Yes-yes, it’s Argies the whole way!

A whole new generation was introduced to the beautiful game of football. Thanks to the FIFA World Cup 86, the champ Argentina, and many thanks to Diego Armando Maradona!

As an 8 year old kid, eyes would be glued to the television set to watch the men in light blue and white stripes playing. My scrapbooks were filled with the colorful pictures of players of the Argentinean team.  Maradona took the lions share, followed by Burruchaga, Jorge Valdano, Nery Pumpido, and even coach Carlos Bilardo.

Argentina’s performance in the world cup like their star Maradona might have been mercurial, but the love and support showered to the country (as well as the individual) is unconditional. Majority supports Argentina, followed closely by Brazil, and then comes the European countries.

Little history
 

There’s a history of why the football-frenzy Bongs (and the Malyali’s to a greater extent supports Argentina. The Argentina team under the stewardship of Carlos Bilardo took part 1984 edition of Nehru Cup held at Kolkata. Under the tutelage of great Yugoslav coach Ciric Milovan, India played their best ever football against Argentina. The Indian brigade played their hearts out; conceded the only goal in the concluding moments of the match.

Apparently, it was the same team that formed the nucleus of the successful World Cup campaign in 1986. The Argentina team in the 1984 Nehru Cup had World Cuppers like Jorge Luis Burruchaga, Neri Pompidou, and Sergio Batista.


Maradona as a demi-god
 

He might have been making news for all wrong reasons since the 1990 FIFA World Cup, but people just love him! 

Maradona himself had a taste of it when he visited Kolkata in the late 2008.

Few things attributes to this huge popularity

• Speaks his mind, never frightened of calling spade a spade.
• Loves to take challenges, suits his personality. Otherwise, who will dare to take the coaching assignment?

His player selection has been erratic, made several mistakes, but who cares – Argentina has made it to the world cup at South Africa!
I’ve seen the player Maradona winning the world cup for Argentina, and now I want the coach Maradona to lift it again for Argentina.

Go Maradona, go Lio Messi, and go-go MessiDona!

Diego chants Saraswati vandana

KSFA announces squad for Manindra Dutta Roy Trophy

The Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) announced their squad for the Manindra Dutta Roy Trophy, the 19th U-21 National Football Championship.

This tournament will be played in Gurgaon, Haryana from February 11 to 21. Karnataka is grouped in Cluster I, they will play their first match against Rajasthan on February 13 and next match against Punjab on February 15.

Early last month, the state association conducted a coaching-cum-selection camp in Bangalore. The state association officials are pinning high hopes on this team, especially, after winning the recently-concluded Dr. BC Roy Trophy, the U-19 National Football Championship.

Players list:

• R Dayalan (ADE)
• Biman Nandi (ASC Boys)
• S Vinodh Kumar (HAL)
• Clement Anthony (Southern Blues)
• Rakesh Babu (KSP)
• S Kiran Kumar (Bangalore Mars)
• Ramesh (BEML)
• Madhu Karan (SAI)
• Rajesh (Bangalore Mars)
• Karthigayan (HAL)
• Don Bosco (BEML)
• Akram (Davangere District)
• Sanoj (SAI)
• R Kiran Kumar (KSP)
• Lokesh C (Vinayaka)
• Gopi (Captain) (HAL)
• Karunakaran (ASC)
• Kewal Lama R (ADE)
• Deepak Kumar (Government Press)
• V Vinodh Kumar (RWF)
• Abhilash (Mysore District)

Officials:

• Imtiaz Ahmed, Manager
• C Ravi Kumar, Chief Coach
• Shantha Kumar, Coach

Dowlath Khan Trophy kicks-off from Friday

Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) is organizing Dowlath Khan Trophy, a knock-out tournament for the C-division teams.

One of the oldest football tournaments of the Karnataka state, Dowlath Khan Trophy is revived by the BDFA. Record numbers of 38 BDFA C-division teams are participating in this tournament and will be played on a knock-out format.

Duration of each match will be 70 minutes (35+10+35). When a match ends in a draw in the regulation time, no extra-time will be played, and the match will go straight to the tie-breaker. All the games will be played at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

The association expressed satisfaction with the number of teams coming out to play such tournaments. They feel that organizing such tournaments should help the player’s caliber and their talent will be displayed, which will ultimately help the players as well as the teams scouting for budding talents.

In the first match of the tournament on Friday, February 12, 1.30 pm, Bangalore Blues takes on Young Gems. Later, Mohd. Sporting, Bangalore will play against Young Blues.

B for Bedi-sm

Spin great Bishen Singh Bedi simply speaks his mind.

Here’s the latest:

Offie, Harbhajan Singh and leggie, Pragyan Ojha are playing with either full or three-fourth sleeves on. bedi questions, “why aren’t they playing with half-sleeve shirt?” He grins with a question-mark like expression!

Source: http://tinyurl.com/yekbux5

Few years back, he compared Muralitharan’s bowling action with a javelin thrower. In the cricketing context, He has expressed his reservation with the word doosra.

This is Bedi’s holistic take on doosra:

Q: What is doosra?
Bedi: The other man in a women’s life is doosra. The other woman in a man’s life is doosri. So basically doosra is unethical, immoral, and illegal.

Albeit lucid and not disjointed!

Prasanna Kumar Memorial kicks-off on November 25

The Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) organized Prasanna Kumar Memorial Football Tournament gets started from Wednesday, November 25 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Played between the BDFA A division teams, this will be the 60th edition of Prasanna Kumar Memorial and this tournament serves as the season opening tournament for the BDFA A division teams.

A total of 16 teams are classified in four pools, the top team from each pool qualifies for knock-out round. The knock-out round will consist of 2 semifinals and a final. The final will be played on December 9.

With the artificial turf laying work gathering momentum, it is interesting to see how BDFA manages to accommodate the other football commitments lined up for the current season - a knock-out tournament for the BDFA B division teams (similar to Puttaiah Memorial Cup and Prasanna Kumar Memorial), B Division, A Division, and Super Division League.

Talking to IndianFootball.Com, one of the BDFA official said that they will act as per the guidelines provided by their parent body, Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA). It is quite possible that the BDFA league would be moved from Bangalore Football Stadium to some other alternative venues.

BDFA would get much clarity in the next weeks, when the Prasanna Kumar Memorial Football Tournament concludes.

ADE plays against Government Press in the inaugural match of the tournament.

Will ground play a spoilsport in Pune

Just when Mohun Bangan and Pune FC are gearing up for the Friday the 13th clash, the ground condition at the Balewadi Sports Complex might just play spoilsport.

Minutes after landing in Pune, the AIFF appointed Match commissioner, who will be on duty for the Friday’s match made a quick round to the stadium. He sounded positive, given the chance that no more shower is expected in the city, hopes match will be on schedule.

The drainage system is working fine. To decide the final fate of the match, match commissioner will make another trip to the ground on Friday (match day) morning. Should the weather will be bright and sunny tomorrow as it is today, then the ground conditions would be decent enough to constitute a match.

Both are teams are dying to practice at the Balewadi stadium to get accustomed with the pitch, but the weather has really deprived them.

Till date, Mohun Bagan had practiced only once in Pune, at the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground on Tuesday. Once they came to practice at the match venue, however, they could not due to incessant rain. They had to content with some indoor drills. Ditto with the host, Pune FC, they have been carrying out their sessions at their practice pitch.

Any delay in this round 8 match would call for a reschedule. Next meeting between these two teams will happen not before February next year.

ITI provides financial help to Subramanis family

Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) donated Rs. 70,000 to the family of the former Karnataka state footballer Menous Subramani.

Subramani, 44, died on August 10 after sheer medical negligence from a city hospital. Subramani was employed with ITI and incidentally, he was on the way to his office when the unfortunate event happened.

An exhibition match was organized in honor of Subramani. This match was played between the ITI veterans and Gowthamapuram veterans at the Gowthamapuram football ground. Subramani hailed from Gowthamapuram, in the Ulsoor locality in Bangalore.

Gowthamapuram has presented numerous national and international footballers and it is considered to be the breeding ground for Bangalore football. Ulaganathan, Sreedharan, and several former national players took part in this exhibition match.

Venkataramana Murthy, President of the ITI Sports Club presented the donation to the widow of Menous Subramani. Also heard from a reliable source that the hospital authority has paid a heavy price as compensation to Subramanis family.

Hamza’s brace helps BEML to lift Puttaiah Memorial Cup

BEML lifts Puttaiah Memorial Cup by defeating MEG convincingly by 2-1.

It was a difficult pitch to display spirited performance, thanks to the incessant drizzle that is happening in this part of the world for the last few days. But both the finalist teams displayed a lively game and entertained a crowd of more than 8000 fans.

Finally, it was BEML the most consistent team, who emerged as the true champion of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup by scoring a goal in each half of the match.

And yet again it was the young and energetic striker from Nigeria, Abdulla Hamza who came to the rescue for BEML. This 20-something happy-go-lucky Nigerian is trying hard to mark his presence felt in India and aspires to play in Europe.

The striker duo of Tiken Singh and Hamza combined well for BEML, coming down from the left flank, Singh’s drifting ball was gathered-up well by Hamza, he coolly beat the charging MEG keeper, and headed the ball into the net.

Prior to the goal, BEML keeper, S Rajan, thwarted a series of attacks from MEG.

MEG tried hard to comeback into the game, however, their attempt took a back seat when their left winger, Girish was shown marching order after commiting a serious offence by deliberately fouling BEML striker RC Prakash.

BEML scored the second goal in the 77th minute, play-maker Mahendra Mani’s right-footed cross was perfect for Hamza to score his 7th goal in this tournament from head.

Later, in the 89th minute, MEG reduced the margin from Ramu’s low grounder free kick.

Cash bounty for the champs

The BEML top brass who were present at the match announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for each player. Also, a special cash reward of additional 15,000 went to the top goal scorer Hamza and goalkeeper Rajan.

BEML thrash HAL in Puttaiah Memorial Cup

Continuing the good run, BEML walloped their arch rival and defending champion HAL 4-2 on the semifinal encounter in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup.

The knock-out stages of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup was postponed by a week to accommodate the foundation stone ceremony for the football academy under FIFA Goal Project.

It was a derby-day of sort, the soccer-frenzy crowd in the garden city gathered in the Bangalore Football Stadium. Finally at the end of the day, the crowd got their moneys worth by watching a fast-paced lively match that experienced 6 goals.

The match strated in a lively note with both teams exchanging big hits. Once, HAL was unclucky when Xavier’s diagonal shot was not placed in the goal.

HAL draw the first blood in the 25th minute, Bimal Minz’s powerful swerving left footer found the BEML goal after a defensive lap.

Within 2 minutes, BEML scored the equalizer when a HAL defender hand-balled inside the penalty box area. Defender Alex Shamaki made no mistake in converting the penalty for BEML.

HAL captain, Xavier VijayKumar, made some neat moves from the flanks, however the HAL strikers failed to convert thre moves into goal.

At the fag end of the first half, former national player and veteran BEML striker RC Prakash who had a bad day at the office messed-up a golden opportunity. The ageing striker had to just place the ball in the open net, however, the opponent defender outran him by sheer pace.

In the second half, HAL was seen mainly attacking from the right side but failed to see a goal.

BEML took lead when Nigerian striker Abdulla Hamza scored in the 65th minute. Within 8 minutes, it was another one from Hamza, and this time, it was Manipuri Tiken Singh who provided a picture-perfect cross to Hamza.

It was Tiken again, few minutes after their 3rd goal dribbled past a couple of HAL players, and let loose a powerful shot to make the score 4-1.

HAL striker Fredrick Okwabe pulled one in the 89th minute, but by then the door was already shut for HAL.

This loss would not do any good for HAL who will be playing in the Federation Cup qualifiers at Calicut later this month.

The final of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup will be played between BEML and MEG on Sunday, November 8. In the other semifinal played on Friday, MEG defeated Karnataka State Police (KSP) by 2-1.

The gate money for today’s match went for a noble cause, in the Chief Ministers Flood Relied Fund for the recent flood that mainly affected northern part of Karnataka.

Five-star celebration by the Mohun Bangan fan group

This Mohun Bangan Club Yahoo group, where members mostly interact via email is celebrating the record-breaking 5-goal win against arch-rival East Bengal by presenting a multi-gym equipment to their beloved club.

Many witnessed the mayhem and many have heard this incident from their father, uncles, or brothers. For whatever may be the case, it was a black day for them and their club. We are talking about that day way back in 1975, when East Bengal pumped-in 5 goals against Mohun Bangan.

For past few years, Mohun Bangan is dominating the scene, however, the 5-goal victory has always eluded Mohun Bangan.

Cut to October 25, 2009, and Mohun Bagan equals the 34-year old record of scoring fiver in a derby. This eventful day was indeed a golden letter day for Mohun Bangan fans who for ages and for generations had borne the burnt of that defeat.

Now this victory calls for a celebration, what would be a better way to celebrate than to get involved in something that will help the club!

This first and the biggest ever internet football fan group in the country is a close-knit unit that comprises fans across the globe of different age group and from varied profession.

After a quick brainstorm, the members zeroed-in on buying gymnasium equipment – an asset that will benefit the players and can be utilized in coming years.

Club management welcomed the initiative and Mohun Bangan coach, Karim Bencherifa suggested the type of the equipment needed – a multi gym, which can be used by 4-5 people simultaneously for chest press, shoulder press, sit ups, bench press, hip flexor, and various other exercises.

Mohun Bagan fans put forth the celebration idea on a fast-track. The contribution money got pulled together in a quick turnaround, in less than 48-hours, and everyone contributed for the wonderful cause.

Also, coach Karim took keen interest and accompanied the fan group members in selecting the equipment.

The celebration was successfully held in the club tent today. Club secretary, Anjan Mitra, handed over the amount to the gym-equipment vendor executive in the presence of media and many members of the Mohun Bangan Club Yahoo group.

This celebration is perhaps first only in Indian football that an internet fan group assisted their club for a cause.

The multi gym will be installed in the Mohun Bangan Club tent in a fortnight’s time.

Seeds planted for FIFA Goal Project in Bangalore

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the football academy kicked-off the FIFA Goal Project in Bangalore.

This residential football academy will nurture 40-60 talented footballers at one time and the academy will be equipped with international coaches, trainers, gymnasium, and various other required state-of-the-art amenities.

In a brief but eventful function, Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa laid the foundation stone for the football academy at the Bangalore Football Stadium today morning.

Also present in the occasion were the AIFF president and Union civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, AIFF general secretary, Alberto Colaco, AIFF vice-president and KSFA president, A.R.Khaleel, several other former international football players, and distinguished dignitaries.

The AIFF president applauded the fact that the Bangalore Football Stadium is perhaps the only football stadium in India which is owned by a state association and could utilize the area for this project.

It was way back in 1975, when the Government of Karnataka granted 17 acres of land to the Bangalore Football Stadium. Even the stadiums in the football-popular states like Goa and West Bengal are either own by the state government or by the defense establishments.

Patel thanked the state government for providing necessary support to enhance the football infrastructure in the city and also requested to continue doing so.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa sounded cheerful and announced a grant of 5 crore for upgrading the stadium. Also, the chief minister thanked FIFA and AIFF for showing keen interest in developing football in India.

The other two venues selected by AIFF for the FIFA Goal Project are Sikkim and Andaman. Bangalore football is benefiting the most by such initiatives.

Earlier, FIFA has selected Bangalore Football Stadium as one of the venue in India for laying artificial turf under FIFA’s "Win in India with India" initiative.

The onus is now up to the state association, KSFA to create an excellent infrastructure and promote the game by nurturing talents across the state.

International Football Academy in Bangalore

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the International Football Academy under FIFA’s Goal Project II will be held at the Bangalore Football Stadium on November 4.

The foundation stone for this prestigious project will be laid by Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa in the presence of All India Football Federation president and Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel and other distinguished guests and dignitaries.

The academy will come up on the Southern wing of the Bangalore Football Stadium.

The academy will be jointly managed by FIFA, AIFF, and Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) and will host international coaches, deputed by the world governing body, to train talented footballers of the state as well as from other parts of the country.

It will accommodate 60 trainees and the academy will be equipped with state-of-the-art gymnasium, boarding, lodging and a seminar hall.

Mini upset in Puttaiah Memorial Cup

In an exciting match, MEG defeated Bangalore Super Division League champion HAL by 4-3.

It was the day of the right-winger Ramu, who tricked HAL’s defense not only once, but thrice and assisted his team, MEG to create an upset win over HAL.

Ramu was fast enough to put give side 2-0 with the first 7 minutes of the game. Also, HAL was equally fast enough the make amends by scoring 2 goals in the span of 6 minutes (31st and 37th minute) in the form of Jotin Singh and Murali.

Ramu finished his quota of hat trick in the 74th minute. HAL equalized again in the 82nd minute through Jotin Singh.

The deciding goal came in the very next minute when Lokeshwar Singh, who came as a substitute striker and scored for MEG.

Knockout postponed

The semifinals, slated for November 1 and 2 are postponed to November 6 and 7. These dates will be utilized for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Football Academy set to take place at the Bangalore Football Stadium under the FIFA’s Vision Asia program. The final of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup will be played on November 8.

Knock out fixtures:

Semi final:
Semifinal 1: November 6 - MEG (Group A winner) V/s KSP (Group B runner-up), 3.30 pm.
Semifinal 2: November 7 - BEML (Group B winner) V/s HAL (Group A runner-up), 3.30 pm.

Final: November 7, 3.30 pm.

Lajong boys are ready to face Bagan

After their convincing victory over Air India, the Lajong FC boys are ready to take on Mohun Bagan.

On the eve of the match between Shilong Lajong FC and Mohun Bagan, IndianFootball.com talked to Stanley Rozario, coach, Shilong Lajong FC.

Stanley touch based on the following points:

Confidence factor in this match

• Our boys had a big win at home against Air India and we are ready to face Bagan.
• But all said Mohun bagan is after all Mohun bagan!
• Even though they are not getting the service of Barretto, yet they are a formidable side with competent bench strength.
• Also, their recent win at the Kolkata derby has boosted their morale.

High altitude home advantage

• I do not agree on the high-altitude thing, a match is a match, and the professional players have to perform.
• Bagan consists of many players from NorthEast. Surkumar Singh, James Singh, Tomba Singh, and Genius Zenith are all experienced in playing in high altitude condition.
• Moreover, the weather here is chilly unlike the any other I-League venues, and the players will be comfortable playing in such soothing condition.

Chief custodian Gumpe Rime’s absence

• Gumpe absense won’t deter much, our other goalies are also good.
• Marus Basutarari is an experience keeper and so is R Lalthuammawia, who has already played against Sporting Club de Goa in the I-League.
• Will take the decision on fielding either of these two keepers tomorrow, just before the match.

Mission to visit Kolkata to see Mohun Bagan’s game (at the derby match against East Bengal on Sunday, October 25

• Was there as a spectator (winks)!
• I always do that, like to take notes on the opposition. Have even done that before the Air India match (East Bengal - Air India match was played at Kolkata).
  
• I’ve shared my observation with the team and accordingly the team has worked on it.
• You can say that the planning part is done it is up to how the players execute in the field. (laughs)

Brazil factor in Chirag

A short story about the Brazilians who are making it happen for Chirag United SC in the ongoing I-League.

They were not the first choices of foreign players. The first one failed to impress the coach as well as the club management. However, he was still included in the team due to lack of quality foreign strikers around.

Talking about the other one, he had played in East Bengal few seasons. However, just before the start of the I-League, he was discarded from the team. Lucky enough to find an I-League Division 1 team in Chirag!

Meet the Brazilian-striker duo for Chirag United SC – Josimar da Silva Martins and Edmilson Marques Pardal.

Are they going to hunt in pairs? Just like the Ba- Bha (Barretto and Bhaichung) partnership a few season back. Will they be the next big pair in Indian club football? Jo-Ed!

These questions are definitely worth asking and only time will answer them.

IndianFootball.com was talking to Djair Garcia, physical trainer for Chirag last night. It was Djair, another Brazilian, who introduced Josimar to Chirag. Though, initially Josimar failed to impress one and all, but his inclusion into the team is bearing fruit for Chirag.

Djair sounded happy that the management had expressed faith in recruiting Josimar, “Josimar now understands the pattern of football played in India; he is improving day-by-day.”

“Happy to see our players in good physical condition! The players have formed one cohesive unit, they are dedicated, and takes each practice session seriously,” adds Djair.

“Chirag will create more surprise in the I-League,” reckons the Brazilian physio.

Picture this, post round 5 of I-League, Chirag has scored 11 goals, and 9 goals are scored between Josimar (5) and Edmilson (4).

Definitely great start!

Debasish Mukherjee takes up Pune FC’s goalkeeping tutelage

Former India goalkeeper Debasish Mukherjee will be in charge of training Pune FC’s last line of defense.

Debasish Mukherjee has started his stint with the team today. On Thursday, October 28, Pune FC takes up the mighty challenge of the winner of the last edition, Churchill Brothers at the latter’s home turf at Goa.

Talking to the IndianFootball.com, Debasish Mukherjee sounded enthusiastic! He is just out from his initial training session with the PuneFC keepers.

He iterated that it too early and too difficult for him to comment on a subject which is just one session old. “Ideally it should take few sessions to comment on something”, said the former keeper.

The Pune FC management has not done any formal contract with Debasish Mukherjee till date. They want so see how Mukherjee integrates with the team and yields better result.

Talking to the IndianFootball.com, General Manager, Dr. B Ashok Kumar sounded optimistic, “We are definitely on the right direction. Paul stressed on having a full-time goal keeping coach and we have it in the form of Debasish.”

“Debasish will train the guys for few weeks, till November 13, (round 5 thru round 8)”, said Dr. Ashok Kumar.

Mukherjee, who was one of the most consistent performers for over a decade, had represented India in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Also, he holds the world record for clocking the longest time being undefeated under the bar.

Last season, Debasish Mukherjee had a similar stint with East Bengal. His association with India’s (and Pune FC’s) numero uno goalkeeper Subrata Paul goes a long way. Paul regards Mukherjee highly and considers him his mentor.

Earlier, when Subrata Paul was going through some torrid times, Debasish Mukherjee imparted technical and mental support, and now we have all witnessed how Subrata Paul has surfaced much better as a person and goalkeeper.

Lackluster win for HAL

HAL opened their account in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup by defeating CIL by a solitary goal.

Bangalore football giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC played their first match in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against CIL at the Bangalore Football Stadium yesterday evening.

HAL enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, however, the attacking duo of Fredrick Okwabe and Jotin Singh missed the sharpness, and could not get past their opponents to score. Also, a few good solo efforts by their foreigner Fredrick failed to open the goalmouth for HAL.

The second half started on a dull note with the ball mainly played in the middle-third. HAL was fortunate enough to get a penalty from a handball inside thebox. Veteran midfielder J. Muralidharan made no mistake to convert thus saving the blushes for his side.

In the other match, a 10-men team of Rail Wheel Factory was good enough to defeat Super Division newcomers Dharmaraja Union by 4-2.

Ecstasy in Shillong!

This is what happens with the fans when a football team from an unknown region gets their first home victory in the I-League Division 1.

The Shillong Lajong FC fans thronged the stadium and the stadium was jam-packed with capacity crowd.

The expectation from the team was high, the team leaved upto it with a thrashing 3-0 margin, and finally the crowd went ecstatic!

Always a great acheivement to garner full points in the first ever I-League Division 1 home match. A special mention goes to the Lajong players for displaying their character, mental strength, and attitude against the Airmen.

Also, Lajong so far has managed to win an away match. These matches are very difficult for any newly promted team and they are no exception to this, still they managed to win a match. Great show!

Applaudable is coach Stanley Rosario’s approach towards I-League, “Too dificult to predict in a marathon league like this. Forget saving relegation, aiming for a spot, et al., I would like to concentrate one match at a time. Aim for full 3 points at the home matches and 1 point in the away matches, anything more is bonus to me.

Also, commendable is the fact that the except for Gumpe Rime, Daniel Bedemi, and Aibor Khongjee, all the other players in the team are new to this format. They do not have any idea about I-League, yet they responded positively, and improving day by.

Veteran keeper, Gumpe Rime feels that the Lajong crowd by far is the most impressive home team crowd he has ever experienced in the I-League.

Gumpe remembered that once he told to IndianFootball.Com about the joining Lajong FC and be a part of the history. How does he feel now to be a part of the history?

Gumpe says, “I’m very happy, let’s not be content with this, and hope to continue with the same spirit.”

Unfortunately for Lajong, Gumpe will be sitting out in the next match due to a suspension over 2 yellow cards.

With a performance like this, Shillong Lajong FC can expect nothing but crowds support!

Super Division teams for Puttaiah Cup

Top Super Division teams will be participating in the Puttaiah Cup, which gets started from October 21.

Puttaiah Cup is organized by the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) where top Bangalore teams like HAL, BEML, Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) Bangalore will be participating.

A total of 10 teams will be participating in the league-cum-knockout tounament. The teams are divided in 2 groups, 2 teams from each groups will qualify for semifinals. The final will be played on November 3.

In the opening encounter on October 21, RWF will take on Dharmaraja Union, and later in another match HAL will take on CIL.

The teams feel that this tournament will be a perfect build up for the BDFA Super Division league, which will be followed after Puttaiah Cup.


Team listing

Group A: CIL, Dharmaraja Union, HAL, MEG, and RWF
Group B: BEL, BEML, ISRO, KSP, and SAI

Football camp for girls in Bangalore

The Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) will conduct a coaching-cum- selection camp for the girls aged between 16 to 19 years.

The selected players will be participating in the Junior Girls National Football Championship. This tournament is for the girls who are aged below Under-19.

The 8th edition of the Junior Girls National Football Championship will be held in next month at Orissa.

Players from the Karnaka state who are born on or after January 1, 1991 and not later than December 31, 1993 are eligible to report to the camp at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 20 at 8 am.

Pune FC all set to clash with Sporting Club de Goa

In their first away match in the League Division 1, Pune Football Club (FC) is all set to lock horns with host, Sporting Club de Goa on Friday on October 17.

The team so far had a mixed outing - draw against Kingfisher East Bengal in their first match and a loss against Air India. All these matches were played on their home turf at Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune.

However, being an away match, Pune FC would be still looking for a positive outing. The host, Sporting Club de Goa, would be low on morale after their home loss against another new comer, Shillong Lajong FC.

Pune FC is bolstered with the addition of the striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who was away on duty for the India Under-19 team. His return would definitely give an edge to the team.

Pune FC signs striker P Muthu

New comer to the I-League Division 1, Pune Football Club (FC) has signed a striker, P Muthu to their roster.

Muthu hails from Chennai and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament in this year’s edition of Santosh Trophy.

Muthu has represented his state team, Tamil Nadu in the last 8 editions of Santosh Trophy. The striker stands 5’7’’ tall and had previously played for AGA Club, Chennai for last 10 years.

Muthu joins his team, Pune FC today in Goa. In all possibility, he will be making his debut in the I-League Division 1 by playing the match against Sporting Club De Goa on October 17.

Bagan will come back strongly: Manju

Backbone of the Indian and Mohun Bagan defence, Nanjangud Shivananju Manju is confident about his clubs good show in the ongoing I-League.

He has been the mainstay for the Mohun Bagan defence for last 2 seasons. But he is out of action since mid-August, thanks for a hairline fracture due during the match against Lebanon in the ONCG Nehru Cup.

N S Manju has been in the oblivion since then, silently recuperating from injury in his home town.

He is now ready to travel to Kolkata to consult his Physiotherapist, Dr. Jibak Mukherjee to decide the future course of action.

“I’ve started walking after one and half months, however it is not smooth as I limp while walking”, says Manju.

“I will meet Dr. Jibak Mukherjee on Thursday, October 15, I believe I need to undergo a series of physiotherapy.”

When asked about his team’s dismal performance at the beginning of the I-League, Manju sounded very nonchalant, “Even the start of the previous two editions of I-League were not smooth. We struggled at the beginning, yet we came back well, geared up at the right time, and in the last season we missed I-League by a whisker”.

“I am sure this will happen again, I have full faith in coach and my teammates”, Insists Manju.

He was light-heartedly asked that why does he always gets injured during National duty, Manju laughed, “Injury in not in my hand and similarly not in AIFFs hand.”

Manju supports the idea of the National body, the AIFF paying the players salary on behalf of the club if the player gets injured while playing for country.

“I think Bagan has every right to ask to AIFF”, he sounded cautious, “I do not want to rake up a controversy by saying this. I am not aware of the technicalities involved here and neither I am aware of the communication that happened between my club and the AIFF”.

“I have been totally aloof from the scene, whatever little information I’ve gathered is through reading newspaper and by learning from my friends”, says Manju.

Recently, Mohun Bagan secretary, Anjan Mitra had issued a letter to the AIFF, asking Manju's salary.

Manju is eager to come back to the game. He plans to work hard - undergo a proper treatment program, plan and work on his fitness level so that he is not bother about any minor niggles.

For the sake of Indian Football, IndianFootball.com wishes a fast recovery to Manju.

So far so good for Lajong: Gumpe

Shillong Lajong FC's captain Gumpe Rime sees the positive side of the performance of his team after their first three matches in the I-League's top Division.

“Three points from three away matches, that too for a team that is newly promoted into the I-League Division 1, this is a decent start!”, recons the veteran custodian of Shillong Lajong FC, Gumpe Rime.

The team was returning to Shillong after playing their away matches in Goa, while IndianFootball.Com caught up on Gumpe at the Mumbai Airport.

All said but Gumpe is very much concerned about the two big losses, 5-1 against JCT and 4-1 Dempo. “We do not have any big-bodied overseas player playing in the defence and need to work on that area.”

“I am sure our coach Stanley has made plans to fix it once we get started with practice after reaching Shillong”, says Gumpe.

Lajong will play their next match against Air India in Sunday, October 18. “It’s good that we will be playing our next three matches are home, we must utilise the home advantage.”

Air-India has always been a tough nut to crack. Though playing in the high altitude is a challenge for any visiting team, but Gumpe feels that it would not be that difficult for the Airmen. Bimal Ghosh’s team boasts of numerous Northeastern players who are well acclimatized playing in such conditions.

An interesting match would surely be on the cards and one would welcome Shillong as the latest I-League venue!

Ghosh wary of opponents’ competence

Air India coach Bimal Ghosh showed full respect for his opponents, newcomers Pune FC.

On Thursday evening, Air India will meet Pune FC in Pune to play their round 2 I-League match. In fact, this will be the first match for Air India as their earlier match was postponed due to heavy rainfall.

Ghosh is aware of the strengths of Pune FC. In their earlier encounter in the IFA Shield, Air India got the better of Pune FC (the match finished 2-1 in favour of Air India) but the Air India coach reiterated that come Thursday, it would be a different ball game all together – different format, different pitch and above all, different conditions with the backing of the home crowd.

Ghosh expects a stiff challenge from the Pune lads, especially, after their impressive debut match against East Bengal last week. Inclusion of the Brazillian striker, Edmar Figueira, has increased the striking ability of Pune FC. It is a definite worry for Air India as he is an unknown factor.

Meanwhile, in the Pune FC camp, the players were relaxed and the mood was upbeat. Izumi Arata, who scored the only goal against Air India in the previous encounter, was confident and insisted that he would just give his best!

Arata’s best performance against his former club

The Japanese Player of Indian Origin is happy with his play against East Bengal in Pune FC's I-League debut.

He had turned out for East Bengal in the I-League just two-seasons ago, however, East Bengal did not retain him. He had a mediocre last two seasons with Mahindra United. He has since joined the newly promoted I-League Division 1 team, Pune Football Club (PFC).

Meet the the attacking midfielder, who is filling the PIO quota for Pune FC, Neelkantha Narendra Khambolja, or popularly, Izuma Arata.

Arata yesterday played exceedingly well against his former club. His powerful shot pierced East Bengals’ defence, and only found the keeper before the goal-net.

Talking to IndianFootball.com, Arata insisted that there was no such urge to give the best agianst his former club, but there was enormous crowd support, so that motivated him to give his best.

When asked about his reaction when missing the man-of-the-match (MOM) award narrowly to defender Chika Wali, team man Arata promptly responded, “It really does not matter to me who gets the MOM award, we played well, and one of my teammate got the award.”

"I am happy!", laughs Arata.

Arata is gradually living up to his billing. Maybe this season of I-League will provide him the platform.

Ulaganathan is proud of Odafe's feat

Scoring a hat-trick is a difficult task and that too in the finals – a rare feat! Odafe Onyeka Okolie has achieved this accomplishment in the 2009 Durand Cup final against Mohun Bagan yesterday.

However, Odafe is not the only one who has achieved this rare feat. Way back in 1974, football star of the 1970's, N. Ulaganathan tricked JCT's defence, and scored three goals against them. In that exciting Durand Cup final, Mohun Bagan got the better of JCT by 3-2.

Talking to IndianFootball.Com from Bangalore, Ulaganathan was elated, "I am proud that Odafe has joined me, I was quite feeling alone for many decades." Laughs Ulaga, who was popularly known by this name to his Kolkata football fans.

"It is always difficult to score so many goals in the finals - lot of pressure, you get the best opponent, and you are always marked. Odafe is a great player and he displayed his class in the final," adds Ulaganathan.

Bangalore Kickers lift the BDFA 3rd Division title

Bangalore Kickers defeated Jawahar Union 2-1 in a keenly contested match to win the BDFA 3rd Division title.

Both teams gained a promotion spot to the B Division after impressive performances in the league.

Jawahar Union, coached by veteran Thyaga Rajan, lead by a solitary goal in the first half. Bangalore Kickers came from behind in the second half with a flurry of attacks two slot in two goals.


'Fair Play Day' observed by BDFA

The BDFA organized a prize distribution ceremony for the 2008-2009 B and C Division leagues after the match. Cash prizes and several individual awards were given away to the winners.

Further a unique football press photography award was given away to the print media to promote football in Bangalore.

Bangalore Football Stadium to become 'weather-proof'

The process has started to make football pitches in India weatherproof – be it incessant rain or scorching heat, the grass shall always remain green in the football stadiums.

As IndianFootball.Com reported a few days back, the representatives from FIFA inspected the Bangalore Football Stadium, home to the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA).

As a part of the "Win in India with India" initiative by FIFA, artificial turfs consultant, Dr. Eric Harrison visited the Bangalore Football Stadium on Thursday, September 17. Dr. Harrison was also accompanied by Chrysantha Perera, FIFA's Assistant Development officer who is also the CEO of Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

The FIFA consultants expressed satisfaction over laying the synthetic turf in the stadium. The work should start anytime in January next year once the tendering process is completed. The installation typically takes four months.

The FIFA consultants are touring India to finalize the other locations for artificial turfs.

Former Bangalore city footballer Amal Dass dead

Former Bangalore city footballer, Amal Dass, expired on Friday, September 11. He was 77 years of age and was suffering from long illness.

Dass, who played in the forward position, represented Services in the Santosh Trophy. He was also a part of the Rovers Cup winning team of 1966 which won the then prestigious tournament.

He regularly turned out for EME Secunderabad in several other national-level tournaments, including Durand Cup and Chakola Gold Cup.

A breath of fresh air in the Bangalore football scene

Current football season in Bangalore is definitely not going to be a boring affair for the footballers as well as for the football lovers.

Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) has roped in a sponsor for the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) league.

Leading sports management company, SPT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. will be conducting the BDFA league for this season. Speaking to the IndianFootball.Com, KSFA president, AR Khaleel gave this news. Also, he was cheerful about the fact that this initiative will bring in more professionalism to the game here. There will be various cash rewards for the best performing teams and players, added Mr. Khaleel.

Earlier, the IndianFootball.Com had covered an article on the grass-root level initiatives taken by SPT Sports in Bangalore. Sponsoring the local league is a new foray in the sports management space for SPT Sports.

The Bangalore Football Stadium is also readying for a major facelift. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has selected the Bangalore Football Stadium as one of the 10 venues for laying synthetic turf. Mr. Khaleel said that the ground experts from FIFA will inspect the Bangalore Football Stadium on September 14.

This plan will be done under the Win in India with India project. The experts will also inspect the grounds in Imphal, Shillong, Hoshiarpur, and Cooperage.

AFC Referees Day awards
Celebrating AFC Referees Day, the KSFA awarded Vijayakumar, employee of the Postal department as the referee of the year. The best assistant referee award was given to Andrew Shekhar, employee of AGORC.

KSFA to celebrate AFC Referees Day

Asian Referees Day, the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) initiative to recognize the contribution of the referees in the game will be celebrated with much fanfare at the Bangalore Football Stadium on tomorrow, September 1, at 4 pm.

Earlier, to acknowledge the referees in the wonderful game of football, the AFC had decided to celebrate September 1 as the Asian Referees Day.

On the similar lines of AIFF, the KSFA too will honor two local football referees. The name of the recipient will be announced during the celebration.

A friendly football match will be played between the Referees XI and the Former State Footballers XI.

Edu signs for Mohammedan Sporting

Come Sunday, August 30, Brazilian Eduardo Escober or popuarly Edu will don the black and white colors, and turn out for Mohammedan Sporting against Lajong F C, Shillong in the IFA Shield.

Edu played for JCT Mills, Ludhiana in the last two seasons. He was a goal machine for JCT Mills in his first season in the I-league 1st division, however, he failed to keep the same momentun in last season, and later released from JCT Mills.

Edu embarked in Kolkata two days ago and was waiting for his formal clearence from his previous club. He joined the practice session today and later completed the signing formalities in the IFA tent.

Edu exuded confidence in today’s practice session – be it converting goals from the dead ball situations or creating passes to his fellow strikers. He was quite satisfied with his own performance, but reckoned that it will take another month to reach to his prime form.

Coach, Shabbir Ali expressed his satisfaction in Edu’s form. In the IFA Shield, Mohammedan Sporting will go out to play with two foreigners, Brazillian Edu and Nigerian Peter Odafe.

Breather for Snehasis
The IFA, today reduced the penalty ammount of Snehasis from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 50,000. He is now free to play for the Green and Maroon brigade. Earlier, in a highly debatable decision, the IFA Players’ Status Committee penalized the mid-fielder for forging his signature in the contract paper. Interestingly, Snehasis’ previous club, East Bangal was given a clean chit by the committee.

IFA Shield fixtures out

The Indian Football Association (IFA) has released the fixture of the 114th edition of IFA Shield. The tournament kicks off on August 30 with the game between Mohammedan Sporting Club (SC) and Lajong Football Club (FC), Shillong.

The teams are divided into 4 groups with each group comprising of 3 teams. The winner of each group will qualify for the semi-final spot.

Senegal team, Association Sportive (AS) Douanes, Dakar will add the African flair in the tournament, Tata Football Academy (TFA) has been the qualified to play in this tournament after winning the Prodyut Dutta Memorial Cup, and the rest all are the I-League teams.

The final will be played on September 12. ESPN will telecast the 2 semi-finals and final live from the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Salt Lake.

The organizer, IFA is yet to decide on the venues for the league matches. The probable venues would be Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (AC) ground, Howrah Municipal Stadium, Vidyasagar Krirangan, Barasat, and Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

Participating teams and groups

Group A

• East Bengal
• Chirag United
• TFA

Group B

• Mohammedan SC
• Lajong FC
• Churchil Brothers

Group C

• Mohun Bagan AC
• Camelia George Telegraph
• Mahindra United

Group D

• Air India
• Pune Football Club (FC)
• AS Douanes

Fixtures

August 30, 2.45 pm: Mohammedan SC v/s Lajong FC, Mohun Bagan ground
August 30, 2.45 pm: Air India v/s Pune FC, Howrah Municipal Stadium
September 1, 2.45 pm: Chirag United SC v/s Tata Football Academy, Mohun Bagan ground
September 1, 2.45 pm: Camelia George Telegraph v/s Mahindra United, Khardah Stadium
September 2, 2.45 pm: Mohammedan SC v/s Churchill Brothers SC, Barasat Stadium
September 2, 2.45 pm: AS Douanes v/s Air India, Howrah Municipal Stadium
September 3, 2.45 pm: East Bengal v/s Tata Football Academy, Barasat Stadium
September 3, 2.45 pm: Mohun Bagan AC v/s Camelia George Telegraph, Mohun Bagan ground
September 4, 2.45 pm: Churchill Brothers SC v/S Lajong FC, Mohun Bagan ground
September 5, 2.45 pm: AS Douanes (Senegal) v/s Pune FC, Howrah Municipal Stadium
September 6, 2.45 pm: East Bengal v/s Chirag United SC, Barasat Stadium
September 6, 2.45 pm: Mohun Bagan AC v/s Mahindra United, Mohun Bagan ground

September 8, 3.05 pm: 1st Semi-final (Winner of group B v/s Winner of group D), Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Saltlake
September 9, 3.05 pm: 2nd Semi-final (Winner of group A v/s Winner of group C), Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Saltlake

September 12, 3.05 pm: Final (Winner of 1st Semi-final v/s 2nd Semi-final), Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Saltlake

Sub-junior national championship kicks off in September

Coca Cola sponsored sub-junior (under-15) national football championship will get started in the last week of September. On a press release issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), all the member state associations are directed to conduct inter-school, -district, or –club tournaments to select players for the state team.

The teams are divided into four groups and each group is based on a zone. The preliminary group stage matches will be held in four different venues. The final round will be held either in Delhi or Haryana.

The final round will be played in a round-robin format, with top two teams from each group qualifying along with the last editions winner, Mizoram and the host team, either Delhi or Haryana.

Participating teams and groupings

Group I – South-West Tamil Nadu Karnataka Kerala Pondicherry Goa Maharashtra Gujarat Daman and Diu	Group II – East West Bengal Orissa Jharkhand Madhya Pradesh Bihar Chhattisgarh Rajasthan Andaman and Nicobar Island
Group III – North-East Manipur Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim Assam Meghalaya Tripura	Group IV – North Delhi Uttaranchal Punjab Uttar Pradesh Chandigarh Himachal Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir Haryana
Final round teams Host team (Delhi or Haryana) Mizoram (last year’s winner) Winner of Group I Runner up of Group I Winner of Group II Runner up of Group II Winner of Group III Runner up of Group III Winner of Group IV Runner up of Group IV

Three Pune FC players in the Junior camp

Jeje Lal Pekhlua, Lal Rozama, and Ajinkya Desai of Pune Football Club (FC) have been called up for the final selection of the junior camp to be held at Goa.

Senior Pune FC team members, Jeje Lal Pekhlua and Lal Rozama will attend the National under-19 camp and under-17 Pune FC team member, Ajinkya Desai will attend the National under-16 camp.

The under-19 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers in November and the under-16 team will participate in the AFC Championship qualifiers at Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi in October this year.

Interestingly, all the 3 players have been a part of Pune FC since inception. This is indeed a great day for Pune FC, who has taken up the youth development program with utmost sincerity.

Practice match updates for the Kolkata clubs

East Bengal started their initial practice match on the soil of Myanmar on a spoilt note.

East Bengal lost to Yadanarbon FC by 2-1, the match was played on Sunday, August 16 at the Bahtoo Stadium, Mandalay. The visitors were leading by a goal from Harmanjot Khabra, however, they failed to hold the lead and went on conceding two goals at the later part of second half.

In their second practice match on Wednesday, August 19, East Bengal will play against Yangon United FC at the Aung San Stadium, Yangon. This team is the current runner-up of the Myanmar National League Cup 2009.

East Bengal fans would sincerely hope Subhas Bhowmik’s boys would put up much better show ahead of the long football season.

Mohun Bagan won their 4th practice match against a local team on August 15 in Burdwan, 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kolkata.

Chiddi Edeh (2) and Suraj Mondal scored for Bagan. The local team compromised of few footballers who play in the Kolkata Premier League.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan might shift venue for the second phase of their pre-season camp. Earlier, they had planned for a 5-day camp at Durgapur, 182 kilometers (113 miles) from Kolkata. However, Bagan coach Karim was not impressed by the ground conditions at Durgapur and requested the club management for a location close to Kolkata, which provides better quality ground.

Team might opt to practice in Shantiniketan, 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Kolkata.

Mohun Bagan wins practice match against Army XI

Settling down on the plains after their pre-season camp at the hills in North Bengal, Mohun Bagan kicked-off their parctice match on a decent note.

Playing against the Army XI on Thursday, August 13, Mohun Bagan won by 3-0. The goal scorers were Chidi Edeh, Tomba Singh, and Suraj Mondal. Bagan was leading by a solitary goal in the first half.

Shantha Kumar and foreign recruit Chidi played well for Mohun Bagan. Chidi had put several crosses, which was wasted by the strikers.

Mohun Bagan played much better in the second half after the introduction of Tomba Singh, Snehasish Chakraborty, and Suraj Mondal.

On Tuesday, August 11, Mohun Bagan won their first practice match against Calcutta Customs by 2-0, Snehashis Chakraborty and Biswajit Saha scored the goals for Bagan.

Talking to IndianFootball.com, Coach Karim expressed his satisfaction over team’s performance. However, he recons there are areas of minor concern, which he would like to set straight before his team gets into the business in IFA Shield.

Squad for the first-half against Army XI: Sangram Mukherjee, Karan Atwal, Anandvasan, Sangram Mandi, Biswajit Saha, Ishfaq Ahmed, Manish Mathani, Subho Kumar, Santha Kumar, Kartick Kisku, Chidi Edeh.

Drama revolving around Nehru Cup

As India gets ready to defend their title for the Nehru cup, the tournament has now reduced to a mere 5-team competition.

At first, it was Thailand who expressed their inability to send their senior team and requested the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to include their under-19 team for the tournament. However, AIFF rejected the idea, and roped in Palestine as the sixth team.

Now there was more twist in the tale - Palestine Football Association Association had different ideas, rather than fielding their full strength national squad they decided to field a club team. Quite understandably, AIFF dropped the Palestine team from the tournament.

This is an absolute insult to the tournament, which was once regarded as the best football tournament in Asia and ranked 18th in the World.

Nehru Cup was launched in 1982 with much fanfare. In the 80s, Nehru Cup truly lived up to its potential. Football lovers in India got a chance to see quality football from Argentina, Uruguay, Russia (erstwhile USSR), Poland, and Hungary.

World Cuppers like Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay, 1982), Jorge Luis Burruchaga (Argentina, 1984), Neri Pompidou (Argentina, 1984), Laszlo Kiss (Hungary, 1984), Rinat Dasayev (Russia) displayed their football skills in India.

India, though, most of the time was in the receiving end, but played some exemplary football against the tough opponents - against Uruguay in 1983, Argentina in 1984, and Poland in 1988.

Under the tutelage of great Yugoslav coach Ciric Milovan, India perhaps played the best ever football against Argentina in 1984. India was successful in defending the Argentine attack till the 79th minute. World Cup winning coach, Carlos Bilardo, coached the Argentine team. Apparently, it was the same team that formed the nucleus of the successful World Cup campaign in 1986. The Argentina team in the 1984 Nehru Cup had World Cuppers like Jorge Luis Burruchaga, Neri Pompidou, and Sergio Batista.

Another unforgettable match was against the mighty Poland team in 1988. Amal Dutta's team was dominating the proceedings and was leading by a goal in the first half. Poland somehow managed to level score at the later part of second half.

In the 90s, Nehru Cup started loosing its sheen as AIFF settled for relatively lesser known teams. Nehru Cup was an annual event till 1989, later it became a biennial event due to scarcity of funds. The tournament was shelved after 1997 owing to lack of sponsorship and other matters. The tournament resurfaced in 2007 as ONGC Nehru Cup.

It was our current national coach Bob Houghton’s influence that helped to revive the Nehru Cup in 2007 and India emerged victorious. However, the revived version had less ranked teams. Most people had seen this more of a deliberate ploy as to improve FIFA rankings. Rather than fighting and going down to the high-ranked teams, one would expect India to win against teams similar or lesser in FIFA ranking.

Teams like Thailand (117) and Palestine (177) does not have great FIFA rankings, yet AIFF has failed to plan and make use of the FIFA international calendar.