News for 'athlete support'

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.

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.

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.

Athletes, students, artists asked to shield Iran's power plants

Athletes, students, artists asked to shield Iran's power plants

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Citizens in the city of Ilam formed a human chain on Tuesday to demonstrate their defiance against recent threats from US President Donald Trump.

CM Vijay runs anti-drug marathon with public for full 6 km

CM Vijay runs anti-drug marathon with public for full 6 km

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay actively participated in a 6 km anti-drug marathon at Chennai's Marina Beach, running alongside thousands of participants. This marks a historic first for a sitting CM in the state to complete such an event for a social cause, drawing praise from political figures and reinforcing the government's commitment to a drug-free Tamil Nadu.

Mandhana Opens Up On Menstruation In Cricket

Mandhana Opens Up On Menstruation In Cricket

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has candidly discussed the challenges of managing menstruation while playing professional cricket, highlighting an often-unspoken issue in women's sports. She shared a personal experience during a Test match and emphasised the need for cricket's rules and administration to evolve to better support female athletes.

Indian Athletes Adjust to Indoor Challenges at National Championships

Indian Athletes Adjust to Indoor Challenges at National Championships

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Athletes and officials adjusted to the unfamiliar setting at the inaugural National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar, with shot putters modifying their techniques and runners adapting to a curvy track.

Sabalenka's plea fails as pet dogs remain off limits at Wimbledon

Sabalenka's plea fails as pet dogs remain off limits at Wimbledon

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The All England Club permits service dogs and "certified assistance" dogs on its grounds, but pet dogs are not allowed, meaning players who regularly travel with their furry friends must leave them elsewhere during the grasscourt Grand Slam.

Indian Ultra Runners Dominate IAU 24H Championship

Indian Ultra Runners Dominate IAU 24H Championship

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Indian ultra runners achieved remarkable success at the IAU 24H Asia and Oceania Championship in Japan, securing gold in the men's team event and a bronze in the women's team event. Amar Singh Devanda won gold in the men's individual event, setting a new national record.

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship was inaugurated at the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, with over 2,000 players from 27 states and Union territories participating.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

Gurindervir Singh's Family Celebrates Record-Breaking Sprint

Gurindervir Singh's Family Celebrates Record-Breaking Sprint

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The family and coach of Indian sprinter Gurindervir Singh celebrate his record-breaking 100m sprint at the Federation Cup in Ranchi, where he became the first Indian to run below 10.10 seconds.

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

WFI Seeks UIDAI's Help To Curb Age Fraud In Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to permanently retain Aadhaar update histories related to date-of-birth changes and to restrict such modifications after a significant period. This move is part of WFI's intensified crackdown on age fraud in wrestling, which has seen numerous disqualifications and suspensions, aiming to ensure fair play and transparency in age-group competitions.

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Why India Needs A Cultural Shift To Become A Sporting Superpower

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An analysis of the disparities in India's sporting culture, highlighting the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes and the systemic changes needed for India to become a true sporting superpower.

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.

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A 16-year-old Taekwondo player uncovered a fraudulent sports body, the 'Youth Khelo India Federation (YKIF),' which falsely claimed government affiliation and scammed athletes, prompting the Sports Ministry to file an FIR.

Racquet Stringing Professionals Attend Workshop In Delhi

Racquet Stringing Professionals Attend Workshop In Delhi

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A technical workshop for racquet stringing professionals was held in Delhi, focusing on advanced techniques and international standards.

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.

NRAI Elevates Officiating Standards With ISSF Judges Course

NRAI Elevates Officiating Standards With ISSF Judges Course

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is conducting an ISSF 'B' judges course for rifle and pistol disciplines in Surajkund, bringing together 31 technical officials. The programme, led by international and Indian experts, aims to enhance officiating knowledge and skills according to the latest ISSF rules, contributing significantly to the development of shooting sport in India.

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.

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India's roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, including discussions on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is confidential and not for public consumption. He also clarified that the BCCI adheres strictly to the Government of India's policies regarding bilateral tours, such as the potential resumption of ties with Bangladesh, without concern for the political situation in other countries.

How PM Modi's Endorsement Is Propelling Yogasana Towards Olympic Recognition

How PM Modi's Endorsement Is Propelling Yogasana Towards Olympic Recognition

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Dr. Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support has significantly boosted Yogasana's bid for Olympic recognition. He highlights the efforts to rebrand Yogasana as a competitive sport for younger generations and its accessibility, despite challenges like geopolitical tensions affecting participation.

How cancer battles deepened the bond between Evert and Navratilova

How cancer battles deepened the bond between Evert and Navratilova

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova reflect on their iconic rivalry, enduring friendship and shared cancer battles as they celebrate more than 50 years of a unique bond in a new Netflix documentary.

SAI Boosts Weightlifting With Investment For Commonwealth And Asian Games

SAI Boosts Weightlifting With Investment For Commonwealth And Asian Games

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is investing nearly Rs 1.95 crore in international exposure and national coaching camps for weightlifters preparing for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Iran team arrive in US for FIFA World Cup opener as the two nations reach peace deal

Iran team arrive in US for FIFA World Cup opener as the two nations reach peace deal

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The IOC has expressed concern for the welfare of Iranian athletes amid escalating unrest, mass arrests and reports of deaths, saying it remains in contact with Iran's Olympic community.

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has criticised the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events and has asked the Centre to form an expert panel to evaluate her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.

Punia Urges Phogat To Continue Struggle After Trials Defeat

Punia Urges Phogat To Continue Struggle After Trials Defeat

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia has voiced his support for Vinesh Phogat after her unsuccessful return to competitive wrestling at the Asian Games selection trials, urging her to persevere despite the setback.

Why India Is Now A High-Risk Doping Nation

Why India Is Now A High-Risk Doping Nation

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

India has been designated as a country with an 'extremely high' risk of doping by World Athletics, leading to more stringent anti-doping measures for Indian athletes.

Why FIVB Revoked Recognition Of Indian Volleyball Federation

Why FIVB Revoked Recognition Of Indian Volleyball Federation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The world volleyball body FIVB has revoked the Volleyball Federation of India's recognition due to breaches of legal and administrative requirements, following complaints from players about poor facilities and selection politics.

Over 1,300 athletes dropped from Khelo India...Here's why

Over 1,300 athletes dropped from Khelo India...Here's why

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed that 1342 athletes have been removed from the Khelo India programme in the last three years due to poor performance and doping violations, while 2905 new athletes have been inducted.

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Authorities in Ghaziabad intensified verification drives and sealed three unrecognised madrassas in the Khoda area following the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The incident has led to heightened security measures and political reactions.

India Celebrates 'Fit India Sundays' And Commonwealth Games Day

India Celebrates 'Fit India Sundays' And Commonwealth Games Day

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya joined a cycling event in Ahmedabad to mark the 75th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' and Commonwealth Games Day, encouraging citizens to embrace cycling for fitness and short commutes. The event saw participation from athletes, celebrities, and citizens across India.

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.

India Aims To Be A Top 10 Sporting Nation By 2030

India Aims To Be A Top 10 Sporting Nation By 2030

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged Indian shooters to support the country's goal of becoming a top-10 global sporting power within a decade. The NRAI marked its 75th anniversary with a plan to introduce shooting to 7.5 lakh youth through grassroots outreach.

How Anti-Doping Act Amendments Will Change Enforcement

How Anti-Doping Act Amendments Will Change Enforcement

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Proposed amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act in India could significantly alter enforcement procedures, granting officers greater authority to search and detain individuals suspected of involvement with banned substances.

Vinesh Phogat Eyes 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Trials

Vinesh Phogat Eyes 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat, despite losing in the Asian Games selection trials, asserts her return to wrestling after motherhood as a victory, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while criticising the wrestling administration for alleged discrimination and harassment.

India Explores 2036 Olympic Bid During CWG Review

India Explores 2036 Olympic Bid During CWG Review

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A meeting to review India's Commonwealth Games preparations included discussions on advancing the country's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, with Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participating online.

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring participants from approximately 30 nations, commenced in Gandhinagar, highlighting India's growing role in international sports.