News for 'inspiring athletes'

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Hockey legend KD Singh Babu's ancestral home triggers UP political slugfest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.

Rohit Yadav Surpasses Neeraj Chopra in Global List with 87.05m Throw

Rohit Yadav Surpasses Neeraj Chopra in Global List with 87.05m Throw

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Rohit Yadav lit up Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium with a career-best throw of 87.05m in the men's javelin throw on the concluding day of the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.

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.

Ancy Sojan erases Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old long-jump record

Ancy Sojan erases Anju Bobby George's 22-year-old long-jump record

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Kerala's Ancy Sojan created history on Saturday by breaking the long-standing national record in women's long jump at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.

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.

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.

Youth Captains To Lead India At Pickleball World Cup

Youth Captains To Lead India At Pickleball World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Arjun Singh and Veer Shah have been selected as captains for India's U-18 and U-14 pickleball teams, respectively, for the upcoming World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squads were finalised after selection trials in Ahmedabad, with officials expressing confidence in the team's potential to perform well.

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

Sachin Tendulkar says one opportunity can change a child's future

Sachin Tendulkar says one opportunity can change a child's future

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar visited the SRT10 Altevol Centre of Excellence Sports Academy in Ahmedabad, inspiring young athletes and encouraging them to embrace discipline and the joy of learning through sport.

Rana dies at 49: Bindra 'heartbroken', teammates shocked

Rana dies at 49: Bindra 'heartbroken', teammates shocked

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The death of former Asian Games champion and celebrated shooting coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49 has triggered an outpouring of grief across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and several leading figures from the sporting world paying tribute to one of the country's most influential shooters and mentors.

Meghalaya Celebrates Football Stars Sanfida Nongrum And Ribansi Jamu

Meghalaya Celebrates Football Stars Sanfida Nongrum And Ribansi Jamu

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) felicitated state footballers Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu for their pivotal roles in India's victory at the SAFF Women's Championship 2026. The players, who contributed significantly to India reclaiming the title, were honoured with cash rewards and recognition, inspiring young girls in the state to pursue football.

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'terahvin' rituals of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Dignitaries paid their respects to the Padma Shri recipient, who passed away on June 11 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a celebrated pistol shooter and coach, was instrumental in guiding Manu Bhaker to Olympic success.

Nation Mourns Jaspal Rana: A Coach Who Shaped Olympic Dreams

Nation Mourns Jaspal Rana: A Coach Who Shaped Olympic Dreams

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana was laid to rest in Varanasi with full state honours, two days after his passing due to cardiac complications. Tributes poured in from across the nation, including from his mentee Manu Bhaker and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, highlighting his immense contribution to Indian shooting as both an athlete and a coach.

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.

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India is set to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships for the first time from June 19-24 in New Delhi, featuring athletes from 34 countries, including Olympic medallists. The event is a direct qualifier for the Asian Games and offers ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi leading the home challenge.

Remembering Jaspal Rana: The Pioneer Who Transformed Indian Shooting

Remembering Jaspal Rana: The Pioneer Who Transformed Indian Shooting

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Jaspal Rana, a legendary Indian shooter and influential coach, has passed away at 49 after battling cardiac issues. He was a pioneer who brought shooting into the national spotlight with his fearless performances and later shaped the careers of many world-class athletes, including Manu Bhaker, leaving an indelible mark on Indian sports.

What happened when Michael Clarke met Haryana CM?

What happened when Michael Clarke met Haryana CM?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke met Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to discuss enhancing cricket development, nurturing youth talent, and fostering greater sporting engagement between India and Australia. Clarke expressed interest in establishing a cricket academy and facilitating player exchanges, while CM Saini affirmed Haryana's commitment to strengthening its sports ecosystem.

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.

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Hundreds gathered in Varanasi with tearful eyes on Saturday to bid a final farewell to India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana, whose mortal remains were flown in by air ambulance from Dehradun.

Monfils refuses to fade away after Roland Garros goodbye

Monfils refuses to fade away after Roland Garros goodbye

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Gael Monfils is determined to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James by playing into his 40s and hopes to play at Wimbledon, Montreal and the U.S. Open before bringing down the curtain on his career on home soil at the Paris Masters.

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Competing at last year's World Championships with a back injury was not a good decision, conceded seasoned Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra before assuring that he "feels fit" as he gears up for a delayed start to his season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday.

Spark Shines: Indian Trackmania Star Secures Esports World Cup Berth

Spark Shines: Indian Trackmania Star Secures Esports World Cup Berth

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Kunal Upreti, known as Spark, has become India's sole Trackmania representative at the Esports World Cup 2026 after excelling in the Asia and Oceania qualifiers. He will compete for a significant prize pool, representing both India and S8UL on the global stage.

Why Djokovic And Gu Are Hosting Laureus Awards Together

Why Djokovic And Gu Are Hosting Laureus Awards Together

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu will co-host this year's Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, marking a historic first for the prestigious event.

Why Ram Charan Is Thanking Salman-Aamir For Peddi

Why Ram Charan Is Thanking Salman-Aamir For Peddi

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Ram Charan's highly anticipated film Peddi has unveiled its trailer, with the actor acknowledging the significant influence of Salman Khan and Aamir Khan in establishing the success of sports dramas in Indian cinema.

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.

AO 2026: 'Djokovic, what you're doing is really inspiring'

AO 2026: 'Djokovic, what you're doing is really inspiring'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Carlos Alcaraz praised Novak Djokovic as an inspiration and gave a shout-out to compatriot Rafa Nadal after downing the Serbian great in four sets on Sunday to claim his first Australian Open title.

From ACL Surgery To National Record: Baranica Elangovan's Inspirational Comeback!

From ACL Surgery To National Record: Baranica Elangovan's Inspirational Comeback!

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Tamil Nadu's Baranica Elangovan has shattered the national pole vault record, clearing 4.22m in Bhubaneswar, marking an extraordinary return to form after undergoing ACL surgery in 2020.

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Fit India Sundays Marks Commonwealth Games Day With Cycling Event

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The 75th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle drew massive participation across more than 8,000 locations nationwide as the initiative commemorated Commonwealth Games Day and built momentum towards the historic 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

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 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 Saanika Shah Conquered Everest

How Saanika Shah Conquered Everest

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

At 11.23 am on May 20, 2026, 22-year-old Saanika Shah fulfilled a dream she had nurtured for five years by successfully summiting Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.

From Queen to Manikarnika: Revisiting Kangana Ranaut's Top 10 Performances

From Queen to Manikarnika: Revisiting Kangana Ranaut's Top 10 Performances

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Explore Kangana Ranaut's remarkable cinematic journey from her impactful debut in Gangster to her career-defining role in Queen.

First openly gay active NBA player, Jason Collins dies at 47

First openly gay active NBA player, Jason Collins dies at 47

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Jason Collins died brain cancer 'after a valiant fight with glioblastoma'.

How Sawan Barwal Shattered a Decades-Old Marathon Record

How Sawan Barwal Shattered a Decades-Old Marathon Record

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Sawan Barwal broke the 48-year-old national marathon record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam, clocking 2 hours 11 minutes and 58 seconds.

'I am an entertainer': Naomi Osaka's Eiffel Tower Look Lights Up French Open

'I am an entertainer': Naomi Osaka's Eiffel Tower Look Lights Up French Open

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Japanese player Naomi Osaka raised the fashion stakes in Paris on the third day of the Grand Slam when she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a black Kevin Germanier skirt, before unveiling her layered yellow-brown and gold Nike match dress.

ISL: BFC Honour Women in Special Walkout

ISL: BFC Honour Women in Special Walkout

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Bengaluru FC players walked out onto the pitch with inspiring women in their lives, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant players walked out with female para-athletes, highlighting women's empowerment before their Indian Super League match.

Former F1 driver and Paralympic champ Alex Zanardi passes away

Former F1 driver and Paralympic champ Alex Zanardi passes away

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs in a racing crash and went on to win Paralympic gold medals, has died at the age of 59.