News for 'sports participation'

Online abuse surges to record levels at FIFA World Cup 2026

Online abuse surges to record levels at FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

FIFA's digital watchdogs uncovered 89,000 abusive posts on social media during the group stage of the World Cup, marking a 13-fold increase from the 2022 edition in Qatar, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday.

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is uncertain about competing in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid the West Asia conflict, despite assurances from FIDE.

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

BFI Ensures Jyoti Gulia, Aakash Compete In World Boxing Cup

BFI Ensures Jyoti Gulia, Aakash Compete In World Boxing Cup

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Jyoti Gulia and Aakash have been added to the Indian boxing squad for the World Boxing Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, after Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh intervened to ensure their participation despite not being initially part of the government-sanctioned contingent. Their inclusion expands the Indian team to 20 boxers.

Injury scare! Senegal's Mendy ruled out of FIFA World Cup

Injury scare! Senegal's Mendy ruled out of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been ruled out of Friday's World Cup match against Iraq due to a knee injury sustained during a recent loss to Norway. Medical examinations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the ligament issue. Both Senegal and Iraq are entering the Group I game with two losses each.

Hard Work And Resilience Are Keys To Success: Praggnanandhaa's Mother

Hard Work And Resilience Are Keys To Success: Praggnanandhaa's Mother

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Nagalakshmi, mother of Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, shares insights into her son's success following his Norway Chess 2026 triumph, emphasising hard work and enjoying the process. She also discusses the siblings' journey into chess, their mutual support, and the significant influence of Viswanathan Anand.

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Viswanathan Anand will not seek re-election for a third term as Deputy President of FIDE.

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.

Why Vinesh Phogat Must Compete In 50kg At Asian Games Trials

Why Vinesh Phogat Must Compete In 50kg At Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to allow Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games selection trials only in the 50kg category, leading to a potential flashpoint. This decision follows a period of uncertainty regarding her preferred weight division and has sparked controversy within the wrestling community.

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

ISL 2025-26: 13 teams confirm participation

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

13 clubs have confirmed for truncated ISL, AIFF hoping for Odisha FC to join: sources

PCB unveils format-based central contracts ahead of formation of separate Test, T20 squads

PCB unveils format-based central contracts ahead of formation of separate Test, T20 squads

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing a new central contract system based on cricket formats, aiming to create separate teams for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. This initiative seeks to specialise players and ensure fair compensation for Test specialists, with different salary tiers and qualification criteria for each category.

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Pharaohs Prove Mettle With Impressive Belgium Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed pride in his team's performance after a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup opener. Despite coming close to a historic win, Hassan highlighted the team's quality, ambition, and the strong contributions of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, asserting that Egypt is not just there to "make up the numbers." The draw is seen as a significant step in reinventing the national team's identity.

SAI Boosts Weightlifting With Investment For Commonwealth And Asian Games

SAI Boosts Weightlifting With Investment For Commonwealth And Asian Games

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is investing nearly Rs 1.95 crore in international exposure and national coaching camps for weightlifters preparing for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Mexico kicks off World Cup countdown with wave record bid

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Thousands of people flooded one of the world's great urban boulevards on Saturday, attempting to set a world record for the Mexican wave - naturally, in the country that gave the beloved stadium ritual its name.

Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat in comeback row with WFI

Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat in comeback row with WFI

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Sakshi Malik backed Vinesh Phogat in her tussle with the Wrestling Federation of India, urging authorities to let the new mother resume her wrestling career.

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.

Why The Boxing Federation Of India Is Under Fire

Why The Boxing Federation Of India Is Under Fire

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Sports Ministry has issued a showcause notice to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) over concerns about its selection policy and failure to make key appointments.

Vinesh Phogat Seeks Clarity On WFI Ineligibility

Vinesh Phogat Seeks Clarity On WFI Ineligibility

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat contests the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to bar her from competitions, asserting that international authorities have cleared her to compete.

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.

Unbeaten Iran denied World Cup knockout berth after last-gasp equaliser

Unbeaten Iran denied World Cup knockout berth after last-gasp equaliser

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Iran's bid for a first World Cup knockout stage appearance ended dramatically after Austria's late equaliser against Algeria denied them a spot. Despite remaining unbeaten, the team faced significant logistical challenges and travel restrictions due to their conflict with the U.S., which captain Mehdi Taremi described as a "disaster."

Neeraj Chopra secures Commonwealth Games berth despite finishing 4th at Doha Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra secures Commonwealth Games berth despite finishing 4th at Doha Diamond League

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 85.69m, marking his return from injury. Despite not winning, he successfully breached the qualifying distance for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and has been named in the Indian team.

Indian Badminton Stars Advance In US Open Super 300

Indian Badminton Stars Advance In US Open Super 300

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand advanced to the second round of the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament. Rounak Chouhan also secured a spot in the men's singles main draw, while other Indian players like Kidambi Srikanth and several women's singles participants are set to compete.

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Wayne Chung, senior investigator at the city's Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, told reporters on Thursday that 230,000 items had been seized.

Indian Archers Prepare For Asian Games With Equipment Tests

Indian Archers Prepare For Asian Games With Equipment Tests

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Dhiraj Bommadevara plan to use the upcoming Archery World Cup stages as testing grounds for equipment changes ahead of the Asian Games later this year. Both archers are part of the 12-member Indian squad for the Asian Games, scheduled to begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19.

Asian Fencing Championships: Japan's Yamada, Yui Clinch Gold, India's Performance Disappoints

Asian Fencing Championships: Japan's Yamada, Yui Clinch Gold, India's Performance Disappoints

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Japan's Masaru Yamada and Sano Yui clinched gold medals in men's epee and women's sabre respectively at the Senior Asian Fencing Championships. Hosts India, including Olympian C. A. Bhavani Devi, had a disappointing outing with fencers finishing in lower ranks across both events.

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.

World Cup Pride Match: FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags Amidst Controversy

World Cup Pride Match: FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags Amidst Controversy

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted at the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend. This decision comes despite objections from Egypt and Iran, where homosexuality is criminalised, and FIFA's attempt to distance itself from the "Pride Match" designation, stating it's a local initiative.

Neeraj Chopra's CWG Berth Hinges on Fitness and Qualification Standard

Neeraj Chopra's CWG Berth Hinges on Fitness and Qualification Standard

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Neeraj Chopra has been included in India's 32-member Commonwealth Games athletics squad, subject to achieving the AFI qualification mark after recovering from a back injury. The Olympic champion is expected to return to competition within days.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

Virat Kohli Leads IPL Earnings, KKR Tops Franchise Valuations

Virat Kohli Leads IPL Earnings, KKR Tops Franchise Valuations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore. The average IPL team valuation is projected to jump to USD 15 billion by 2032.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

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.

Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra back where he thrived, ready for new challenge

Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra back where he thrived, ready for new challenge

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Indian javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra would hope that his lengthy injury-forced absence from competition does not affect his rhythm when he returns to action against an in-form line-up of heavyweight rivals in the familiar environs of the Doha Diamond League on Friday.

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Six Indian Golfers Compete At Czech Ladies Open

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Six Indian women golfers, including Diksha Dagar and Avani Prashanth, are set to compete at the Czech Ladies Open. Diksha Dagar, a former champion at this event, returns in strong form, aiming for her second title, while Vani Kapoor and Ridhima Dilawari join the field via sponsor invites.

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Doping scare erupts at Wrestling Nationals

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh addressed allegations of bias against Haryana wrestlers and acknowledged ongoing doping concerns after used syringes were found at the National Open Ranking Tournament.

Neeraj Chopra Will Deliver At Asian Games And LA 2028 Olympics, says Anju Bobby George

Neeraj Chopra Will Deliver At Asian Games And LA 2028 Olympics, says Anju Bobby George

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary athlete Anju Bobby George believes it's just a matter of time before Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra delivers for the country at the big stage -- the Asian Games and 2028 Los Angles Olympic Games.

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

TTFI Explains Manika Batra's Omission From Asian Games Team

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has clarified that Manika Batra's exclusion from India's Asian Games squad was due to strict adherence to existing selection criteria. Despite her name being considered, Batra did not meet the requirements, primarily lacking a national ranking and not being in the top 50 of international rankings at the time of selection. The decision was a collective one by the selection committee, based on a comprehensive assessment.

Indian Shuttler Chouhan Enters Macau Open Main Draw

Indian Shuttler Chouhan Enters Macau Open Main Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India's Rounak Chouhan advanced to the men's singles main draw of the Macau Open Super 300 badminton tournament after his opponent, Hein Htut, retired. Other Indian players, Tushar Suveer, Alap Mishra, and the women's doubles pair of Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam, were eliminated in the qualification rounds.