New Delhi, Aug 29 (Ians) India senior men’s team head coach Igor Stimac announced a 23-member squad for the 49th King’s Cup to be held from September 7-10, 2023 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
India (ranked 99th) will face Iraq (ranked 70th) in the semi-final on September 7 at 16:00 Ist at the 700th Anniversary Stadium. Hosts Thailand (ranked 113th) take on Lebanon (ranked 100th) in the other semi-final at 19:00 Ist on the same day.
The semi-final winners will contest the final on September 10, while the losers will play the third-place play-off.
India won bronze when they last participated in the King’s Cup in 2019.
India’s 23-member squad for the 49th King’s Cup 2023:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad,...
India (ranked 99th) will face Iraq (ranked 70th) in the semi-final on September 7 at 16:00 Ist at the 700th Anniversary Stadium. Hosts Thailand (ranked 113th) take on Lebanon (ranked 100th) in the other semi-final at 19:00 Ist on the same day.
The semi-final winners will contest the final on September 10, while the losers will play the third-place play-off.
India won bronze when they last participated in the King’s Cup in 2019.
India’s 23-member squad for the 49th King’s Cup 2023:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 28 (Ians) In preparation for the upcoming 49th King’s Cup taking place from September 7 to 10, the Indian senior football team is gearing up with determination. With memories of their previous trip to Thailand still fresh, Igor Stimac’s squad is eager to leave behind past disappointments and embrace a new chapter in their journey.
When India last participated in the King’s Cup in Thailand in June 2019, it was, in a sense, the beginning of a new era. After an excruciating last-minute exit from the AFC Asian Cup group stage just five months before, Stimac took charge, kicking off the next cycle for the Blue Tigers.
India have been drawn against the highest-ranked side in the competition, Iraq, in this year’s edition too. Thailand and Lebanon will contest the other semifinal. The difference this time, however, is the momentum India is carrying into the competition.
Stimac...
When India last participated in the King’s Cup in Thailand in June 2019, it was, in a sense, the beginning of a new era. After an excruciating last-minute exit from the AFC Asian Cup group stage just five months before, Stimac took charge, kicking off the next cycle for the Blue Tigers.
India have been drawn against the highest-ranked side in the competition, Iraq, in this year’s edition too. Thailand and Lebanon will contest the other semifinal. The difference this time, however, is the momentum India is carrying into the competition.
Stimac...
- 8/28/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 21 (Ians) After three consecutive tournament victories, a 16-match unbeaten streak at home, and a re-entry into the top 100 in FIFA Rankings, the Indian men’s football team will head abroad for the first time this year in September to take part in the King’s Cup in Thailand.
Up against a heavyweight side like Iraq in the first game, it will be a challenge unlike any other the Blue Tigers have faced in 2023.
Yet, head coach Igor Stimac’s biggest focus in a hectic month of football is on the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, beginning nine days after India’s trip to Thailand.
In a discussion with the aiff.com, Stimac spoke about his expectations from the King’s Cup and the Asian Games, the importance of being injury-free in a tight schedule, and his thoughts on Aiff’s Task Force to study the status of Pio footballers.
Up against a heavyweight side like Iraq in the first game, it will be a challenge unlike any other the Blue Tigers have faced in 2023.
Yet, head coach Igor Stimac’s biggest focus in a hectic month of football is on the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, beginning nine days after India’s trip to Thailand.
In a discussion with the aiff.com, Stimac spoke about his expectations from the King’s Cup and the Asian Games, the importance of being injury-free in a tight schedule, and his thoughts on Aiff’s Task Force to study the status of Pio footballers.
- 8/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 8 (Ians) Igor Stimac, the Croatian head coach of India’s men’s football team, recently put forward a request to all the stakeholders of the game, especially the Indian Super League (Isl) clubs, to release players in time so that the Blue Tigers can have longer national camps in November and December to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Terming Stimac’s proposal as the “right thing at the right time”, Sanjoy Sen, who coached Mohun Bagan to I-League title after 13 years in 2014-15 besides winning the Federation Cup in the same year, told Ians that similar requests were made by national coaches earlier as well.
Sen was the technical director of Isl club Atk in 2018-19, before becoming the team’s assistant coach in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Currently, Sen is the head of youth development of Mohun Bagan.
“See, the...
Terming Stimac’s proposal as the “right thing at the right time”, Sanjoy Sen, who coached Mohun Bagan to I-League title after 13 years in 2014-15 besides winning the Federation Cup in the same year, told Ians that similar requests were made by national coaches earlier as well.
Sen was the technical director of Isl club Atk in 2018-19, before becoming the team’s assistant coach in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Currently, Sen is the head of youth development of Mohun Bagan.
“See, the...
- 8/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
India senior men’s team head coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday announced a 22-member squad for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, to be held from September 19 to October 7. The Indian team are placed alongside hosts China PR, Bangladesh, and Myanmar in Group A.
There are 23 teams, who have been divided into six groups. Group A, B, C, E, and F have four teams each while Group D has three teams.
Twice Asian Games champions India are participating in the football event of the continental games for the first time after nine years.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Roshan Singh, Ashish Rai
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia Ralte, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Rahul Kp, Naorem Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Rahim Ali, Aniket Jadhav, Vikram Partap Singh, Rohit Danu, Sunil Chhetri...
There are 23 teams, who have been divided into six groups. Group A, B, C, E, and F have four teams each while Group D has three teams.
Twice Asian Games champions India are participating in the football event of the continental games for the first time after nine years.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Roshan Singh, Ashish Rai
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia Ralte, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Rahul Kp, Naorem Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Rahim Ali, Aniket Jadhav, Vikram Partap Singh, Rohit Danu, Sunil Chhetri...
- 8/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Hangzhou (China), July 27 (Ians) India’s men’s football team has been clubbed with hosts China, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Group A while the women’s side has been drawn with Chinese Taipei and Thailand in Group B for the upcoming Asian Games 2023 as the draw for the continental event was conducted, here on Thursday.
The 19th Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 18-October 7.
In the men’s event, 23 teams have been divided into six groups, where Group A, B, C, E and F has four teams each while Group D has three teams.
The competition shall consist of two stages — Group Stage and Knockout Stage. Group Stage will be played in a single round robin league system, whereas Knock-out Stage will consist of the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, bronze medal match and gold medal match in which all in single round knockout system.
Top two...
The 19th Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 18-October 7.
In the men’s event, 23 teams have been divided into six groups, where Group A, B, C, E and F has four teams each while Group D has three teams.
The competition shall consist of two stages — Group Stage and Knockout Stage. Group Stage will be played in a single round robin league system, whereas Knock-out Stage will consist of the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, bronze medal match and gold medal match in which all in single round knockout system.
Top two...
- 7/27/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, July 26 (Ians) The Sports Ministry on Wednesday gave an exemption to Indian men’s and women’s football teams, allowing them to participate in the upcoming Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23.
The development comes weeks after it was reported that the football teams will not be taking part in the continental event as per the existing criterion of the sports ministry.
The sports ministry’s rule states that in team sports, only those in the top eight will get the nod and Indian national football men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked 18th and 11th respectively.
However, an exemption has been made and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday confirmed the participation of both Blue Tigers and Blue Tigress in the continental showpiece event.
“Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s,...
The development comes weeks after it was reported that the football teams will not be taking part in the continental event as per the existing criterion of the sports ministry.
The sports ministry’s rule states that in team sports, only those in the top eight will get the nod and Indian national football men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked 18th and 11th respectively.
However, an exemption has been made and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday confirmed the participation of both Blue Tigers and Blue Tigress in the continental showpiece event.
“Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s,...
- 7/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, July 26 (Ians) The Sports Ministry on Wednesday gave an exemption to Indian men’s and women’s football teams, allowing them to participate in the upcoming Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23.
The development comes weeks after it was reported that the football teams will not be taking part in the continental event as per the existing criterion of the sports ministry.
The sports ministry’s rule states that in team sports, only those in the top eight will get the nod and Indian national football men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked 18th and 11th respectively.
However, an exemption has been made and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday confirmed the participation of both Blue Tigers and Blue Tigress in the continental showpiece event.
“Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s,...
The development comes weeks after it was reported that the football teams will not be taking part in the continental event as per the existing criterion of the sports ministry.
The sports ministry’s rule states that in team sports, only those in the top eight will get the nod and Indian national football men’s and women’s teams are currently ranked 18th and 11th respectively.
However, an exemption has been made and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday confirmed the participation of both Blue Tigers and Blue Tigress in the continental showpiece event.
“Good news for Indian football lovers! Our national football teams, both Men’s and Women’s,...
- 7/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, July 20 (Ians) In a big blow to the men’s and women’s national football teams, the Indian Olympic Association (Ioa) has made it clear that it will not change its criteria for allowing the teams to compete in the upcoming Asian Games. As a result, Indian football teams will not take part in the marquee event to be held in Hangzou, China, from September 23 to October 8.
The reason is failure to meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria for team games of being ranked among the Top 8 sides in Asia. While the men’s team is presently ranked 18th, the women’s team is placed 11th.
On Wednesday, the Ioa said in a statement: “As we gear up for the highly-anticipated event, the Ioa reaffirms its commitment to promoting excellence in sports by strictly adhering to the selection criteria formulated by the Government of India vide their letter...
The reason is failure to meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria for team games of being ranked among the Top 8 sides in Asia. While the men’s team is presently ranked 18th, the women’s team is placed 11th.
On Wednesday, the Ioa said in a statement: “As we gear up for the highly-anticipated event, the Ioa reaffirms its commitment to promoting excellence in sports by strictly adhering to the selection criteria formulated by the Government of India vide their letter...
- 7/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, July 20 (Ians) Indian men’s football team climbed a rank in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday, to be placed in the 99th position.
The Blue Tigers are unbeaten in 2023 and have picked up three trophies winning the Hero Tri-Nation Cup, Hero Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championship in the calendar year.
“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴀʀᴄʜ ᴏɴ.. India climbed up to 99 in the latest official @FIFAcom world ranking #BlueTigers #IndianFootball,” said the Indian football team in a tweet.
Sunil Chhetri and Co. are unbeaten in their last eleven matches, winning seven during the process.
Under head coach Igor Stimac, the national team seems to be picking up form at the right time with the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to take place later this year and the AFC Asian in January 2024.
The Indian team has achieved a double-digit ranking after five years and will hope to further climb the ladder in the coming months.
The Blue Tigers are unbeaten in 2023 and have picked up three trophies winning the Hero Tri-Nation Cup, Hero Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championship in the calendar year.
“ᴡᴇ ᴍᴀʀᴄʜ ᴏɴ.. India climbed up to 99 in the latest official @FIFAcom world ranking #BlueTigers #IndianFootball,” said the Indian football team in a tweet.
Sunil Chhetri and Co. are unbeaten in their last eleven matches, winning seven during the process.
Under head coach Igor Stimac, the national team seems to be picking up form at the right time with the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to take place later this year and the AFC Asian in January 2024.
The Indian team has achieved a double-digit ranking after five years and will hope to further climb the ladder in the coming months.
- 7/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
India men's football coach Igor Stimac appeals Pm Modi regarding team's participation in Asian Games
New Delhi, July 17 (Ians) The head coach of Indian men’s football team, Igor Stimac on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to allow the Under-23 side’s participation in the Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
During the weekend, reports emerged stating that the Indian football team is unlikely to participate in the Asian Games for the second consecutive time as the team does not meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria of being ranked among the top-8 sides in the continent.
India is currently ranked 18th among nations associated with the Asian Football Confederation.
The Aiff, however, said it will appeal to the Sports Ministry to reconsider the decision.
Now, the head coach Stimac issued a lengthy statement on Twitter and urged for Pm Modi’s intervention to allow the team to part in the upcoming Asian Games.
During the weekend, reports emerged stating that the Indian football team is unlikely to participate in the Asian Games for the second consecutive time as the team does not meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria of being ranked among the top-8 sides in the continent.
India is currently ranked 18th among nations associated with the Asian Football Confederation.
The Aiff, however, said it will appeal to the Sports Ministry to reconsider the decision.
Now, the head coach Stimac issued a lengthy statement on Twitter and urged for Pm Modi’s intervention to allow the team to part in the upcoming Asian Games.
- 7/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, July 16 (Ians) The brilliant victory by the Indian men’s team against Kuwait in the final of the Saff Football Championships not only gave the team a second title in an international event within a few weeks but also propelled India’s assistant coach Mahesh Gawali to the forefront as he marshalled his troops superbly in the absence of head coach Igor Stimac.
Just before the Saff Championships, India had won the Intercontinental Cup title.
The Indian team was trailing Kuwait, one of the two guest teams in the event, before coming back to win the event in penalties. Gawali, who has helped the team develop an impregnable defence, helped the team successfully negotiate through the penalties.
In an interview with www.the-aiff.com, Gawali said he was not under pressure when Kuwait took the lead in the Saff Championship final.
“No, I never had that feeling. Sometimes when you are trailing,...
Just before the Saff Championships, India had won the Intercontinental Cup title.
The Indian team was trailing Kuwait, one of the two guest teams in the event, before coming back to win the event in penalties. Gawali, who has helped the team develop an impregnable defence, helped the team successfully negotiate through the penalties.
In an interview with www.the-aiff.com, Gawali said he was not under pressure when Kuwait took the lead in the Saff Championship final.
“No, I never had that feeling. Sometimes when you are trailing,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, July 1 (Ians) Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu pulled off a save in the penalty shootout as India defeated Lebanon 4-2 in a tiebreak following a goalless draw post extra time, in the semifinals of the Saff Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.
The victory booked the hosts their spot in the summit clash of the competition, where they will meet Kuwait.
India will defend their Saff Championship title against Kuwait at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
Gurpreet saved the first penalty for Lebanon by Maatouk, giving the Indian penalty takers the confidence to put their spot-kicks into the back of the net. Chhetri, Anwar, Mahesh and Udanta converted their first four penalties for India, while Walid Shour and Mohamad Sadek netted their kicks for Lebanon. Khalil Bader sent the fourth and last penalty for Lebanon into the stands, sending India into the final.
Lebanon and India faced...
The victory booked the hosts their spot in the summit clash of the competition, where they will meet Kuwait.
India will defend their Saff Championship title against Kuwait at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
Gurpreet saved the first penalty for Lebanon by Maatouk, giving the Indian penalty takers the confidence to put their spot-kicks into the back of the net. Chhetri, Anwar, Mahesh and Udanta converted their first four penalties for India, while Walid Shour and Mohamad Sadek netted their kicks for Lebanon. Khalil Bader sent the fourth and last penalty for Lebanon into the stands, sending India into the final.
Lebanon and India faced...
- 7/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 30 (Ians) The Indian senior men’s team will face Lebanon for the third time in little over a fortnight in the semi-final of the Bangabandhu Saff Championship 2023 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here on Saturday.
After playing out a goalless draw in the group stage, the Blue Tigers secured a convincing 2-0 win over the Cedars to claim the Intercontinental Cup title in Bhubaneswar. Igor Stimac’s men then travelled to the south of India to take part in the 14th edition of the Saff Championship, which is also the first to feature guest teams like Lebanon and Kuwait.
India finished Group A in second spot, only trailing Kuwait on goals scored, with wins over Pakistan (4-0) and Nepal (2-0). The top spot was within the hosts’ grasp as they led 1-0 against Kuwait just six minutes before the full-time whistle on Tuesday until Anwar Ali’s own goal restored parity,...
After playing out a goalless draw in the group stage, the Blue Tigers secured a convincing 2-0 win over the Cedars to claim the Intercontinental Cup title in Bhubaneswar. Igor Stimac’s men then travelled to the south of India to take part in the 14th edition of the Saff Championship, which is also the first to feature guest teams like Lebanon and Kuwait.
India finished Group A in second spot, only trailing Kuwait on goals scored, with wins over Pakistan (4-0) and Nepal (2-0). The top spot was within the hosts’ grasp as they led 1-0 against Kuwait just six minutes before the full-time whistle on Tuesday until Anwar Ali’s own goal restored parity,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, June 29 (Ians) The Indian football team has risen by one place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, from 101 to 100, which was released on Thursday.
This is the first time in five years that the Blue Tigers have reached the top 100, having last been ranked at the 97th place in 2018.
“India move up to 100 in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Steadily we rise,” said the Indian football team’s official handle in a tweet.
In April, India moved up to 101 in the FIFA Rankings. They have now gained 4.24 points which have helped them move into the top 100 after going unbeaten in June in the Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championships.
India have been on a hot streak of form recently and have been unbeaten since their 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in the 2022 Vff Tri-Nation Series
They have won seven out of nine games in 2023 while drawing twice,...
This is the first time in five years that the Blue Tigers have reached the top 100, having last been ranked at the 97th place in 2018.
“India move up to 100 in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Steadily we rise,” said the Indian football team’s official handle in a tweet.
In April, India moved up to 101 in the FIFA Rankings. They have now gained 4.24 points which have helped them move into the top 100 after going unbeaten in June in the Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championships.
India have been on a hot streak of form recently and have been unbeaten since their 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in the 2022 Vff Tri-Nation Series
They have won seven out of nine games in 2023 while drawing twice,...
- 6/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 28 (Ians) A draw that feels like a defeat. It may be an overused phrase after conceding a late goal, but there was no other appropriate way of describing India’s 1-1 result against Kuwait on Tuesday.
Spoils were shared on paper on the night, but as a whole, India lost out on the top spot in the group by the slimmest of margins, and also their eight-match clean-sheet streak. After a frenetic 90 minutes full of crunching challenges, aggressiveness from both sides, hot heads and immense drama, the crossing line was within reach for India, until Anwar Ali’s mistimed clearance looped into the net for an own goal. But Anwar did not concede the goal.
It’s not Anwar, it’s the country that conceded,” captain Sunil Chhetri was quick to clarify. “It’s an own goal. It can happen to anyone. We are professional enough not to talk about it.
Spoils were shared on paper on the night, but as a whole, India lost out on the top spot in the group by the slimmest of margins, and also their eight-match clean-sheet streak. After a frenetic 90 minutes full of crunching challenges, aggressiveness from both sides, hot heads and immense drama, the crossing line was within reach for India, until Anwar Ali’s mistimed clearance looped into the net for an own goal. But Anwar did not concede the goal.
It’s not Anwar, it’s the country that conceded,” captain Sunil Chhetri was quick to clarify. “It’s an own goal. It can happen to anyone. We are professional enough not to talk about it.
- 6/28/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 27 (Ians) Sunil Chhetri scored a stunning goal but a late own goal by India helped Kuwait fight back to draw 1-1 in the final Group A clash of the Bangabandhu Saff Championship 2023 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday.
In what was a high-tempo and high-tempered contest from start to finish, Sunil Chhetri’s 92nd international goal, a clinical volley put India ahead at the stroke of half-time. They came close but could not add more goals to their tally. However, an unfortunate own goal from Anwar Ali in second-half injury time put a heartbreaking and unfortunate end to India’s hopes of topping the group.
India started off aggressively, suffocating Kuwait with their pressing in the final and middle thirds. Naorem Mahesh Singh, who scored his first international goal in the previous match, was causing all sorts of trouble from the left wing.
In the fifth minute,...
In what was a high-tempo and high-tempered contest from start to finish, Sunil Chhetri’s 92nd international goal, a clinical volley put India ahead at the stroke of half-time. They came close but could not add more goals to their tally. However, an unfortunate own goal from Anwar Ali in second-half injury time put a heartbreaking and unfortunate end to India’s hopes of topping the group.
India started off aggressively, suffocating Kuwait with their pressing in the final and middle thirds. Naorem Mahesh Singh, who scored his first international goal in the previous match, was causing all sorts of trouble from the left wing.
In the fifth minute,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 26 (Ians) Group A’s table-toppers India and Kuwait lock horns in the last group match of the Saff Championship 2023 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here on Tuesday.
Both teams are level on points (6) and goal difference (+6) and have already qualified for the semi-finals. As such, the winners will determine who tops the group and takes on the second-placed side from Group B in the last four.
For India, only a win will earn them pole position since they trail Kuwait on goals scored.
“Result-wise, there’s not much in it apart from getting a bit easier opponents in the semi-final. We’ll approach this game as any other game and try to win it. Keeping a clean sheet is always our first goal,” said head coach Igor Stimac, reiterating the significance of his strong defence, which hasn’t conceded in the last eight matches.
“If it’s a draw,...
Both teams are level on points (6) and goal difference (+6) and have already qualified for the semi-finals. As such, the winners will determine who tops the group and takes on the second-placed side from Group B in the last four.
For India, only a win will earn them pole position since they trail Kuwait on goals scored.
“Result-wise, there’s not much in it apart from getting a bit easier opponents in the semi-final. We’ll approach this game as any other game and try to win it. Keeping a clean sheet is always our first goal,” said head coach Igor Stimac, reiterating the significance of his strong defence, which hasn’t conceded in the last eight matches.
“If it’s a draw,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 24 (Ians) The Indian senior men’s team booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Saff Championship 2023 with a 2-0 win over Nepal in Group A A match at the Sree Kanteerava, here on Saturday.
With this victory, India extended their unbeaten run on home turf to 12 matches. Ever since September 5, 2019, when India lost to Oman, no other international team could leave the pitch in India by tasting victory against the hosts.
After a first half where the Blue Tigers were left frustrated by the stubborn Nepal defence, goals from captain Sunil Chhetri and Naorem Mahesh Singh after the break bagged the three points for the hosts, who had assistant coach Mahesh Gawli on the touchline in place of the suspended Igor Stimac.
Kuwait beat Pakistan 4-0 earlier in the day and will join India in the semi-final from Group A. Nepal, finalists of the previous edition, are eliminated.
With this victory, India extended their unbeaten run on home turf to 12 matches. Ever since September 5, 2019, when India lost to Oman, no other international team could leave the pitch in India by tasting victory against the hosts.
After a first half where the Blue Tigers were left frustrated by the stubborn Nepal defence, goals from captain Sunil Chhetri and Naorem Mahesh Singh after the break bagged the three points for the hosts, who had assistant coach Mahesh Gawli on the touchline in place of the suspended Igor Stimac.
Kuwait beat Pakistan 4-0 earlier in the day and will join India in the semi-final from Group A. Nepal, finalists of the previous edition, are eliminated.
- 6/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 21 (Ians) The Indian senior men’s football team kicked off its Saff Championship title defence in style, thrashing Pakistan 4-0 in Group A match as talismanic Sunil Chhetri scored an impressive hattrick at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here on Wednesday.
Chhetri netted an early brace before adding another after the break for his fourth international hat-trick, thereby taking his tally to 90 goals. Substitute Udanta Singh then finished the job with the fourth goal late on to sum up a memorable night for the Blue Tigers on their return to Bengaluru after almost six years.
Kuwait beat Nepal 3-1 in the tournament opener earlier in the day. India are top of the Group A standings on goal difference after matchday 1.
This was India’s one of biggest victories against Pakistan. In the 1999 Saf Games, India defeated their rivals from across the border 5-2 with Im Vijayan scoring a hat-trick.
Chhetri netted an early brace before adding another after the break for his fourth international hat-trick, thereby taking his tally to 90 goals. Substitute Udanta Singh then finished the job with the fourth goal late on to sum up a memorable night for the Blue Tigers on their return to Bengaluru after almost six years.
Kuwait beat Nepal 3-1 in the tournament opener earlier in the day. India are top of the Group A standings on goal difference after matchday 1.
This was India’s one of biggest victories against Pakistan. In the 1999 Saf Games, India defeated their rivals from across the border 5-2 with Im Vijayan scoring a hat-trick.
- 6/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bengaluru, June 20 (Ians) Just three days after winning the Intercontinental Cup, the Indian senior men’s team will begin its campaign in the Saff Championship 2023 against Pakistan in Group A at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday.
India are a dominant force in the Saff Championship and the most successful team while Pakistan’s best has been a third-place finish in 1997 and an appearance in the semifinals twice.
Despite this huge gap in their record in the competition, a sell-out crowd is expected to witness the battle between the arch-rivals.
The other two teams from Group A, Nepal and Kuwait will clash in the opening match of the tournament earlier on Wednesday. Group B, consisting of Lebanon, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan, is set to begin on Thursday.
Record eight-time champions India are out to defend the title they won in the Maldives in 2021 after beating Nepal 3-0 in the final.
India are a dominant force in the Saff Championship and the most successful team while Pakistan’s best has been a third-place finish in 1997 and an appearance in the semifinals twice.
Despite this huge gap in their record in the competition, a sell-out crowd is expected to witness the battle between the arch-rivals.
The other two teams from Group A, Nepal and Kuwait will clash in the opening match of the tournament earlier on Wednesday. Group B, consisting of Lebanon, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan, is set to begin on Thursday.
Record eight-time champions India are out to defend the title they won in the Maldives in 2021 after beating Nepal 3-0 in the final.
- 6/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, June 19 (Ians) Mumbai City Fc club have reached an agreement with Hyderabad Fc for the transfer of Akash Mishra for an undisclosed fee, the Indian Super League (Isl) club announced on Monday.
The talented young left-back joined the defending Isl Winners on a five-year contract until May 2028.
“The vision and ambition this club has is for everyone to see but more importantly, it gives me the best platform to grow and progress my career. I’ve spoken to coach Des who has shown a lot of faith in me and to be able to play football the way he envisions it, it’s one of the many things that excites me about joining Mumbai City Fc.
“Much like mine, the club’s aspirations go beyond domestic success, aiming to leave a mark in Asia as well and I am excited to represent Mumbai City Fc at the highest possible levels.
The talented young left-back joined the defending Isl Winners on a five-year contract until May 2028.
“The vision and ambition this club has is for everyone to see but more importantly, it gives me the best platform to grow and progress my career. I’ve spoken to coach Des who has shown a lot of faith in me and to be able to play football the way he envisions it, it’s one of the many things that excites me about joining Mumbai City Fc.
“Much like mine, the club’s aspirations go beyond domestic success, aiming to leave a mark in Asia as well and I am excited to represent Mumbai City Fc at the highest possible levels.
- 6/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (Ians) Skipper Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a goal apiece in the second half as India defeated the higher-ranked Lebanon 2-0 in the final to retain the Intercontinental Cup title at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.
With a huge crowd expected to turn out to support them, head coach Igor Stimac had promised a super Sunday in Bhubaneswar, and his boys did everything to make sure their coach lived up to his assurance.
With a solid 2-0 win over Lebanon, the Indian men’s senior team clinched the Intercontinental Cup, adding to the title they won in the inaugural year in 2018.
In what was the first-ever tournament for the Blue Tigers in the Odisha capital, the fans were treated to a fantastic spectacle over the course of four matches, where India did not concede any goals en route to reclaiming the title they last won in...
With a huge crowd expected to turn out to support them, head coach Igor Stimac had promised a super Sunday in Bhubaneswar, and his boys did everything to make sure their coach lived up to his assurance.
With a solid 2-0 win over Lebanon, the Indian men’s senior team clinched the Intercontinental Cup, adding to the title they won in the inaugural year in 2018.
In what was the first-ever tournament for the Blue Tigers in the Odisha capital, the fans were treated to a fantastic spectacle over the course of four matches, where India did not concede any goals en route to reclaiming the title they last won in...
- 6/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (Ians) Talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri scored his 87th international goal and fellow-forward Lallianzuala Chhangte added a second as India defeated the higher-ranked Lebanon 2-0 in the final to retain the Intercontinental Cup title at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday. Both the Indian goals came in the second half of the match as the hosts ended the tournament without conceding a goal.
With a huge crowd expected to turn out to support them, head coach Igor Stimac had promised a super Sunday, and his boys did everything to make sure their coach lived up to his assurance.
With a solid 2-0 win over Lebanon, the Indian men’s senior team clinched the Intercontinental Cup, adding to the title they won in the inaugural year in 2018.
In what was the first-ever tournament for the Blue Tigers in the Odisha capital, the fans were treated to a fantastic spectacle over the course of four matches,...
With a huge crowd expected to turn out to support them, head coach Igor Stimac had promised a super Sunday, and his boys did everything to make sure their coach lived up to his assurance.
With a solid 2-0 win over Lebanon, the Indian men’s senior team clinched the Intercontinental Cup, adding to the title they won in the inaugural year in 2018.
In what was the first-ever tournament for the Blue Tigers in the Odisha capital, the fans were treated to a fantastic spectacle over the course of four matches,...
- 6/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 17 (Ians) Aiming to regain the title they last won in 2018, the Indian senior men’s football team will take on Lebanon in the final of the Intercontinental Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday with their hopes high after some superb performances.
India had clinched the inaugural tournament in 2018, beating Kenya 2-0 in Mumbai. However, the hosts ended up in last place in the previous edition in Ahmedabad in 2019, which was won by Dpr Korea.
The return of the competition after four years in Bhubaneswar has also marked the first time that India are playing an international tournament in the Odisha capital. With their hopes high after an undefeated campaign, Igor Stimac’s men have a tough Lebanon side between them and the trophy.
India finished top of the standings at the end of the group stage with seven points and no goals conceded, registering wins over...
India had clinched the inaugural tournament in 2018, beating Kenya 2-0 in Mumbai. However, the hosts ended up in last place in the previous edition in Ahmedabad in 2019, which was won by Dpr Korea.
The return of the competition after four years in Bhubaneswar has also marked the first time that India are playing an international tournament in the Odisha capital. With their hopes high after an undefeated campaign, Igor Stimac’s men have a tough Lebanon side between them and the trophy.
India finished top of the standings at the end of the group stage with seven points and no goals conceded, registering wins over...
- 6/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 16 (Ians) India men’s football team head coach Igor Stimac and Lebanon coach Aleksandar Ilic are long-time friends, ever since they were teammates at Spanish club Cádiz Cf back in 1994. Now, almost three decades down the line, the Croatian and the Serbian will face each other in opposite dugouts in the final of Intercontinental Cup here on Sunday.
There’s plenty of mutual respect between the two, who always greet each other with a grin followed by a tight hug, but when the whistle sounds, the smiles give way to pensive faces, and it’s game on.
Before the start of the Intercontinental Cup, Stimac sent a slight warning tagged along with a warm welcome to India for Ilic’s Lebanon. “We’re going to make it very difficult for them,” he smiled then.
After Thursday’s pulsating 0-0 draw, it was Stimac who thought his side should...
There’s plenty of mutual respect between the two, who always greet each other with a grin followed by a tight hug, but when the whistle sounds, the smiles give way to pensive faces, and it’s game on.
Before the start of the Intercontinental Cup, Stimac sent a slight warning tagged along with a warm welcome to India for Ilic’s Lebanon. “We’re going to make it very difficult for them,” he smiled then.
After Thursday’s pulsating 0-0 draw, it was Stimac who thought his side should...
- 6/16/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 15 (Ians) The Indian senior men’s football team played out a goalless draw against Lebanon in the final group match of the Intercontinental Cup at the Kalinga Stadium, here on Thursday.
In an evenly-matched contest for most parts, both sides had opportunities to win the game, but neither could find the edge on another humid evening in the Odisha capital.
Lebanon were already confirmed to be India’s opponents in Sunday’s final before the game kicked off as Vanuatu beat Mongolia 1-0 earlier in the day.
Head coach Igor Stimac once again made a flurry of changes to the starting eleven from the previous game, most notably resting Sunil Chhetri, who netted the match-winner against Vanuatu, to give Ashique Kuruniyan his first appearance of the tournament. With the same back-line reinstated from the opening match against Mongolia, goalscorers Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallianzuala Chhangte also returned to the line-up.
In an evenly-matched contest for most parts, both sides had opportunities to win the game, but neither could find the edge on another humid evening in the Odisha capital.
Lebanon were already confirmed to be India’s opponents in Sunday’s final before the game kicked off as Vanuatu beat Mongolia 1-0 earlier in the day.
Head coach Igor Stimac once again made a flurry of changes to the starting eleven from the previous game, most notably resting Sunil Chhetri, who netted the match-winner against Vanuatu, to give Ashique Kuruniyan his first appearance of the tournament. With the same back-line reinstated from the opening match against Mongolia, goalscorers Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallianzuala Chhangte also returned to the line-up.
- 6/15/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 13 (Ians) Talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri pleasantly surprised fans when he announced his wife’s pregnancy in a unique manner after scoring his 86th international goal and leading the Indian team to the Intercontinental Cup 2023 final with 1-0 win over Vanuatu at the Kalinga Stadium, here.
It was perhaps a rather difficult Monday night for the Blue Tigers, but India eventually ended with three points in their kitty.
India were overwhelmingly dominant in the match, keeping 61 percent possession, with 23 shots to Vanuatu’s three. The hosts were lacking penetration in the final third, and managed to register only two shots on target. However, talismanic Chhetri stepped up to the plate in the hour of need, smashing home a cross by Subhasish Bose, in what would be his 86th goal in international football.
Of all that he has scored, perhaps this is the one that would hold special significance for...
It was perhaps a rather difficult Monday night for the Blue Tigers, but India eventually ended with three points in their kitty.
India were overwhelmingly dominant in the match, keeping 61 percent possession, with 23 shots to Vanuatu’s three. The hosts were lacking penetration in the final third, and managed to register only two shots on target. However, talismanic Chhetri stepped up to the plate in the hour of need, smashing home a cross by Subhasish Bose, in what would be his 86th goal in international football.
Of all that he has scored, perhaps this is the one that would hold special significance for...
- 6/13/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 11 (Ians) Indian men’s football team head coach Igor Stimac feels that hot and humid conditions here would give hosts an advantage in their Intercontinental Cup match against Vanuatu at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.
The host India saw off Mongolia 2-0 in their tournament opener on Friday, while Vanuatu went down 1-3 to Lebanon.
As things stand, India will confirm their place in the final on Monday itself, should they win against Vanuatu and Mongolia fail to win against Lebanon in their game.
“The weather does make a lot of impact on the pitch, but we need to be honest that we have an advantage in that sense because we’ve already trained here for more than three weeks. With what we saw in the Vanuatu-Lebanon match, a few players went off injured in the first half, so it’s clear that it will be difficult for...
The host India saw off Mongolia 2-0 in their tournament opener on Friday, while Vanuatu went down 1-3 to Lebanon.
As things stand, India will confirm their place in the final on Monday itself, should they win against Vanuatu and Mongolia fail to win against Lebanon in their game.
“The weather does make a lot of impact on the pitch, but we need to be honest that we have an advantage in that sense because we’ve already trained here for more than three weeks. With what we saw in the Vanuatu-Lebanon match, a few players went off injured in the first half, so it’s clear that it will be difficult for...
- 6/11/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 10 (Ians) It was an untroubled 2-0 victory for India against Mongolia on the opening day of the Intercontinental Cup 2023 with head coach Igor Stimac claiming that his side ticked most of the boxes on a humid evening, here.
“We’re overall happy with our performance. We did everything we sought today – a clean sheet and a victory. The boys enjoyed their time on the pitch, passing the ball, creating chances, and scoring goals. I feel a bit sorry that there were no more goals because there were enough chances to do that,” said Stimac in the post-match press conference.
“Also, the Mongolian team defended well. They were good in the middle press but couldn’t trouble us with the high press as we had magnificent midfielders like Apuia and Thapa, who are very confident on the ball. We knew we’ll have the flanks open to create more crossing opportunities.
“We’re overall happy with our performance. We did everything we sought today – a clean sheet and a victory. The boys enjoyed their time on the pitch, passing the ball, creating chances, and scoring goals. I feel a bit sorry that there were no more goals because there were enough chances to do that,” said Stimac in the post-match press conference.
“Also, the Mongolian team defended well. They were good in the middle press but couldn’t trouble us with the high press as we had magnificent midfielders like Apuia and Thapa, who are very confident on the ball. We knew we’ll have the flanks open to create more crossing opportunities.
- 6/10/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 9 (Ians) The Indian senior men’s football team kicked off their Intercontinental Cup 2023 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mongolia at the Kalinga Stadium, here on Friday.
In what was the Blue Tigers’ first-ever match in Odisha in a competitive meet, they wasted no time stamping their authority, with Sahal Abdul Samad finding the net inside two minutes before Lallianzuala Chhangte doubled the lead in the 14th minute.
Lebanon had earlier beaten Vanuatu 3-1 in the opening game of the four-nation tournament, and thus lead the standings on goals scored after the first matchday.
The Blue Tigers, beginning their bid to reclaim the Intercontinental Cup title they last won in 2018, started off in blistering fashion and took the lead after Anirudh Thapa was set free in acres of space down the right wing. He sent in a menacing low ball into the box which Mongolian goalkeeper Enkhtaivan...
In what was the Blue Tigers’ first-ever match in Odisha in a competitive meet, they wasted no time stamping their authority, with Sahal Abdul Samad finding the net inside two minutes before Lallianzuala Chhangte doubled the lead in the 14th minute.
Lebanon had earlier beaten Vanuatu 3-1 in the opening game of the four-nation tournament, and thus lead the standings on goals scored after the first matchday.
The Blue Tigers, beginning their bid to reclaim the Intercontinental Cup title they last won in 2018, started off in blistering fashion and took the lead after Anirudh Thapa was set free in acres of space down the right wing. He sent in a menacing low ball into the box which Mongolian goalkeeper Enkhtaivan...
- 6/9/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 8 (Ians) A day ahead of their Intercontinental Cup 2023 campaign opener against Mongolia, India senior men’s national football team coach Igor Stimac on Thursday said that they are expecting to win the tournament and will do everything possible to make that happen.
The third edition of the Intercontinental Cup will kick off with a clash between Lebanon and Vanuatu at 16:30 Ist on Friday at the Kalinga Stadium, here. Later in the day, India will have their first-ever meeting against Mongolia.
Hosts India won the inaugural tournament in 2018 in Mumbai, defeating Kenya 2-0 in the final, while Dpr Korea beat Tajikistan in the last edition in Ahmedabad in 2019.
“We’re expecting to win the tournament, and that’s why we’re here. We’ll do everything possible to make that happen,” said Stimac in the pre-tournament press conference on Thursday.
The big target for India is the AFC...
The third edition of the Intercontinental Cup will kick off with a clash between Lebanon and Vanuatu at 16:30 Ist on Friday at the Kalinga Stadium, here. Later in the day, India will have their first-ever meeting against Mongolia.
Hosts India won the inaugural tournament in 2018 in Mumbai, defeating Kenya 2-0 in the final, while Dpr Korea beat Tajikistan in the last edition in Ahmedabad in 2019.
“We’re expecting to win the tournament, and that’s why we’re here. We’ll do everything possible to make that happen,” said Stimac in the pre-tournament press conference on Thursday.
The big target for India is the AFC...
- 6/8/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 5 (Ians) Rowlin Borges, who scored his first-ever international goal for the senior men’s national team in the 2015 Saff Championship in Thiruvananthapuram, is back in national camp after a two-year hiatus and is now looking for more success with the team.
India had found itself a goal down after just three minutes against Nepal in the 2015 Saff Championship. With the hosts’ attack not being able to do the needful in the first half, 23-year-old Rowllin Borges emerged as the unlikely hero, rifling a loose ball in the area straight into the roof of the net, bringing India level.
As he gears up for the Indian team’s next assignment in the Intercontinental Cup, Borges is reminded of that day when he started the turnaround for India.
“It was an amazing, amazing feeling,” says Borges, reminiscing that night in a chat with Aiff. “It’s one of the memories...
India had found itself a goal down after just three minutes against Nepal in the 2015 Saff Championship. With the hosts’ attack not being able to do the needful in the first half, 23-year-old Rowllin Borges emerged as the unlikely hero, rifling a loose ball in the area straight into the roof of the net, bringing India level.
As he gears up for the Indian team’s next assignment in the Intercontinental Cup, Borges is reminded of that day when he started the turnaround for India.
“It was an amazing, amazing feeling,” says Borges, reminiscing that night in a chat with Aiff. “It’s one of the memories...
- 6/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 4 (Ians) Gaining the confidence of the coach is the most important thing in a team environment and India senior men’s football team defender Akash Mishra is reaping the reward of that trust.
In the last nine matches the team has played, Mishra has missed only 12 minutes in all. Such has been his rise over the past few seasons that the 21-year-old has become India’s best option at left-back.
Head coach Igor Stimac and his trust in him has played a big role in his ascent, says Mishra.
“I think it’s a huge factor and very important for a player, especially a youngster like me, in his career when the coach trusts him to get the job done. And when that happens, even an average player becomes a great one because that gives him confidence, and he keeps pushing himself to improve every day,” says Mishra.
In the last nine matches the team has played, Mishra has missed only 12 minutes in all. Such has been his rise over the past few seasons that the 21-year-old has become India’s best option at left-back.
Head coach Igor Stimac and his trust in him has played a big role in his ascent, says Mishra.
“I think it’s a huge factor and very important for a player, especially a youngster like me, in his career when the coach trusts him to get the job done. And when that happens, even an average player becomes a great one because that gives him confidence, and he keeps pushing himself to improve every day,” says Mishra.
- 6/4/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 3 (Ians) With Intercontinental Cup less than a week away, Indian men’s national football team head coach Igor Stimac on Saturday said that the more games times in the upcoming tournaments will give them a chance to try out plenty of things and his boys are keen on putting on a strong show and emerging victorious.
India (101 in the FIFA Rankings) are the second-highest ranked team in the Intercontinental Cup and the following Saff Championship in Bengaluru, behind Lebanon (99), who will participate in both tournaments.
While playing better-ranked opponents is undoubtedly the best way to prepare for the all-important AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year, India head coach acknowledged that several games and a longer camp in the current window will be useful for rotation and to provide more gametime for all.
“As every team, we are always trying to find better teams to play against and improve our game.
India (101 in the FIFA Rankings) are the second-highest ranked team in the Intercontinental Cup and the following Saff Championship in Bengaluru, behind Lebanon (99), who will participate in both tournaments.
While playing better-ranked opponents is undoubtedly the best way to prepare for the all-important AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year, India head coach acknowledged that several games and a longer camp in the current window will be useful for rotation and to provide more gametime for all.
“As every team, we are always trying to find better teams to play against and improve our game.
- 6/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, June 3 (Ians) Indian men’s national football team head coach Igor Stimac on Saturday condoled the tragic accident of the Coromandel Express that happened in Balasore district of Odisha.
The incident took place after the Coromandel Express collided with a goods train in Balasore, causing a death of at least 261 people and injuring more than 900.
Notably, the senior men’s Indian team is currently camped in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ahead of the Intercontinental Cup, which is set to take place in the city from June 9 to 18.
Speaking to the media a day after the accident, Stimac said,”It was not a pleasant morning here in Odisha, when we came to know of the train tragedy that took place yesterday, and so many people lost their lives.”
“I want to express our condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones. I send my hopes and prayers to those who are injured,...
The incident took place after the Coromandel Express collided with a goods train in Balasore, causing a death of at least 261 people and injuring more than 900.
Notably, the senior men’s Indian team is currently camped in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ahead of the Intercontinental Cup, which is set to take place in the city from June 9 to 18.
Speaking to the media a day after the accident, Stimac said,”It was not a pleasant morning here in Odisha, when we came to know of the train tragedy that took place yesterday, and so many people lost their lives.”
“I want to express our condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones. I send my hopes and prayers to those who are injured,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 27 (Ians) Igor Stimac, the chief coach of the senior national men’s football team, on Saturday, called up goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh of Hyderabad Fc for the ongoing camp in Bhubaneswar.
The Blue Tigers are currently camping in the Odisha capital for preparations for the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar and the Saff Championship in Bengaluru.
Two players — goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa Tempa and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam — have been released from the National Camp because of injuries. While Phurba has suffered a right adductor strain, Suresh is down with a hamstring injury, the All-India Football Federation (Aiff) informed on Saturday.
India will begin their campaign in the Hero Intercontinental Cup with a match against Mongolia on June 9.
Stimac had earlier left out Vishal Kaith, Manvir Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Glan Martins, and Roshan Singh due to injuries as he narrowed his squad down to 27 players after two days of rigorous...
The Blue Tigers are currently camping in the Odisha capital for preparations for the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar and the Saff Championship in Bengaluru.
Two players — goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa Tempa and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam — have been released from the National Camp because of injuries. While Phurba has suffered a right adductor strain, Suresh is down with a hamstring injury, the All-India Football Federation (Aiff) informed on Saturday.
India will begin their campaign in the Hero Intercontinental Cup with a match against Mongolia on June 9.
Stimac had earlier left out Vishal Kaith, Manvir Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Glan Martins, and Roshan Singh due to injuries as he narrowed his squad down to 27 players after two days of rigorous...
- 5/27/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 24 (Ians) Indian senior men’s football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu believes that playing back-to-back international tournaments will be beneficial for the side as it presents a great opportunity for players to polish their skills.
India are set to play an unprecedented number of matches, with back-to-back international tournaments lined up on home turf — the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar, and the Saff Championship in Bengaluru, followed by the Kings Cup in Thailand (September) and the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia (October).
“Back-to-back tournaments are very good for us. We’ve got a good number of games in front of us, and that’s something that I personally appreciate. I don’t think we have ever done this before,” Gurpreet told aiff.com.
“Tournaments such as these are always a challenge, but they also present a great opportunity to polish our skills against good teams and even to win some silverware,...
India are set to play an unprecedented number of matches, with back-to-back international tournaments lined up on home turf — the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar, and the Saff Championship in Bengaluru, followed by the Kings Cup in Thailand (September) and the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia (October).
“Back-to-back tournaments are very good for us. We’ve got a good number of games in front of us, and that’s something that I personally appreciate. I don’t think we have ever done this before,” Gurpreet told aiff.com.
“Tournaments such as these are always a challenge, but they also present a great opportunity to polish our skills against good teams and even to win some silverware,...
- 5/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 19 (Ians) Vishal Kaith, Manvir Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Glan Martins, and Roshan Singh were left out due to injuries as Igor Stimac, head coach of the senior India men’s national team, on Friday narrowed his squad down to 27 players after two days of rigorous medical tests at the camp in Bhubaneswar.
The Indian team is currently preparing for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup (June 9 to 18) and the Saff Championship (June 21 to July 4).
The Blue Tigers camp in Bhubaneswar, where the Intercontinental Cup is set to be held, began on May 16 with 40 players, but after rounds of medical and physical tests, the final list of players for the Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championship has been narrowed down to 27 players.
India will continue their camp in Bhubaneswar ahead of the Intercontinental Cup; after the completion of the aforementioned tournament, they will shift base to Bengaluru for the Saff Championship.
The Indian team is currently preparing for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup (June 9 to 18) and the Saff Championship (June 21 to July 4).
The Blue Tigers camp in Bhubaneswar, where the Intercontinental Cup is set to be held, began on May 16 with 40 players, but after rounds of medical and physical tests, the final list of players for the Intercontinental Cup and the Saff Championship has been narrowed down to 27 players.
India will continue their camp in Bhubaneswar ahead of the Intercontinental Cup; after the completion of the aforementioned tournament, they will shift base to Bengaluru for the Saff Championship.
- 5/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Bhubaneswar, May 18 (Ians) Playing against teams like Lebanon, Mongolia, and Vanuatu in the third edition of the Intercontinental Football Cup will be beneficial for the Indian men’s football team, says the team’s chief coach Igor Stimac here on Thursday.
“India are one of the most formidable teams in Asia and it’s beneficial for them only to test themselves against teams like Lebanon, Mongolia, and Vanuatu who also do share a reputation of being strong sides,” Stimac said, sharing his views on the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.
With the third edition of the Intercontinental Football Cup set to be played at Bhubaneswar from June 9-18, the Sunil Chhetri-led Indian team has arrived in Odisha to begin their preparations for the prestigious competition.
“Bhubaneswar has one of the best grounds and infrastructures in the country, hence playing here will surely help us in our preparations for our upcoming major tournaments,...
“India are one of the most formidable teams in Asia and it’s beneficial for them only to test themselves against teams like Lebanon, Mongolia, and Vanuatu who also do share a reputation of being strong sides,” Stimac said, sharing his views on the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.
With the third edition of the Intercontinental Football Cup set to be played at Bhubaneswar from June 9-18, the Sunil Chhetri-led Indian team has arrived in Odisha to begin their preparations for the prestigious competition.
“Bhubaneswar has one of the best grounds and infrastructures in the country, hence playing here will surely help us in our preparations for our upcoming major tournaments,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 17 (Ians) Hosts India were drawn in Group A of the Saff Championship 2023, along with Kuwait, Nepal, and Pakistan, in the official draw ceremony that was conducted, here on Wednesday.
The draw was conducted in presence of All India Football Federation (Aiff) president Kalyan Chaubey, South Asian Football Federation General Secretary Anwarul Huq, and Aiff Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran.
Lebanon and Kuwait are the two teams from outside the South Asian region, who are participating by dint of special invitation. Eight teams are set to fight it out for South Asian supremacy in Bengaluru, as the tournament is set to get underway on June 21, with the final on July 4 in Bengaluru.
India, being the hosts, were automatically placed atop Group A, with Kuwait, Nepal, and Pakistan drawn into the group later. Over in Group B, Lebanon, being the highest ranked team, were automatically placed at the top of the group,...
The draw was conducted in presence of All India Football Federation (Aiff) president Kalyan Chaubey, South Asian Football Federation General Secretary Anwarul Huq, and Aiff Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran.
Lebanon and Kuwait are the two teams from outside the South Asian region, who are participating by dint of special invitation. Eight teams are set to fight it out for South Asian supremacy in Bengaluru, as the tournament is set to get underway on June 21, with the final on July 4 in Bengaluru.
India, being the hosts, were automatically placed atop Group A, with Kuwait, Nepal, and Pakistan drawn into the group later. Over in Group B, Lebanon, being the highest ranked team, were automatically placed at the top of the group,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 12 (Ians) India will take on Mongolia on the opening day of the Intercontinental Cup, which kicks off at the Kalinga Stadium on June 9. The other two teams in the competition, Lebanon and Vanuatu, will also face each other on the opening day of the tournament.
The tournament is part of India’s preparations for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Immediately after the Intercontinental Cup, India will play the Saff Championship 2023, to be held in Bengaluru from June 21–July 3, 2023.
The national team, under head coach Igor Stimac, will be camping in Bhubaneswar to prepare for the tournament from next week onward, May 15, 2023.
This will be the third edition of the Intercontinental Cup, with the previous two being held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019). All four teams will play against each other once before the top two teams compete in the final slated to be held on June 18, 2023.
The...
The tournament is part of India’s preparations for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Immediately after the Intercontinental Cup, India will play the Saff Championship 2023, to be held in Bengaluru from June 21–July 3, 2023.
The national team, under head coach Igor Stimac, will be camping in Bhubaneswar to prepare for the tournament from next week onward, May 15, 2023.
This will be the third edition of the Intercontinental Cup, with the previous two being held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019). All four teams will play against each other once before the top two teams compete in the final slated to be held on June 18, 2023.
The...
- 5/12/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 11 (Ians) Indian men’s football team has been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, after the draw ceremony was conducted at the Qatar Opera House, in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday.
The Blue Tigers, who are ranked 101 in the FIFA Rankings, and will be playing the AFC Asian Cup for the fifth time, are set to meet Australia (ranked 29th), Uzbekistan (ranked 74th), and Syria (ranked 90th) in the tournament proper.
Aiff president Kalyan Chaubey, senior men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac, and women’s national coach Maymol Rocky were present at the Qatar Opera House for the official draw ceremony.
Beginning from Pot 4, India were the first team to be drawn into Group B, gaining B4, after which they were successively placed alongside Syria (B3), Uzbekistan (B2) and Australia (B1), respectively.
‘We will be facing Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in the AFC Asian Cup,...
The Blue Tigers, who are ranked 101 in the FIFA Rankings, and will be playing the AFC Asian Cup for the fifth time, are set to meet Australia (ranked 29th), Uzbekistan (ranked 74th), and Syria (ranked 90th) in the tournament proper.
Aiff president Kalyan Chaubey, senior men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac, and women’s national coach Maymol Rocky were present at the Qatar Opera House for the official draw ceremony.
Beginning from Pot 4, India were the first team to be drawn into Group B, gaining B4, after which they were successively placed alongside Syria (B3), Uzbekistan (B2) and Australia (B1), respectively.
‘We will be facing Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in the AFC Asian Cup,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 4 (Ians) India senior men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac on Thursday announced a list of 41 players for the national camp ahead of the Intercontinental Cup.
The camp is set to get underway in Bhubaneswar on May 15 as India prepare for the Intercontinental Cup, which will take place June 9 to 18 in the capital city of Odisha.
The Blue Tigers are on a preparation path for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year, and are set to play the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar next month, before they move to Bengaluru to play the Saff Championship, in June-July.
India, who are placed at 101 in the FIFA Rankings, will face opponents like Lebanon (99), Vanuatu (164), and Mongolia (183). The Blue Tigers, earlier, had a great start to the year, winning the Hero Tri-Nation Cup in Imphal, Manipur, where they beat Myanmar (1-0) and the Kyrgyz Republic (2-0).
List of 41 players:
Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith,...
The camp is set to get underway in Bhubaneswar on May 15 as India prepare for the Intercontinental Cup, which will take place June 9 to 18 in the capital city of Odisha.
The Blue Tigers are on a preparation path for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year, and are set to play the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar next month, before they move to Bengaluru to play the Saff Championship, in June-July.
India, who are placed at 101 in the FIFA Rankings, will face opponents like Lebanon (99), Vanuatu (164), and Mongolia (183). The Blue Tigers, earlier, had a great start to the year, winning the Hero Tri-Nation Cup in Imphal, Manipur, where they beat Myanmar (1-0) and the Kyrgyz Republic (2-0).
List of 41 players:
Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith,...
- 5/4/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, April 19 (Ians) Bhubaneswar will host the senior men’s national team during the Intercontinental Cup 2023 in June, the Aiff announced on Wednesday.
The four-team Intercontinental Cup will be played in the FIFA International Window from June 9 to 18, with hosts India being joined by Lebanon, Mongolia and Vanuatu in the tournament.
This will be the third edition of the Intercontinental Cup, with the previous two being held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019).
Earlier last month, Manipur hosted the Tri-Nation international football tournament.
“Imphal had experienced the joy of International football in March, and now it’s Bhubaneswar’s turn to join the country’s growing map of international venues for men’s football,” said Aiff Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran.
“Bhubaneswar was one of the venues of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and with that, we have seen some excellent infrastructure being developed by the Government of Odisha.
The four-team Intercontinental Cup will be played in the FIFA International Window from June 9 to 18, with hosts India being joined by Lebanon, Mongolia and Vanuatu in the tournament.
This will be the third edition of the Intercontinental Cup, with the previous two being held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019).
Earlier last month, Manipur hosted the Tri-Nation international football tournament.
“Imphal had experienced the joy of International football in March, and now it’s Bhubaneswar’s turn to join the country’s growing map of international venues for men’s football,” said Aiff Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran.
“Bhubaneswar was one of the venues of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and with that, we have seen some excellent infrastructure being developed by the Government of Odisha.
- 4/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, April 3 (Ians) Ritwik Kumar Das has revolutionised his reputation from a young prodigy to one of the nation’s best wingers over the past couple of Indian Super League (Isl) seasons.
Since joining Jamshedpur Fc, Das has become a key player for the club, scoring important goals and also creating chances for his teammates. In his first season with the Red Miners, he scored four goals and provided one assist in 17 appearances, helping the club win their first-ever League Winners’ Shield.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by national team coach Igor Stimac, and he was called up to the Indian national team in May 2022. But the winger had to withdraw from the camp following an injury.
Das’ performance in the 2022-23 season was also remarkable, as he scored 6 goals in 18 appearances. He finally made his debut for India on March 2023 against Myanmar.
In an interview with Jamshedpur Fc,...
Since joining Jamshedpur Fc, Das has become a key player for the club, scoring important goals and also creating chances for his teammates. In his first season with the Red Miners, he scored four goals and provided one assist in 17 appearances, helping the club win their first-ever League Winners’ Shield.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by national team coach Igor Stimac, and he was called up to the Indian national team in May 2022. But the winger had to withdraw from the camp following an injury.
Das’ performance in the 2022-23 season was also remarkable, as he scored 6 goals in 18 appearances. He finally made his debut for India on March 2023 against Myanmar.
In an interview with Jamshedpur Fc,...
- 4/3/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Imphal, March 28 (Ians) The Indian team played inspiring football against the higher-ranked Kyrgyzstan to snatch a 2-0 victory and bag the Tri-national international tournament trophy with an all-win record and without conceding a goal, in front of around 30,000 crowd at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, here on Tuesday.
With the tournament played during the FIFA window between March 22 and 28, Croatian coach Igor Stimac and his wards made the best out of it by winning both matches in the competition.
The Sunil Chhetri-led side began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Myanmar and a rather emphatic scoreline against Kyrgyzstan put them in the enviable position of finishing the tournament with six points from two encounters.
Against Kyrgyzstan, the opening goal came from a rather unexpected quarter — centre-back Sandesh Jhingan found the target in the 34th minute. As Brandon Fernandes put the ball in style in front of the rival goalmouth off a free-kick,...
With the tournament played during the FIFA window between March 22 and 28, Croatian coach Igor Stimac and his wards made the best out of it by winning both matches in the competition.
The Sunil Chhetri-led side began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Myanmar and a rather emphatic scoreline against Kyrgyzstan put them in the enviable position of finishing the tournament with six points from two encounters.
Against Kyrgyzstan, the opening goal came from a rather unexpected quarter — centre-back Sandesh Jhingan found the target in the 34th minute. As Brandon Fernandes put the ball in style in front of the rival goalmouth off a free-kick,...
- 3/28/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Imphal, March 22 (Ians) India clinched a 1-0 victory over Myanmar at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, in the opening match of the Tri-Nation International Football Tournament on Wednesday.
Given India’s dominance over their rivals for most of the outing, the scoreline would have been bigger, but missed chances combined with the luck factor kept the victory margin at the bare minimum. Anirudh Thapa, the lone goalscorer of the game, was adjudged the Hero of the Match.
A partisan crowd filled up the stands long before the match could start as the Blue Tigers put on a show that genuinely delighted the spectators of Imphal, the city organising its first-ever Senior Men’s international tie.
India’s wingers Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte looked lively from the start, as they looked to make inroads into the opposition third.
Sunil Chhetri had an early look in, as he headed a cross by Anirudh Thapa over the crossbar.
Given India’s dominance over their rivals for most of the outing, the scoreline would have been bigger, but missed chances combined with the luck factor kept the victory margin at the bare minimum. Anirudh Thapa, the lone goalscorer of the game, was adjudged the Hero of the Match.
A partisan crowd filled up the stands long before the match could start as the Blue Tigers put on a show that genuinely delighted the spectators of Imphal, the city organising its first-ever Senior Men’s international tie.
India’s wingers Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte looked lively from the start, as they looked to make inroads into the opposition third.
Sunil Chhetri had an early look in, as he headed a cross by Anirudh Thapa over the crossbar.
- 3/22/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Imphal, March 22 (Ians) Playing the two matches of the Tri-nation international football tournament in Manipur will be a joyous moment for the Blue Tigers, feels senior men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac.
India will play Myanmar in the opening game on Wednesday before facing Kyrgyz Republic on March 28.
“Playing here in Manipur is more of a joy for our players than anywhere else. I have been highlighting the importance of playing at home in the FIFA International Windows, and we are finally getting that,” said Stimac ahead of the clash at the Khuman Lampak Stadium.
“It’s always better than going to some other country and playing on their soil with their arrangements,” he added.
The India head coach also believes that playing such matches will open the eyes about the popularity of football in the state and bring about infrastructural development.
“I very much appreciate the Manipur...
India will play Myanmar in the opening game on Wednesday before facing Kyrgyz Republic on March 28.
“Playing here in Manipur is more of a joy for our players than anywhere else. I have been highlighting the importance of playing at home in the FIFA International Windows, and we are finally getting that,” said Stimac ahead of the clash at the Khuman Lampak Stadium.
“It’s always better than going to some other country and playing on their soil with their arrangements,” he added.
The India head coach also believes that playing such matches will open the eyes about the popularity of football in the state and bring about infrastructural development.
“I very much appreciate the Manipur...
- 3/22/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Kolkata, March 19 (Ians) Igor Stimac, head coach of the senior India men’s national football team, on Sunday announced that Pritam Kotal and Naorem Mahesh Singh have been called up to the national camp for the Tri-Nation International Tournament to be held in Imphal next week.
Kotal and Singh have been called in as replacements for Sivasakthi Narayanan and Glan Martins, who are nursing injuries.
Team India began their camp on Thursday (March 16) to prepare for the upcoming Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament, in which they are set to face Myanmar (March 22) and the Kyrgyz Republic (March 28) at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal.
“We have had three days of training so far, with the players that were not in the Hero Isl final. The rest have joined us today (Sunday), so we will get one training session with them all before travelling to Imphal,” Stimac was quoted as saying...
Kotal and Singh have been called in as replacements for Sivasakthi Narayanan and Glan Martins, who are nursing injuries.
Team India began their camp on Thursday (March 16) to prepare for the upcoming Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament, in which they are set to face Myanmar (March 22) and the Kyrgyz Republic (March 28) at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal.
“We have had three days of training so far, with the players that were not in the Hero Isl final. The rest have joined us today (Sunday), so we will get one training session with them all before travelling to Imphal,” Stimac was quoted as saying...
- 3/19/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
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