News for 'Youth and Sports Development'

Mary Kom Eyes Professional Boxing After Age Limit Ends Amateur Run

Mary Kom Eyes Professional Boxing After Age Limit Ends Amateur Run

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom is considering a move to professional boxing after age restrictions ended her amateur career. She remains committed to grassroots development and praises government initiatives to promote sports and fitness.

Rising Stars of Indian Chess: Rishabh Kumar and Adhiraj Mitra Chart Their Own Paths to Glory

Rising Stars of Indian Chess: Rishabh Kumar and Adhiraj Mitra Chart Their Own Paths to Glory

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

As India's remarkable chess revolution gathers momentum, teenagers Rishabh Kumar and Adhiraj Mitra are ensuring that the country's future on the 64 squares remains brighter than ever.

Budget 2026: Sports goods sector gets Rs 500 cr boost; Rs 900 cr for Khelo India

Budget 2026: Sports goods sector gets Rs 500 cr boost; Rs 900 cr for Khelo India

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The government's flagship Khelo India programme received an allocation of Rs 924.35 crore.

NADA Hands Provisional Suspension To Prominent Athletes Over Doping Violations

NADA Hands Provisional Suspension To Prominent Athletes Over Doping Violations

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended 24 athletes across various sports, including cricketer Bhupen Lalwani, weightlifter Ajith Narayana, wrestler Sahil Jaglan, and national record holder runner KM Deeksha, for failing dope tests. The suspensions highlight ongoing challenges with doping in Indian sports.

India Basketball League Set To Launch In 2027

India Basketball League Set To Launch In 2027

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The India Basketball League (IBL), backed by former NBA stars, is set to launch in 2027 with the aim of building a professional basketball ecosystem in India. The league hopes to tap into India's expanding youth culture and create a sustainable professional structure for Indian basketball.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Para archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan gets five years for sexual harassment

Para archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan gets five years for sexual harassment

Rediff.com21 May 2026

National para archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a minor athlete. The Fast Track Special Court in Sonipat convicted Vedwan under the POCSO Act, following allegations dating back to April 2023.

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian Under-20 men's team has been drawn into Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria, and Bangladesh for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from August 25 to September 6.

Premier League Launches NEXTGEN Coaching Programme In India

Premier League Launches NEXTGEN Coaching Programme In India

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Premier League launched its NEXTGEN coach programme in Goa, aiming to enhance grassroots football coaching in India through training and skill development for local coaches.

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Indian junior women's hockey team head coach Tim White has lauded the growing talent pool in the country's age-group national pathway during his scouting visit to the ongoing India-Australia U-18 exposure series in Bhopal. White emphasised the importance of building a strong connection between the youth tiers and the senior national team, aiming to develop players ready for world-class performance.

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Injury-riddled Brazil face Morocco test in World Cup opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games will be held annually in the state following the success of the inaugural edition. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and gain national recognition.

Lionel Messi purchases Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornella

Lionel Messi purchases Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornella

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lionel Messi is the owner of a fifth-division soccer club in Spain after the Argentine superstar acquired Barcelona-based UE Cornella.

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Goodbye, Shastri Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

As Shastri Bhawan nears demolition, one of Delhi's most iconic government buildings leaves behind six decades of stories, power, journalism and public life.

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

Why India Chose Frederic Soyez As Hockey Coach

Why India Chose Frederic Soyez As Hockey Coach

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has appointed Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive international coaching experience, including multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 1,331 Cr to make Ahmedabad 'Olympic-ready'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has announced a significant investment in sports infrastructure, with the goal of transforming the state into a sports hub and positioning Ahmedabad as a potential host city for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Second Edition of Rugby Premier League to be Held in Hyderabad

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, featuring the Rugby 7s format and six franchises from the inaugural season.

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.

Anil Kumble warns: Don't rush Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Anil Kumble warns: Don't rush Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Anil Kumble advises caution on fast-tracking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the Indian cricket team, while also discussing India's potential to host the 2036 Olympics and the importance of grassroots sports development.

PIX: Modi plays football with children in Sikkim

PIX: Modi plays football with children in Sikkim

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Sikkim, engaged in a football session with local children in Gangtok, describing the experience as 'energising'. He also attended the closing ceremony of 50 years of Sikkim's statehood and launched projects worth Rs 4,000 crore.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

What's Yuvraj Singh planning with the Sports Minister?

What's Yuvraj Singh planning with the Sports Minister?

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, met with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) co-founder and ambassador, Yuvraj Singh and CEO Uttam Mundy at his office and praised the efforts being made to promote the sport across India.

Jammu Authorities Demolish Homes Of Alleged Drug Peddlers

Jammu Authorities Demolish Homes Of Alleged Drug Peddlers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Authorities in Jammu demolished three houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers as part of an ongoing campaign against drug trafficking in the region.

Rajasthan Orders Safety Review After School Tragedy

Rajasthan Orders Safety Review After School Tragedy

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission has ordered a statewide safety review of sports infrastructure in schools after an eight-year-old boy died in an accident at a school in Udaipur.

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Syndrela Das won the U-19 singles title after securing the Under-17 singles crown at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships. Karnataka's Tanishka Kalbhairav and Himanshi Chowdhary won the U-19 doubles title, while West Bengal's Ankolika Chakraborty and Ahona Ray won the U-17 title.

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Why India Faces Stricter Doping Rules In Athletics

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the opposition of misleading farmers regarding crop procurement, assuring that all produce will be purchased and that the government is addressing any difficulties in grain markets.

Transgender athletes barred from female category events at Olympics

Transgender athletes barred from female category events at Olympics

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Only biological females, determined by gene screening, will be allowed at Olympic Games female events, says IOC.

Italian football in crisis after European competition exit

Italian football in crisis after European competition exit

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Italian football is experiencing a significant crisis following the failure of its clubs in European competitions and the national team's continued absence from the World Cup.

Young Tigresses Face Japan Test In AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Face Japan Test In AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 May 2026

India's U17 women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup after an initial defeat to Australia. Coach Pamela Conti emphasises the need for a focused and perfect match to compete against the formidable Japanese side.