son Yashdeep make his World Cup debut in the Netherlands, 28 years after her own World Cup appearance.

Happy to bat anywhere, excited by different roles: Sundar

Happy to bat anywhere, excited by different roles: Sundar

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed his excitement about playing different roles across formats, highlighting his recent unbeaten 52 at number five in India's ODI victory over England. He credited coaches Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra for boosting his confidence as a batter.

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ranjit Bajaj has declined the manager role for the India U-15 men's national team for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup, citing fundamental differences in footballing philosophy with head coach Bibiano Fernandes.

Satwik-Chirag stick to 'Plan A' as tactical flexibility delivers China Masters glory

Satwik-Chirag stick to 'Plan A' as tactical flexibility delivers China Masters glory

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured their maiden China Masters title, defeating China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the final. The world No. 5 pair attributed their success to improved physical condition and a consistent "Plan A" strategy, boosting their confidence for the upcoming Asian Games.

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Harmanpreet stars as India win Hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Captain Harmanpreet Singh's two goals helped India secure a 3-1 victory over Wales in their first match of the men's Hockey World Cup, with Sanjay also contributing to the scoreline.

Ishika Chaudhary's World Cup prep: Visualisation, patience and focus

Ishika Chaudhary's World Cup prep: Visualisation, patience and focus

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India defender Ishika Chaudhary, set to make her Women's Hockey World Cup debut, believes her team can spring a surprise, drawing parallels with recent FIFA World Cup upsets. She discusses her journey, overcoming setbacks, and the team's strategy to peak at the right time, guided by senior players and coaches.

Sindhu's 'hunger' drives her 6th World Championships medal bid

Sindhu's 'hunger' drives her 6th World Championships medal bid

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is aiming for a historic sixth World Championships medal, driven by her enduring "hunger towards the game" since starting her senior career in 2009.

Lakshya Sen, Treesa-Gayatri Advance In BWF World Championships

Lakshya Sen, Treesa-Gayatri Advance In BWF World Championships

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen advanced to the second round of the BWF World Championships after overcoming Austria's Collins Valentine Filimon. The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also stunned 16th seeds to reach the pre-quarterfinals. However, India faced a poor outing in mixed doubles, with two pairs crashing out in the opening round, though Unnati Hooda also progressed in women's singles.

Hockey World Cup: Coach Fulton highlights defensive woes after England defeat

Hockey World Cup: Coach Fulton highlights defensive woes after England defeat

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's men's hockey team suffered a 4-2 defeat against England in their second Hockey World Cup pool match, with head coach Craig Fulton and player Manpreet Singh attributing the loss to defensive lapses, particularly in the third quarter. The team now faces a crucial match against arch-rivals Pakistan, needing to improve their defensive discipline and penalty corner conversion.

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Sixteen years ago, when India and Pakistan last met in a men's Hockey World Cup, the contest was more than just two arch-rivals facing each other. It was about settling an old score. And as the two teams prepare to meet again after 16 years, memories of that evening remain fresh for those who were part of it.

India's women's Hockey World Cup dream dashed after goalless draw with Australia

India's women's Hockey World Cup dream dashed after goalless draw with Australia

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India's campaign in the FIH Women's World Cup concluded after a goalless draw against Australia in their final second-round match.

Mahesh Bhatt: 'I Love Him As I Have Loved Nothing Else In My Life'

Mahesh Bhatt: 'I Love Him As I Have Loved Nothing Else In My Life'

Rediff.com18 hours ago

'The greatest love story of my life was with this man. He cured me of the spiritual question and threw me back into the real world.'

How Satwiksairaj And Chirag Shetty Conquered China Masters

How Satwiksairaj And Chirag Shetty Conquered China Masters

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, fresh off their China Masters victory, reveal their "no Plan B" philosophy, focusing on strengths and tactical adjustments. They attribute their success to improved physical condition post-World Championships and meticulous reviews, which helped them secure their 10th BWF World Tour title and boost confidence for the upcoming Asian Games.

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.

Ricky Ponting warns of ODI cricket's decline amid T20 surge

Ricky Ponting warns of ODI cricket's decline amid T20 surge

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting expresses concern over the diminishing role of One Day International (ODI) cricket due to the rapid expansion of T20 Internationals and franchise leagues worldwide. While he believes Test cricket will remain strong with support from major cricketing nations, Ponting fears the 50-over format will be played less frequently. David Warner also weighs in on the challenges and opportunities presented by the crowded T20 calendar.

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

Rediff.com4 days ago

'India is trying to project that it can engage with the world in a different way too.'

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

India Women squander lead, split points with China in hockey World Cup opener

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India played an impressive opening match at the Women's Hockey World Cup, securing a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, with goals from Navneet Kaur and Deepika.