News for 'sports participation'

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

National Armwrestling Championship Kicks Off In Gandhinagar

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship was inaugurated at the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, with over 2,000 players from 27 states and Union territories participating.

MY Bharat Youth Convention: Empowering India's Future Leaders

MY Bharat Youth Convention: Empowering India's Future Leaders

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The MY Bharat Youth Convention in New Delhi will host over 6,000 youngsters, featuring interactions with prominent personalities and felicitating emerging talents. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event aims to empower youth towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. It also celebrates MY Bharat's recent Guinness World Record for youth engagement.

India Aims For Gold At Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships

India Aims For Gold At Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Top-seeded India enters the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships as strong favourites for the men's team title, featuring seasoned players like G. Sathiyan. While facing tough competition from Australia and England in the men's event, and Singapore in the women's, India's women's team will compete without star player Manika Batra. The tournament, hosted in New Delhi, includes 23 men's and 18 women's teams, offering a record prize money of USD 110,000.

Oliver Kahn Calls For Faster VAR Decisions, Questions 48-Team World Cup

Oliver Kahn Calls For Faster VAR Decisions, Questions 48-Team World Cup

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has voiced his opinions on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, advocating for quicker decisions by relying more on Video Operation Room officials rather than on-field referees reviewing screens. He also expressed mixed feelings about the proposed 48-team World Cup format, acknowledging opportunities for smaller nations but warning against potential dilution of quality.

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?

Mumbai Falcons To Host F1 Sim Racing India Open Trials

Mumbai Falcons To Host F1 Sim Racing India Open Trials

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) is hosting the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 Time Trials in New Delhi, a talent hunt offering aspiring racers a chance to enter professional motorsport with a significant prize pool and a driver development fund.

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A rural-level cricket competition in Shimla's Jubbal subdivision is using sports to raise awareness about drug abuse and environmental protection. The 'Shaan-e-Bushahr' Mandhol Premiere League-4, featuring over 80 teams, encourages participants to plant saplings and monitor their growth, building on previous successful tree-planting initiatives.

Historic Feat: Indian Women Epee Fencers Qualify For World Championships Main Draw

Historic Feat: Indian Women Epee Fencers Qualify For World Championships Main Draw

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian fencers Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan have made history by becoming the first Indian women's epee players to qualify for the main table of 64 at the Senior World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong. They advanced through the preliminary rounds and will compete in the direct elimination draw on July 25, marking a significant milestone for Indian fencing.

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

IOA Confirms Smaller Contingent For Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced that India will send 125-130 athletes to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, participating in eight able-bodied and four para sports. The IOA is also preparing for the Asian Games and is in talks with the IOC for India's 2036 Olympic bid in Ahmedabad, which is also set to host the 2030 CWG. Iyer clarified that the IOA will not interfere in athlete selection matters.

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, following the already planned increase to 48 teams in 2026. Infantino believes a larger tournament encourages smaller nations and highlights the success of previous expansions, with the 2030 event already set to be hosted across six nations on three continents.

Javelin Star Neeraj Chopra To Compete In Doha

Javelin Star Neeraj Chopra To Compete In Doha

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra is set to make his competitive return at the Doha Diamond League on June 19. The Olympic champion has been recovering from a back injury that kept him out of action earlier this season. His management firm confirmed his participation via Instagram.

PT Usha calls for athlete-first policies in Indian sports administration

PT Usha calls for athlete-first policies in Indian sports administration

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

IOA President PT Usha emphasises the importance of athlete-centric policies in Indian sports administration, highlighting the need for prioritising athlete welfare and development.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.

Air Force Secures Victory In Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Opener

Air Force Secures Victory In Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Opener

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian Air Force defeated the Indian Army (Southern Command) 2-0 in the inaugural match of the 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament. Agniveer Vinayak Santosh Hande was named Man of the Match, receiving a Rs 25,000 cheque. The tournament, organised by the Air Force Sports Control Board, features 16 teams and was declared open by Air Marshal S Sivakumar.

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Manika Batra Demands Answers, Threatens Legal Action Over Asian Games Snub

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has threatened legal action against the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) if she is not provided a 'factual explanation' for her omission from the Asian Games squad.

New Policy To Enhance Safety For Women Athletes In Maharashtra

New Policy To Enhance Safety For Women Athletes In Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has mandated a uniform policy for all sports grounds in the state, focusing on modern sanitation, separate changing rooms, and CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety and enhance the performance of women athletes. This directive aims to strengthen the sports ecosystem and encourage greater participation from women.

Anahat Singh And Aryaveer Dewan Advance In World Junior Squash Championships

Anahat Singh And Aryaveer Dewan Advance In World Junior Squash Championships

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian squash players Anahat Singh and Aryaveer Dewan secured their spots in the pre-quarterfinals of the World Squash Junior Individual Championships in Ontario, Canada, with dominant wins. While other Indian participants exited the competition, Anahat, the women's top seed, and Aryaveer continue their impressive run.

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.

National Shooting Camp Kicks Off For Hangzhou World Cup And Asian Games

National Shooting Camp Kicks Off For Hangzhou World Cup And Asian Games

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

A national high-performance shooting camp has commenced in New Delhi, bringing together 35 Indian athletes for intensive training. The camp is crucial preparation for the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, and the Asian Games in Japan, featuring top talent and international coaching expertise.

Indian Fencers Aim For Glory At Senior World Championships In Hong Kong

Indian Fencers Aim For Glory At Senior World Championships In Hong Kong

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A 24-member Indian fencing contingent, comprising 12 men and 12 women athletes, is set to compete in the Senior World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong. The team will participate across Epee, Foil, and Sabre disciplines in both individual and team formats, aiming to make a mark on the global stage.

Indian Squash Stars Set To Shine At World Junior Championships

Indian Squash Stars Set To Shine At World Junior Championships

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Top Indian squash players Anahat Singh and Aryaveer Dewan are leading the country's challenge at the World Squash Junior Championships in Ontario. Anahat, seeded first in the women's section, aims for her maiden world junior title, while Aryaveer, seeded 5/8, looks to continue his strong performance after winning the Asian Junior U-19 crown. Several other Indian players are also competing in the prestigious tournament.

Magnus Carlsen to compete in FIDE's new Total Chess World Championship Tour

Magnus Carlsen to compete in FIDE's new Total Chess World Championship Tour

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

World number one Magnus Carlsen is set to compete in the pilot event of the FIDE-approved Total Chess World Championship Tour in November, a precursor to a global season launching in March 2027.

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

India Gears Up To Celebrate Commonwealth Games Day

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India is set to celebrate Commonwealth Games Day on May 24 across 8,000 locations, with a main event in Ahmedabad, featuring sporting stars and a focus on fitness and national pride.

FIDE Suspends Russia's Membership For Ukraine Violations

FIDE Suspends Russia's Membership For Ukraine Violations

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has suspended Russia's membership for up to three years due to its failure to comply with a ruling to stop holding events in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories. This decision follows Russia's continued organisation of chess events in annexed regions, violating a Court of Arbitration for Sport order.

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.

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.

India's Medal Drought Continues At Shooting World Cup

India's Medal Drought Continues At Shooting World Cup

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian shooters endured a second consecutive medal-less day at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, a crucial tune-up event before the Asian Games. While Vidarsa Vinod reached the women's 50m rifle three positions final, finishing sixth, other Indian participants struggled in various events, including men's and women's skeet, and men's 25m rapid fire pistol. The performance raises concerns ahead of the upcoming major competition.

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.

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permits wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi has been significantly affected by the conflict in West Asia and the month of Ramzan, leading to a sharp decline in international participation.

India Pushing For Yoga's Inclusion In 2036 Olympics

India Pushing For Yoga's Inclusion In 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said Yogasana would be pushed for inclusion in the future Olympic Games roster keeping in mind India's bid to host the 2036 Games.

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Supreme Court allowed Olympian Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials while cautioning against excessive judicial interference in sporting matters during the hearing of WFI's plea challenging the Delhi High Court order.

NRAI Elevates Officiating Standards With ISSF Judges Course

NRAI Elevates Officiating Standards With ISSF Judges Course

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is conducting an ISSF 'B' judges course for rifle and pistol disciplines in Surajkund, bringing together 31 technical officials. The programme, led by international and Indian experts, aims to enhance officiating knowledge and skills according to the latest ISSF rules, contributing significantly to the development of shooting sport in India.

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Iran's football federation announced its World Cup ticket allocation has been revoked just days before the tournament, leaving many fans unable to attend.

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A 16-year-old Taekwondo player uncovered a fraudulent sports body, the 'Youth Khelo India Federation (YKIF),' which falsely claimed government affiliation and scammed athletes, prompting the Sports Ministry to file an FIR.

National Armwrestling Championship To Be Held At Rashtriya Raksha University

National Armwrestling Championship To Be Held At Rashtriya Raksha University

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Rashtriya Raksha University will host the 4th National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship from May 29 to June 2 at its Lavad campus here, officials said on Friday. The championship is jointly organized by the Armwrestling Federation of Gujarat and People's Armwrestling Federation India.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.