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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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
Group B
Group C
Group D
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
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
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
Monday, August 24, 2009
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
| Group II – East
|
Group III – North-East
| Group IV – North
|
Final round teams
| |
Monday, August 17, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Medical negligence claims former footballer's life
Sheer medical negligence from hospital authorities claimed the life of former Karnataka state footballer Menous Subramani (44).
Subramani was on the way to his office at Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) complex when he complained about breathlessness. He went to a nearby hospital to seek medical attention and waited for 45 minutes to get a first aid treatment.
However, realizing that his blood pressure has dropped, the hospital authorities advised him to visit a hospital, which is equipped with better medical facilities. To add to the woes, he could not avail the hospital ambulance as it was under repair. Subramani's condition deteriorated due to the delay in treatment. While reaching the other hospital, Subramani felt unconscious, and died before the doctors could conduct an ECG test.
Subramani had represented Karnataka at the junior level, he was associated with training, and other football activities in the city. He was working with ITI for the last two decades.
Subramani was on the way to his office at Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) complex when he complained about breathlessness. He went to a nearby hospital to seek medical attention and waited for 45 minutes to get a first aid treatment.
However, realizing that his blood pressure has dropped, the hospital authorities advised him to visit a hospital, which is equipped with better medical facilities. To add to the woes, he could not avail the hospital ambulance as it was under repair. Subramani's condition deteriorated due to the delay in treatment. While reaching the other hospital, Subramani felt unconscious, and died before the doctors could conduct an ECG test.
Subramani had represented Karnataka at the junior level, he was associated with training, and other football activities in the city. He was working with ITI for the last two decades.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Advantages of conducting pre-season training camps
A new trend started in the last few seasons - Pre-season training camp. What is this training camp all about?
Currently, almost all the I-League teams, both the 1st and 2nd division second teams are going through the pre-season training camp. And guess what, most team prefers to carry out their pre-season training camp outside the regular places - locations where one would least expect a football team camping for couple of weeks.
So, if East Bangal chooses a serene beach resort in the outskirts of Puri, then the arch-rival Mohun Bagan chooses a hill resort encapsulated by fog, some 18 km away from the hill station Kalimpong. If Pune Football Club feels that the artificial grasses in Goa are good for their pre-season campaign, then Mohammedan Sporting feels that training on the loose sands of the Digha beach would help the players for the coming season.
I am not going to delve into the technicalities of pre-season training camp, but the basic essence of conducting a pre-season training camp are as follows:
A classic example to this is Mohun Bagan pre-season training to Kalimpong. Nobody has ever heard that Kalimpong boasts of excellent football facilities. However, this hill town’s geographical location is ideal for fitness and endurance training. Team management wisely chose a resort, which is away from the Kalimpong city, idyll, and not visited by the tourists at this part of the year. Even after a strenuous training session, the team nicely integrated with the local folks. The locals celebrated Rakhi Dore, (Rakhsha Bandhan) with the team and presented local souvenirs to the team followed by some cultural program. A Kodak football moment of peace and integration!
Later when Mohun Bagan turned out to play a friendly match against the local club, there were around 8000-odd spectators who flocked to the stadium ignoring heavy rain and stormy weather. Mohun Bagan club secretory, Anjan Mitra reciprocated a similar feeling by contributing the match gate fee for the development of football in Kalimpong.
As the team prepares to leave Kalimpong tomorrow, they have won the hearts of the locals. Now, it is up to the decision of the management to leverage the momentum generated by the pre-season camp. Maybe they can induct few local talents in their academy, MBSFA or play an exhibition match to encourage the local football.
Very similar thing was planned by Chirag United for their pre-season training camp at Murshidabad, local aspiring footballers would have benefited a lot. Unfortunately, their stay was reduced only to 3-days.
Final take
Lest we get overboard with the *other aspects* of the pre-season training camps, it is football what matters. You make new friends, win the heart of locals, all that are fine. But, ultimately all boils down to a 90-minute game.
Let’s hope the coaches and the footballers utilized the pre-season camp to the fullest. Players are refreshed, toned up, and fully fit and ready to display an entertaining game of football in the coming season.
Currently, almost all the I-League teams, both the 1st and 2nd division second teams are going through the pre-season training camp. And guess what, most team prefers to carry out their pre-season training camp outside the regular places - locations where one would least expect a football team camping for couple of weeks.
So, if East Bangal chooses a serene beach resort in the outskirts of Puri, then the arch-rival Mohun Bagan chooses a hill resort encapsulated by fog, some 18 km away from the hill station Kalimpong. If Pune Football Club feels that the artificial grasses in Goa are good for their pre-season campaign, then Mohammedan Sporting feels that training on the loose sands of the Digha beach would help the players for the coming season.
I am not going to delve into the technicalities of pre-season training camp, but the basic essence of conducting a pre-season training camp are as follows:
- Fitness training
Players resume their club after a long vacation, it is important for them to be in good physical condition. This training enables them to bring back their fitness level in shape.
- Endurance training
A calculated way of exercising to increase the stamina. Endurance training strengthens and help build muscles. Classic example of endurance training would be a 5-km run across the beach or through the hilly terrains. - Team bonding
Another important aspect, which is highly emphasised these days. Different players embarking to the club from different parts of the country, globe, etc. This is the right time to understand each other and gel as a cohesive unit. Excellent off the field understanding among the players’ definetely helps the team in the field.
A classic example to this is Mohun Bagan pre-season training to Kalimpong. Nobody has ever heard that Kalimpong boasts of excellent football facilities. However, this hill town’s geographical location is ideal for fitness and endurance training. Team management wisely chose a resort, which is away from the Kalimpong city, idyll, and not visited by the tourists at this part of the year. Even after a strenuous training session, the team nicely integrated with the local folks. The locals celebrated Rakhi Dore, (Rakhsha Bandhan) with the team and presented local souvenirs to the team followed by some cultural program. A Kodak football moment of peace and integration!
Later when Mohun Bagan turned out to play a friendly match against the local club, there were around 8000-odd spectators who flocked to the stadium ignoring heavy rain and stormy weather. Mohun Bagan club secretory, Anjan Mitra reciprocated a similar feeling by contributing the match gate fee for the development of football in Kalimpong.
As the team prepares to leave Kalimpong tomorrow, they have won the hearts of the locals. Now, it is up to the decision of the management to leverage the momentum generated by the pre-season camp. Maybe they can induct few local talents in their academy, MBSFA or play an exhibition match to encourage the local football.
Very similar thing was planned by Chirag United for their pre-season training camp at Murshidabad, local aspiring footballers would have benefited a lot. Unfortunately, their stay was reduced only to 3-days.
Final take
Lest we get overboard with the *other aspects* of the pre-season training camps, it is football what matters. You make new friends, win the heart of locals, all that are fine. But, ultimately all boils down to a 90-minute game.
Let’s hope the coaches and the footballers utilized the pre-season camp to the fullest. Players are refreshed, toned up, and fully fit and ready to display an entertaining game of football in the coming season.
John Anthony passes away
A. John Anthony, former Karnataka state footballer passed away after a huge cardiac arrest in Bangalore on Tuesday, August 4. He was 54 years old.
The talented midfielder had played for the 515 Army Base Workshop team for two-decades, 1974 – 1994. Anthony also represented the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) XI in the prestigious Nizam Gold Cup tournament in Hyderabad in 1978.
The talented midfielder had played for the 515 Army Base Workshop team for two-decades, 1974 – 1994. Anthony also represented the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA) XI in the prestigious Nizam Gold Cup tournament in Hyderabad in 1978.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
AIFF's apathy towards the Olympians
You request for pension to the highest football body of the country and in response you get a grant of meagre Rs.25,000.
All the 9 surviving players out of the 18-member Indian football team, who helped India to reach through the semi-finals of the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne had decided to return their grant sent by the AIFF.
A couple of months back, the footballers from the golden-era had requested the AIFF to provide pension to the former footballers, very similar to the initiative taken by the highest cricket body of India, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, in return all the Olympians had received a cheque of Rs.25,000 as a grant from the AIFF Secretory, Alberto Colaco.
This action by AIFF has upset the veteran players, they are hurt by the use of the term "grant". The players feel that they have played for the nation and they do not require any kind of grant.
The surviving players who represented India at the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne are Samar (Bardu) Banerjee (Captain), Tulsidas Balaram, Nikhil Nandy, PK Banerjee, Krishna Chandra (Kesto) Pal, Ahmed Hussain, Shankar Narayan, Mohammad Zulfikaruddin, and Mohammad Abdus Salam.
All the 9 surviving players out of the 18-member Indian football team, who helped India to reach through the semi-finals of the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne had decided to return their grant sent by the AIFF.
A couple of months back, the footballers from the golden-era had requested the AIFF to provide pension to the former footballers, very similar to the initiative taken by the highest cricket body of India, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, in return all the Olympians had received a cheque of Rs.25,000 as a grant from the AIFF Secretory, Alberto Colaco.
This action by AIFF has upset the veteran players, they are hurt by the use of the term "grant". The players feel that they have played for the nation and they do not require any kind of grant.
The surviving players who represented India at the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne are Samar (Bardu) Banerjee (Captain), Tulsidas Balaram, Nikhil Nandy, PK Banerjee, Krishna Chandra (Kesto) Pal, Ahmed Hussain, Shankar Narayan, Mohammad Zulfikaruddin, and Mohammad Abdus Salam.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Injury scare for Barreto, to miss IFA Shield
Darling of the Mariners, Jose Ramirez Barreto's injury has forced himself to be out of the IFA Shield action.
Barreto had picked this calf-muscle injury on his right leg while he was in Brazil. At Kalimpong, during the pre-season he felt the pain again, didn’t want to aggrevate the injury, and refrained himself from practicing.
Coach Kareem does not want to take risk right at the start of the season and wants Barreto to take proper medical attention so that he will be fully fit for the long and exhaustive I-League.
Barreto returns to Calcutta today. He will go through a thorough medical test including few physiotherapy sessions.
Barreto is visibly upset about the entire incident, but he vouches that he will be back in action at the earliest for the sake of the team.
Barreto had picked this calf-muscle injury on his right leg while he was in Brazil. At Kalimpong, during the pre-season he felt the pain again, didn’t want to aggrevate the injury, and refrained himself from practicing.
Coach Kareem does not want to take risk right at the start of the season and wants Barreto to take proper medical attention so that he will be fully fit for the long and exhaustive I-League.
Barreto returns to Calcutta today. He will go through a thorough medical test including few physiotherapy sessions.
Barreto is visibly upset about the entire incident, but he vouches that he will be back in action at the earliest for the sake of the team.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bay of Bengal beckons Mohammedan Sporting
The Red and Golden brigade has opted for sea, the Mariners have opted for misty clad mountain, and now it is Bay of Bengal for the Black and White brigade.
Mohammedan Sporting has started phase two of their pre-season camp at Digha, a seaside town at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal, 183 km from Calcutta.
A couple of weeks back, Mohammedan Sporting had kicked-off their pre-season campaign at the club ground. However, to stress on the fitness level and the team spirit among the footballers the team management has decided to hold a residential camp.
This year's team is a heady mixture of youth and experience. Big club veterans, Dipendu Biswas, Dipankar Roy, and Sashti Duley will be turning out for Mohammedan Sporting this time along with foreigners Theodore Sunday Wrobeh and Peter Odafe. The team has almost retained the newcomers from last year.
"Training on the sand should increase the fitness level, also, the hotel is equipped with gymnasium and swimming pool", reckons Coach Shabbir Ali.
Old warhorse, Dipendu Biswas fully obliged to coach's view. He feels that such a camp of 12-14 days would do a world for good for the players.
After the Cobra training by East Bengal and Mongoose training by Mohun Bagan, let us wait and watch what's Shabbir's team up to!
Mohammedan Sporting has started phase two of their pre-season camp at Digha, a seaside town at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal, 183 km from Calcutta.
A couple of weeks back, Mohammedan Sporting had kicked-off their pre-season campaign at the club ground. However, to stress on the fitness level and the team spirit among the footballers the team management has decided to hold a residential camp.
This year's team is a heady mixture of youth and experience. Big club veterans, Dipendu Biswas, Dipankar Roy, and Sashti Duley will be turning out for Mohammedan Sporting this time along with foreigners Theodore Sunday Wrobeh and Peter Odafe. The team has almost retained the newcomers from last year.
"Training on the sand should increase the fitness level, also, the hotel is equipped with gymnasium and swimming pool", reckons Coach Shabbir Ali.
Old warhorse, Dipendu Biswas fully obliged to coach's view. He feels that such a camp of 12-14 days would do a world for good for the players.
After the Cobra training by East Bengal and Mongoose training by Mohun Bagan, let us wait and watch what's Shabbir's team up to!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The other side of Kalyan Chaubey
What would a soccer player do at his spare time? Spend quality time with his family, help the football coaching camp at his neighbourhood, work as a commentator for a sports channel, or double up as a columnist for a news daily.
But one would never think of a translating a 280-odd-page book in his playing heydays and that too on a topic, which is remotely related to football. That’s Kalyan Chaubey for you, TFA graduate, former national keeper, and currently on the rolls of Mumbai FC.
Kalyan has translated an entire book from English to Bengali (his first language) on the daily life of Sai Baba of Shirdi, miraculous Guru and Yogi who is regarded by his followers as an incarnation of god. He has achieved this feat with any assistance from co-authors.
This is indeed a great achievement, may Sai Baba bestow his blessings to you!
But one would never think of a translating a 280-odd-page book in his playing heydays and that too on a topic, which is remotely related to football. That’s Kalyan Chaubey for you, TFA graduate, former national keeper, and currently on the rolls of Mumbai FC.
Kalyan has translated an entire book from English to Bengali (his first language) on the daily life of Sai Baba of Shirdi, miraculous Guru and Yogi who is regarded by his followers as an incarnation of god. He has achieved this feat with any assistance from co-authors.
This is indeed a great achievement, may Sai Baba bestow his blessings to you!
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