Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Greenwood High School from Nagaland lifts Subrata Cup

Even as the Greenwood High School from Nagaland walked through the red carpet to lift the under-14 Boys trophy in the 55th edition of the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, the boys from Model High School, Chandigarh, applauded their efforts in the final at the Dr Ambedkar Stadium here today.

Nagaland beat Chandigarh 5-4 in sudden death after the first five penalty shots failed to resolve the tie as it was the case during regulation time which ended goalless. The winning team got a pay cheque of Rs. 2.5 lakh and the runners up squad from Chandigarh received 1.25 lakh to make their trip to Delhi worth a while.  

For the winners, Kito, Tokavi, Imlong Chaba, Nighatu and Ngangshi Menen coverted while Ghunaka, Mariaiwibo missed. For the runner-up team, Sumit Rathi, K. Amarjeet Singh, Jeakson and Dalbir hit the target while, S. Sanjeev, Karan, and Harsh Bartwan missed.

The irony of the final, however, was that Harsh Bartwan was adjudged the best player of the tournament and he turned out to be the villain in the piece for his team. It was Bartwan’s seventh kick, which he missed, gave the Nagaland school a great chance. And the hero, undoubtedly, was Ngangshi Menen who converted his seventh make sure that they take the Subroto Cup home.

The winning team coach Mughato appreciated his boys after they held their nerves in the crucial penalty shootout moment. “We should have won the match in regulation time. But the moment it went to shootout, I asked my boys to keep their cool and to hit the ball along the ground in order to fox the Chandigarh keeper who was very good in blocking the aerial ball. The strategy worked and after tonight’s rest we will celebrate tomorrow,” said Mughato.

The Chandigarh team coach Harjinder was ruing the missed opportunity. “We should have won the match. Even though Nagland had possession for longer period, we created more chances for scoring goals. It became 50-50 once the final went into shootout. I would like to say that it was the best team that won today,” he put it in perspective.

In fact, the evenly contested match never provided any anxious moment for either team with both well organized in defending their citadels strongly. Of course, there were quite a few chances for Chandigarh and once a free-kick from Nagaland’s Imlong hit the bar and bounced back into play in second half of extra time. But the regulation time saw very little forays from either team even as pressed hard to carry the ball into the rival box. Though the teams succeeded in their attempts, they were never constructively converted into goals.

Jesse and Mughato Sumi of Nagaland were rewarded being chosen as the best keeper and coach, respectively, of the tournament. They received Rs. 40,000 each. Nachi Sports Hoetel from Sikkim got the Fairplay award

From the losing side, Harsh Bartwan got the best player’s award and got Rs. 40,000 in cash for his wonderful efforts throughout the tournament. In addition, he also received a HCL laptop. Eugeneson E. Shylla from Meghalaya received the best promising player’s award and won a laptop, too.

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Artsmith-Concepts & Visions

Indian Women Referees made history in Incheon

Indian Women Referees made history at the Asian Games when Maria Rebello Piedade and Uvena Fernandes officiated in the Women’s Semifinal between Women’s World Champion Japan and Vietnam in Incheon on Monday (September 29).
This is the first-ever instance when any Indian Referee has Officiated in a Match featuring a current World Champion side. While Maria was in charge in the middle, Uvena was on service as an Assistant Referee.
“It’s not every day that you get to Officiate in a Match involving the World Champions,” the duo unanimously told www.the-aiff.com from Incheon.
For the record, both Maria and Uvena, each Officiated in three matches in Incheon.
The morning after, the girls giggle when www.the-aiff.com catches up with them. “This is the biggest Sporting event in Asia. To be able to be a part of it is simple amazing,” Maria quips.
Uvena adds: “The experience in Incheon was very exceptional. It has been simply great. There was so much to learn and gain from the Championships for the future.”
“The Women’s semifinal has been my biggest match so far. Nothing can beat this. After all, this was my first AFC assignment. The atmosphere in Incheon is different as it brought together all athletes from all disciplines.”
Apart from the two girls, Magho Singh and A Rowan also officiated in Incheon.
In a Country where not every Woman prefer to play the Sport, getting acceptance as a Woman Referee isn’t easy.
“There are a lot of young girls who are slowly taking up Refereeing. The encouragement from AIFF has been outstanding in this regard. The face of Indian refereeing is changing and at a fast pace,” Maria states.
Gautam Kar, Head of Referees, AIFF, lauds the girls. “To be selected to supervise the Women’s semifinal match between Japan and Vietnam, one needs to be the best. And we had two Women Referees in the middle. It just can’t get better for Indian Referees,” he opines. “Not to forget that both Officiated in three matches each.”
Maria, who was the first-ever Woman Referee in the World to ever supervise a Premier League match of any Country, feels she is a “much confident” Referee now.
“I will be proceeding to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in Hanoi, Vietnam in November,” she said. “But this was such a different experience. It was such exciting and there was so scope to educate yourself keeping an eye for the future.”
The Indian Women Referees has started to invade the male bastion. And mind you, they are not just equal; at times, they are better.
Women Empowerment!
AIFF Media Team
Media Department, AIFF.Alternate: media@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

Monday, September 29, 2014

Laura in Kolkata to perform during ISL

      Laura Biondo was born in Venezuela from an Italian family with strong feelings and connections with USA. She started to play soccer when she was 10 in Weston, Florida arriving to play professional football in Italy. In 2008 after an Injury she decided to dedicate to Freestyle.

Several times Guinness World Records holder (first female freestyler to establish a record) and one of the top leading female freestyler in the world constantly competing in worldwide championships staying always among the top.

Laura is Ambassador for F3 - Freestyle Football Federation and chief administrator for the world female football freestyle scene. She is also ambassador and testimonial of TEDI: Biomechanical Soccer Lab.

Sponsored by Pelé Sports, She travels the world to bring excitement and extra value to events, brands/ products etc, performing live in front over 500,000 people per year. 
Among her personal objective's, Laura wants to be a role model for young boys and girls and inspire them to follow their dreams. Also motivate woman, push boundaries and open doors for more females.

Laura has worked worldwide with brands such as UEFA, FIFA, Audi, Nike, RedBull, Adidas, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Sky Tv, Sony, Tonino Lamborghini, Fox Sports, Vodafone and individuals including Gerard Pique, Cannavaro, Inzaghi, Sergihno, Materazzi & Bobby Charlton.
      Now she is in Kolkata to perform during the ISL matches.


-      -  Atletico de Kolkata media team

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Valcke to visit India in October

Mr. Jerome Valcke, Secretary General, FIFA will be visiting India in October 2014 in what will be his second visit in two years. Valcke had last visited India in September 2012.
Confirming Valcke’s visit, Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, said: “Jerome will be visiting Delhi from October 14-16 next month. His visit is a very significant one as it will further strengthen AIFF”s ties with FIFA. We are eagerly waiting to meet him again.”
“During his last visit to India in September 2012, Valcke had stressed on India bidding for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. With the technical and the administrative aspects of FIFA 2017 U-17 World Cup taking shape, we look forward to his inputs which will guide us in successfully hosting the 2017 U-17 World Cup,” Das further stated.


AIFF Media Team
Media Department, AIFFWebsite: www.the-aiff.com

প্লাতিনির অর্থহীন লেজুড় !







Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fixture - Federation Cup

NEW DELHI: 
The draw for the 2014-15 edition of the Federation Cup was held at All India Football Federation Headquarters, the Football House, Dwarka, New Delhi today (September 25). Besides AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, Mr. Ankur Dutta, Vice-Chairman, I-League and Federation Cup; Mr. Anil Kamat, Assistant General Secretary, Competitions; Club representatives were present on the occasion.
The Tournament which will be played in two venues, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao and the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, kicks-off on December 28, 2014 with the Final slated for January 10, 2014.
Ten Teams have been divided into two Groups with the top two from each Group advancing to the semifinals.
Speaking on the occasion, Dutta said: “I’m confident the forthcoming edition of the Federation Cup will be a huge success. I also stay confident of full cooperation from all stakeholders in this regard.”
He added: “Football stays an integral part of Goa. This Tournament will go a long way in further popularising the sport in the Country.”
While Group A will play all their Matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, all Group B Matches would be played at the Tilak Maidan.
The final fixture stay as follows:
GROUP A (all matches to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium): Mumbai FC, Royal Wahingdoh, Dempo FC, East Bengal, Sporting Clube de Goa.
December 28, 2014: Mumbai FC vs Royal Wahingdoh
December 29, 2014: Dempo vs East Bengal
December 30, 2014: Mumbai FC vs Sporting Clube de Goa
December 31, 2014: Royal Wahingdoh vs East Bengal
January 1, 2015: Dempo SC vs Sporting Clube de Goa
January 2, 2015: Mumbai FC vs East Bengal
January 3, 2015: Sporting Clube de Goa vs Royal Wahingdoh
January 4, 2015: Dempo SC vs Mumbai FC
January 5, 2015: East Bengal vs Sporting Clube de Goa
January 6, 2015: Royal Wahingdoh vs Dempo SC
GROUP B (all matches to be played at Tilak Maidan, Vasco): Bengaluru FC, Salgaocar FC, Pune FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Mohun Bagan.
December 28, 2014: Bengaluru FC vs Salgaocar SC
December 29, 2014: Pune FC vs Shillong Lajong FC
December 30, 2014: Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan
December 31, 2014: Salgaocar SC vs Shillong Lajong FC
January 1, 2015: Pune FC vs Mohun Bagan
January 2, 2015: Bengaluru FC vs Shillong Lajong FC
January 3, 2015: Mohun Bagan vs Salgaocar SC
January 4, 2015: Pune FC vs Bengaluru FC
January 5, 2015: Shillong Lajong FC vs Mohun Bagan
January 6, 2015: Salgaocar SC vs Pune FC
Semifinals -- January 8, 2015 (Both matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao):
Semifinal 1: Winner Group A vs Runners-up Group B
Semifinal 2: Winners Group B vs Runners-up Group A
FINAL – January 10, 2015 (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium).


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: 
media@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Huge responsibility: Zico

Mumbai 23 September 2014 
FC Goa today introduced its marquee coach, Zico and marquee player Robert Pires at a well-attended ceremony at the Palladium Hotel in Mumbai. Present at the ceremony were Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founding Chairperson, Football Sports Development and Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF along with the owners  Mr. Venugopal N Dhoot, Mr. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar and Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo. FC Goa’s first ‘friend’ actor Varun Dhawan was also present.
The Indian Super League club has already triggered a whirlwind of interest when it signed on a genuine Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra fondly known as Zico as its marquee coach. Zico has begun putting the FC Goa lads through the motions at team training sessions and is gearing for the first season of the ISL.
Former French international and Arsenal star Robert Pires, FC Goa’s marquee player was formally unveiled to the audience at the ceremony. Very few football aficionados would need an introduction to the star, who has been a part of the World Cup and Euro Cup winning squads for France and has won several club triumphs for Arsenal.
The big highlight at the event was the formal announcement of Virat Kohli, one of India’s finest contemporary cricketers, as the brand ambassador and co-owner of FC Goa. Kohli brings with him dynamism, grit and an unbridled energy, which are the elements that form the core of FC Goa.


Said Virat Kohli of his involvement in team FC Goa, “"FC Goa is going to be very competitive in the upcoming ISL. And the expertise and experience of stalwarts like Zico and Pires will further strengthen the already strong DNA that the team possesses, thanks to the Salgaocar, Dempo and Videcon  Groups’ involvement. I am very excited to be a part of this franchise in what definitely looks like a breakthrough for Football as a Sport in India"
Said Zico of his move to India, “There is a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders and I will do justice to it. I know expectations are high. I am motivated to take on this role of coach to FC Goa. Thank you for a wonderful welcome to India.”
Added Frenchman Robert Pires “I’m excited to play for FC Goa at the inaugural season of the ISL. I look forward to my time in Goa and India and to contribute positively to the development of football in the country.”
Mr. Venugopal N. Doot, Chairman of the Board, Videocon Industries, agreed saying, “These are exciting times for me and my partners Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo, who have shared a common dream - to make a valuable contribution to Indian football and elevate the standards of the sport in the country”.
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo Chairman and Managing Director of Dempo Group of Companies, said “The enthusiasm and interest in the sport is what drives us to invest in it. Football has always come before everything else. We are now looking forward to elevating the sport of football to a whole new level.  ISL has provided us with the unique opportunity to create this change and infuse fresh enthusiasm into the sport.”
Added Mr. Dattaraj V. Salgaocar Managing Director of V M Salgaocar and Company, “ We have supported football for over five decades. The arrival and support of these two global football icons on the Indian footballing turf, marks the beginning of a glittering era for the ‘Beautiful Game’ in India.  The team embodies the spirit of Joga Bonito, playing the beautiful game the way it should be played - with pace, power and passion. That’s what team FC Goa will bring to the ISL”
Said Varun Dhawan, “The moment I got to know about the ISL I wanted to be a part of it. I love football and it’s wonderful to see so much talent and enthusiasm around the sport”. 
FC Goa will kick off the first game of the Indian Super League against Chennaiyin FC  at home on October 16. Other teams in the Indian Super League include Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos, Atletico de Kolkata and North East United.
The Adidas team kit was also unveiled at the ceremony. Talking about the team kit,  Tushar Goculdas, Brand Director, adidas India said, “adidas is the number one football brand in the world and we are excited to partner with FC Goa, the team representing one of the most passionate centres of football in India. The team is supported by a strong backbone, with owners having great footballing heritage, Virat- a world class athlete and passionate football fan and Zico, one of the greatest artists of the beautiful game. We are even more excited to unveil the team kit today, which has been created by our global design team and beautifully captures the essence of Goa. The team jersey will be available to FC Goa fans to buy in a few weeks.”
Videocon d2h was announced as the principal sponsor of team FC Goa.
The FC Goa Squad: Laxmikant Kattimani, Debabrata Roy, Gabriel Fernandes, Clifford Miranda, Shaikh Jewel Raja, Alwyn George, Narayan Das, Prabir Das, Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes, Peter Carvalho, Holicharan Narzary, Pronay Halder, Rowilson Rodrigues, Miguel Pereira Herlien, Miroslav Slepicka, Youness Bengelloun, Bruno Pinheiro, Edgar  Marcelino, Gregory Arnoli, Jan Seda and Robert Pires.
About FC Goa: Launched on August 26, 2014, FC Goa is Goa’s premier football club competing in the Hero Indian Super League, India’s top tier football league. Owned by Mr Venugopal Dhoot, Mr Dattaraj Salgaocar, Mr Shrinivas Dempo and Mr. Virat Kohli, it has its home ground at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, South Goa.
About the Indian Super League: The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) tournament is organized under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It is currently contested by eight teams from across India, played on a league basis (home and away games). The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals and the winners of the double leg semi-finals will play in the finals. There will be 56 league matches and five knock-out matches held between October 13 and December 20, 2014.
Facebook:www.facebook.com/fcgoaofficial                 
Twitter: @fcgoaofficial 
                                                                                                                                  - Release

Friday, September 19, 2014

India to play in Siliguri

India Senior National Team Coach Wim Koevermans has announced the squad of 20 Players for India’s two back to back International Friendlies against Palestine, the AFC Challenge Cup Champions .

Both the matches would be held at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, West Bengal on October 6 and 9 respectively.

While Pune FC Midfielder Arata Izumi and Mohun Bagan midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick make respective comebacks to the National squad, Mohun Bagan’s Pritam Kotal has got a maiden call-up to the Senior National Camp.

The Squad assembles in Goa on September 27 where they would be based till October 3.

The India Team are currently ranked 158th in the World while Palestine are 102nd as per the latest FIFA Rankings.

THE SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS: Subrata Paul, Karanjit Singh, Amrinder Singh.

DEFENDERS: Denzil Franco, Pritam Kotal, Arnab Mondal, Raju Gaikwad, Sandesh Jhinghan, Aiborlang Khongjee, Narayan Das.

MIDFIELDERS: Mehtab Hossain, Lenny Rodrigues, Arata Izumi, Lalkamal Bhowmick, Francis Fernandes, Clifford Miranda, Victorino Fernandes.

FORWARDS: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Balwant Singh.

STANDBYES: Shilton Paul, Arindam Bhattacharya, Rowilson Rodrigues, Gabriel Fernandes, Seminlen Doungel, Siam Hanghal, Lalrindika Ralte, Thongkhosem Haokip.

                                                                                                                                                    - Media Department, AIFF                                                                                                                                                       Website: www.the-aiff.com