News for 'assistance to national sports federations'

National Sports Governance Bill becomes an Act

National Sports Governance Bill becomes an Act

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The National Sports Governance Bill has become an Act after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the landmark legislation that promises to revamp India's sports administration.

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Centre Revamps Khelo India Funding, States To Share Costs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Landmark Stipend Programme For Young Players

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Landmark Stipend Programme For Young Players

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh in quarterly stipends to 42 promising young chess players across India. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, support coaching and travel, and nurture future champions, aligning with a vision to strengthen grassroots chess development.

Zidane takes over as France national team head coach

Zidane takes over as France national team head coach

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Former France midfielder and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps.

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is undertaking a significant restructuring of its national hockey programme following a dismal performance in the FIH Pro League, where the team failed to win any matches, including two losses to India. The PHF plans to hire foreign coaches and trainers from countries like Australia, Netherlands, or Germany to develop players at all levels and modernise the sport in Pakistan.

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.

SAI Sanctions Funds For Billiards Champions' World Championship Participation

SAI Sanctions Funds For Billiards Champions' World Championship Participation

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has provided financial assistance for India's participation in the IBSF World Men's Billiards Championship in Ireland, supporting players like Sourav Kothari and Pankaj Advani.

SAI Sanctions Funds For Billiards Champions' World Championship Participation

SAI Sanctions Funds For Billiards Champions' World Championship Participation

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has provided financial assistance for India's participation in the IBSF World Men's Billiards Championship in Ireland, supporting players like Sourav Kothari and Pankaj Advani.

Sahdev Yadav Appointed President Of South Asian Weightlifting Federation

Sahdev Yadav Appointed President Of South Asian Weightlifting Federation

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Sahdev Yadav, President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation, has been unanimously elected as the head of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF). He aims to strengthen cooperation and improve weightlifting standards in the region.

'We can stop India': Pakistan's hockey World Cup warning

'We can stop India': Pakistan's hockey World Cup warning

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan's chief selector Samiullah Khan believes a draw against arch-rivals India will be crucial for the national hockey team to advance past the group stage in the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan, participating after an eight-year hiatus, has announced a 20-member squad, with foreign coaches assisting the team.

Equestrian Federation And Olympian Anush Agarwalla Clash Over Asian Games Selection Process

Equestrian Federation And Olympian Anush Agarwalla Clash Over Asian Games Selection Process

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Olympian dressage rider Anush Agarwalla and the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) ad-hoc panel are engaged in a heated dispute over the selection process for the upcoming Asian Games. Agarwalla, a gold medallist and Paris Olympics representative, alleges a lack of transparency after being named a reserve member, while the EFI defends its process as compliant with selection criteria.

Juergen Klopp appointed Germany head coach on four-year deal

Juergen Klopp appointed Germany head coach on four-year deal

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the head coach of the German national football team on a four-year contract, following Julian Nagelsmann's departure and a series of disappointing World Cup performances.

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.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

Will New Sports Bill Be A Game Changer?

Will New Sports Bill Be A Game Changer?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Salient features of the National Sports Governance Bill that promise to overhaul several aspects of sports governance and the grievance redressal system for athletes and administrators alike in the country.

India Dominates FIDE Awards Shortlist

India Dominates FIDE Awards Shortlist

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

From supporting young talents financially to earning global recognition, Indian chess is making its presence felt like never before.

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.

'Despicable woman': Mbappe hits back at Paraguayan senator

'Despicable woman': Mbappe hits back at Paraguayan senator

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

France striker Kylian Mbappe hit back at a Paraguayan senator, describing her as a "despicable woman" on Monday after she launched a racist attack on him following Paraguay's elimination from the World Cup.

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.

Smallest Nations, Biggest Stage: Curacao, Cape Verde Defy All Odds At FIFA World Cup

Smallest Nations, Biggest Stage: Curacao, Cape Verde Defy All Odds At FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Curacao and Cape Verde, two of the smallest nations globally, have achieved an unprecedented feat by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will not coach the team's last Group I game at the World Cup against Norway, the French federation said on Tuesday.

Sports Ministry asks SAI to formulate SOP for future events

Sports Ministry asks SAI to formulate SOP for future events

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

To prevent India Open-like mess, Sports Ministry asks SAI to draw up SOP

Sawan Barwal Shatters National Marathon Record in Rotterdam

Sawan Barwal Shatters National Marathon Record in Rotterdam

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Sawan Barwal broke the national marathon record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam, clocking 2 hours 11 minutes and 58 seconds, surpassing the previous record set in 1978.

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has pledged its full support to establish the Pune Grand Tour as the world's fourth Grand Tour, aiming to transform it into a leading global sports tourism destination. The UCI praised the event's quality, crowd discipline, and rapid execution, committing expertise for its long-term growth and grassroots cycling development in India.

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Salah Stars as Egypt Rewrite History With Maiden World Cup Victory

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, securing the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving top of Group G.

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India launches AI-driven SPEEED platform to track athlete performance, predict injuries, tackle age fraud and revolutionise sports science nationwide.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

BCCI To Stay Outside The Ambit Of RTI ACT!

BCCI To Stay Outside The Ambit Of RTI ACT!

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

In what can be construed as a relief to the BCCI, the Sports Ministry has amended the RTI-related provision of the National Sports Governance Bill, placing only those bodies under its ambit which rely on government grants and assistance.

AIFF floats tender for picking commercial partner

AIFF floats tender for picking commercial partner

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

AIFF invites bids from consulting firms to manage process of awarding commercial rights.

Why Indian Chess Fraternity Is Upset

Why Indian Chess Fraternity Is Upset

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The All India Chess Federation did not utilise Rs 3.12 crore out of the central government's allocation of Rs 5.2 crore during FY25.

Pranati Nayak Aims To Increase Difficulty Level

Pranati Nayak Aims To Increase Difficulty Level

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak is focusing on increasing her difficulty level for the Asian Championships after winning a silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Tashkent. She is balancing execution and difficulty in preparation for the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.

Four Indian Boxers Promoted To TOPS Core Group

Four Indian Boxers Promoted To TOPS Core Group

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Indian boxers have been promoted to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core group following their impressive performances at the 2026 Asian Boxing Elite Championships, while three others have been inducted into the Development group.

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Bengaluru FC has appointed Savio Medeira, former Indian national team coach, as their head of youth development, aiming to strengthen the pathway for young players to the first team.

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sports budget raised by over Rs 350 crore, Khelo India gets biggest share

Crispin Chettri Names India Women's Squad for FIFA Series in Kenya

Crispin Chettri Names India Women's Squad for FIFA Series in Kenya

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Crispin Chettri has announced a 22-member squad for the Indian women's football team to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Kenya, marking his return as head coach.