News for 'inspiring athletes'

'Remarkable consistency': PM Modi salutes Neeraj Chopra

'Remarkable consistency': PM Modi salutes Neeraj Chopra

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended their congratulations to Indian athletes Neeraj Chopra, Yash Vir Singh, Yamini Maurya, and Tejaswin Shankar for their medal-winning performances at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, praising their dedication and historic achievements.

Ashish Yadav Wins Javelin Silver, Pooja Singh Qualifies For High Jump Final

Ashish Yadav Wins Javelin Silver, Pooja Singh Qualifies For High Jump Final

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ashish Yadav clinched a silver medal in the men's javelin throw, marking India's first medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships. Pooja Singh also advanced to the women's high jump final, while other Indian athletes competed in various events, including the men's 400m and long jump, showcasing promising talent.

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

India's Sharmila Dhankar Clinches Historic Commonwealth Games Gold

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sharmila Dhankar, a para-athlete who overcame polio and personal adversity, has made history by becoming India's first para-athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her season's best throw of 9.81m ended a two-decade wait for India in para-athletics at the CWG, with compatriot Shilpa Shyla also securing a bronze.

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.

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Veteran striker Navneet Kaur believes the Indian women's hockey team is inspired by the cricket team's ODI World Cup triumph and aims to script a similar title-winning story at the FIH Women's World Cup.

How army changed Gulveer into India's record breaker

How army changed Gulveer into India's record breaker

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Gulveer Singh has become the first Indian to win a medal in the men's 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games, securing a silver medal at the 2026 edition and marking a significant achievement for Indian athletics.

Farmer's Son Praveen Chithravel Beats Cold to Win Commonwealth Games Silver

Farmer's Son Praveen Chithravel Beats Cold to Win Commonwealth Games Silver

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Praveen Chithravel battled freezing conditions to win Commonwealth Games 2026 triple jump silver, ending his 2022 heartbreak and setting sights on the Asian Games.

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar honoured with Bihar DSP posts

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were on Friday appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) by the Bihar government under its 'Medal Lao, Naukri Pao' policy, with Akash calling it a "big responsibility" and urging students to maintain peace amid the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Gyaneshwari, Bindyarani add to India's medal tally

Commonwealth Games 2026: Gyaneshwari, Bindyarani add to India's medal tally

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian athletes delivered a strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, with weightlifters Gyaneshwari Yadav and Bindyarani Devi securing silver and bronze medals respectively. Several athletes, including long jumpers M Sreeshankar and Lokesh Sathyanathan, boxers Sachin Siwach and Ankush, and swimmers Sajan Prakash, Aryan Nehra, and Swatik Patel, also advanced to their respective finals or quarter-finals, showcasing India's diverse talent across multiple disciplines.

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

The World No. 1 Who Lost A Leg In Combat

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.

Gujarat Police Award Sports Scholarships To Young Athletes

Gujarat Police Award Sports Scholarships To Young Athletes

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Gujarat's in-charge DGP, Dr K L N Rao, awarded sports scholarships to four children of police personnel who excelled at the national level in various sports, aiming to promote sports awareness and encourage excellence within the police community.

From arthritis to Commonwealth Games bronze: Seema Kaliramna's incredible journey

From arthritis to Commonwealth Games bronze: Seema Kaliramna's incredible journey

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Indian discus thrower Seema Kaliramna secured a Commonwealth Games bronze medal after an arduous comeback journey. Post-childbirth, she battled severe arthritis, which threatened her career, but with her husband's support and a rigorous recovery, she returned to achieve a personal best and a podium finish.

J-K Lieutenant Governor Calls On Athletes To Promote 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan'

J-K Lieutenant Governor Calls On Athletes To Promote 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged athletes and sportspersons to promote the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan' and inspire youth to reject drugs and embrace sports during the All India Inter-University Wushu Championship at the University of Kashmir.

CWG 2026: Why Rohit Yadav isn't chasing big distances

CWG 2026: Why Rohit Yadav isn't chasing big distances

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav is preparing for the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. With a personal best of 87.05m and a focus on consistent performance, Yadav aims to leverage his experience and training, including support from the Inspire Institute of Sport, to deliver a strong showing on the international stage.

Harsh Tokas eyes India's first Commonwealth Games judo gold

Harsh Tokas eyes India's first Commonwealth Games judo gold

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Indian judoka Harsh Tokas, inspired by Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri, is determined to win India's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo at his debut in Glasgow, competing in the men's 81kg category.

Triple jumper Selva Prabhu credits NCAA for Commonwealth Games readiness

Triple jumper Selva Prabhu credits NCAA for Commonwealth Games readiness

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Indian triple jumper Selva Prabhu, a World U20 silver medallist and NCAA champion, is set to make his senior Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. He attributes his transformation into a more complete athlete to his experience competing in the NCAA circuit in the United States, highlighting the high-quality coaching and world-class competition. Prabhu is focused on consistency, speed, and technique, aiming to deliver his best performance and make India proud. He also acknowledges the crucial support from the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in his development.

Tripura's Asmita Dey Secures India's First Women's Judo Gold

Tripura's Asmita Dey Secures India's First Women's Judo Gold

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Judoka Asmita Dey from Tripura has won a gold medal in the women's 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a historic first for an Indian woman judoka. Chief Minister Manik Saha and Sports Minister Tinku Roy congratulated Dey, highlighting her achievement as an inspiration for the nation.

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

How India's Youth Volleyball Ecosystem Is Building Olympic Aspirations

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's burgeoning franchise volleyball ecosystem, particularly with dedicated Under-21 tournaments like the Guardians Trophy, is creating a structured pathway for young players. This initiative aims to develop talent from the grassroots to professional levels, fostering cultural adaptation and skill enhancement, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the senior national team and achieving Olympic qualification.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

'No Indian male boxer can win Olympic medal'

'No Indian male boxer can win Olympic medal'

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar believes India's women pugilists are a stronger bet for an Olympic medal than their male counterparts and should be prioritised in the overall planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, following their record-shattering Commonwealth Games performance.

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Sanjay Manjrekar's harsh criticism of his bowling after the 2011-12 Australia tour, initially met with anger, ultimately served as a constructive 'guru' that motivated him to work harder and transform his career.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Indo-Australian Athlete Attempts India Run For Charity

Indo-Australian Athlete Attempts India Run For Charity

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Indo-Australian athlete Om Satija is attempting to become the youngest person to run the length of India, undertaking a 5000km 'One India Run' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to raise funds for charity.

Wrestling Federation Of India Extends Collaboration With IIS Until 2029

Wrestling Federation Of India Extends Collaboration With IIS Until 2029

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has renewed its partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for another three years, extending their collaboration until March 2029. This agreement will see IIS continue to support WFI's national wrestling programmes across all levels, focusing on high-performance training, sports science, and athlete development.

Sreeshankar defies career threat with CWG silver

Sreeshankar defies career threat with CWG silver

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar secured his second consecutive Commonwealth Games silver medal in Glasgow with a leap of 8.09 metres. This achievement marks an emotional comeback for the athlete, who battled a career-threatening knee injury in 2024, forcing him to miss the Paris Olympics. Despite his disappointment at not winning gold, Sreeshankar views this medal as a crucial stepping stone for the upcoming Asian Games.

PM Modi reacts after Mirabai scripts CWG history

PM Modi reacts after Mirabai scripts CWG history

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the nation in congratulating Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for winning her third Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow. Chanu delivered a commanding performance in the women's 48kg category, shattering Commonwealth and Games records. PM Modi also lauded Rishikanta Singh for his silver medal, marking a historic achievement for Manipur.

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's Neeraj Chopra will face reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a highly anticipated men's javelin clash at the Commonwealth Games, as India aims to surpass its previous medal tally in athletics.

From domestic abuse to CWG gold: Sharmila Dhankar's rise

From domestic abuse to CWG gold: Sharmila Dhankar's rise

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Sharmila Dhankar, a polio-afflicted survivor of domestic abuse, clinched a gold medal in the women's F57 seated shot put at the Commonwealth Games, marking a triumph of resilience and athletic prowess.

NRAI honours Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh by naming India Open events after them

NRAI honours Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh by naming India Open events after them

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Tuesday announced that the India Open Competitions in July will be named in honour of legendary shooters Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, who died recently, leaving the fraternity shocked.

'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.

President Murmu Pays Tribute To Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

President Murmu Pays Tribute To Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences on the passing of Asian Games gold medallist shooter Jaspal Rana, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian sports as both an athlete and a mentor.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.

India to Launch Campaign Featuring Athletes for 2030 Commonwealth Games

India to Launch Campaign Featuring Athletes for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announces plans for a nationwide campaign featuring iconic athletes and youth leaders to promote the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

Indian Volleyball Team's Historic Bronze Medal Achievement

Indian Volleyball Team's Historic Bronze Medal Achievement

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian men's volleyball team for winning the country's first-ever medal at the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup. India secured a bronze medal by defeating Bahrain, marking a historic achievement and reflecting the sport's growth in the nation. This success is expected to inspire young athletes and boost volleyball's development.

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Manpreet Singh Targets World Cup Medal, Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh, despite numerous accolades including Olympic medals, is determined to win a World Cup medal before concluding his illustrious career after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India's Ice Hockey Championship Aims To Boost Youth Talent

India's Ice Hockey Championship Aims To Boost Youth Talent

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The National Ice Hockey Championship has commenced in Dehradun, introducing Under-12 and Under-15 categories for boys and girls for the first time. The month-long event, organised by IHAI, aims to identify and develop young talent, inspired by the Indian women's team's recent success.

New Book Celebrates Indian Sporting Heroes' Resilience

New Book Celebrates Indian Sporting Heroes' Resilience

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A new book, "Heroes: The Changemakers of Indian Sports" by journalist-author Thirumoy Banerjee, chronicles the inspiring journeys of 15 Indian athletes, including Manu Bhaker, C A Bhavani Devi, Nikhat Zareen, Aman Kumar Kadyan, and Sumit Antil. It highlights their determination, resilience, and triumphs over setbacks, offering insights into their paths to success and celebrating their unwavering spirit.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

18-year-old record breaker Anushka eyes Neeraj Chopra-like popularity

18-year-old record breaker Anushka eyes Neeraj Chopra-like popularity

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A national record holder at just 18, Uttar Pradesh athlete Anushka Yadav has a simple wish -- to make hammer throw match the popularity of javelin which has a massive fan following in the country.