2010: Golden year for Indian sport
Individual brilliance shone through in record-breaking medal hauls at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, while the iconic Sachin Tendulkar raised the bar further on the cricket field in what turned out to be a golden year for Indian sport. The best sporting quotes of 2010
Some of the best sporting quotes of the year. Phenomenal year for Nadal but Serena leaves void
A year that began with doubts over Rafael Nadal's body and continued with worries over Roger Federer's head ended with both men at the peak of their powers and promising some juicy new chapters of their rivalry in 2011. Atwal shines in moderate year for Indian golf
Arjun Atwal's historic title triumph on the PGA Tour was the high point of an otherwise moderate year for Indian golf during which seasoned campaigner Jeev Milkha Singh's fortunes took a massive tumble due to injuries. Shooters' surge checked by Asiad blip
Indian shooters, led by the mercurial Gagan Narang, experienced more highs than lows in a year that saw them clinch a record 30 medals in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. A measly haul of eight medals in the Asian Games in Guangzhou following the high at home was the only blip in an otherwise satisfactory year. Magnificent Mary!
The Manipuri Wonder Woman has won the World Boxing Championship five times. With her eyes set on the London Olympics, she is hoping for a grand finale. Best sporting images of 2010 - Part 1
Showcasing the best sports images of the year. Images: Berbatov brace keeps Man U on top
Images from the English Premier League action on Boxing Day. No. 1 ranking motivational target: Anand
World chess Champion Viswanathan Anand is likely to lose his number one status by next month but the Indian is hardly bothered as he feels ranking is a motivational target rather than an end in itself. Vijender shines in golden year for boxers
It started with an unprecedented gold rush and ended pretty much the same way as Indian boxers scaled new heights and broke new barriers with Olympic hero Vijender Singh once again leading the charge by clinching two gold medals and a bronze in a super successful 2010. 'There is potential for sumo wrestling in India'
Three-time world sumo champion Byambajav Ulambayar and former world champion Naranbat Gankhuyag descended in Mumbai to compete in an exhibition match at the Mood Indigo, the annual cultural festival of IIT-Bombay. Sachin deserves Bharat Ratna: Saina
India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal on Wednesday threw her weight behind conferring Sachin Tendulkar the Bharat Ratna, saying the iconic batsman is the most deserving sportsperson to receive the country's highest civilian award. World Cup triumph, Nadal cap year of Spanish glory
A World Cup soccer final disfigured by cynical Dutch thuggery was partially redeemed in extra time by the swift reflexes of Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta. Formula One taking the 'green' route
Whatever the colour of the car, from Fernando Alonso's red Ferrari to Michael Schumacher's silver Mercedes, Formula One is picking up speed towards a greener future. Hong Kong title as good as being number one: Saina
Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is in no hurry to become the World number one and said winning the prestigious Hong Kong Super Series title in Wanchai was as good as achieving the numero uno status as she had beaten some top players en route to her victory. I was born to do only boxing: Mary Kom
Five-time boxing-world champion MC Mary Kom speaks about her journey to the top of the boxing world and what inspired her to take up the sport. Power Your Champions -- contribute just Rs 100
Olympic Gold Quest's recently-launched programme, 'Power Your Champions', attempts to involve the country's sports fans in its quest for a gold medal at the Olympics. Obama takes LA Lakers to community service project
Breaking with the tradition of congratulating teams at the White House, President Barack Obama took the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers with him to a community service project at a Boys and Girls Club on Monday. F1: Team orders can come out of hiding now
The rule change agreed by the FIA on Friday effectively recognised that team orders are a part of the sport while also conceding that the paying public have a right not to be insulted. La Liga: Messi leads Barca rout of Sociedad
Lionel Messi made brilliance look routine with a stunning double to help Barcelona to a 5-0 win over Real Sociedad that restored the champions' two-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Sunday. Man City join Arsenal at top, Chelsea slip again
ROund up of the EPL matches played at the weekend. England's European big guns go head to head
Fresh from reaching the knockout stages England's four Champions League group qualifiers have equally high-profile domestic duties this weekend as Manchester United host Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur take on Chelsea. Ronaldo's prolific form gives Real reason to cheer
Real Madrid fans keen on their statistics will be aware the last time Cristiano Ronaldo was in such scintillating scoring form he went on to pick up a Champions League winners medal at the end of the season. FIFA not corrupt, England bad losers: Blatter
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has rejected allegations of corruption at soccer's governing body after Russia and Qatar won the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, calling England "bad losers" for their reaction. Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar complete last 16 line-up
Round up of the Champions League matches played on Wednesday. Barca win built on fresh rocks from club 'quarry'
With Barcelona already through to the Champions League last 16 as Group D winners, Pep Guardiola gave several young players from the club's academy a chance against Rubin Kazan on Tuesday and they did not disappoint. CL: Anderson goal puts wasteful United on top
Roundup of the Champions League matches played on Tuesday. CL: Man United one clean sheet away from record
Manchester United will become the first team to go through the Champions League group stage without conceding a goal if they can keep a clean sheet at home to free-scoring Valencia on Tuesday. Images: Joyous Serbs win first Davis Cup title
Serbia celebrated their first Davis Cup title after Viktor Troicki thrashed France's Michael Llodra to secure a memorable 3-2 victory inside a rocking Belgrade Arena on Sunday. Motherland of soccer humiliated in World Cup vote
England's bid to stage the World Cup for the first time in more than half a century ended in a humiliating first-round defeat when they collected just two votes from the 22-man FIFA executive committee on Thursday. Russia, Qatar take World Cup to new lands
FIFA gave its ultimate recognition to emerging markets on Thursday by awarding the 2018 and 2022 editions of the prestigious and lucrative World Cup soccer finals to Russia and Qatar, both new hosts. Davis Cup final: Serbia aim to make history
Gael Monfils will get the chance to give France a flying start in this weekend's Davis Cup final against Serbia after Thursday's draw paired him against world number 49 Janko Tipsarevic in the opening singles. Serbia's world number three Novak Djokovic will take on Gilles Simon in the second singles on Friday. Four bidders contest 2018 World Cup prize
The four bidders seeking the right to stage the 2018 World Cup finals -- England, Netherlands/Belgium (joint bid), Russia and Spain/Portugal (joint bid) -- are in a close race with little to choose between the leading trio. Europa League: Juve frozen out, Atletico face exit
Italian teams Juventus and Sampdoria were knocked out of the Europa League on Wednesday and holders Atletico Madrid were staring at an early exit after a 3-2 home defeat by Greek side Aris. I will prove myself in future, vows Mary Kom
Adjusting to a higher weight category was no big deal for M C Mary Kom but what stumped the five-time world champion Indian woman boxer at the Asian Games was the 'never-seen-before fouls' and she plans to take tips from Suranjoy Singh to deal with them in future. Mourinho defiant despite drubbing at Nou Camp
A defiant Jose Mourinho brushed off Real Madrid's crushing 5-0 defeat at arch rivals Barcelona on Monday, saying there were plenty of matches left in the season and the championship would still go down to the wire. Federer passion still fuelled by Nadal rivalry
Roger Federer, who beat Nadal to claim the ATP World Tour Finals for the fifth time with a show of force, described Rafael Nadal's season as one any player "could only dream of". Five-star Barca conjure rout of Real in 'Clasico'
Barcelona conjured up a magical performance that rolled back the years to Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team'of the 1990s to crush arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-0 and move two points clear at the top of La Liga on Monday. Images: Blues held, Manchester United top table
Chelsea's Premier League title defence continued to splutter when they could only draw 1-1 at Newcastle United and missed their chance of returning to the top of the standings Sunday. Barcelona vs Real Madrid: The key head-to-heads
Some of the key head-to-heads in the "Clasico" between La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Monday night. Federer thanks new coach for return to form
Even Roger Federer can suffer a crisis of confidence and the Swiss was quick to thank his new coach for restoring his after capping a vintage week at the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday. Images: India shining at the Asian Games
The super charge led by athletes, boxers and tennis players in the last seven days of the Asian Games not only provided the impetus to the floundering Indian campaign but also scripted a memorable climax as the country recorded its best ever performance at the sporting event. Gala show bring curtains down on Asian Games
The skies lit up with dazzling fireworks as an emotional China brought the curtains down on the biggest Asian Games in a riot of colour, foot-tapping music and a cultural extravaganza at the Haixinsha Island on the Pearl River in Guangzhou on Sunday. Images: India record best-ever medal haul at Asiad
India created history by recording their best-ever performance in Asian Games with 64 medals, including a record 14 gold, with star boxer Vijender Singh providing the icing on the cake by bringing the last yellow metal on the penultimate day in Guangzhou, on Friday. Mourinho can plot Barca's fall with eyes closed
If there is one man who should know how to end Barcelona's four-match winning streak in the 'Clasico' it is Jose Mourinho. Asian Games Images: Vikas ends boxing gold drought
Images from day 14 of the Asian Games at Guanzhou on Thursday. Nadal powers on as unlucky Djokovic loses focus
Rafa Nadal kept the one major title missing from his glittering CV firmly in his sights on Wednesday as he took brutal advantage of Novak Djokovic's eye problems to notch his second win at the ATP World Tour Finals. Relieved Inter lead seven CL teams through
Holders Inter Milan earned their coach a reprieve to lead a group of seven teams through to the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, a night lit up by Lionel Messi's customary finesse and Wayne Rooney's goalscoring return. Federer supreme as Murray challenge fizzles out
Handed the chance to put another dent in Roger Federer's armour on Tuesday, Andy Murray was swiped to one side as their eagerly anticipated round robin clash at the ATP World Tour Finals turned into a Swiss romp. CL: Milan, Marseille march on, Arsenal stumble
Roundup of the Champions League match played on Tuesday. Images: Somdev creates history with tennis double
Images from day 11 of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Tuesday. Nadal finds spark as Tour Finals get lift off
It took a while, but Rafael Nadal finally showed up at the ATP's end-of-year fiesta on Monday when he lit up the second day of the World Tour Finals with a compelling round robin victory against Andy Roddick. Images: Somdev, Sanam provide India with gold
Images from day eleven of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Monday Latecomers India finally join party at Guangzhou
Chinese fans turned out in force to support the hosts on the first night of athletics at the Asian Games on Sunday, but it was two dogged Indian runners who stole the show, giving their struggling team a timely boost. Images: Sreedharan, Sudha lead India's gold rush
Images from day ten of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Sunday. United capitalise on Chelsea, Arsenal defeats
Striker Wayne Rooney made his long-awaited return for Manchester United on Saturday when they took advantage of defeats for title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal with a 2-0 home victory over nine-man Wigan Athletic. Formula 1 2010: The Men Who Almost Made It
This has indeed been a remarkable season, with the best slugfest in decades. Here, then, is a look at the four men who made it. Images: Saina's Asian Games challenge ends
Images from day six of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Thursday. Khade demands modern facilities for more medals
Asian Games bronze medallist Virdhawal Khade on Thursday said Indian swimmers need modern training facilities and adequate foreign exposure to fetch more medals at international events. France's EPL players show England the way
England's abject performance in their 2-1 defeat to France at Wembley on Wednesday created a huge media backlash the following morning, although one fact was largely overlooked. Football friendlies (Images): Messi shines
Lionel Messi left it very late to once again show his matchwinning qualities with a superb goal two minutes into added time to give Argentina a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Brazil in friendly on Wednesday. Images: India rout hapless Bangladesh in hockey
Images from day five of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Tuesday. Federer no match for Nadal's athleticism: McEnroe
There are few more impressive sights in sport than Roger Federer in full flow on a tennis court but the Swiss great cannot compare with Rafael Nadal as an athlete, says former world No.1 John McEnroe. Images: Khade, Ashish script history at Asiad
Images from day four of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Tuesday. Saina's Asiad campaign commences on Wednesday
India's best bet for a badminton medal at the Asian Games, Saina Nehwal, starts her campaign in the individual competitions at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Wednesday. Vettel title a triumph for real racing
Sebastian Vettel took just 99 minutes to sweep away the talk of team orders and tainted titles and ensure the 2010 Formula One championship is remembered as a triumph for real racing. Asian Games 2010: Images from Day 3
Images from day three of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Monday. EPL Images: Chelsea stunned, Man U held by Villa
Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered their biggest home defeat for nearly nine years when they were humbled 3-0 by Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Images: Vettel is a champion in a hurry
From the very first moment he arrived in Formula One as a curly-haired teenager, new world champion Sebastian Vettel was a young man in a hurry. La Liga: Messi inspires Barca over Villarreal
A moment of genius from Lionel Messi lit up the Nou Camp as Barcelona eased to a 3-1 win over Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday that put them two points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the standings. Images: Unique Asiad opening mesmerises world
Images from the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Friday. China to leave Asian Games rivals in wake
With little doubt that China will top the medal count for an eighth straight Asian Games, the hosts mammoth delegation will compete to surpass their imperious achievements at the 2006 Doha Games. Bindra, Narang to lead India's charge in Asiad
Led by Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra and Commonwealth Games hero Gagan Narang, Indian shooters would look to carry forward their stupendous CWG form into the Asian Games as the competition begin in Guangzhou on Saturday. Formula One's four-way title battle
The Formula One drivers' championship will be decided on Sunday with four still mathematically in the hunt. A look at how each can win. Asian Games opening ceremony ready to cast a spell
A boat parade named "Setting Sail" on the famous Pearl River that passes through the length of the city will be one of the highlights of the 16th Asian Games opening ceremony to be held in Guangzhou on Friday to herald the sports spectacle that runs through till November 27. Boxers strive to end gold drought at Asian Games
With expectations sky-high after their stupendous Commonwealth Games performance but very little time for preparations, Indian pugilists head to Guangzhou for the Asian Games where the country has not won a boxing gold since 1998. Manchester derby fizzles out, Chelsea extend gap
Manchester City and United ground out a tepid 0-0 draw as Michael Essien's goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Fulham and a four-point cushion at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday. 'Supermom' Mary targets Asian Games, Olympics gold
Ace boxer MC Mary will lead India's charge at the forthcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, which commences from November 12 and then achieving her bigger goal -- to win gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Singapore gives Jeev Milkha Singh good vibes
Jeev Milkha Singh's season has been hampered by a troublesome rotator cuff injury but the Indian hopes the 'golfing gods' will be back on his side at the $6 Singapore Open this week. The best sports images from the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. Clinical Torres finds form for resurgent Liverpool
Champions and Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered their second defeat of the season as Fernando Torres scored twice to guide resurgent Liverpool to a deserved 2-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday. Images: Vettel wins to keep title race alive
Red Bull won the Formula One constructors' championship and denied Fernando Alonso a third drivers' crown on Sunday after Sebastian Vettel led team-mate Mark Webber in a one-two finish in Brazil. Tearful Gebrselassie announces retirement
Ethiopian world marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie tearfully announced his retirement on Sunday after dropping out of his first New York City marathon. Ivanovic rises in rankings with season's final win
Ana Ivanovic ended the season on a positive note by defeating Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 7-6 in the final of the Tournament of Champions in Bali on Sunday. Champions League images: Real, Chelsea through
Images from Wednesday's matches in the Champions League. Late World Cup oracle octopus replaced by Paul II
Paul, Germany's late World Cup oracle octopus, was replaced by Paul II on Wednesday -- though his owners are still unsure whether the new cephalopod has also been blessed with the gift of prophecy. Mourinho vows to isolate emotion at San Siro
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho breezed back into the San Siro like a rock star on Tuesday but the ice cool Portuguese said sentiment had nothing to do with the serious business of reaching the Champions League last 16. CL images: Inter stunned by Spurs, Barca held
The chinks in Inter Milan's armour were exposed again as Tottenham Hotspur beat the holders 3-1 in Champions League Group A and all three teams able to secure last-16 qualification flopped on Tuesday. The best sports images from the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. Batista poised to be named Argentina coach
Olympic golds medal-winning coach Sergio Batista was poised on Monday to succeed Diego Maradona and lead Argentina to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Tiger sniffs out new territory as world number two
For the first time in more than five years, Tiger Woods became reacquainted with life away from the number one spot in the official world rankings. Jones reflects on doping scandal in new book
Disgraced Olympic sprinter Marion Jones apologizes repeatedly in a new memoir over the doping scandal which ended her Olympic career, but she doesn't expect her staunchest critics to ever see the "big picture." The best sports images from the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. EPL images: Reds snatch victory, Newcastle win big
Maxi Rodriguez scored four minutes from time to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers which lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone on Sunday. CL: Inter, Real lead push for early qualification
Inter Milan, Real Madrid and company will put their faith in attacking football again this week as Europe's leading lights seek early qualification for the Champions League knockout stages. Westwood begins life as top dog in the supermarket
Rather than pacing his living room nervously waiting to see if he was going to knock Tiger Woods off the top of the world rankings, Lee Westwood opted for a shopping trip to buy rubber gloves and mashed potato. New stars shining high on Indian horizon
The who's who of Indian sports fraternity were present under one roof to acknowledge the contributions of the sportspersons, who did country proud in their respective fields. Our correspondent lists the names of the winners at the second Sahara India Sports Awards function in Mumbai. La Liga: Ronaldo lifts Real, Barca thump Sevilla
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scored twice as Ronaldo's Real Madrid came from behind to beat promoted Hercules 3-1 and Messi's Barcelona humbled 10-man Sevilla 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday. Sachin's bat fetches Rs 42 lakh
Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar's willow fetched the highest bid of Rs 42 lakh at a glittering sports auction in Mumbai that saw personal items donated by 25 top sportspersons from the country and overseas go under the hammer. Maradona @ 50: Memories for a lifetime
Bikash Mohapatra salutes Argentine football leagend Diego Maradona, who turns 50 today. Images: Best sports action of the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. 'Little Princess' Wozniacki enjoys Doha coronation
A cramp-ridden Caroline Wozniacki lay twisted and tortured on the hardcourt of Doha in October 2009 but 12 months later she is certain to leave the same venue as the year-end world number one. Images: Best sports action from the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. Ecclestone at 80 eyes another decade
A tribute to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who celebrates his 80th birthday today. The best sports images from the last 24 hours
Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours. Inter stunned by Milito's Ballon d'Or exclusion
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is stunned that striker Diego Milito was not included in the 23-man shortlist for the new FIFA Ballon d'Or. Vote for your FIFA Player of the Year
World Cup winners Spain have seven players featured in a 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or unveiled by soccer's governing body and France Football magazine on Tuesday. World Cup's psychic octopus dies in Germany
Paul, the oracle octopus who shot to fame in the World Cup this summer for his uncanny ability to predict the results of Germany's football matches, has died at his home in Oberhausen at the age of two. Images: Weekend European football action
Action from the world of European football. F1 title battle set to go down to very last lap
Fernando Alonso could take his third Formula One title in Brazil next week but neither Ferrari nor his rivals expect that to happen after a weekend win in South Korea that owed more to luck than strategy. EPL images: Super Sunday for Arsenal, Liverpool
Manchester United and Arsenal enjoyed landmark victories over Stoke City and Manchester City respectively on Sunday to stay on the coat tails of champions Chelsea in the battle for the Premier League title. Sania hopes for medals at Asian Games
She may not have succeeded in winning a gold at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, but tennis star Sania Mirza is now looking forward to give her best in the next month's Asian Games in Guangzhou. Portsmouth sold, out of administration
Portsmouth have come out of administration after being sold to a company controlled by their former owner Balram Chainrai, the English Championship (second division) club's administrator informed on Sunday. Korean F1 GP Images: Alonso triumphs
Images from the inaugural Korean F1 Grand Prix held at the Yeongam International Circuit on Sunday. When Pele enchanted Calcutta
As the legendary Pele turns 70, rediff.com looks back at the time when he graced Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Now, a formula to help marathoners finish the race
A new formula by a marathon runner and student at Harvard and MIT gives elite runners and marathon enthusiasts a more exact way to calculate just how many carb calories they need to take to stay in the 26.2 mile (42.16 km) race. Time for Man U to turn focus back to EPL challenge
Wayne Rooney's future is on the mind of every Manchester United fan but it is the club's current Premier League form that should concern them more as they visit Stoke City on Sunday on a run of four straight away league draws. It's love all as Sharapova engaged to NBA star
Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic is engaged to marry Maria Sharapova after the Slovenian told reporters before an exhibition game on Thursday that the Russian former tennis world number one had accepted his proposal. CWG kicks off India's Olympic gold quest
Former Indian hockey ace Viren Rasquinha tells that 'Olympic Gold Quest' is all about producing champions who can win gold medals at the Olympics. Europa League: Atletico win, Adebayor tricks
Holders Atletico Madrid won for the first time in the Europa League this season, beating Rosenborg 3-0, while Emmanuel Adebayor scored a hat-trick as Manchester City beat Lech Poznan 3-1. Ferguson to resolve Rooney 'saga' on Thursday
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will meet chief executive David Gill on Thursday as he seeks to avoid Wayne Rooney's Old Trafford exit plans becoming a 'saga'. CL images: Messi props Barca, Inter edge Spurs
Lionel Messi's seemingly endless love affair with the Champions League continued with another virtuoso two-goal performance on Wednesday for Barcelona. Rooney confirms decision to leave Man U
Wayne Rooney turned the spotlight firmly on Manchester United's American owners on Wednesday when the striker blamed the club's lack of clout in the transfer market for his desire to quit Old Trafford. CL: Ronaldo inspires Real Madrid to win over Milan
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the knockout blow for Real Madrid in their aristocratic battle with AC Milan on Tuesday, as Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich maintained their own perfect Champions League starts. Rooney revelation overshadows home clash
Wayne Rooney will be absent when Manchester United face Bursaspor in the Champions League on Wednesday and, as Alex Ferguson revealed on the eve of the game, Old Trafford fans will almost certainly have to get used to it. Ferguson shocked as Rooney says he wants to go
Wayne Rooney has told Manchester United he wants to quit the club, leaving manager Alex Ferguson "shocked and bemused" and paving the way for a bidding war to start for the England striker. The best of the Commonwealth Games
While Australia stamped their mark at the Commonweath Games, India not only won hearts but also finished second in the medals tally. Our Correspondent Harish Kotian reviews the Commonwealth Games. Bernie Ecclestone touches 80, and at full throttle
He is at the helm of Formula One for more than 32 years. And with each passing year he seems to get younger. While managing a top notch product is challenging, for a certain Bernie Ecclestone, it comes naturally. Rooney issue hovers over United's Bursaspor clash
Alex Ferguson will reveal the most eagerly awaited Manchester United team of the season an hour before Wednesday's Champions League match against Bursaspor, and if Wayne Rooney is not in it Old Trafford will be abuzz. Indian army's Mission Olympics reaping rewards
The Indian Army's sole role over the years has been guarding the country; now it has taken up another major job -- and that is to produce Olympic champions. And one major sport where the army is already making its presence felt is the sport of shooting, thanks to its new talent-generating programme 'Mission Olympics'. reveals the details. Images: Liverpool continue to slide, Chelsea held
Liverpool's new owners watched their team slump to a comprehensive 2-0 defeat at Merseyside rivals Everton which sent them second bottom of the Premier League on Sunday. I won discus gold despite knee swelling: Poonia
Krishna Poonia, who became the first Indian woman to win an individual Commonwealth Games gold medal early this week, on Sunday said she bagged the yellow metal despite having a knee swelling during her discus throw event. CWG: India's hits and misses
Perhaps Sports Minister M S Gill was right when he compared the tardy build-up to the Commonwealth Games with a typical Indian monsoon wedding. And, as is the case with all Indian wedding receptions, in the end everything fell into place. Ronaldo on song as Real prepare to host AC Milan
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken off his relatively poor early-season form in perfect time for Tuesday's Champions League Group G clash with fellow European giants AC Milan. I had almost quit gymnastics: CWG medallist
Teenager Ashish Kumar, who fetched India its first medals in gymnastics, at the Commonwealth Games, had thought of quitting the sport at one stage. 'India was the star'
Filmmaker Bharat Bala, the creative director of the Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies, takes a well-deserved bow. The CWG's Aerostat Man
Mark Fisher may not have featured in the list of people applauded for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, but his contribution to the Games loomed large throughout the October 3 and 14 events, literally. Aussie media hail India and its people
The Australian media hailed India and people of Delhi as "gracious hosts" for delivering a successful Commonwealth Games, overcoming all the hurdles they encountered in the controversy-ridden build up. Narang is 'King' of the Delhi Games
India finished second in the final pecking order, with more than 100 medals, as the curtain came down on the Commonwealth Games, on Thursday. A look at the some statistics from the Games. Glasgow takes baton as Delhi Games end with a bang
Images from the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Thursday. Women shuttlers up India's gold tally on last day
Top seed Saina Nehwal and the doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa scripted history by becoming the first Indian women shuttlers to win gold medals in the Commonwealth Games at the Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi on Thursday. Commonwealth Games images: Day 11
Images from Day 11 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Delhi Games a success, declares Fennell
There is no greater proof for the success of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi than CGF president Michael Fennell declaring that the Games have been a success. Sports anchor Mayanti stamps her mark at the Games
Sports anchor Mayanti Langer is a familiar face on television, having hosted a series of sports events over the last five years. But the Commonwealth Games has given her instant recognition. Senior Associate Editor learns how the Delhi extravaganza has changed her life. Commonwealth Games images: Day 10
Images from Day 10 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Serb crowd violence overshadows qualifiers
Crowd violence returned to haunt European football on Tuesday when Italy's home Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia in Genoa was abandoned amid a barrage of flares inside the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Commonwealth Games images: Day 9
Images from Day 9 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Spotting the Incredible in India
Bharat Bala, the filmmaker who directed the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, reveals how it went off so well, despite the hurdles his team encountered, in conversation with Rediff.com's Abhishek Mande. CWG: Tearful Pearson takes solace in hurdles gold
Australia's Sally Pearson overcame last week's 100 metres heartbreak to win the hurdles event over the same distance on Monday, collapsing on the track in tears after her golden run. The day I stop enjoying pressure I'll quit: Sania
Tenis ace Sania Mirza discusses her career, the future of the women's game in the country and the tennis team's not-too-good showing at the Delhi extravaganza with Harish Kotian. Commonwealth Games images: Day 8
Images from Day 8 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Tomorrow's India: CWG closing ceremony theme
Exclusive! Decision-making in the government is a painful affair, legendary film director Shyam Benegal, one of the masterminds behind last week's impressive Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, tells Rediff.com's Patcy N. Analysis: Record gold haul by Indian wrestlers
It turned out to be a record haul for India when Sushil Kumar clinched the gold in wrestling at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in Delhi, on Sunday. Commonwealth Games images: Day 7
Images from Day 7 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Images: Beaming Vettel leads Red Bull 1-2 in Japan
Images from the Japanese GP on Sunday. Commonwealth Games images: Day 6
Images from Day 6 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Commonwealth Games images: Day 5
Images from Day 5 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Glitches persist as Games reach halfway point
Embattled Commonwealth Games officials conceded a "major communication blunder" was to blame for Thursday's athletics farce as they continue to grapple with snags at the halfway point of the Delhi event on Friday. Cupid strikes Indian hockey couple
Indian hockey star Shivendra Singh is all set to tie to knot with former Indian women's hockey player Nishi Chauhan, later this year. Nishi reveals details of their romance in a tete-a-tete with Harish Kotian. Commonwealth Games images: Day 4
Images from Day 4 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Commonwealth Games images: Day 3
Images from Day 3 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Halsall overcomes 'Delhi Belly' to rule the pool
Swimmer Fran Halsall ignored a dose of 'Delhi Belly' to win a shock women's 50 metre butterfly gold and kick-start England's Commonwealth Games Ashes battle with rivals Australia on Tuesday. Commonwealth Games images: Day 2
Images from Day 2 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. India forgot the future at the Games opening
What India projected at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, says Sheela Bhatt, was a huge Indian mela in all its old shades. Commonwealth Games images: Day 1
Images from Day 1 of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Can't afford to take Sharath lightly: Top seed
Top seed Gao Ning will not take Indian table tennis' biggest hope Achanta Sharath Kamal lightly in case the two paddlers come face to face in the singles event of the Commonwealth Games. Drogba gives Arsenal blues, Liverpool humbled
Chelsea's Didier Drogba proved Arsenal's nemesis again as he inspired the champions to a 2-0 win over their London rivals and Blackpool pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. CWG: Big names sink in high-class swimming fields
The strength of the swimming competition at the Commonwealth Games was evident on the first morning of action with defending champions and expected finalists exiting early in the opening heats. 'Incredible India' floors world media
"India has arrived" this summed up the international media comments on the dazzling opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Sunday. India dazzles with a glorious CWG opener
The 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Delhi, on Sunday. Images: India shining at C'wealth Games opening
Amidst fireworks and dazzling lights, the Prince of Wales and India's President Pratibha Patil declared the Commonwealth Games open. A capacity crowd at the J N stadium welcomed the participating nations. Indian paddlers ready to better Melbourne showing
After being handed out easy draws, Indian paddlers are brimming with confidence ahead of the table tennis team event of the Commonwealth Games starting in New Delhi on Monday. Thumbs-up all around as CWG set to kick-off
'Fantastic' and 'really good - this is how most of the athletes described their stay at the Commonwealth Games Village to Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles when the royal couple visited the sprawling complex on Sunday. In women's tennis, it's anyone's game: Sania
She is seeded as high as No 2 in a depleted field, but Indian tennis star Sania Mirza is not ready to take a medal for granted when the sport makes its debut at the Commonwealth Games on Monday in New Delhi. I am the best and I am under no pressure: Vijender
He hardly feels the burden of expectations that come with competing on home turf at the Commonwealth Games because India's World No 1 boxer Vijender Singh says he considers himself simply the best. Poncha hoping to create ripples in C'wealth pool
On the eve of the Commonwealth Games, India's champion swimmer Rehan Poncha tells Harish Kotian he's getting better with each swim. Guarded Saina eyeing nothing less than Gold at CWG
Competition at the Commonwealth Games will not be as tough as the World Championship but the ever-on-her-guard Saina Nehwal prefers not to take anything for granted as she feels even one bad shot can derail her gold medal bid at the Delhi Games. You can grunt your way to tennis win
Tennis players who grunt loudly when they hit the ball appear to have a competitive edge over their opponents, according to a study by Canadian and American researchers. Games Village: From 'filthy' to 'swanky'
Around ten days back the Commonwealth Games Village was described as 'filthy' and 'uninhabitable'. Now, it seems every athlete is falling in love with the place. Disabled archer Brown beats chronic pain for CWG
Twenty-two-year-old disabled England archer Danielle Brown tells Harish Kotian the Commonwealth Games is an opportunity to prove her worth. All smiles now at C'wealth Games Village
Fear and doubt have given way to joy. Finally, the Games Village is all about smiles. 'No more complaints by athletes at Games Village'
Commonwealth Games Village Mayor Dalbir Singh on Thursday claimed that about 4,000 athletes and delegates are living happily at the much-criticised residential blocks and there are no complaints related to cleanliness and hygiene anymore. CL images: Hernandez to Man U's rescue, Barca held
Barcelona paid the price for wayward finishing as they were held to a 1-1 draw by their bogey-team Rubin Kazan in Champions League Group D on Wednesday. Form book is against United in Spain: Ferguson
Manchester United will have to rip up the form book if they are to claim victory at Valencia in Champions League Group C on Wednesday, according to the English club's manager, Alex Ferguson. Jwala saddened by negative build-up to the CWG
India's top doubles player Jwala Gutta is saddened by the negative publicity surrounding the Commonwealth Games and feels this will put additional pressure on the athletes to deliver during the October 3-14 Delhi event. Just how safe is India's Commonwealth Games?
With nearly 100,000 police guarding the Commonwealth Games in India's capital, the biggest threat will be attacks on soft targets, from bombs in markets to a shooting of a tourist on a crowded street. CWG: Cook Islands team content with facilities
It's okay for the Cook Islands contingent if the TV remotes in their rooms at the Games Village are not working properly, if they have no phones to stay in touch or the wi-fi station is also not functioning. CL images: Blues, Arsenal cruise to easy wins
Chelsea shrugged off their domestic mini-slump of two straight defeats when they comfortably beat Olympique Marseille 2-0 to maintain their perfect start in Group F of the Champions League on Tuesday. Semenya pulls out of CWG with back injury
Caster Semenya, the women's 800 metres world champion, has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games because of a back injury dealing the event another blow, South Africa's Olympic body announced on Tuesday. Check out the hottest sports WAGs
A look at some of the hottest wives and girlfriends or more popularly known as WAGs of the sportsperson around the world. Australia 'impressed' with CWG preparations
Australia, which has been severely critical of Commonwealth Games arrangements, expressed satisfaction over the preparations and sought to downplay the remarks of its Prime Minister Julia Gillard cautioning her countrymen while travelling in India. India will win 70 medals at the Games: Kalmadi
On September 25, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi had asked more than 50 media persons to join him on a conducted tour of the Games village, the epicentre of infamy. CL: Messi seeks fitness as pretender prowl
Lionel Messi is battling to be fit for Barcelona's trip to Rubin Kazan on Wednesday but if injury keeps him out a host of other forwards are waiting in the wings to borrow his crown as Champions League king. 'All is well at the Games Village'
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Monday claimed that all major problems in the much-criticised Athletes' Village have been sorted out and a majority of the flats are ready to be occupied. Brilliant Alonso holds off Vettel in Singapore
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso held off Sebastian Vettel's hard-charging Red Bull to win an incident-packed Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday and boost his chances of a third Formula One crown. India makes mad dash to ready Games Village
Workers removed rain water, scraped dirt and painted walls at the Commonwealth Games Village on Sunday as India raced to address complaints of filth and hygiene a week before the start of the showpiece event. CGF not responsible for missed deadlines: Hooper
Commonwealth Games Federation boss Mike Fennell might talk about sharing the blame for poor preparations of the Delhi mega-event but its CEO Mike Hooper says the CGF cannot be held responsible for the Organising Committee's failure to meet deadlines. I am satisfied and excited about CWG: Kalmadi
Under attack from all quarters but defiant nonetheless, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Sunday said his enthusiasm for the event remains intact and he can't wait for it to get started come October 3. CWG: Crisis management can make or break event
Global sports events like next month's Commonwealth Games will always face last-minute problems but it is the way organisers deal with them that will make or break them, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday. 'A lot of damage has been done to India's image'
CGF President Mike Fennell on Saturday said that everyone in the Commonwealth Games management has to share the blame for the lack of preparations ahead of the Thumbs-up to CWG 2010 as foreign athletes arrive
Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell inspected the Commonwealth Games Village on Friday and said "considerable improvements" have been made there even as embattled the organisers continued their sprint against time to complete preparations for the October 3-14 event. Sachin's bat to go under auctioneer's hammer
Memorabilia belonging to 25 top sportspersons from India and overseas, including tennis star Roger Federer, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and chess ace Viswanathan Anand, will go under the auctioneer's hammer on October 29. Commonwealth Games 2010 pull-outs
A look at the biggest-name athletes who will miss the October 3-14 Games for reasons ranging from injury to security. Winning a gold medal is not easy: Sushil
Sushil Kumar shocked many when he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But few were surprised when he won the gold at the World Championships in Moscow earlier this month. Vote! The sexiest female tennis players
A look of some of them who raise the pulse and give fashion a new meaning. 'Conditions at CWG Village acceptable now'
In what would be music to ears of the Indian organisers, Australia's Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite said the condition of the Games Village is "acceptable" as of now and also confirmed arrival of their contingent for the Games. 'Countries have lost faith in CWG organizers'
The Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers' failure to admit to problems with their preparations has seen them lose the faith of competing countries, New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie said on Thursday. More nations postpone arrivals to the Games
More nations delayed their teams' arrivals for the Commonwealth Games in India as organisers raced against time to address security and health concerns that have already led several top athletes to pull out. League Cup Images: Northampton stun Liverpool
Liverpool suffered a humiliating home defeat on penalties by League Two (fourth division) Northampton Town in the English League Cup third round on Wednesday. India battles to save scandal-hit CWG
India scrambled against the clock to save the Commonwealth Games after big ticket athletes quit the showcase event and nations threatened to stay home unless authorities cleaned venues 'unfit for human habitation'. Chelsea's Drogba says Kerala is a dream place
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba joined famous stars from cinema, music and the fashion world in the UK to celebrate Kerala -- 'God's own country', as one of the world's top tourist destinations. Injured Messi almost irreplaceable: Guardiola
Injured Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is almost irreplaceable but the Spanish champions are determined to put his temporary absence behind them, coach Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday. CWG: Chaotic preparations blow to India's pride
'Now call it off!', 'Games in crisis' screamed British tabloids about the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in the Indian capital saying the shoddy preparations for the mega event were a blow to India's pride. Scandals, filth give Delhi Games sinking feeling
It was meant to be emerging India's showcase event for the world -- the coming out party the Olympics had been for Beijing. But preparations for next month's Commonwealth Games are down to the wire and the event risks descending into farce. CWG Games Village filthy, uninhabitable: Hooper
Piling on the embarrassment for the organisers, Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper on Tuesday termed the Athletes Village as "filthy and uninhabitable" but hoped that with CGF President Michael Fennell's intervention, the mess would be sorted out in the next two days. MC Mary Kom: Return of the native
A historic fifth successive World Championship gold medal under her belt but star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom remains hungry for more and will not consider hanging up her gloves before finishing on podium at the 2012 London Olympics. Tennis stars serving up 'model' code
Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi on Sunday announced his engagement with Bollywood actress Lara Dutta on social networking site Twitter. He joined an enviable club of tennis stars who have courted or married those from the entertainment industry. Mercurial Berbatov wins over fans by conforming
Dimitar Berbatov sat on top of the Premier League scoring table on Monday to go some way to settling the genius-or-flop debate that has raged around him since arriving at Manchester United two years ago. Berbatov fires United, Barcelona win
Dimitar Berbatov struck a spectacular hat-trick to steer Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Premier League and former Old Trafford favourite Cristiano Ronaldo was on target for Real Madrid. Check out the Commonwealth Games venues
Amid apprehensions about the quality of the venues and preparedness of sporting facilities, the Commonwealth Games organisers declared that all venues for the mega-event are ready and the Games would be a huge success. Australia warns of high terror risk during CWG
A rattled Australia on Monday warned that there is a 'high risk of terrorism' in Delhi during the Commonwealth Games, while New Zealand also expressed concerns about security arrangements for the event after a shooting incident in the Indian capital left two foreigners injured. 'Magnificent Mary' has her eyes set on Olympics
A historic fifth successive World Championship gold medal under her belt but star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom remains hungry for more and will not consider hanging up her gloves before finishing on podium at the 2012 London Olympics. Lee-Hesh may team up together for one final time
It's a story of a partnership that ensured Indian tennis a brief period of glory before it went awry. Davis Cup: Paes-Bhupathi record 24th win together
The ever reliable combine of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi ensured India's interest in the Davis Cup World Group play-off in Chennai remained alive with a straight sets win over the Brazilian combine of Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo on Saturday. The matches could have gone either way: Somdev
Last September Somdev Devvarman emerged as India's new Davis Cup hero. Winning both his singles matches at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, Somdev ensured India a comprehensive 4-1 win over South Africa, and with it a place in the elite world group after a 12 year absence. Disappointing to finish second best: Bopanna
At 30, when most players are in the twilight of their careers and contemplating retirement from a sport that is physically demanding, the Indian seems to be enjoying his best phase. Europa League: Juve held by Lech, Atletico lose
Juventus were astonishingly held to a 3-3 home draw by Lech Poznan as the Europa League group stage kicked off on Thursday while holders Atletico Madrid began the defence of their crown with a 1-0 defeat at Aris Salonika. Images: Commonwealth Games Village unveiled
First images from the Commonwealth Games. Meet the Egyptian who beat Borg at Wimbledon
Bikash Mohapatra introduces us to Ismail El Shafei, one of the only four to have beaten the great Bjorn Borg. Like Tendulkar, Paes an ace for two decades
Few are aware of the fact that Leander Paes completed two decades in tennis this year, two decades in which he represented the country in Davis Cup while achieving a lot of success on the professional tour as well. Davis Cup: India should win this one!
India take on Brazil in the World Group play-off starting in Chennai on Friday and on form, India look the likely favourites to clinch this tie, writes Bikash Mohapatra. CL images: Real, Arsenal get off to winning start
Gonzalo Higuain netted a neat volley to save dominant Real Madrid's blushes, helping the La Liga giants to a 2-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in Champions League Group G on Wednesday. Nadal charms New York crowds before heading home
Rafa Nadal was still beaming about winning the US Open when he spent his final day in New York on Tuesday, posing for photographs and appearing on the morning talkshow circuit, before heading back to Spain. CL: Messi lights up first night as Inter toil
The world's best player Lionel Messi lit up the opening night of the Champions League for Barcelona although holders Inter Milan and Manchester United endured less than sparkling starts on Tuesday. Nadal solves one riddle, poses another
By winning the U.S. Open for the first time and completing his collection of grand slam titles, Rafa Nadal solved one riddle and posed another. That's more than what I dreamt: Nadal
Rafael Nadal sealed his place among the tennis greats on Monday, beating Novak Djokovic to win the U.S. Open and complete his collection of grand slam titles. Wounded Barca, Man U eye Champions League boost
Panathinaikos could be on the receiving end of a Champions League backlash from a wounded Barcelona on Tuesday after the La Liga giants were stunned 2-0 at fortress Nou Camp by unfancied Hercules at the weekend. World No 1 ranking is not far: Bopanna
The best performance of their career at the US Open propelled the team of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi to the No 6 ranking, and the Indian says the day is not far when they will be number one. EPL images: Reds held as Chelsea, Arsenal march on
Pepe Reina produced three excellent saves to help lethargic Liverpool earn a point from a goalless and somewhat predictable Premier League draw at Birmingham City on Sunday. After World crown, Sushil eyes C'wealth gold
After breaking an almost six-decade jinx with his gold medal-winning feat at the World Wrestling Championships, wrestler Sushil Kumar has set his eyes on next month's Commonwealth Games, where he believes India can produce about 15 champions. Wet weather rains on Nadal's parade at US Open
Rafael Nadal will have to wait at least one more day for a chance to complete his collection of Grand Slam titles after persistent rain washed out Sunday's US Open men's final against Novak Djokovic. Images: Alonso celebrates dream win at Monza
Fernando Alonso seized a longed-for victory in his first Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton lasted less than a lap and handed the championship lead back to Australian Mark Webber. Djokovic stands in way of Nadal's elusive Slam
Novak Djokovic is all that stands between Rafa Nadal and his official crowning as one of the game's greatest all-round players. US Open: Ruthless Clijsters exacts revenge
Kim Clijsters, the long-running success story on New York's Grand Slam stage, is as ruthless on court as she is supportive off it. Favourite Clijsters set for Zvonareva's best
If winning the US Open ever came down to a popularity contest, Kim Clijsters would be roared to victory every time. Bopanna-Qureshi peace message leaves Bryans choked
They lost their maiden Grand Slam final but the Indo-Pakistani team of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi scored an emotional winner by leaving even their opponents "choked" with their message of peace on the eve of the 9/11 terror attacks' ninth anniversary. I feel lucky to have a friend in Bopanna: Aisam
Pakiatan's Aisam Qureshi believes friendship and understand with India's Rohan Bopanna has helped forge a bond and that in return is paying dividends on court. CL: Barca, Real, Chelsea eye Inter's crown
European champions Inter Milan will rewrite the record books and claim a place among the greats if they retain the Champions League trophy this season. Stop War, Start Tennis: Mantra of Indo-Pak Express
Rohan Bopanna and Aisam Qureshi, play wearing T-shirts with the message 'Stop War, Start Tennis', and the Pakistani said becoming a part of the movement has changed their lives. US Open Images: Federer gains semi-finals, revenge
Images and reports from Day 10 at the US Open being played at the Flushing Meadows. Stars ...and stripes at the Flushing Meadows
Rediff.com gives you a lowdown of the star quotient at Flushing Meadows this year. Caroline Wozniacki: Looking solid and sure
Caroline Wozniacki has had a great 2010 and by booking a quarter-final at the US Open, the Dane has done justice to her top billing at the final major of the year. Images: France end winless run
Two late goals from Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda gave France their first win in six competitive matches and kick-started their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign when they beat Bosnia 2-0 on Tuesday. US Open Images: Clijsters sets up Venus showdown
Images from cation on day nine of the US Open being played at the Flushing Meadows. US Open Images: Federer beats Melzer
Images from day eight action at the US Open being played at the Flushing Meadows in New York. US Open Fashion: What the stars wore
Tennis fashion takes a new meaning altogether when we talk of fashion at the Grand Slams. The US Open is one stop where the ladies of the tennis world bring out their best outfits. US Open Images: Youzhny survives Isner's aces
Images from Day VII of the US Open tennis championships at Flushing Meadows, New York on Sunday. US Open: Top seeds cruise even as storms close in
Images from Day 4 of the US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York. Images: Ivanovic and Murray on fire, Roddick out
Images from the US Open tennis tournament in New York, on Wednesday. Indian boxers ready for Fight Nights
The marriage of entertainment and sport took cricket to heights never seen before with the highly-successful Indian Premier League. Now boxing is hoping to cash in on the same formula with the inception of Fight Nights. US Open: Mixed fortune for Indian stars
Indian tennis stars have so far enjoyed mixed fortune at the ongoing US Open in New York. Images: Nadal, Wozniacki start off in style
Images from day two of the 2010 US Open tennis tournament in New York, on Tuesday. Images: Former champs shine on day 1 of US Open
Images from day one of the US Open tennis championships in New York, on Monday. Images: President confers National sports awards
Images from the Arjuna Awards presentation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday. Hamilton seizes title lead from Webber in Spa
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton won a chaotic and thrilling Belgian Grand Prix to seize back the Formula One championship lead from Red Bull's Mark Webber on Sunday. What's on the menu for the Commonwealth Games?
No Indian function is complete without a sumptuous spread of food. Fortunately, the controversy-ridden Commonwealth Games Organising Committee will maintain that tradition when guests descend in New Delhi for the October 3-14 extravaganza. Federer ready to roll the dice again at US Open
All of a sudden, talk of Roger Federer's supposed decline has disappeared and he is looming as the form player heading into the U.S. Open brimful of confidence. Special One is Real key to ending Barca reign
Jose Mourinho's arrival as Real Madrid coach could be the move that tips the balance of power in La Liga away from Barcelona and back to the Spanish capital. Sharapova confident of tasting success at US Open
Maria Sharapova, who has shot back up the rankings after a shoulder injury that almost ended her career, feels she is hitting her stride and has a chance to capture her second US Open title in four years. Crouch helps Spurs book 1st Champions League berth
Peter Crouch struck a hat-trick to help Tottenham Hotspur complete a great comeback against Young Boys and reach the Champions League for the first time while Luis Suarez led Ajax Amsterdam back to the elite in a 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev. Sad Woods says divorce took a toll on his game
Tiger Woods said on Wednesday the break-up of his marriage was far more difficult for him than he had let on and that the fallout from his string of infidelities had poisoned his golf game. New star athletes will emerge at the CWG: Kalmadi
The increasing number of star pullouts may be taking the sheen off the Commonwealth Games but Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi is not too worried, saying there will be plenty of world champions in action and those who have withdrawn have done so because of injury. Will divorce give Woods more on-course freedom?
With his divorce finally behind him, Tiger Woods will compete in his first tournament in six years as a single man at this week's Barclays Classic in Paramus, New Jersey amid much speculation over his form. The life and golf career of Tiger Woods
The world's No 1 golfer Tiger Woods and his wife divorced on Monday after a sex scandal late last year forced him to admit he cheated on her and to take time off from professional golf. A look at the key facts about Woods' life and career. Anand unfazed by citizenship controversy
Unfazed by the controversy surrounding his nationality, World chess champion Viswanathan Anand looked cheerful as he arrived to a grand reception at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Hyderabad on Tuesday. I am still the boss of CWG: Kalmadi
'I am still the boss of the Commonwealth Games', embattled Organising Committee chairman Images: Tevez on target as Man City beat Liverpool
Carlos Tevez claimed two second-half goals as a confident Manchester City overwhelmed Liverpool 3-0 to underline their Premier League title credentials on Monday. Saina is most complete woman shuttler: Padukone
At 20, Saina Nehwal's shoulders bear the expectations and hopes of millions of sports fans among India's massive population. Federer shows he is main threat again at US Open
Roger Federer returned to winning ways on Sunday by claiming the Cincinnati Masters and announced himself once again as the man to beat at the US Open. Atwal success fuels India's major ambitions
Arjun Atwal's PGA Tour triumph shone as a beacon on an otherwise dark Sunday for Indian sports, fuelling the world's second most populous country's hopes of celebrating a maiden major victory in the not too distant future. Tiger Woods and wife Elin officially split
The world's No 1 golfer, Tiger Woods, and his Swedish wife, Elin Nordegren, divorced on Monday following the torrid sex scandal that engulfed Woods late last year. Images: Chelsea and Arsenal sizzle, Man Utd held
Manchester United and Fulham served up a frantic 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday while Newcastle United stunned Aston Villa 6-0 with a hat-trick from Andy Carroll on another dramatic day of Premier League action. Atwal scripts history, congratulate the champion!
Arjun Atwal scripted history by becoming the first Indian golfer to clinch a US PGA Tour title as he lifted the Wyndham Championship trophy in Greensboro, regaining his playing card on the elite tour within weeks of losing it to poor form in a remarkable turnaround of fortune. Liverpool edge Trabzonspor, Juve win in Austria
Joe Cole's undistinguished start to his Liverpool career continued on Thursday when he missed a penalty during his side's 1-0 victory over Turkish club Trabzonspor in the Europa League playoff round first leg. Tottenham stunned by Young Boys, Ajax draw in Kiev
Roman Pavlyuchenko's late strike gave Tottenham Hotspur a Champions League lifeline on a torrid night against Swiss club Young Boys as they clawed back from a calamitous start to lose their playoff first leg 3-2. Decline? I've heard it all before says Federer
Roger Federer has heard the talk about his supposed decline before and the world number two finds it hard to take the suggestion seriously. Images: Reina's late blunder hands Arsenal draw
A late mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina allowed Arsenal to salvage a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday after both sides ended their opening Premier League match of the season with 10 men. Affluent Manchester City aim to join top table
Manchester City, the world's wealthiest club thanks to the largesse of billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour, will be looking to transform financial might into silverware this season. CWG village promises world class facilities
Promising to provide facilities 'unheard of in many of the Games Villages around the world', the Commonwealth Games Village will open mid-September for the 8,000 athletes and team officials who will be in New Delhi for the October 3 to 14 event. England's Beckham loss could be Galaxy's gain
England manager Fabio Capello imagines a farewell wave to the fans in a friendly will mark the end of David Beckham's international career but his loss could turn out to be Major League Soccer's gain. What the EPL holds this season. Check it out
The English Premier League kick-offs on Saturday. As the new season commences, here's a look at the possibilities and prospects that lie for each team, and how the player transfers will affect fortunes of the clubs in the gruelling season ahead. Coach Batista gets Messi backing as Arg win
Interim Argentina coach Sergio Batista felt the warmth of a healthy pat on the back from striker Lionel Messi after leading the side to a 1-0 friendly win over Ireland in his first game in charge on Wednesday. What players are saying about Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods goes into this week's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits searching for his first PGA Tour title of the year after a career-worst performance on the US circuit last week. England say farewell to super-servant Beckham
Fans barely noticed when Wes Brown and Paul Robinson turned their back on England this week but when Fabio Capello closed the door on David Beckham on Wednesday it truly was the end of an era. O'Neill's unemployment likely to be short-lived
Martin O'Neill has always been a man who put principle before profit so it is probably safe to assume that he did not walk out on Aston Villa five days before the start of the season because he was not offered a pay rise. Let's get back to football: Blanc
After weeks of heated discussions following France's World Cup fiasco, new national team coach Laurent Blanc said on Monday it was time to switch back to soccer. Where are the Americans in men's tennis?
There's no American man in the top 10 in the ATP rankings issued on Monday - the first such instance since the rankings were introduced in 1973. How Navratilova battled her 'toughest opponent'
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who beat breast cancer after seven months of treatment, said it was the first opponent she feared might beat her. Woods in disarray for next week's PGA Championship
Tiger Woods will go into next week's PGA Championship with his game in total disarray and the emotional state of his mind highly questionable after a career-worst performance at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Liverpool future remains unclear
Liverpool's future still looked uncertain on Thursday after one potential investor denied an interest and the financial backing of another was called into question. Toiling Tiger fails to shine at Firestone lair
Tiger Woods has reigned supreme at Firestone Country Club over the last decade although he found very little to savour at the venue as he struggled in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational first round on Thursday. Images: Practice imperfect for Woods
Tiger Woods has always tried to maintain tight control over every aspect of his game but he conceded on Wednesday that his troubled private life had taken its toll on his practice time. It's no more English, the Premier League
Chinese billionaire Kenny Huang's interest in Liverpool is a pointer to the fact that the ownership of the EPL clubs is more likely to change hands frequently now than ever before. Bryan brothers clinch record 62nd doubles title
Bob and Mike Bryan came from a set down to win a record 62nd ATP Tour doubles title together with a gripping victory over Eric Butorac and Jean-Julien Rojer at the LA Open on Sunday. Vettel's dark cloud follows him to Hungary
Sebastian Vettel thought he had the Hungarian Grand Prix in the bag on Sunday but ended up disappointed and disgruntled while Red Bull team mate Mark Webber grabbed another win. Images: Webber wins in Hungary to take F1 lead
Australian Mark Webber took back the Formula One championship lead from Lewis Hamilton on Sunday after snatching victory in a Hungarian Grand Prix that Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel had been favourite to win. Goalline technology cheaper than adding more refs
Introducing goalline technology at soccer stadiums would prove a cheaper, as reliable aid to referees than UEFA's method of two additional assistants, according to manufacturers. Lemaitre and Abeylegesse grab track golds
Christophe Lemaitre underlined his standing as the fastest European with victory in an astonishing 100 meters final at the continent's championships on Wednesday. Argentina bosses betrayed me: Maradona
Diego Maradona accused Argentine soccer chiefs of betraying him on Wednesday, a day after they voted unanimously to sack him as national team coach. Bindra, Saina, Vijender CWG 2010 ambassadors
Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and boxing hero Vijender Singh are among six sportspersons who were named brand ambassadors on Tuesday for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Ferrari back in title race despite fine
Ferrari and Fernando Alonso are back as Formula One title contenders despite leaving Germany with a $100,000 (64,658 pound) fine and the threat of further punishment hanging over them. Alonso gets the win without the applause
Fernando Alonso got the win that he wanted in Sunday's German Grand Prix while his Ferrari Formula One team paid the price with a fine of $100,000. Enigmatic Armstrong brings down curtain on career
Lance Armstrong drew the curtain down on an amazing career in top-class international cycling on Sunday as a hero to his devoted followers but much less so to the sceptics. Images: Alonso leads controversial Ferrari one-two
Fernando Alonso led a Ferrari one-two in the German Grand Prix on Sunday after denying Brazilian team-mate Felipe Massa an emotional victory one year on from a near-fatal crash. Gatlin seeks redemption after doping ban ends
In the searing Georgia sun, American Justin Gatlin works alone on resurrecting a sprinting career cast into limbo by a four-year doping ban. Thierry Henry feasts on familiar foes
Thierry Henry has scored more important goals during his career but few promised as much hope to a new legion of fans than his strike for the New York Red Bulls in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. One last major chance for wounded Tiger in 2010
As reports of a likely divorce from his Swedish wife Elin escalate, the American world number one has just one more chance left in 2010 to add to his major tally of 14 titles -- in next month's US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Tiger Woods still No. 1 earning athlete
Professional golfer Tiger Woods has been off his game since his extramarital affairs were exposed last year, but he is still the world's highest earning athlete, according to two lists released on Wednesday. Images: Indian hockey's sex scandal
Photographs of the women's hockey team videographer with a prostitute. Delhi CWG lays bare India's infrastructure woes
India aims the Commonwealth Games will be a showcase of its economic clout, but with less than three months to go, the world's third largest sporting event is instead laying bare its perennial infrastructure problems. Regarding underdogs who became champions
Rediff.com takes a look at some instances in recent years when a rank outsider has gone on to win a coveted title. Picturing Player helped Oosthuizen to first major
The image of Gary Player running the gauntlet of hostile American fans on the way to a first US Masters triumph almost 50 years ago helped to spur Louis Oosthuizen to victory in the British Open. Football growing in Kashmir, defying all odds
The beautiful game is defying all odds as, despite the continuing trouble in the state, it has been turning into an all consuming passion for the youth of both sexes given that some have established themselves at the national stage. After No 2 ranking, brand Saina soars
A day after taking the world No 2 ranking, Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal scaled another peak by signing her first brand endorsement deal with American direct selling company Herbalife. Saina Nehwal: Ad world's new poster girl
Saina Nehwal's brand value soars five times to Rs 30 lakh per endorsement. First Look: New United jersey seeing record demand
For much of the soccer world a Manchester United jersey is the equivalent of the little black dress, something every fan's wardrobe must have. Spain, Germany in transfer tussle for Octopus Paul
Madrid zoo made a transfer bid for Paul the oracle octopus on Thursday, telling his aquarium in Germany it would outbid all others and give him a warm welcome in gratitude for predicting Spain's soccer World Cup win. Henry given the royal treatment in New York
Following in the footsteps of Pele and David Beckham, Thierry Henry has arrived in the United States as a soccer missionary and scoffed at the notion Major League Soccer is a retirement fund for players in the twilight of their careers. Day 1: Bright start for Woods, Daly
Former champion John Daly produced some spectacular early fireworks to set the pace in the British Open first round on Thursday. Winning tournaments priority for world No 2 Saina
Having risen swiftly to the No 2 ranking in world badminton, Indian ace Saina Nehwal is confident of ascending to the summit soon. 'Woods's behaviour at Open crucial for golf'
World No 1 golfer Tiger Woods has been told by The Open bosses at St Andrews to behave himself during the tournament. Becks welcomes Henry move, Giggs likely to follow
Thierry Henry's move to the New York Red Bulls is another boost for Major League Soccer and the profile of the sport in America, David Beckham said on Wednesday. Cricket could be unlikely saviour of WC stadiums
Cricket could emerge as an unlikely saviour of South Africa's World Cup soccer stadiums with the decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to stage a Twenty20 international at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Proud fans greet Dutch team at canal parade
Determined not to let defeat spoil a good party, some 700,000 fans turned out to welcome the Dutch soccer team home from the World Cup in a parade through Amsterdam's canals on Tuesday. Ten memorable goals of the World Cup
We were not treated to many goals this World Cup. However, the few that stood out found a place in our list of best goals of the tournament. Future toots assured for loved and hated vuvuzela
Cursed as the 'devil's trumpet' for their ear-piercing drone, vuvuzelas nonetheless sold in their hundreds of thousands and were embraced as a symbol of South Africa's World Cup and African soccer culture. Woods a picture of relief after media grilling
The joyless look in Tiger Woods' eyes said it all. It is one thing for the fallen hero to say he is trying to 'become a better person' but convincing the media and public is another matter entirely. W Cup shows game needs to move into 21st century
The controversies of the World Cup underlined once more that soccer, the world's most popular sport, has become increasingly out-of-step with other sports in its refusal to accept video technology. Memorable quotes from the football World Cup
Some of the most memorable ones from the one-month tournament. Dream XI of the football World Cup
A look at the top players from the 2010 World Cup. Images: Spaniards turn out to welcome home heroes
Tens of thousands of cheering fans turned Madrid's main streets into a sea of red and waited for hours in blistering heat to see Spain's World Cup heroes pass by with the trophy on an open-topped bus. Heroes and villains of the 2010 World Cup
The World Cup has been a great showcase for the game. There have been many a high and low points in the tournament. We bring you the heroes and villains that grabbed the headlines over the last month. Spain land in Madrid with Cup to start festivities
Spain captain Iker Casillas was first out of the aeroplane and held the World Cup aloft at the top of the steps as the team arrived back in Madrid for the start of the official celebrations Monday. Stylish Spain settle for scrappy win
In the face of tough Dutch opposition, Spain were unable to produce the eye-pleasing soccer that has been the hallmark of their rise to the pinnacle of the game but kept their cool to take their first World Cup title with yet another 1-0 win. Spain glory in first World Cup win
Spain gloried in a first World Cup triumph that finally buried their decades-old tag of international underachievers, but it was more agony for the Netherlands after a third defeat in the final. When celebrity guests came calling
Rediff.com takes a look at a few celebrities who were in attendance during the month-long World Cup in South Africa. Rediff Football Awards: World Cup 2010
As Spain celebrates it maiden World Cup title, rediff.com too celebrates by presenting its maiden football awards. Five things to remember from South Africa 2010
We, at rediff.com, bring you the five most memorable things/events from the 2010 World Cup. Images: Spain crowned world champions
Images from the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands in Johannesburg, on Sunday. Will Casillas emulate Combi and Zoff?
Not since Gianpiero Combi received the Jules Rimet from none other than Mussolini in 1934, and the 40 year old Dino Zoff hoisted the World Cup in 1982, has a goalkeeper had the pleasure of holding aloft the most coveted trophy in the world of sport. Images: Webber has his revenge in British GP
A fired-up Mark Webber won the British Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after a storming start that turned the tables on team mate Sebastian Vettel. Spain, Netherlands in classy World Cup final
Africa's first World Cup reaches a fitting climax on Sunday when the two most impressive teams, the Netherlands and Spain, meet in what is expected to be a fascinating contest for soccer's biggest prize. Football fest provides poor with hope for future
The World Cup is not the only soccer tournament reaching its climax in Johannesburg this weekend. Amid the corrugated iron shacks and slum housing, where the young Nelson Mandela once lived, two groups of teenagers will face off in the deciding match of 'Football for Hope', a five-a-side tournament running alongside the World Cup. Images: Germany snatch third place against Uruguay
Germany showed their legendary resilience on Saturday when they came from behind to beat Uruguay 3-2 in a thrilling third-place World Cup playoff. Reluctant saint Casillas keeps danger at bay
Iker Casillas does not approve of his nickname "Saint Iker" although his often miraculous saves for club and country have earned him the adoration of fans and team-mates alike World Cup Sid on why Forlan should win Golden Ball
Why doesn't the world of football talk enough about Diego Forlan? For Worldcupsid, Forlan is the player of the tournament or the winner of the Golden Ball award for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Rejuvenated Robben keeps Netherlands dream alive
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk's biggest gamble was keeping an injured Arjen Robben in his World Cup squad and it paid off handsomely after the winger recovered in time to help steer the Dutch to the final. Miner's son Villa working a rich seam of goals
David Villa, a miner's son from the northern Spanish region of Asturias, has struck a rich seam of goals in South Africa that may help lift the Iberian nation to a first World Cup triumph. Spain in deep Davis Cup trouble against France
Holders Spain were on the brink of elimination in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Friday after France won both the opening singles in Clermont-Ferrand. Playoff for third place no sideshow for Uruguay
Uruguay will be gunning to beat Germany on Saturday knowing success in the third-place playoff game would mark their best performance at the World Cup finals since they lifted the golden trophy 60 years ago. Dutch and Spaniards seek overdue glory
The world's most impressive passing team, Spain, face an explosive Netherlands attack in a highly anticipated World Cup final on Sunday with the only certainty being a new, first-time, world champion. Netherlands v Spain: How they square up
Sunday's World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain pits two tactically similar teams against each other Spain reaping benefits of Dutch influence at Barca
Spain owe a large debt of gratitude to their World Cup final opponents Netherlands because of the strong Dutch influence at Barcelona down the years, according to midfielder Sergio Busquets. Only South Africa shake it like me: Milla
The World Cup's original hip-shaking goal-celebrant Roger Milla believes only South Africa have come anywhere near to emulating him this time. Mueller could crown remarkable season with award
Germany striker Thomas Mueller could crown an "unbelievable" first season in top flight football with the World Cup's young player of the tournament award after he was picked as one of three candidates. Who will be the World Cup's Best Young Player?
FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) on Friday shortlisted three players for the Hyundai Best Young Player award, which is presented to the best young footballer in this year's World Cup. Images: Spain is Octopus Paul's World Cup champion
Germany's oracle octopus Paul picked Spain to beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final on Sunday in a live television broadcast watched across Europe. Goalkeepers untroubled at the World Cup
The standard of goalkeeping at the World Cup can be summed up by the fact that the most memorable save of the tournament was made by a centre forward. Puyol's semi-final winning goal 'made in Barca'
Carles Puyol's match-winning header against Germany in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final was the fruit of a move worked out on the training ground at Barcelona, the defender said on Thursday. World Cup final: The men who will matter
As Vicente Del Bosque's high flying La Furia Roja side get ready to take on Bert Van Marwijk's industrious and effective Oranje at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, rediff.com takes a look at a few players who can make a difference to the eventual outcome. Riquelme to run naked despite Paraguay's defeat
Lingerie model Larissa Riquelme, who became a worldwide sensation during the World Cup, will run naked through the streets of Asuncion despite Paraguay's exit in the quarter-finals after a 1-0 defeat against Spain. The Dutch love to kiss and tell
An extra day off meant the Dutch players could celebrate with their partners before getting back to prepare for the final. Images: Puyol heads Spain into maiden final
A headed goal by defender Carles Puyol carried Spain to their first World Cup final on Wednesday when they beat Germany 1-0 in the semi-finals. Germany-Spain semis: Battle between two big clubs
So Germany and Spain made it to the World Cup semi-finals at the cost of a powerful Argentina and a fighting Paraguay respectively. The top-10 referee blunders at the World Cup
The officiating at this World Cup hasn't been of the highest standards at this World Cup. We bring you the Top-10 disputed calls made by referees and linesman in the tournament, so far. Images: Meet the World Cup's cry babies
A look at how the fans reacted after their team's crashed out of the World Cup. Octopus predicts German defeat in semis vs Spain
Soccer fans across Germany will be hoping a "psychic" cephalopod's fabled skills of prophecy have failed him after Paul the octopus predicted a German loss in their World Cup semi-final with Spain. Images: Sneijder inspires Dutch to beat Uruguay
Netherlands reached their first World Cup final since 1978 when the current crop finally stepped out of the shadows of Total Football to beat battling Uruguay 3-2 in a superb semi-final on Tuesday. Germany wary of Spain's team of talents
Germany's World Cup semi-final opponents Spain are far more dangerous than Argentina, with their game based on the world's best teamwork and not just individual qualities, said coach Joachim Loew. World Cup Sid: Colours of the Rainbow Nation
Perhaps a delay in writing this has tempered down the incredulousness with which I lived the experiences that I am about to narrate. But the possible advantage is that I can do so now with a rational mind; sometimes too much emotion while writing isn't a good thing. For me I think the longevity is important: Paes
In an exclusive interview with Aseem Chhabra, Leander Paes reveals his delight at completing a dozen Grand Slams and also what keeps him going. Winning 12th Grand Slam title was special: Paes
India's Leander Paes on Monday described his 12th Grand Slam title triumph at the Wimbledon mixed doubles as a "wonderful" feeling, which holds a "special" place in his heart. World Cup Sid gets upclose with World Cup beauties
meets fans from different countries during the quarter-finals between Brazil and the Netherlands, and Germany and Argentina. Weight of history drives Uruguay and Dutch
The World Cup's history men face the competition's nearly men when inaugural hosts and twice winners Uruguay take on double runners-up Netherlands in Cape Town on Tuesday fighting it out for a place in the final. Serena Williams did it 'Her Way'
With an unrestrained jig at the most hallowed hallway in tennis, Serena Williams confirmed that 'Her Way' was just about the most formidable method the women's game has seen. Ragtag quartet puts poster boys in their place
Inspiration for the World Cup semi-finalists has come from the unfashionable, the forgotten, the overshadowed and the discarded -- a ragtag quartet putting the pre-tournament poster boys in their place. Images: Clinical Nadal routs Berdych in final
A spellbinding display of brutal hitting and raw speed from Rafa Nadal secured the Spaniard his second Wimbledon title on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 victory over 12th seed Tomas Berdych. Images: Villa shows Spain don't need a Fernando
All week Spanish fans have been debating which Fernando should lead their line -- the out-of-form Torres or the favoured Llorente. Images: Germany demolish Argentina in quarters
Germany thrashed Argentina 4-0 with a sparkling display of attacking football on Saturday to book their spot in the World Cup last four. Images: Serena crushes Zvonareva to win Wimbledon
Serena Williams again showed the gaping chasm between her and the rest of the field when she retained her Wimbledon singles crown with a crushing 6-3, 6-2 win over Russia's Vera Zvonareva on Saturday. Another World Cup let-down for Kaka
Brazil's Kaka has bowed out of the World Cup for the second time in a row with the frustration of failing to produce his best on the biggest stage. Nothing mellow about Brazil villain Felipe
Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo failed to heed his father's warnings on Friday when he was sent off for recklessly stamping on Arjen Robben in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Netherlands. Where are the Germans in Die Mannschaft?
Rediff.com looks at the players whose ethnicity has given this young German team a new dimension. Images: Nadal to meet Berdych in Wimbledon final
Rafael Nadal torched Andy Murray's Wimbledon dream for the second time in three years on Friday as the marauding Spaniard grounded rising British hopes to roar into his fourth final at the grand slam. World Cup Sid smitten by chicks in SA
Rediff.com's man in South Africa Siddhanta Pinto shares his experiences and the many moods of the Rainbow Nation at the football World Cup. This time World Cup Sid gives us a sneak peek at the beautiful women who make the beautiful game even more beautiful by their presence. Images: Netherlands eliminate favourites Brazil
Five-time champions Brazil made a shock exit from the FIFA World Cup after a 1-2 defeat to the Netherlands in an ill-tempered quarter-final match which saw Felipe Melo being sent off. Argentina seek revenge in Germany clash
Argentina and Germany set off for the World Cup with huge doubts about their prospects but they meet in Saturday's quarter-final in hot form with a great chance for the winners to go all the way to the final. Economists tip Brazil for World Cup glory
Brazil and Argentina have ousted Spain as the top picks for World Cup champions, according to a global field of 100 football fan economists polled by Reuters. Ghana carry Africa's prayers, Brazil face Dutch
Ghana's "Black Stars" hope to go where no African team has been before and reach the World Cup semi-finals on Friday, while Brazil face Netherlands in the day's first and equally intriguing quarter-final. How the greats fell at Wimbledon
Roger Federer's shock exit at Wimbledon forces Bikash Mohapatra to look back at how the greats fell off their perch at the Big W, something that also marked a career decline. Wimbledon: Serena to challenge Zvonareva in final
Russian Vera Zvonareva beat unseeded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the semi-final on Thursday. She will now face defending champion Serena Williams in the summit clash. Big names provide small gains at the World Cup
The big teams and players came, saw, but failed to conquer the hearts of fans and South Africa with their footballing flair. We look at the big names that flattered to deceive and those that barely managed to live up to the hype. Saina gunning for No 1 ranking by year-end
Way ahead of the targets she set herself for 2010, Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal is now aiming for the world number one ranking by the end of this year. Federer's aura fading fast after Berdych beating
Roger Federer was bullied off court for the second time in a month on Wednesday but his Wimbledon exit at the hands of Czech Tomas Berdych could do much more significant damage to his psyche. Images: Fans speaks their minds at the World Cup
Fans speak their minds out on banners and placards at the Football World Cup. A glimpse of the action in the stands. Images: Federer crashes out, Nadal in semis
Images from the men's singles quarter-finals at Wimbledon, on Wednesday. When World Cup Sid met Arsene Wenger
This World Cup is only getting better for me. There I was, tired and patiently waiting at the Cape Town airport for my friends to arrive by a later flight. We were to hire a car and head to green point, the venue for the Spain - Portugal round of 16 clash. Ronney, Ronaldo stay in W Cup - on posters only
Images of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Samuel Eto'o are still festooned on posters all over South Africa -- but sadly for them that's their only involvement as the World Cup reaches its final stages. Paraguayan model to run naked if team wins WC
Paraguayans are in for a treat after lingerie model Larissa Riquelme promised to run naked through the streets if the team wins the World Cup. WC: Big guns counter-attack their way to quarters
In the search for tactical supremacy, soccer's big guns and some young pretenders have turned to the chapter marked 'counter-attack' to blast their way into the World Cup quarter-finals. East European girls stamp their mark on grass
Russian Vera Zvonareva, Czech Petra Kvitova and Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova -- names that are barely household names in their native towns let alone in the wider world -- earned their golden tickets to the semi-finals after a day of topsy-turvy tennis at Wimbledon on Tuesday. Psychic Octopus picks Germany to beat Argentina
An octopus with possible psychic powers, who has correctly picked the winner of Germany's four World Cup matches so far, on Tuesday tipped Germany to beat Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday. Virtuoso Villa again Spain's lethal weapon
David Villa has found the rich vein of form that can win a World Cup and as long as he continues to mine it, Spain will be quietly confident of adding soccer's biggest prize to their European crown Spain bypass Portugal to reach last eight
Spain marched into the quarter-finals in their own inimitable style on Tuesday when another display of patient, precise passing let David Villa deliver a 1-0 win over a Portugal side left chasing shadows Paraguay cross rubicon with shootout win
Paraguay crossed a World Cup threshold when they beat Japan on 5-3 penalties to reach the quarter-finals for the first time on Tuesday. Serena holds firm as Clijsters, Venus shown exit
Serena Williams was left all alone trying to crush an unlikely uprising on Wimbledon's hallowed lawns on Tuesday as sister Venus and Kim Clijsters suffered shock defeats in the women's quarter-finals. Humiliated England dodge media, fans on arrival
England's beaten and beleaguered World Cup players made a sullen and silent dawn return to London on Tuesday, dodging waiting fans as the storm of criticism at their early exit continued. Rooney fails to shine as light goes out on England
Wayne Rooney was meant to be one of the shining lights at this World Cup but in the end the England striker produced little more than a flicker. Images from day seven at Wimbledon
Images from day seven of the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, on Monday. Germany's Klose banishes demons with comeback
Just a couple of weeks ago Germany's Miroslav Klose was persona non grata among German fans following his trickle of league goals but the striker has silenced his critics with a sparkling comeback. Audacious Chile pay for attacking Brazil
Few teams have the audacity to attack Brazil and their 3-0 World Cup second-round win over Chile on Monday showed what happens to those who do. Genius Robben takes Dutch to last eight
An impressive performance from the returning Arjen Robben helped Netherlands to a comfortable 2-1 win over Slovakia on Monday and put them into the World Cup quarter-finals. Federer eases past friend Melzer into quarters
Six-times champion Roger Federer showed a ruthless streak against one of his best friends on tour when he destroyed Austrian Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 for a place in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon on Monday. Technophobe FIFA look ever more isolated
FIFA's refusal to use technology to help decide on close calls has left soccer isolated in major international sport, clinging to the idea that human error is somehow preferable to computer-backed truth. Germany see off team that never turned up
England can argue for as long as they like about the goal that never was, but ultimately it was the team that never turned up that brought their poor World Cup campaign to an end against old rivals Germany. A week at Wimbledon in quotes
The best quotes from week one of the Wimbledon championships. Images: Argentina crush Mexico to enter last eight
Images from the round of 16 match between Argentina and Mexico at the 2010 World Cup. Images: Vettel dominates European Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel celebrated a joyous day for Germany on Sunday with a pole-to-flag European Grand Prix victory for Red Bull ahead of McLaren's English champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Germany humiliate England for place in quarters
Germany, fuelled by a second half double from Thomas Mueller, thrashed long-standing rivals England 4-1 in a controversy-filled encounter on Sunday to book a spot in the last eight of the World Cup. World Cup Sid gets upclose with Uruguay, S Korea
Rediff.com's man in South Africa captures the mood in Port Elizabeth on World Cup match day. Ghana crush American dreams, deliver African joy
Ghana crushed American dreams and delivered African joy on Saturday when they beat the United States 2-1 after extra time of a thrilling contest to take their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. World Cup Sid on his journey to a World Cup match
Rediff.com's man in South Africa captures the mood in Durban on World Cup match day. Images: Suarez dream double puts Uruguay through
Luis Suarez netted two superb goals to earn Uruguay a 2-1 win over a battling South Korea on Saturday and fire his team into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in four decades. Serena cruises, Soderling bulldozes through
A display of violent hitting from Robin Soderling on Saturday showed why it is always unwise to ignore a Swede at the business end of Wimbledon as Serena Williams gave herself a 'must do better' report as she eased into round four. Spain's cool under fire points way for Europe
It took cool heads, impeccable technique and a dash of brilliance for Spain to achieve what no one else has done at this World Cup and beat a side from South America. World Cup Sid's day out in Durban
Rediff.com's man in South Africa captures the mood in Durban on World Cup match day. Images: Brazil, Portugal through after rough draw
Five-time champions Brazil and their former colonial masters Portugal played out a disapppointing goal-less draw in a listless Group G FIFA World Cup match as both teams progressed to the next round of the tournament in Durban on Friday. Wimbledon images: Isner beaten in just 74 minutes
Images from Day 5 at Wimbledon Santosh Turumalla has a ball at the World Cup
Reader Santosh Turumalla sent us these pictures from the World Cup in South Africa. Father Time catches up with poor Italy at WC
Father Time finally caught up with poor old Italy on Thursday when they were deposed as world champions after suffering a dramatic and shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of World Cup debutants Slovakia. World Cup Sid on free hugs to missing dad
Rediff.com's man in South Africa Siddhanta Pinto shares his experiences and the many moods of the Rainbow Nation at the football World Cup. Images: Dutch and Japan through to last 16 at WC
Images from the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. Fan fare provides a kick at the World Cup
Football is as much about fans as it is about players. Rediff.com takes a look at a few such fans which make the ongoing World Cup what it is: successful. Images from day four at Wimbledon
Images from day four of the 2010 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, on Thursday. Images: Slovakia knock out champions Italy
Defending champions Italy suffered a shock 2-3 defeat at the hands of Slovakia to crash out of the FIFA World Cup with Robert Vittek scoring twice in a drama-filled match to send his side to the round of 16 as Group F runners-up in Johannesburg on Thursday. Pride on the line as Brazil meet Portugal
Pride not pragmatism will be the watchword when soccer powerhouses Brazil and Portugal meet in a mouth-watering World Cup clash on Friday to decide the winners of Group G. Spain must put faith in proven strategy
Spain must ignore external criticism and show faith in the playing style that has served them so well for Friday's showdown against Group H leaders Chile, according to midfielder Andres Iniesta. Images: Isner, Mahut locked in 10-hour freak show
American John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut staggered off court as darkness fell on Wednesday after taking a chainsaw to the tennis record books on an unforgettable day at Wimbledon. Old spirit of sacrifice sees Germany safe
Pragmatic Germany had to revert to old-school tactics to see off an outstanding Ghana team 1-0 on Wednesday and reach the second round of the World Cup. Manic Maradona is no Cup sideshow
If Argentina's line-up of soccer superstars had been in any doubt, they will not be now -- on the World Cup stage nothing grabs the cameras quite like Diego Maradona. The unbeautiful side of the Beautiful Game
A look at some of the dangerous tackles at the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa. Football Images: England, USA enter last 16
England finally got the win they were seeking at the World Cup, advancing to the last 16 with a 1-0 win thanks to a first half goal from Jermain Defoe on Wednesday. Images from day three at Wimbledon
Images from day three of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Club in London, on Wednesday. European football powers fight for survival
European soccer powers Germany and England fight to stay in the World Cup on Wednesday after disgraced France were humiliated and South Africa became the first hosts to fall before the second round. Messi-led Argentina end Greek Odyssey
Lionel Messi, who turns 23 on Thursday, captained his country for the first time on Tuesday and gave another virtuoso performance as Argentina beat Greece 2-0 to reach the second round of the World Cup. The best goal celebrations at the 2010 World Cup
A photo-feature on how some players celebrated after scoring at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. World Cup shockers in the first round
So France is the first major team to bow out of World Cup 2010. The fact that the 1998 champions were not good enough to make it to the second round is a different matter altogether. Wimbledon Day 2: Nadal makes happy return
Rafael Nadal looked like he had never been away as he made a welcome return to Wimbledon with a ruthless 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 win over Japanese wildcard Kei Nishikori on Tuesday. Football Images: SA vs France; Uruguay vs Mexico
South Africa became the first host country in the FIFA World Cup history to crash out in the opening round despite a 2-1 victory over France, who also ended their miserable campaign with 10 men after Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in a Group A match in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. US to rejig midfield for Algeria decider
The United States are likely to restructure their midfield once again as they head into Wednesday's final Group C match with Algeria knowing they must win to guarantee reaching the World Cup second round. Underachievers Eng face Slovenia in must-win tie
England's World Cup campaign is in tatters with crisis meetings, furious fans, misfiring strikers and splits in the camp and a win against Slovenia on Wednesday is their only hope of salvation. World Cup Sid reports from South Africa
Rediff.com's man in South Africa Siddhanta Pinto shares his experiences and the many moods of the Rainbow Nation at the football World Cup. Murray carries weight of Britain's expectations
Andy Murray will carry the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he bids to end 74 years of disappointment and become Britain's first men's Wimbledon champion since 1936 when he kicks off his campaign on Tuesday. Images:Villa double gives Spain win over Honduras
A dominant Spain got their World Cup campaign firmly back on track when David Villa struck twice to lead the European champions to a 2-0 win over Group H minnows Honduras on Monday. Images: Chile win as Swiss defence finally cracks
Mark Gonzalez cracked open Switzerland's record-breaking defence to give Chile a 1-0 victory on Monday, moving the South Americans clear at the top of Group H. Federer joins an elite club
Roger Federer's come-from-behind win over Colombian Alejandro Falla enabled him to join an elite club, writes Bikash Mohapatra Images from day one at Wimbledon
Images from day one of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, on Monday. Football Images: Portugal maul North Korea
The 19th FIFA World Cup saw its first real goal-fest with Portugal pummeling North Korea 7-0 in a rain-soaked Group G match to bolster their campaign and eliminate the Asian side at Cape Town on Monday. 41 years on, Amritraj still an ace at Wimbledon
It's his 41st Wimbledon this year, but he still gets goosebumps every time he walks in through those gates, Vijay Amritraj tells Alan Wilkins. French shame: Papers slam team as a bunch of fools
The French press heaped scorn and derision on the national soccer team (Les Bleus) on Monday after players boycotted a training session in South Africa to protest against the expulsion of one of their group. Wimbledon: a promise of something momentous
This is the 124th edition of The Championships, as they are called. S Kalyana Ramanathan spends a day at London SW19 this week and finds that technology and romance coexist at this famous address. Troubled France face challenge from focused SA
A big win against a scandal-hit France side on Tuesday might not be enough for South Africa to meet a nation's wild expectations but is the only way they might avoid making unwanted history. Wimbledon fights foxes and vixens for top lawns
Urinating vixens, greedy pigeons, May frost and idiosyncratic mowers are just a few of the problems facing Wimbledon's head groundsman in the run up to the world's most famous tennis championships. South Korea look to upset fragile Nigeria
South Korea have targeted the sometimes fragile Nigerian temperament as a route to victory when a tight World Cup Group B reaches a climax on Tuesday with all four teams still in the hunt for a second round spot. Images: Fabiano helps Brazil down Ivory Coast
Brazil dented more African hopes in the World Cup on Sunday by outclassing Ivory Coast to sweep into the second round. Images: New Zealand hold champions Italy
Defending champions Italy relied on a penalty conversion to save themselves from a famous upset as they were held to a remarkable 1-1 draw by rank outsiders New Zealand in a FIFA World Cup Group F match. Images: Gallant 10-man Australia draw with Ghana
Australia made light of their advancing years and the early dismissal of striker Harry Kewell to produce a gallant fight for World Cup survival on Saturday as they held Ghana to an often dramatic 1-1 draw. Images: Dutch do just enough to beat Japan
Wesley Sneijder was on target as Netherlands beat Japan 1-0 in a Group E clash on Saturday to put themselves on the brink of reaching the World Cup second round. Images: Scrappy England held by Algeria
England delivered one of their worst tournament performances for years when they were held to a goalless draw by Algeria on Friday to leave their World Cup qualification hanging on the final matches. Images: US erase two-goal deficit to hold Slovenia
The United States made a dramatic comeback from two goals down at half-time to draw 2-2 with Slovenia and keep alive their World Cup chances on Friday. Images: Plucky Serbia stun 10-man Germany
Serbia stunned Germany with a 1-0 win after Miroslav Klose was sent off and Lukas Podolski missed a penalty in World Cup Group D on Friday. Dunga's Brazil, more sombre than Samba
Dunga is the Portuguese name for Dopey, the smallest of Snow White's seven dwarfs, but for many people it would have been more appropriate if Brazil's coach had been named after Grumpy. Latins shine at Cup, African gloom deepens
Diego Maradona's Argentina lit up the World Cup with its first hat-trick on Thursday while fellow Latin Americans Mexico humiliated European heavyweights France in a comfortable 2-0 win. Japan hold no surprises for the Dutch
The Dutch have good reason to give Japan plenty of respect before their Group E match on Saturday and not just because of the Blue Samurai's surprise victory over Cameroon in their World Cup opener. World Cup hair flair: Cuts above the rest
A look at some whacky hairstyles of past and present footballers. Awful France prove doubters right
Those who suggested France should not be at the World Cup in the first place might allow themselves a smug smile that they will probably not stay very long. Images: Greece record historic World Cup win
Greece came back from a goal down to beat Nigeria 2-1 in the World Cup on Thursday after the African team had to play with 10 men for almost two thirds of the Group B game. Images: Higuain 'trick' hands Argentina big win
Images from the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and South Korea, in South Africa, on Thursday. South African dream turns to despondency
The vuvuzelas finally died down and South Africa's elation turned to despondency after a disastrous defeat by Uruguay. Nadal eager to carry on where he left off
Rafael Nadal crushed all in his path as he bulldozed through the claycourt season but only a full-tilt Wimbledon challenge next week will provide unequivocal proof that the Spaniard is back at the peak of his powers. Serbia will be no pushovers against Germany
Serbia know there is little room for error after losing their first World Cup match and have warned Germany they will be no pushovers when they meet in their next Group D game on Friday. Images: Uruguay superior in all departments
South Africa's World Cup hopes were left in tatters by a superior Uruguay side on Wednesday, who outwitted, out muscled and outpaced the home team. Upsets and the World Cup have become synonymous
The trend has become so synonymous with the World Cup that an edition sans an upset result does lose some of its lustre. 'The Madman' is Chile's unlikely hero
Marcelo Bielsa performed something close to a miracle by guiding Chile to the World Cup finals. On Wednesday he did even better. His team beat Honduras 1-0 to register its first World Cup victory in exactly 48 years. Images: English goalkeepers in blunderland
England's Robert Green was ridiculed after his embarrassing gaffe handed the United States and equaliser in the team's World Cup match on Saturday but the country's national team has a history of goalkeeping blunders. Football Images: Spain vs Switzerland
World Cup favourites Spain crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to unfancied Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament at durban on Wednesday. Brave North Korea impress in opener despite defeat
In the end there was no fairytale return to the World Cup finals for North Korea but the Asian side can hold their heads high after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Group G opener at Ellis Park on Tuesday. Fearless Mexico ready to take on unsteady France
After ruining South Africa's opening party plans, Mexico take on an unsteady France side Thursday eager to highlight their growing reputation as World Cup gatecrashers. Nigeria secretly plotting to end Greek odyssey
Nigeria are keeping everyone guessing about their plans for the World Cup Group B match with Greece on Thursday, training in seclusion on the Indian Ocean coast since their defeat by Argentina. Mueller is new Mister Goal, says Gerd Mueller
Germany's Thomas Mueller is on track to becoming his country's next big striker despite his young age, his namesake and Germany's most prolific goal scorer of all time Gerd Mueller said on Tuesday. Maradona, Huh renew battle as Argentina face SK
Argentina coach Diego Maradona will see a familiar foe in the opposing dugout when his side face South Korea in their second Group B match at Soccer City on Thursday. Images: Maicon magic helps Brazil scrape past NK
Maicon produced an astonishing goal out of the blue to set Brazil on their way to a 2-1 win over a stubborn North Korea and spare their blushes after a shockingly bad first-half performance on Tuesday. Football Images: Ivory Coast vs Portugal
A spirited Ivory Coast ran the Portugal defence ragged before settling for a goalless draw against the 2006 semi-finalists in their Group G match of the FIFA World Cup in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. Images: Reid snatches draw for plucky New Zealand
New Zealand defender Winston Reid, who almost chose Denmark before agreeing to play for the All Whites, headed a last-gasp goal to secure a 1-1 draw against Slovakia on Tuesday and secure their first ever World Cup point. Vintage Spain finally enter the fray
Spain will enter the World Cup fray with a swagger despite question marks over the fitness of Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta when they face Switzerland in their opening Group H match on Wednesday. Chile seek first World Cup win in 48 years
Chile face Honduras in their opening Group H match on Wednesday on the 48th anniversary of their last World Cup victory with a golden opportunity to rid themselves of an unwanted record. Images: Keeper flap cannot hide Italy limitations
Holders Italy were gifted a goal and a lifeline in their 1-1 Group F draw with Paraguay on Monday where they again took their slow starter tag to extremes. Football World Cup: Group A, B, C, D analysis
Germany gave a devastating display of their nation's traditional power on Sunday to overrun Australia and Ghana were the toast of Africa after taking the continent's first victory in its inaugural World Cup. Socca Punch: The World Cup Quiz
Take the rediff quiz on the quadrennial extravaganza and find out how good your football is. World Cup chiefs won't ban vuvuzelas
Vuvuzela trumpets will not be banned from the World Cup, organisers say, despite complaints from teams over the cacophony and a run on earplugs as South Africans fret about their hearing. Robinho dances to Brazil's tune
Robinho's club career has often been a messy affair, punctuated by tantrums, walkouts and long-running transfer sagas. His international career, however, could hardly be more different. When in the yellow shirt of Brazil, Robinho has been reliability personified, never complaining and always feeling at home. England fans bring football cheer to SA prisoners
The scene was set for the perfect World Cup match. Only this was a match between England fans and prison inmates from Pretoria. Football images: Japan vs Cameroon
Images from Monday's football World Cup match between Japan and Cameroon. Football Images: Netherlands vs Denmark
Strong contenders the Netherlands launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a scrappy 2-0 victory over a fighting Denmark in their Group E opener on Monday. Images: Young Germans too good for Socceroos
Germany began their quest for a fourth World Cup in devastating style Sunday with a thumping 4-0 victory over Australia in their opening Group D match. Mystery men may be Dunga's worst nightmare
Dunga's Brazil have often looked at a loss when trying to break down packed defences and facing the mystery men from North Korea in their opening Group G game at Ellis Park on Tuesday could be their worst nightmare. Quicksilver Messi worth weight in gold
Lionel Messi answered the key question for Argentina with a display full of artistry and guile in Saturday's 1-0 win over Nigeria, showing even without scoring himself he can carry the team at this World Cup. Drogba doubts temper Elephants' roar
Ivory Coast's Elephants face a challenge of jumbo proportions against Portugal in Group G on Tuesday in a game where the points may hinge on the fitness of their talismanic striker Didier Drogba. Images: Hamilton back on top after Canada win
Lewis Hamilton drove a superb tactical race to hold off his McLaren team-mate Jenson Button and win Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix from pole position and jump to the top of the Formula One drivers' championship. Football Images: Ghana vs Serbia
An 85th minute penalty by Asamoah Gyan gave Ghana a 1-0 win over Serbia and Africa its first victory of this World Cup finals on Sunday in a match which brought a true flavour of the continent to the tournament. Football Images: Slovenia vs Algeria
Slovenia chalked up their first ever World Cup win when a dreadful mistake by Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi handed them a 1-0 victory in their opening Group C match on Sunday. Dutch wary of plucky Denmark
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk's side face two dangers when they start their World Cup Group E campaign at Ellis Park on Monday - opponents Denmark and the possibility of being too confident. In-form Paraguay hoping to stun champions Italy
Holders Italy, written off at home as no-hopers to retain their world title and traditionally slow starters, are in danger of being caught napping by in-form Paraguay in their Group F opener on Monday. Manic Maradona is animation unlimited on touchline
A veritable goldmine of soccer talent was on display at Ellis Park on Saturday but throughout Argentina's defeat of Nigeria a roly-poly, bearded bundle of arm-waving anxiety threatened to steal the show. Football Images: England vs USA
A shocking schoolboy howler from England goalkeeper Robert Green gifted the United States a goal as the two sides tipped to qualify from Group C battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday. Heinze header helps Argentina down Nigeria
Gabriel Heinze scored early in the first half as two-time champions Argentina started their Images: Slick South Korea make sloppy Greece pay
South Korea chalked up the first win of this year's World Cup finals with a fluent 2-0 victory over a Greece side that paid a heavy price for defensive frailties in their Group B opener on Saturday. Algeria switch captains for Slovenia clash
Algeria's coach Rabah Saadane has dropped his team captain for the opening World Cup clash with Slovenia on Sunday after a build-up marred by poor results, injuries and reports of dressing room discontent. Young Germans out to overpower experienced Aussies
The great weight of German expectation will slam headlong into a wall of Australian defensive grit and muscle when the spectacular new Moses Mabhida stadium hosts its first World Cup match on Sunday. Football Images: France vs Uruguay
Lacklustre France failed to turn their superior possession into chances and could ultimately pay a heavy price as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Uruguay in an uninspired World Cup Group A clash on Friday. Images: South Africa vs Mexico
A stunning goal from Siphiwe Tshabalala almost gave hosts South Africa the perfect start to the World Cup before they were held to a 1-1 draw in front of almost 85,000 fans at Soccer City on Friday. World Cup party starts, but Mandela absent
Drummers and dancers wowed fans at South Africa's Soccer City stadium in a glittering prelude to Friday's World Cup kickoff, but Nelson Mandela's absence after a family tragedy cast a cloud over the party. Socca Punch: The World Cup Quiz
Take the rediff quiz on the FIFA World Cup and find out how good your football acumen is. Capello's England wary of U.S. threat
Fabio Capello, just a child when England last met the United States at the World Cup 60 years ago, is acutely aware a repeat of that famous result on Saturday would create another sensation. Greece and S Korea aim to be dark horses
Greece and South Korea could be first-round failures or dark horses with the result of their meeting on Saturday possibly throwing a spanner in the works for the World Cup's top teams. Shakira, Keys sizzle at FIFA World Cup concert
The small township of Soweto was rocked by some of the biggest names in the music industry on Thursday, in a show to kick-off the 2010 football World Cup. Football World Cup: Meet the men at the helm
A look at the coaches in charge of the teams at the FIFA World Cup, starting in South Africa, on Friday. Germany put faith in new generation
The theory in Germany goes that the loss of Michael Ballack could actually work in their favour, giving an outstanding crop of fresh-faced, fleet-footed players a chance to flourish at this World Cup. World Cup 2010: Stars to watch out for
On the eve of the World Cup, rediff.com takes a look at a few players who could light up the month-long extravaganza in South Africa. Veron gets another chance to shine in the twilight
Juan Sebastian Veron never looks back, only ahead, and way off in the distance is the presidency of his club Estudiantes de La Plata and even the Argentine Football Association. Critics to closely study Maradona's tactics
Argentina's Lionel Messi heads into the World Cup as the player everyone wants to see but it will be the strengths and weaknesses of coach Diego Maradona that will determine how far the South Americans progress. Inspired SA, Mexico clash in opening day encounter
South Africa's dramatic improvement over the last six months, Mexico's new-found self belief and France's erratic build-up will make Group A one of the closest fought in the opening stage of the World Cup. Africa's World Cup dream set to realise at last
The once inconceivable notion of a World Cup played on African soil, in ultra-modern stadiums beamed live to soccer fans in all corners of the globe will become a reality on Friday. Murray, Roddick find their feet on Queen's grass
Champion Andy Murray and Andy Roddick whacked away the clay from their tennis shoes and began their build up to Wimbledon by beating little-known opponents on a rain-blighted day at Queen's Club on Tuesday. Danny delivers for Portugal, Spain thrash Poland
Portugal winger Danny took full advantage of the opportunity presented by an injury to Nani on Tuesday with a goal and an assist in his team's 3-0 win over Mozambique in their final friendly before the World Cup. Fan helmets could go global after World Cup
The king of South Africa's makarapa fan helmet has moved from his township workshop to a factory to meet World Cup demand and expects the elaborate headgear to become a global craze after the tournament. SA's first high speed train in time for WC fans
Africa's first high speed urban train started operating in Johannesburg on Tuesday, just in time to help World Cup fans bypass the city's notorious traffic congestion. Rooney edges Ronaldo for place in WC Dream Team
England ace striker Wayne Rooney, who has been playing catch up game with his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo, has closed the gap by edging the Real Madrid ace out of the World Cup Dream Team. Lack of leadership a major worry in France team
France, proud of their reputation as the country of love, are certainly not living up to it these days when it comes to their national football team. A unique setting for a familiar World Cup battle
The setting is unique but a succession of pre-tournament injuries and the lessons of past World Cups outside Europe suggest the football at Africa's first finals will resonate to familiar Latin rhythms. The World Cup will miss these stars
The stage is set for the 19th football World Cup, which kicks-off on Saturday, June 11. While 32 teams will battle it out over a month for the game's biggest prize, some big football nations and celebrated footballers will be missing during the action in South Africa, either because of non-qualification or selection or injury. Emotional Nadal back to where he belongs
Rafael Nadal proved that when he is fit in body and mind nobody can stop him at the French Open, least of all last year's tormentor Robin Soderling. Dominant Nadal reclaims French Open crown
Rafa Nadal reclaimed his French Open crown in emphatic style on Sunday when he battered Sweden's Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to win the title for the fifth time in six years. Slam success sweeter for Schiavone after long wait
It took 12 years of hard graft to finally realise her dream but Francesca Schiavone said the long wait made her French Open title taste even sweeter. Inspired Schiavone tames Stosur for French crown
An inspired Francesca Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title on Saturday when she beat Australia's Samantha Stosur in the final of the French Open. Domenech unfazed after China upset France
France coach Raymond Domenech said his team were moving in the right direction despite slumping to a surprise 1-0 defeat by China in their final World Cup warm-up on Friday. Dangerman Soderling looms for Nadal in final
Champion-slayer or pantomime villain, call him what you want, but Robin Soderling proved he was no one-hit wonder on Friday when advancing to the French Open final and another showdown with Rafael Nadal. Stosur's dream run continues at Rolland Garros
Samantha Stosur has paid her dues, now she is reaping the rewards as what was a relatively low-key professional career has suddenly taken off. Sharp Mexico too good for rusty Italy
Mexico proved too sharp for World Cup holders Italy by beating them 2-1 in a warm-up match on Thursday for this month's tournament in South Africa. Nadal and Soderling on course for final showdown
While champions have crashed all around him at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal has arrived at the French Open semi-finals unruffled and bang on course to reclaim his crown. Brazil on song but worry over Julio Cesar
Brazil gave a glimpse of the Latin American flair they will bring to the World Cup in South Africa with a 3-0 warm-up win over Zimbabwe on Wednesday, a victory tempered by an injury to goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Dementieva, Jankovic look to shed nearly-women tag
Elena Dementieva and Jelena Jankovic, two of the nearly women of the game, will bid for another crack at Grand Slam glory in the French Open semi-finals on Thursday. Nadal in hot water for taking his time
Rafael Nadal zipped around Court Philippe Chatrier as though he had rockets in his heels on Wednesday during a straight sets quarter-final win over Nicolas Almagro but he was still not quick enough for the umpire. Stosur stuns Serena to reach semis
Australian Samantha Stosur pulled off a stunning 6-2, 6-7, 8-6 victory over top seed Serena Williams on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the French Open for the second year in succession. Federer praises champion-slayer Soderling
Rafael Nadal's world laid to waste last year and now Roger Federer ruthlessly put to the sword, Sweden's Robin Soderling is clearly the undisputed champion-slayer of Roland Garros. Time for joy and tears as teams trim WC squads
Coaches finally put World Cup hopefuls out of their misery on Tuesday when they named their final squads for the tournament, shattering some dreams while also handing out the opportunity of a lifetime. Soderling stuns Federer, Schiavone makes semis
Defending champion Roger Federer suffered a stunning quarter-final exit at the French Open on Tuesday when the Swiss lost 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 to Sweden's Robin Soderling in a rain-interrupted match on Chatrier Court. French Open: Djokovic has Nadal on his radar
Late riser Novak Djokovic knows at least one thing might play in his favour if he gets through to the French Open semi-finals to face Rafael Nadal - he may not have to play before lunchtime. Real-ity bites: Will Mourinho survive at Bernabeu?
As Jose Mourinho is formally presented as the new Real Madrid coach on Monday, Senior Associate Editor Bikash Mohapatra wonders if the Portuguese will manage to survive the 'curse of Bernabeu' that has witnessed as many as 23 coaching changes at the club in the last 21 years. French Open: Federer relishing Soderling rematch
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have not put a foot wrong so far at this year's French Open and all signs point to the world's two outstanding men's players duelling for the title on Sunday. Henin the last to believe her Roland Garros hype
Justine Henin was supposed to ride into Roland Garros, scene of four stunning triumphs before her retirement, and gallop away with another Grand Slam crown. The problem was she did not quite believe it would happen herself. Hooligans thwarted en route to finals
British and South Africa police have thwarted attempts by English hooligans to get to the World Cup and around 3,200 identified trouble-makers have until Tuesday to hand in their passports to prevent them travelling. Almagro wins Spanish battle against Verdasco
Nicolas Almagro pummelled fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco into submission at the French Open on Monday to set up a quarter-final showdown with Rafael Nadal. French Open: Henin's run halted, Nadal cruises
Justine Henin's hopes of a fifth French Open title vanished with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 fourth-round defeat by Australian seventh seed Samantha Stosur on Monday. Love him or loathe him, Mourinho is a winner
Jose Mourinho speaks his mind, makes enemies and does not stick around at clubs very long, but he wins trophies galore and cultivates a fierce loyalty among his players. Red Bull play blame game after Turkey collision
Team-mates Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel blamed each other on Sunday for a Turkish Grand Prix collision that cost Red Bull a one-two finish and a championship lead. Hamilton can't stop smiling after Turkey triumph
Lewis Hamilton returned to the top of the Formula One podium for the first time this season on Sunday with a smile of delight that only rubbed salt in Red Bull's wounds. England rescued by Japan own goals, France held
England failed to convince in a 2-1 victory over Japan in their final World Cup warm-up on Sunday and France were held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia in their penultimate match. France's Henry faces life as a substitute
France's captain and most prolific scorer Thierry Henry faces the once inconceivable prospect of being a substitute at the World Cup for the country he has graced for over a decade. Players unhappy with 'supermarket' WC ball
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas complained the official World Cup ball was better suited to the beach than to the finals in South Africa after his side's 3-2 warm-up win against Saudi Arabia Gloomy end for Murray as Berdych shines
Tomas Berdych enjoyed a surprisingly comfortable passage into the quarter-finals of the French Open on Sunday after dismissing fourth seed Andy Murray with ease on a gloomy Court Suzanne Lenglen court. Spanish armada goes off course at Roland Garros
David Ferrer and former Roland Garros champion Juan Carlos Ferrero had a bad day at the office as the Spanish contingent experienced mixed fortunes at the French Open on Saturday. Images: Turkey on Hamilton's platter
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton roared to his first win of the Formula One season in Turkey on Sunday after his Red Bull rivals drove each other off the track while heading for a one-two finish. French Open: Henin downs Sharapova, Venus exits
Four-time champion Justine Henin showed nerves of steel to beat Maria Sharapova of Russia 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in their delayed French Open third-round match on Sunday. Eto'o threatens to skip WC, Arg get good send-off
Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o threatened to stay away from the World Cup, while Diego Maradona, another man who has endured a turbulent relationship with his national side, got a lively send-off as Argentina left for South Africa. Roddick loses cool, exits French Open
Russian qualifier Teimuraz Gabashvili swatted sixth seed Andy Roddick aside 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the French Open on Saturday as the American let his temper get the better of him. Inter upset as Mourinho steals limelight
Inter Milan should be basking in the glory of a record-breaking season but instead the manner of Jose Mourinho's departure has left a nasty taste in the mouth. French Open: Big names breeze in sunny Paris
Images from Friday's action at the Roland Garros. Roger Federer: 700 and counting...
Even as the Swiss celebrates his 700th career match win, rediff.com takes a look at the players who are already the members of the elite club which Federer has just joined. Isner's ace barrage make mockery of slow clay
Giant American John Isner slammed down 38 aces to beat Swiss Marco Chiudinelli at the French Open on Thursday. Essien ruled out, Torres makes progress
Ghana's World Cup preparations suffered a huge setback on Thursday when midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out with a knee injury as Spain's Fernando Torres made progress in his recovery from a knee problem. Dress code @ Roland Garros: The risque factor
Rediff.com takes a sneak peek into the unique outfit designs of some players at the French Open. Day Five: Further rain delays at Roland Garros
Rain showers delayed the start of play at the French Open on Thursday. Penalties will put players on the spot
Two men face each other, knowing that a single kick is about to decide their teams' fate as more than 700 million viewers watch: it must be a World Cup penalty shootout. Solid wins for France, Netherlands in WC warm-ups
New blood and a change of formation paid dividends for France as debutant Mathieu Valbuena netted the winner in a 2-1 World Cup warm-up win over Costa Rica on Wednesday. Nadal gears for Zeballos, Verdasco faces fan fury
Play on Court Philippe Chatrier will have a familiar feel on Thursday with Rafa Nadal and Justine Henin, holders of eight French Open singles crowns, bidding to move into the third round. Federer survives rain, Falla to reach third round
Roger Federer kept his game together through several rain interruptions and a stirring first-set charge from Colombian Alejandro Falla before booking a comfortable third-round berth at the French Open on Wednesday. French team leaves Alps with World Cup in sight
A week in the scenic French Alps seems to have done wonders for France who now have a healthy Williams Gallas and a vastly improved mood in the camp. Veteran tennis player Date Krumm full of drive
It took about two years for Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin to come out of retirement. Kimiko Date Krumm waited 12 years before letting the fire inside her burn again and Dinara Safina felt the full heat in Paris. Familiar foes block Henin's route to finding glory
Same intensity, same mesmeric backhand, same result - little has changed since Justine Henin reigned supreme at Roland Garros, not least the Belgian's chances of adding another French Open crown to her collection. Stressed Nadal dissatisfied with winning start
Rafael Nadal's 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 win over French teenager Gianni Mina looked as stress-free as it gets for the four-times Roland Garros champion but the Spaniard was far from happy on Tuesday. Federer faces Falla, Venus eyes progress in Paris
Roger Federer will have seen it all before when he takes on Alejandro Falla in his second round match at the French Open on Wednesday. French Open: Safina stunned by Date Krumm
Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm stunned former world number one and last year's finalist Dinara Safina 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday. Top-ranked women tennis stars no teeny boppers
Improving with age is a euphemism not taken to kindly by some women but it would seem in tennis that quality, these days certainly, comes with experience. India's businesses see openings beyond cricket
India has famously been a one-sport country, with sponsors and audiences obsessed with cricket. Robust economic growth and greater exposure, however, have recently encouraged commercial and consumer interest in sports from soccer to Formula One motor racing and the Olympics. Nadal, Henin return to happy hunting ground
Rafa Nadal will seek to erase his shock fourth-round exit last year from the memory banks when the mighty Mallorcan makes his tournament bow at the French Open on Tuesday. Maxi brace helps Argentina maul Canada in friendly
Maxi Rodriguez scored twice as Argentina routed Canada 5-0 on Monday in their final match on home soil before heading to the World Cup. French Open: Federer cranks up Paris temperature
Roger Federer did little to dampen the soaring temperatures at the French Open with a red-hot display of shot making that brought the year's second Grand Slam bursting into life on Monday. 'I have proved I have the killer instinct'
Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand said by winning his fourth World Chess Championship title early this month he has proved critics who accused him of lacking in killer instinct wrong. Brazil duo defend coach Dunga's training methods
Midfielders Gilberto Silva and Kleberson, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, have defended coach Dunga's plans to keep the squad preparing for the 2010 finals isolated from fans and media. Venus dazzles as sun beats down in Paris
The sun beat down from a cloudless Parisian sky on Sunday as the French Open began with a sultry Venus Williams raising the on-court temperature and French favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga almost getting caught cold. First Look: Beckham meets troops in Afghanistan
David Beckham met soldiers returning from the frontline as he continued his visit to British troops in Afghanistan. Inter reclaim European crown at last
Inter Milan's 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final will be remembered more for Diego Milito's two brilliant goals and the sub-plots and intrigues surrounding the game rather than the football. Shy 'Prince' Milito crowned King of Inter
Inter Milan's shy striker Diego Milito finally hit the global headlines on Saturday with two superb goals to clinch the European Cup having previously gone about his business almost unnoticed in the wider world. American boy, 13, youngest to climb Everest
A 13-year-old American boy on Saturday became the youngest ever climber to conquer Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, a climbing website said. Henin angling for spectacular return to Paris
Two years after Justine Henin stunned the sport by announcing her retirement at the age of 25 on the eve of her French Open defence, the Belgian is back and eager to show Roland Garros what it has been missing. The men who helped Anand conquer Topalov
A peek into Viswanathan Anand's journey to World chess championship glory. French Open, career closed!
As the world gets ready for yet another edition of the year's second major (starting on Monday), Associate Editor Bikash Mohapatra goes through the careers of a few players whose successes at Roland Garros hastened their decline on the international scene. European coaches who got it right first up
As the domestic soccer season across Europe comes to a close, Associate Editor Bikash Mohapatra takes a look at an elite list of coaches who tasted league success in their first season in charge. Inter and Bayern chase treble in final of wonder
Saturday's Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan is so much more than just one game of soccer with a myriad of intertwined storylines promising an intriguing night whatever happens on the field. London Olympics mascots: Neither cuddly nor cute
The London 2012 organisers unveiled its Olympic and Paralympic mascots. Moulded from steel left over from the last girder on the Olympic stadium, the mascots are neither cuddly nor cute. Rooney targets World Cup as icing on the cake
He has been in superb form ahead of the World Cup and will vie with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, as well as Lionel Messi of Argentina, Fernando Torres of Spain and Brazil's Kaka to be the leading light of the tournament and bring home the trophy. Footballers to be carded for feinting at World Cup
Penalty-takers at the World Cup will not be able to feint as they are about to kick the ball after a change in rules was announced on Tuesday, just three weeks before the start of the sport's biggest event. After years of doubt, South Africa is ready
After years of doubt, soul searching and criticism, South Africa stands on the threshold of a unique World Cup that looks likely to confound the pessimists. WC: England's wide men vie to bring X-factor
Any combination of midfielders should be strong enough for England to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup but if they are to make a real challenge for glory then someone is going to have to provide the X-factor. Mourinho ups the ante with another Inter triumph
Inter Milan sealed a fifth straight Serie A title thanks to the quick integration of new signings and coach Jose Mourinho's tactical nous, which may now lead to other clubs trying even harder to secure his services. Images: Webber spins his magic in Monaco
Images from the Monaco Grand Prix won by Red Bull's Mark Webber on Sunday. Woods on a roller coaster ride
In many ways, Tiger Woods probably feels a bit like an out-of-control roller coaster that has just veered off on to a different set of tracks. Forlan double seals Euro glory for Atletico
Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero proved too classy a double act for Fulham in Wednesday's Europa League final, the two South Americans combining to earn Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win and a first major European trophy in 38 years. Anand beats Topalov to remain undisputed king
World champion Viswanathan Anand retained his World Chess Championship crown after winning the final game against Veselin Topalov of Russia in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Tuesday. Woods unsure when he will play again
Tiger Woods is unsure when he will play golf again after a painful neck injury forced him to quit the Players Championship in Florida on Sunday. Schumacher still a force to reckon with in F1
Michael Schumacher showed he was far from a spent force by producing his most competitive drive since his comeback at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. Chelsea worthy champions after memorable season
When Chelsea and Manchester United drew 2-2 in the Community Shield and needed penalties to separate them it set the tone for one of the closest and most unpredictable title races for years. Spanish GP Images: Webber wins for Red Bull
Australian Mark Webber won the Spanish Grand Prix for rampant Red Bull on Sunday after leading from start to finish at Formula One's most predictable circuit. Crises-ridden Liverpool: A tale of lost glory
Up for sale and saddled with debt, a squad in need of an overhaul and a manager that splits the club and its supporters - Liverpool are a long way from their famous glory days. Time for Schumacher to win over critics
If the jury is still out on Michael Schumacher's Formula One comeback with Mercedes, then the next two weekends of racing in Spain and Monaco may make a verdict easier to reach. Vishy Anand making all the right moves
If Viswanathan Anand topples Veselin Topalov, then it will be an against-the-odds victory for the maestro. April 2010 | March 2010 | February 2010 | March 2010 | April 2010