News for 'national games'

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.

Government Boosts Indian Tennis With TAGG Scheme

Government Boosts Indian Tennis With TAGG Scheme

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Four promising Indian tennis players, including Manas Dhamne and Vaishnavi Adkar, have been inducted into the Government of India's Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, which provides comprehensive support for high-performance athletes. This move, welcomed by AITA, aims to strengthen India's presence in international tennis.

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Mexico counts more than 135,000 missing people, a figure that has surged since 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the country's drug cartels.

BCCI to cover expenses of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's parents' trip to UK

BCCI to cover expenses of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's parents' trip to UK

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The BCCI will cover the expenses for 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's parents to accompany him on India's upcoming T20I tour of Ireland and England, following his inclusion in the national squad.

Ace shooter and coach Jaspal Rana dies suddenly at 49

Ace shooter and coach Jaspal Rana dies suddenly at 49

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Renowned Indian shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana has passed away at 49 after a medical procedure following illness during a flight from the ISSF World Cup.

SEE: How K-Pop, Cuisine and Football United South Korea and Mexico

SEE: How K-Pop, Cuisine and Football United South Korea and Mexico

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thanks to major companies like Kia, Mexico has seen a huge influx of South Korean population in places like Monterrey, with Korean cuisine and K-Pop becoming major influences in the country.

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Cricket Association of Nepal apologised after its players got a Bhutan batter 'timed out' in Thursday's ACC Women's Premier Cup match, saying the dismissal was within the laws but did not reflect the spirit of the game it wanted to uphold.

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Smriti Mandhana Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Smriti Mandhana is the only Indian named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, joining global icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James after another record-breaking year in cricket.

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.

This Duck Just Became Mexico's FIFA World Cup Hero

This Duck Just Became Mexico's FIFA World Cup Hero

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Merlin, a domesticated duck dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom socks, has become an unexpected unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team. After going viral during street celebrations, Merlin's popularity soared, with fans embracing the feathered supporter and his owner, Karla Gomez, expressing delight at his newfound fame.

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Mexico will kick off their home World Cup campaign against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, carrying the pressure of fan expectations and a strong unbeaten run.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany eye big win against Curacao in opener

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Germany, aiming to repair its international reputation after two consecutive first-round exits, begins its World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao.

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Gurpreet talks pressure of goalkeeping role

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India's national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu discusses the immense mental pressure of his position, the importance of resilience, and his admiration for Argentina's Emiliano Martinez. He also shares his predictions for the FIFA World Cup 2026, backing traditional powerhouses and hoping for an Asian team's strong performance.

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Luka Modric scored to put Croatia ahead before they edged Slovenia 2-1 in the international friendly before the World Cup.

Ismail Baig's Exit: What It Means For Indian Rowing

Ismail Baig's Exit: What It Means For Indian Rowing

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Long-serving rowing coach Ismail Baig, a Dronacharya awardee, is no longer part of the national setup, a development he describes as 'shocking'. The Rowing Federation of India president Balaji Maradapa confirmed that Baig is not part of the coaching setup for the Asian Games.

Pooja Singh breaks 14-year-old high jump Nat. record at Asian U20 meet

Pooja Singh breaks 14-year-old high jump Nat. record at Asian U20 meet

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Teenaged high jump star Pooja Singh shattered the national senior record en route winning the gold medal to lead a strong Indian show on the second day of the Asian U20 Athletics Championships here on Friday.

Para-Athlete Murder: PCI Demands CBI Probe

Para-Athlete Murder: PCI Demands CBI Probe

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to initiate a CBI probe into the murder of para-athlete Chirag Tyagi, whose death has deeply affected the para-sports community. Police have detained another para-athlete, Yash Khatik, in connection with the case, citing revenge as a possible motive, while the Sports Ministry maintains law and order is a state subject.

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

FIFA World Cup: USA face 'very tough' Paraguay test in opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Pochettino expects a "very tough game" against Paraguay, praising their aggression and discipline.

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mexico celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, breaking a seven-game opening day curse.

Sourav Ganguly urges patience as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nears India debut

Sourav Ganguly urges patience as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nears India debut

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Sourav Ganguly advised against placing excessive expectations on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster should be given time to settle into international cricket.

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Gurnoor Brar: Why this 6'4 pacer is India's next big fast bowler

Gurnoor Brar: Why this 6'4 pacer is India's next big fast bowler

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has emerged as one of the country's promising pace prospects after a steady rise through college cricket and domestic performances, earning a call-up to the national setup ahead of India A's upcoming tour.

Commonwealth Youth Games Set for Malta and Gozo in 2025

Commonwealth Youth Games Set for Malta and Gozo in 2025

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The eighth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Malta and Gozo from October 29 to November 4, 2025, featuring eight sports and a record-breaking para sport programme.

Manav Thakkar, Yashaswini Ghorpade triumph at National Table Tennis Championships

Manav Thakkar, Yashaswini Ghorpade triumph at National Table Tennis Championships

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Manav Thakkar and Yashaswini Ghorpade secured their first senior national table tennis titles at the championships held in Indore, while Ankur Bhattacharjee and Suhana Saini won the mixed doubles final, and Divyanshi Bhowmick received the D Vishwa Trophy.

Mandaviya Assures Fair Selection for Asian Games, Predicts Record Performance

Mandaviya Assures Fair Selection for Asian Games, Predicts Record Performance

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed confidence in India's performance at the upcoming Asian Games, assuring a fair and transparent selection process. He also highlighted the importance of the Khelo India Tribal Games in identifying and promoting sporting talent from tribal communities.

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's first outing for India A in one-day cricket ended with a muted 14 but his team hung in there till the end against a self-destructing Sri Lanka A to pull off an eight-run win in the tri-series opener in Dambulla on Tuesday.

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Sports Ministry Sets Stricter Criteria for Asian Games Coaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Sports Ministry has introduced stricter guidelines for selecting coaches for India's Asian Games contingent, prioritising demonstrable contribution and regular association with athletes to manage the increasing number of requests.

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

UNICEF hands Goodwill Ambassador role to Spain's rising star Lamine Yamal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming one of the youngest footballers to take on the global role ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Chhattisgarh to Host Khelo India Tribal Games Annually After Successful Inaugural Edition

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games will be held annually in the state following the success of the inaugural edition. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and gain national recognition.

Pranati Nayak Aims To Increase Difficulty Level

Pranati Nayak Aims To Increase Difficulty Level

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak is focusing on increasing her difficulty level for the Asian Championships after winning a silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Tashkent. She is balancing execution and difficulty in preparation for the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Qatar's keeper Abunada enjoys 'most beautiful moment' after setbacks

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Qatar's resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.

Can India go all the way in Women's T20 World Cup?

Can India go all the way in Women's T20 World Cup?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Hussain stuck his neck out and suggested six-time champions Australia, tournament hosts England, reigning ICC Women's Cricket World Cup winners India and reigning title holders New Zealand would be the four teams most likely to reach the knockout stages.

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.

Kane Williamson retires at 35, ending a legendary era

Kane Williamson retires at 35, ending a legendary era

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The 35-year-old finishes as New Zealand's all-time leading international run-scorer with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries. Williamson's retirement means he will play no further part in the BlackCaps current Test series in England, with a replacement player to be confirmed in due course.

Bumrah, Hardik rested as India focus on WTC, ODI WC

Bumrah, Hardik rested as India focus on WTC, ODI WC

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India have rested Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya from the Ireland and England tours as selectors prioritise the pacer's role in the World Test Championship and Pandya's importance to India's ODI World Cup plans.

Croatia bank on Modric for one last World Cup push

Croatia bank on Modric for one last World Cup push

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Luka Modric is expected to lead Croatia at what could be his final World Cup as Zlatko Dalic's side aim to continue their remarkable record of success on football's biggest stage despite fitness concerns over their captain.

Gulveer Singh Breaks National Half Marathon Record in New York

Gulveer Singh Breaks National Half Marathon Record in New York

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Gulveer Singh finished third at the New York City Half Marathon, setting a new national record for the 21.1km distance. He clocked 59 minutes 42 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Avinash Sable in 2020.

India Women's Hockey Team Draw Series With Australia 2-2

India Women's Hockey Team Draw Series With Australia 2-2

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Indian women's hockey team concluded their four-match friendly series against Australia with a 2-2 draw, losing the final match 2-3 after initially leading 2-0. Despite the loss, the tour provided valuable preparation for upcoming tournaments, including the FIH Nations Cup and the World Cup.