News for 'national games'

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.

No unfair treatment, Sooryavanshi deserved his chance, says Rajiv Shukla

No unfair treatment, Sooryavanshi deserved his chance, says Rajiv Shukla

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla on Sunday congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on becoming India's youngest international cricketer, saying the teenager earned his opportunity on merit.

Matthew Hayden: ETPL's future lies in developing Europe's next cricket stars

Matthew Hayden: ETPL's future lies in developing Europe's next cricket stars

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Matthew Hayden says the European T20 Premier League can establish itself as a talent-development platform for Europe's associate nations, stressing that ETPL's strength lies in creating pathways to global franchise cricket rather than competing with the IPL.

India Leads Global Athletics Doping Violations List

India Leads Global Athletics Doping Violations List

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India has once again topped the Athletics Integrity Unit's global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant doping problem in the country's sporting landscape. This led to the Athletics Federation of India being re-categorised to 'Category A' due to high doping risk, requiring more stringent testing.

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We go home with our chin up': Turkey coach

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Turkey's coach Vincenzo Montella expressed pride in his team's character and performance at the World Cup, despite their elimination. Following a 3-2 victory over the United States, Montella acknowledged missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the future, hoping for an earlier return to the tournament.

Bhati And Saha Secure Podium Finishes In Prague

Bhati And Saha Secure Podium Finishes In Prague

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Indian golfers Vishnu Vardhan Bhati and Ankush Saha achieved podium finishes at the Czech Disabled Golf Masters in Prague. Bhati secured second place, while Saha clinched third, showcasing strong performances in the Nett Stroke Play event.

Trump vs UEFA explodes over FIFA Balogun decision

Trump vs UEFA explodes over FIFA Balogun decision

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision UEFA called 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable' and which has sparked widespread criticism over the integrity of the game.

Leander Paes To Inspire Next Generation Of Asian Tennis Stars

Leander Paes To Inspire Next Generation Of Asian Tennis Stars

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has been appointed Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF). In this role, Paes will work to promote tennis across Asia, mentor young players, support grassroots development, and represent the federation at international events, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.

IPL 2026: How Yuvraj transformed Abhishek's game

IPL 2026: How Yuvraj transformed Abhishek's game

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Abhishek Sharma, the world's number one T20I batter, discusses the significant impact of training with Yuvraj Singh, highlighting how it strengthened his mindset for high-pressure situations and international cricket.

World Tennis Aims For 30% Participation Boost With New Identity

World Tennis Aims For 30% Participation Boost With New Identity

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has rebranded as World Tennis, announcing an ambitious vision to increase global participation by 30% to 140 million players by 2035. The organisation, which governs the sport and runs major competitions, plans to reinvest 85% of its income annually for the next decade to achieve its strategic goals, including powering future stars and elevating national competitions. The name change aims to enhance recognition and foster greater collaboration within the sport.

Sports Ministry Backs Paralympic Stars With Crucial Overseas Training

Sports Ministry Backs Paralympic Stars With Crucial Overseas Training

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has sanctioned Rs 35.46 lakh for overseas training stints for Paralympic medallists Ajeet Singh (javelin) and Pranav Soorma (club throw) to prepare them for the upcoming Asian Para-Games in Japan. Both athletes, part of the TOPS core group, will train in Germany and Czechia respectively, with Pranav also participating in multiple championships.

PIX: Mexico City turns Carnival town after historic FIFA World Cup win

PIX: Mexico City turns Carnival town after historic FIFA World Cup win

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mexico coach Aguirre hails fans as driving force for victory as they beat Ecuador to break 40-year-old hoodoo.

Manika Batra calls on PM, Sports Min on 'unfair' Asiad omission

Manika Batra calls on PM, Sports Min on 'unfair' Asiad omission

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Manika Batra took to X, voicing her concerns over the TTFI's decision on her non-inclusion in the Asian Games squad.

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a historic return to the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years after a disastrous debut.

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

2030 CWG in Ahmedabad to host 17 sports at massive cost savings

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Seventeen sports will feature at the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is set to be staged at around 60 per cent lower cost than previous editions as part of the Commonwealth Sport's revamped hosting model.

From FIFA World Cup title dreams to heartbreak for Germany

From FIFA World Cup title dreams to heartbreak for Germany

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's World Cup campaign ended in a shocking penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, marking another early exit for the four-time champions. This defeat highlights a concerning pattern of underperformance in major tournaments since 2014, raising questions about coach Julian Nagelsmann's future and the team's overall direction.

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur, 27, has received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20 International tour of Zimbabwe, a dream he shared with his late father.

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

India A's Sri Lanka Tour: Selectors watch closely as Aquib Nabi seeks breakthrough

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The India A squad is set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match red-ball series, offering a crucial platform for emerging cricketers like Aquib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal to impress selectors and stake their claim for a spot in the senior national team. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

The Wait Is Over! Sooryavanshi Gets Emotional India Debut

The Wait Is Over! Sooryavanshi Gets Emotional India Debut

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Sooryavanshi, at just 15 years old, made his emotional T20I debut for India, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat. He received his maiden cap from Tilak Varma amidst applause from his teammates, marking a dream come true.

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.

Cape Verde dream big after stunning World Cup start

Cape Verde dream big after stunning World Cup start

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, have defied expectations by drawing with football giants Spain and Uruguay.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Neymar Available For Brazil's Crucial World Cup Match Against Scotland

Neymar Available For Brazil's Crucial World Cup Match Against Scotland

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Brazil's star forward Neymar has been declared available for the upcoming World Cup group match against Scotland, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed.

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Pakistan's cricket selectors have opted for a significantly revamped pace attack for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, and veteran spinner Nauman Ali have been dropped, making way for a mix of experienced and uncapped bowlers. This decision aims to build a squad better suited for Test cricket and future tours.

2nd unofficial Test: Arachchige puts Sri Lanka A in command against India A on Day 1

2nd unofficial Test: Arachchige puts Sri Lanka A in command against India A on Day 1

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige scored an unbeaten 83, leading his team to 288 for 5 on the opening day of the second unofficial 'Test' against India 'A'. Indian bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain took two wickets each, but the hosts built strong partnerships on a slow Galle pitch.

India To Be Among Top 10 Sporting Nations By 2036: Minister

India To Be Among Top 10 Sporting Nations By 2036: Minister

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced India's ambitious goal to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and break into the top five by 2047, attributing the progress to the government's efforts in streamlining sports governance and providing opportunities for youth.

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Syndrela Das won the U-19 singles title after securing the Under-17 singles crown at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships. Karnataka's Tanishka Kalbhairav and Himanshi Chowdhary won the U-19 doubles title, while West Bengal's Ankolika Chakraborty and Ahona Ray won the U-17 title.

Cape Verde make history; set up date with Argentina in Round of 32

Cape Verde make history; set up date with Argentina in Round of 32

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Debutants Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the World Cup round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. This unexpected achievement sets up a clash with defending champions Argentina. Despite a low-quality match, Cape Verde secured second place in their group, sparking celebrations among players and fans, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.

Shot Putter Jasmine Kaur Suspended For Doping

Shot Putter Jasmine Kaur Suspended For Doping

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

National Games gold medallist Jasmine Kaur has been banned for two years after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The NADA's Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel (ADDP) found her guilty of using Terbutaline.

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

'More Proud Than Disappointed': DR Congo Coach Hails Team

'More Proud Than Disappointed': DR Congo Coach Hails Team

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre expressed pride in his team's performance at the World Cup, despite their exit after a close match against England.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Croatia's World Cup exit sparked controversy after coach Zlatko Dali launched a furious attack on the refereeing following their 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a victory in the historic Lord's Test against England would be a 'very big moment' for her side, helping them regain confidence after their T20 World Cup exit and marking a landmark achievement in women's cricket.

AIFF hands ISL commercial rights to clubs in historic agreement

AIFF hands ISL commercial rights to clubs in historic agreement

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.