News for 'athlete preparation'

'I thought I'd be holding a medal. Instead, I'm holding MRI reports'

'I thought I'd be holding a medal. Instead, I'm holding MRI reports'

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

India's fastest hurdler, Tejas Shirse, has revealed he competed in the Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles final with two stress fractures in his left foot, an injury that has ended his 2026 season and shattered his dream of competing at the Asian Games next month.

Maskar And Dhillon Clinch Bronze For India At ISSF World Cup

Maskar And Dhillon Clinch Bronze For India At ISSF World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon have won a bronze medal in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou. This medal brings India's total tally to four, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze. Both athletes expressed confidence and motivation from this achievement, with Himanshu marking his maiden senior World Cup podium.

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh pole vaulter Dev Meena has broken the national record for the fifth time in two years, clearing 5.46m at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. He credited his coach, Ghanshyam Yadav, for consistently pushing him to aim for national records. Meena also successfully breached the Asian Games qualifying mark and has been named in the Indian squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Oriental Cup Returns With Expanded Format And Scholarships For Young Footballers

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup, an inter-school football tournament, is scheduled from July 7 to 16 in New Delhi. It will feature over 45 school teams, 1,500 student-athletes, and offer scholarships worth Rs 2.5 lakh to encourage young talent. Organisers aim to make it India's leading school football competition, with growing participation, especially among girls' teams.

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Sports Ministry has introduced stricter guidelines for selecting coaches for India's Asian Games contingent, prioritising demonstrable contribution and regular association with athletes to manage the increasing number of requests.

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A High Performance national coach for rifle shooters, Manoj Kumar, is under inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at a government facility and discriminating against non-attendees. Complaints from shooters and guardians detail pressure to name him as their official coach and unequal distribution of ammunition. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) secretary general has refuted the charges.

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Sarvesh Kushare Sets New High Jump National Record, Eyes Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Star Indian high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has set a new national record by clearing 2.31m at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar, becoming the first Indian to breach the 2.30m mark.

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India has announced a calendar of 29 international sporting events over the next two years, aiming to bolster its credentials as a host nation. This strategic move is part of its larger goal to secure bids for the 2036 Olympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the 2038 Asian Games, showcasing its capacity to host large-scale multi-sport spectacles.

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced that India will send 125-130 athletes to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, participating in eight able-bodied and four para sports. The IOA is also preparing for the Asian Games and is in talks with the IOC for India's 2036 Olympic bid in Ahmedabad, which is also set to host the 2030 CWG. Iyer clarified that the IOA will not interfere in athlete selection matters.

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) if she is not provided a 'factual explanation' for her omission from the Asian Games squad.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.

Canadian Open laments Sinner, Djokovic withdrawals, calls for ATP schedule review

Canadian Open laments Sinner, Djokovic withdrawals, calls for ATP schedule review

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Canadian Open has voiced its disappointment over the withdrawals of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, highlighting a 'broader issue' of top players missing ATP 1000 events due to demanding schedules, prompting calls for adjustments to protect tournament integrity.

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor Clinches Shot Put Title

Tajinderpal Singh Toor Clinches Shot Put Title

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Tajinderpal Singh Toor won the men's shot put title at the Indian Athletics Series in Sangrur, while Annu Rani finished third in the women's javelin throw. Harjit Singh and Fatema Begam were the fastest runners.

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

As India awaits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's senior debut, experts urge cricket to remember the 15-year-old is still a child, highlighting the challenges of balancing extraordinary talent, growing fame and emotional well-being.

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a nostalgic moment with former Australia captain Steve Waugh during a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, presenting him with a photograph from their first meeting more than two decades ago when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.

Indian Boxers To Compete In Czechia Grand Prix

Indian Boxers To Compete In Czechia Grand Prix

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A strong contingent of Commonwealth Games-bound Indian boxers, led by Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain, will participate in the invitational Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in Czechia. The tournament offers a crucial opportunity for the athletes to fine-tune their preparations and gain international exposure against strong opposition.

The Virat Kohli Chat That Revived PV Sindhu's Career

The Virat Kohli Chat That Revived PV Sindhu's Career

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu revealed that a crucial conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli helped her overcome a two-year title drought and rediscover her passion for the game, leading to her historic Japan Open victory.

Gulveer Singh Aims for Glory at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Gulveer Singh Aims for Glory at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Gulveer Singh, the Asian champion and national record holder, will lead the Indian contingent at the TCS World 10K Run Bengaluru, a World Athletics Gold Label race.

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Twenty-two rowers have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group to prepare for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selection, made by the Mission Olympic Cell, includes prominent names like Balraj Panwar and Arvind Singh.

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

India's long distance star Gulveer Singh eyes Asian Games glory

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's premier long-distance runner, Gulveer Singh, is confident of improving his bronze medal performance from the 2022 Asian Games in the upcoming edition. Holding national records in multiple events, Singh is preparing for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, focusing on strategic training under his US-based coach and utilising advanced sportswear technology.

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's profile continues to soar, experts believe mental conditioning and "situation management" training will be crucial in helping the teenage batting sensation handle sledging, pressure and rising expectations.

Asian Fencing Championships: Pakistan declines invitation amid visa issues

Asian Fencing Championships: Pakistan declines invitation amid visa issues

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Pakistan has decided not to send its team to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi, despite an invitation from local organisers. India is hosting the event for the first time, which will also include the General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia. Several other nations, including Hong Kong and Australia, are also facing visa-related challenges for their delegations.

How Neeraj Chopra's Guidance Helped Sumit Antil Break World Record

How Neeraj Chopra's Guidance Helped Sumit Antil Break World Record

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, credits Neeraj Chopra's advice at the World Para Championship for his world record-breaking javelin throw of 74.82m at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in Bengaluru.

Indian Open Of Surfing Set To Boost Asian Games Prep

Indian Open Of Surfing Set To Boost Asian Games Prep

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The seventh edition of the Indian Open of Surfing will be held in Mangalore from May 29 to 31, serving as vital preparation for the country's Asian Games debut later this year.

Junior Women's Hockey Team Gears Up For UK Tour

Junior Women's Hockey Team Gears Up For UK Tour

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's junior women's hockey team is set to embark on a tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14, playing seven matches against various international U-21 teams and Scotland's senior side. This tour, led by new coach Tim White, is crucial for the team's preparation for future competitions and aims to provide valuable international exposure.

Gulveer Singh Smashes Indian Mile Record In USA

Gulveer Singh Smashes Indian Mile Record In USA

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh became the first Indian to run a mile race in under four minutes, winning the title at the 24th Annual Music City Track Carnival in Cleveland, USA.

'Our Rotten-To-The-Core Education System Needs Shock Treatment'

'Our Rotten-To-The-Core Education System Needs Shock Treatment'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

'Let the world know that India's Gen Z has now moved out of their social media world and is ready to face the lathis, the tear gas shells or the spiked-dandas of cops.'

National Armwrestling Championship To Be Held At Rashtriya Raksha University

National Armwrestling Championship To Be Held At Rashtriya Raksha University

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Rashtriya Raksha University will host the 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship from May 29 to June 2 at its Lavad campus here, officials said on Friday. The championship is jointly organized by the Armwrestling Federation of Gujarat and People's Armwrestling Federation India.

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.

Harshit Damodaran, Akshat Bajaj Secure Gold And Silver For India

Harshit Damodaran, Akshat Bajaj Secure Gold And Silver For India

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Indian gymnasts Harshit Damodaran and Akshat Bajaj achieved a historic gold-silver finish in the junior men's vault event at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zunyi, China. Harshit secured gold with 13.649 points, while Akshat took silver with 13.433 points, marking a significant achievement for Indian gymnastics.

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.

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian women's U-18 squad for the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.

Neeraj Chopra Satisfied With Doha Comeback After Injury Layoff

Neeraj Chopra Satisfied With Doha Comeback After Injury Layoff

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 85.69m, marking his return to competition after multiple injuries. Despite not winning, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating he focused on reaching the competition stage without extra pressure. He confirmed his participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and discussed his recovery process and the growing competition in South Asian javelin.

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Ad-Hoc Committee appointed to run the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has informed the Delhi High Court that governance reforms and elections may take longer than initially planned. The committee cited statutory requirements under the new sports law and delays in gaining full control of the federation as reasons for the extended timeline.

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to miss the Doha Diamond League, to be held on June 19, as he is still recuperating from a back injury in Switzerland.

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India is set to celebrate Commonwealth Games Day on May 24 across 8,000 locations, with a main event in Ahmedabad, featuring sporting stars and a focus on fitness and national pride.