News for 'sports initiative'

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.

Lewandowski set for Barcelona exit amid Saudi, MLS interest

Lewandowski set for Barcelona exit amid Saudi, MLS interest

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he will leave Barcelona after four successful seasons in which he scored 119 goals and helped the club win three LaLiga titles.

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian junior women's hockey team head coach Tim White has lauded the growing talent pool in the country's age-group national pathway during his scouting visit to the ongoing India-Australia U-18 exposure series in Bhopal. White emphasised the importance of building a strong connection between the youth tiers and the senior national team, aiming to develop players ready for world-class performance.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates six indoor cricket academies across Northeast India

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates six indoor cricket academies across Northeast India

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six new indoor cricket academies across northeast India, marking a significant step in strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. The academies, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, aim to provide year-round training and reduce the need for players to travel elsewhere for professional development.

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The 100-day 'drug-free J-K campaign' has achieved significant success across the Union Territory, leading to numerous arrests, seizures of narcotics, and demolition of properties linked to drug peddlers.

Abhay, Velavan Senthilkumar Off To Winning Start In HCL National Doubles Squash

Abhay, Velavan Senthilkumar Off To Winning Start In HCL National Doubles Squash

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Top seeded pair of Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar began their title defence in men's doubles with a convincing win in the quarterfinals of the 3rd HCL National Doubles Squash Championships.

IPL 2026: Resurgent KKR Face Must-Win Match against Delhi Capitals

IPL 2026: Resurgent KKR Face Must-Win Match against Delhi Capitals

Rediff.com1 days ago

Kolkata Knight Riders will aim for nothing less than a win when they clash against Delhi Capitals in the season's final league match of IPL 2026.

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Millions of soccer fans in the world's two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.

Praggnanandhaa Holds Keymer, Stays In Joint Lead At Super Chess Classic

Praggnanandhaa Holds Keymer, Stays In Joint Lead At Super Chess Classic

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with Vincent Keymer in the third round of the Super Chess Classic, maintaining his position as joint leader alongside four other players.

How Punjab Plans To Strengthen Hockey With Dutch Expertise

How Punjab Plans To Strengthen Hockey With Dutch Expertise

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has invited Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander to help strengthen hockey in the state, particularly ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. Mann emphasised the government's commitment to restoring the sport's glory and highlighted Punjab's rich hockey legacy.

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narayana Ramachandran has died in Chennai after a prolonged illness at the age of 77. He served as IOA president from 2014 to 2017 and held key positions in international squash federations.

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.

Praggnanandhaa outwits Sindarov in Super Chess Classic, moves to joint lead

Praggnanandhaa outwits Sindarov in Super Chess Classic, moves to joint lead

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated Javokhir Sindarov in the second round of the Super Chess Classics. Other results from the round include victories for Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Vincent Keymer, while Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So drew their respective matches.

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu lost to Akane Yamaguchi in the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open after initially winning the first game.

Debutant Diamond Harbour FC clinch IFL title, secure promotion to Indian Super League

Debutant Diamond Harbour FC clinch IFL title, secure promotion to Indian Super League

Rediff.com7 days ago

Diamond Harbour FC secured the Indian Football League (IFL) title in their debut season, drawing 1-1 with Dempo SC and earning promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL).

Praggnanandhaa Held To Draw By Firouzja In Round 1

Praggnanandhaa Held To Draw By Firouzja In Round 1

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with Alireza Firouzja in the first round of the Super Chess Classics in Bucharest, while other games also ended in draws.

EPL: Man City crush Palace to keep Arsenal under fire

EPL: Man City crush Palace to keep Arsenal under fire

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Manchester City kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, trimming the gap at the top of the table to two points as the title race sprints towards its conclusion.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed resilience and skill to reach the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament, overcoming Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in a thrilling three-game match.

Mary Kom Eyes Professional Boxing After Age Limit Ends Amateur Run

Mary Kom Eyes Professional Boxing After Age Limit Ends Amateur Run

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom is considering a move to professional boxing after age restrictions ended her amateur career. She remains committed to grassroots development and praises government initiatives to promote sports and fitness.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Reach Thailand Open Final

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Reach Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed resilience to reach the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament, overcoming Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in a thrilling three-game match.

EPL: Arsenal two wins away from title; Burnley dent Villa's European dreams

EPL: Arsenal two wins away from title; Burnley dent Villa's European dreams

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Arsenal cleared arguably the most dangerous remaining obstacle in their path to the Premier League title by the skin of their teeth as Leandro Trossard's late goal secured a dramatic 1-0 win at West Ham United to restore their five-point lead on Sunday.

India win women's recurve team gold at Archery World Cup

India win women's recurve team gold at Archery World Cup

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian women's recurve team, consisting of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod, secured a gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, defeating China in a tense shoot-off. This victory marks India's first World Cup women's team gold since 2021 and follows a stunning semi-final win against South Korea.

Deepika Kumari Leads India To Archery World Cup Gold

Deepika Kumari Leads India To Archery World Cup Gold

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod secured the women's recurve team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, defeating China in a tense shoot-off. India finished the campaign with two medals, including a bronze in the men's individual compound section.

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A digital profiling exercise by the Delhi government has revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies in government schools, including shortages of drinking water taps, lack of facilities for children with special needs, and structurally unsafe buildings.

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Iran 'will play' at 2026 World Cup, says Infantino amid concerns

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions, urging that sport remain separate from politics.

National Sports Governance Act Rolled Out

National Sports Governance Act Rolled Out

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Sports Governance Act: Tier System for Athletes, Convicted Ineligible

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

Indian Super League: Samperio's brace leads NorthEast United to victory over Chennaiyin FC

Indian Super League: Samperio's brace leads NorthEast United to victory over Chennaiyin FC

Rediff.com10 May 2026

NorthEast United FC delivered a commanding performance to register a 4-1 victory against Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League match, with Jairo Samperio scoring a brace.

Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong Share Points In Thrilling I-League Clash

Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong Share Points In Thrilling I-League Clash

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played to a 1-1 draw in their I-League championship phase fixture. David Castaneda scored for Sreenidi Deccan, while Phrangki Buam equalised for Shillong Lajong from the penalty spot. The draw leaves both teams needing Diamond Harbour to drop points in their upcoming match to keep their title hopes alive.

Gukesh stuns Caruana, finishes fourth in Rapid Event

Gukesh stuns Caruana, finishes fourth in Rapid Event

Rediff.com8 May 2026

D Gukesh finished tied fourth in the Super Rapid and Blitz Tournament after defeating Fabiano Caruana, marking a return to form after recent struggles.

Education is the First Defence Against Doping, Says NADA Chief

Education is the First Defence Against Doping, Says NADA Chief

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Anant Kumar has emphasised the importance of education as the primary defence against doping, acknowledging the evolving nature of the problem and the need for constant upgrades in monitoring mechanisms.

'A giant sports administrator': Kalmadi remembered

'A giant sports administrator': Kalmadi remembered

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Country's top sports administrators on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow at the death of former IOA president Suresh Kalmadi, calling it a huge loss to the Olympic movement in India.

Justin Rose Set For First India Appearance At DP World India Championship

Justin Rose Set For First India Appearance At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Major champion Justin Rose is set to make his professional debut in India at the DP World India Championship. The tournament, co-sanctioned with the PGTI, boasts a significant prize fund and underscores India's growing importance in elite golf.

Education Crucial in Anti-Doping Efforts, Says NADA Chairman

Education Crucial in Anti-Doping Efforts, Says NADA Chairman

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NADA Chairman Anant Kumar highlights the importance of education in combating doping, acknowledging the evolving nature of the threat and the need for constant upgrades in monitoring mechanisms.

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The State Human Rights Commission has ruled that an Iranian student of Kerala University has the legal right to use the swimming pool at the Kariavattom campus and directed the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to ensure necessary facilities.

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.

India U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Australia Series

India U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Australia Series

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Hockey India has announced the Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia, which will be held in Bhopal from May 15 to 20. The series is a crucial part of the teams' preparations for the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan.

Arif Khan calls for better skiing facilities in Gulmarg to boost medal chances

Arif Khan calls for better skiing facilities in Gulmarg to boost medal chances

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Winter Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan is advocating for improved skiing infrastructure in Gulmarg to enable Indian athletes to train effectively and compete for medals at the Asian level.

Vinesh Phogat Confirms Entry To Gonda Ranking Tournament

Vinesh Phogat Confirms Entry To Gonda Ranking Tournament

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat confirms her participation in the upcoming ranking tournament in Gonda after initial registration issues with the Wrestling Federation of India.