News for 'former players'

Pragg is more dangerous than Carlsen: Pravin Thipsay

Pragg is more dangerous than Carlsen: Pravin Thipsay

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

On current form, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa can be considered one of the most dangerous opponents in world chess, even more dangerous than world No. 1 Carlsen, says Pravind Thipsay.

Manika Batra Alleges TTFI Violated Constitution In Asian Games Squad Selection

Manika Batra Alleges TTFI Violated Constitution In Asian Games Squad Selection

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Star Indian table tennis player Manika Batra has accused the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) of violating its own Constitution during the selection of the Asian Games squad, where she was named a reserve. Batra claims a nine-member committee, exceeding the constitutional limit, finalised the team, leading to her "mental exhaustion" from the ongoing fight.

Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, Kidambi Srikanth Reach US Open Semifinals

Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, Kidambi Srikanth Reach US Open Semifinals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Indian badminton players Devika Sihag, Rounak Chouhan, and Kidambi Srikanth have advanced to the semifinals of the US Open badminton tournament in Fullerton, USA. Sihag caused an upset by defeating third seed Riko Gunji, while Chouhan continued his strong performance. Srikanth's win sets up the possibility of an all-Indian final.

Manpreet joins elite club but India suffer setback

Manpreet joins elite club but India suffer setback

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh equalled former skipper Dilip Tirkey's record of 412 international appearances for India, but the Indian hockey team lost 2-3 to the Netherlands in the FIH Men's Pro League. Hockey India officials congratulated Manpreet on his significant milestone.

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.

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.

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.

'They showed who is the boss'

'They showed who is the boss'

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Zlatan Ibrahimovic praises Mexico after Ecuador victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Tuesday.

Why Ishan Kishan Will Struggle To Break Into India's Test Team

Why Ishan Kishan Will Struggle To Break Into India's Test Team

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Ishan Kishan has all the requisite skills to be a successful Test batter but unfortunately the Indian red ball squad doesn't have any place for him, former skipper and ex-selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said.

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has become the undisputed headline act at a tournament at which she has won seven singles titles and six doubles crowns with sister Venus.

IPL 2026: Captains To Review Impact Player, DRS Rules

IPL 2026: Captains To Review Impact Player, DRS Rules

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

IPL captains will meet with the BCCI to discuss important rules and regulations for the upcoming tournament, including the impact substitute rule, code of conduct, and DRS enhancements.

India's oldest living Test player, Gopinath passes into the ages

India's oldest living Test player, Gopinath passes into the ages

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

India's oldest Test cricketer CD Gopinath passes away at 96

Pakistan Women to go on the offensive at T20 World Cup, says coach Wahab Riaz

Pakistan Women to go on the offensive at T20 World Cup, says coach Wahab Riaz

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Pakistan women's team head coach Wahab Riaz has insisted that his side will not compromise on playing an attacking brand of cricket during the T20 World Cup in England, beginning on Friday.

Prabhsimran Singh: Impact Player Rule a Boon for Young IPL Talents

Prabhsimran Singh: Impact Player Rule a Boon for Young IPL Talents

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings' Prabhsimran Singh supports the 'Impact Sub' rule in the IPL, highlighting its benefits for young players. He also discusses modelling his wicket-keeping after MS Dhoni and the importance of powerplay in modern cricket.

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

India's Ayush Shetty secured a spot in the Badminton Asia Championships final after defeating top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling three-game match.

Former players laud 'inspirational Dhoni'

Former players laud 'inspirational Dhoni'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2013

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who received brickbats just a few months ago after the England series disaster, was showered with accolades from former players after his career-best knock of unbeaten 206 in the first Test against Australia in Chennai.

Fit Hardik Pandya could be India's X-factor at 2027 World Cup: WV Raman

Fit Hardik Pandya could be India's X-factor at 2027 World Cup: WV Raman

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Former India coach WV Raman says a fully fit Hardik Pandya could provide India the edge at the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting his all-round value while urging the team management to use the next 12-15 months to experiment with combinations and define player roles.

Why IPL may begin two weeks earlier in 2027

Why IPL may begin two weeks earlier in 2027

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The BCCI is considering advancing the Indian Premier League schedule to a March 10-May 15 window from next year to avoid extreme heat and pre-monsoon rains. This move aims to benefit players and fans, though the number of matches will remain at 74 due to international calendar constraints.

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.

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.

Former Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin calls it a day

Former Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin calls it a day

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Three-time world champion and former Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin, who had to pull out of her semi-final at the Paris Games due to a knee injury, announced her retirement on Thursday.

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India-Pakistan matches were never meant to be predictable -- it was meant to be unforgettable, notes K R Nayar.

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Viswanathan Anand will not seek re-election for a third term as Deputy President of FIDE.

'Should You Touch Another Player?'

'Should You Touch Another Player?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

England Captain Ben Stokes was involved in a heated on-field exchange with Australia's No.3 Marnus Labuschagne, an incident that drew strong reactions from former players in the commentary box.

Kidambi Srikanth Goes Down Fighting In US Open Badminton Final

Kidambi Srikanth Goes Down Fighting In US Open Badminton Final

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Kidambi Srikanth ended his impressive run with a runner-up finish at the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament after going down fighting in three games to Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Former India and Irish cricketer M V Narasimha Rao said the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds him of the legendary Gary Sobers.

FIFA WC 2026: Algeria come from behind to edge Jordan 2-1

FIFA WC 2026: Algeria come from behind to edge Jordan 2-1

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Algeria rallied to eliminate debutants Jordan and keep their Round of 32 hopes alive at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Would be a great honour to captain England in Tests if offered role: Harry Brook

Would be a great honour to captain England in Tests if offered role: Harry Brook

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

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BCCI's Caring Gesture! Allows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Parents To Join Him For Ireland-England Tour

BCCI's Caring Gesture! Allows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Parents To Join Him For Ireland-England Tour

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A 15-year-old schoolboy needs to be eased into a senior team set-up, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia as he explained the decision to allow Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's parents to accompany him on the white-ball tour of Ireland and England.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Former football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lauded Lionel Messi for breaking the all-time FIFA World Cup goal record, stating that the Argentinian ace is in a 'category of his own', surpassing even legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff due to his numbers, longevity, and trophies.

President Murmu Confers 2nd Round of Padma Awards

President Murmu Confers 2nd Round of Padma Awards

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours to eminent personalities and posthumous awardees for their exceptional contributions.

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were named Hockey India Player of the Year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Several other players, officials, and member units were also recognised for their contributions to Indian hockey.

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

T20 World Cup: We want to play aggressive brand of cricket vs Australia, says Smriti Mandhana

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Saturday said India will play an "aggressive brand of cricket" against Australia in the must-win Women's T20 World Cup match in London.

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

While recovery efforts are ongoing, the likelihood of recovery currently appears low.

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.

Rafa Mir Convicted: Spanish Footballer Gets 8.5 Years For Sexual Assault

Rafa Mir Convicted: Spanish Footballer Gets 8.5 Years For Sexual Assault

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and assault causing injury by a court in Valencia. The verdict, which can be appealed, follows a complaint filed in September 2024 and highlights the sensitive issue of women's rights in Spanish sports.

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Most-capped hockey star Manpreet Singh hails Virat Kohli's role in his longevity

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India's most-capped hockey player Manpreet Singh idolises Virat Kohli and credits his longevity to fitness, saying he has drawn inspiration from the star cricketer's fitness regime.

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former India doubles player Purav Raja has called for a complete clean-up of Indian tennis administration, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency at all levels. He also questioned the eligibility of some office-bearers in the 2024 elections.