Arunava about Football

VIDEO: Bollywood's Abhishek Bachchan star guest at FPAI Indian Football Awards 2013

2013-05-24T22:30:00.000+02:00

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan was the star guest at last nights FPAI Indian Football Awards 2013 held at the Bombay Gymkhana. His dream would be to see the Indian football team at a Football World Cup one day.

2014 AFC Women's Cup qualifiers: India want to finish on a high

2013-05-24T21:32:00.001+02:00

Very rarely in Football a rival Coach despite winning the match showers lavish praise on the opponent. But this one came directly from the Chinese Taipei Coach Yen Shih Kai after yesterday's game.

"India played good football. The goal scored from the set-piece was amazing. They are a very good team. They read the game well too. We could hardly make any inroads in the first half," Kai admitted post-match. "It's just that we capitalised on the two chances we got. It was indeed a hard fought win," he added.

Kai's rival counterpart, Indian Women's coach Anadi Barua said, "I still can't believe we lost. It may sound stereotype but deep down inside I know that we played good football."

"But at the same time football is all about goals. You play good football, dominate your opponent but don't score, you are bound to lose. Both Myanmar and Taipei capitalised on the opportunities and then played clever football," he opined.

Captain Tuli Goon added, "The feeling is terrible. When you know that on another day, with a little bit of fortune you could have won, it hurts. We were never outplayed throughout the 180 minutes that we played so far."

"But goals win you matches and somehow we just couldn't find the target. The only feel good factor is that we gave a good account of ourselves in a Group which can be termed as the Group of Death."

India play Palestine in their last Group D engagement, while Chinese Taipei and Myanmar – both on six points from two matches – play the decider on the last day too.

"It was nice to be cheered by the locals. We need to keep our spirits high against Palestine and play entertaining football. We need to find the target," quipped striker Kamala Devi.

Though Palestine sit at the bottom of the table of Group D conceding 15 goals in two matches, Barua is not keen on taking them lightly. Rather the Coach wants to sign off on a high.

"No team can be taken lightly. They have lost two matches and will come hard at us. We have played well and want to end things on a high. We aim to finish on a good note."

The kick-off against Palestine on Saturday, May 25 is at IST 7.30pm.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

FPAI Indian Football Awards 2013 in Mumbai - A recap!

2013-05-24T12:12:00.001+02:00

The 5th edition of the Indian Football Awards 2013 were hosted yesterday evening by Mayanti Langer and myself, Arunava Chaudhuri at the Bombay Gymkhana Club. This years awards were organised by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) along with the Bombay Gymkhana. It was the first time that the FPAI awards were held in Mumbai after the first and third editions were held in Kolkata, in-between New Delhi and last year Goa played hosts to the awards.

This years FPAI Awards had six different categories - best Young Player, best Foreign Player, best Indian Player, best Coach, best Organised Venue and Fans Player of the Year plus the special award.

The evening kicked-off with a performance from Sandeep and Sanjeev Vyas and troupe before Mayanti and myself took over for the rest of the evening. First up on stage was FPAI president Baichung Bhutia, who spoke about the FPAI - its work and progress. Then AIFF president Praful Patel addressed the crowd and complimented the FPAI for its pioneering work and extended all possible federation support to them.

After the opening speeches it was down to the awards with the 'Young Player of the Year' handed out first with Praful Patel and Bollywood star Abhishek asked on stage. And the winner was Pailan Arrows and Indian international Alwyn George. The other nominees in the category had been Mohammed Rafique (Prayag United SC), Holicharan Narzary (Pailan Arrows), Bikramjit Singh (Churchill Brothers SC) and Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal Club).

Thereafter the Best Organised Venue of the Year award was handed out to United Sikkim FC with Praful Patel and Abhishek Bachchan doing once more the honours.

After a performance from Sikkim Rapper Bosing it was the turn of the 'Foreign Player of the Year', which saw Ranty Martins Soleye (Prayag United SC, Nigeria) winning the award and a message from the striker was played. Ranty won ahead of Carlos Hernández Valverde (Prayag United SC, Costa Rica), Roberto 'Beto' Mendes Silva (Churchill Brothers SC), Pierre Djidjia Douhou (Pune FC, Ivory Coast) and Chidi Edeh (East Bengal Club, Nigeria).

Then came English performer Katie Holland with her sentual Egyptian belly dance before the Coach/Manager of the Year was announced. The award went to Derrick Pereira (Pune FC) ahead of Subhas Bhowmick (Churchill Brothers SC), Trevor James Morgan (East Bengal Club), Santosh Kashyup (ONGC) and Arthur Papas (Pailan Arrows).

Thereafter it was the turn of Football Freestyler Pradeep from Chennai to show his skills. Then the FPAI Special Award was given to Churchill Alemao received by his children Valanka Alemao (Churchill Brothers CEO) and Savio Alemao.

Then came the most emotional award of the night, the 'Fans Player of the year'. It was won by Afghanistan captain Zohib Islam Amiri, who plays for Mumbai FC in the I-League. Zohib called Mumbai and India his home, spoke in Hindi and got the biggest round of applause on the night. Zohib won ahead of Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers, India), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal Club, India), Lalkamal Bhowmick (Prayag United SC, India), James Joseph Saeed Moga (Pune FC, South Sudan), Carlos Hernández Valverde (Prayag United SC, Costa Rica) and Izumi Arata (Pune FC, India)

After another performance from Katie Holland, it was down to the last but what I called most important award of the night. The one award everyone was waiting for - the 'Indian Player of the Year'. It went to young Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC) ahead of Sunil Chhetri (Churchill Brothers SC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club) and Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC).

Thereafter Mayanti and myself gave a vote of thanks before Sandeep and Sanjeev Vyas and troupe rounded off the evening.

India WNT Coach Anadi Barua: Players' recovery is of paramount importance!

2013-05-24T11:38:00.000+02:00

Recovery of players is one of the key factors to success in tournaments like the 2014 AFC Women's Cup qualifiers where you play every alternate day. No wonder India physiotherapist Dimple Maniar stays busy 24x7.

Three high-intensity matches in five days is bound to take a toll on any footballer. So it is not surprising to see India Women's Senior Team members crowding in front of the Physio's room after every team session, and even after Match days. While some report discomfort, others seek comfort. All stay fatigued.

"For a recovery period, 24 hours is enough. But that is a luxury in the AFC (Women's) Cup. We play every alternate day, which means we train the next day of the match. Hence, recovery period is minimised. It's the duty of the physiotherapist to make up for lost recovery time," says Dimple who is on her maiden assignment with the India Women's Senior National Team.

Dimple continues, "Recovery is basically the preparation your body needs for the next action that is the next match. A football match of 90 minutes takes a lot out of a player. A lot of fluid is lost. Re-hydration, proper diet and rest are the basics of recovery. You need to take utmost care of all."

"There are other areas as well. The artificial turf we are playing on has a lot of rubber. Hence, the chance of a muscle pull or having a sore muscle increases. Your feet tend to get heavy thus reducing the actions per minute. To tackle such injuries, I have got three types of portable treatments with me," she informs.

Explaining the utility of the three treatments while attending striker Bala Devi and Captain Tuli Goon, the Mumbai-based physio adds, "The Ultrasound treatment is for injuries sustained in a local area, say a deep cut. It helps heal the affected area faster. The second one is a faradic current treatment which relaxes the muscles. It is very effective during muscle pull or strain. Ten's the third one which is used only when an injury starts spreading."

India WNT coach Anadi Barua understands the importance of recovery of his players.

"If my player is not fit, I won't get the best from her. Our physiotherapist stresses on the importance of warm-up before every training session and match. She instructs the players to do certain drills as part of recovery. We follow that strictly. There's no compromise with recovery sessions."

Dimple worked a lot on core strengthening exercises during the one-month camp in Pune before the AFC Women's Cup. Ace striker Bala Devi admits the intense gym sessions over the one-month period are finally paying off.

"I picked up a bad injury while going for an aerial ball against Bahrain in the first of the two international friendlies. It was a sort of concussion and I felt dizzy. But the core strengthening exercises we were made to do in Pune helped me recover fast," Bala Devi explains.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Standard Chartered launches 12th Standard Chartered Corporate Soccer 5s 2013

2013-05-24T11:17:00.001+02:00

Standard Chartered Bank, India's largest international bank, is sponsoring the 12th edition of the Standard Chartered Corporate Soccer 5s 2013, an inter-corporate soccer 5s challenger to be held in Mumbai on May 25/26 and June 1, 2013 at the Western Railway Sports Ground. The championship has attracted some of India's leading corporate houses with over 80 teams having already registered.

The matches which shall be played in a 5-A-Side Format with the size of the field and goal posts being smaller and there being rolling substitution. The matches shall be played on a league-cum-knockout basis across ten different categories in the Men's and Women's Section.

The 12th Standard Chartered Corporate Soccer 5s 2013 is sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and co-sponsored by Vodafone. The Associate Sponsors are Cadbury Bournville, while the event is managed by Saran Sports.

This Championship is registered in the Limca Book of Records as the largest and longest running corporate soccer event in the world for amateurs. The championship has been getting bigger with each passing year.

2014 AFC Women's Cup qualifiers: India out after 1-2 Chinese Taipei loss

2013-05-24T03:06:00.001+02:00

The Indian Women's national football team suffered a 1-2 loss against Chinese Taipei in their 2014 AFC Women's Cup qualification Group D to end their slim chances of progressing to the continental finals.

Yu Hsiu Chin and Lai Li Chin scored either side of a fine set-piece equaliser from Sasmita Mallick in the 53rd minute to secure the win for Chinese Taipei. Courtesy the result, they move to six points from two matches while India, in spite of a spirited displays, remain without a point.

If the twice SAFF Women's Champions won the tactical battle in the first half, they were by far the better side in the second period. Head Coach Anadi Barua's ploy of playing deep and attacking on the counter paid off as Chinese Taipei – who scored six against Palestine in their opening game – were bottled up in the final third by India's defence for most part of the first session. The second half belonged to India and Sasmita Mallick whose world class free-kick in the 53rd minute left the motley crowd on a pleasant evening in Palestine awe-struck.

India started the better team in the opening exchanges. Chinese Taipei were allowed virtually no space in the danger zone. Sweeper back Ashalata Devi's alacrity came to the fore time and again. Her crucial block in the 8th minute kept Hsiu Chin's powerful right-footer at bay. In the 24th minute, Hsiu Chin was in the thick of action again, this time failing to beat the offside trap excellently laid for her by India.

The 51st Ranked Team had a few half-chances to draw first blood as well on the counter. Former India Captain Oinam Bembem Devi's free kick was fisted away, and Kamala Devi's shot went inches wide as the match neared its half way mark. But out of the blue striker Yu Hsiu Chin bundled in Lai Li Chin's floater over the line moments before the half time whistle to give Taipei the lead.

Switching to 4-4-2 formation from the initial 5-4-1, India started the second half on a bright note. Bembem Devi's low drive from just outside the box kissed the crossbar on its way out. Stopper back Ashem Romi Devi – playing her first match of the AFC Women's Cup qualifiers – made way for striker Pinky Bompal Magar. India were breaching their rival defence more often, and in the 53rd minute of the match they got their reward. It was a piece of brilliance from winger Sasmita Mallick who earned and converted her free-kick to perfection from the right side of the penalty area into the far left corner of Cheng Ssu Yu’s goal. The 30-yard curler was a class apart. Li Chin's goal nine minutes from time broke many neutral hearts who all the while were enjoying the ball possession and swift flank play displayed by India.

In the other match of the day, Myanmar blanked Palestine 9-0. Striker Yee Yee Oo found the back of the net seven times with six of them coming in the second half when Myanmar ran riot against a hapless Palestine outfit. Khin Moe Wai – scorer in the last match as well – notched up a brace. Courtesy the win, Myanmar go to six points from two matches while the hosts are still to open their account.

India
Roshni Devi - Tuli Goon [C], Ashalata Devi, Radharani Devi, Romi Devi (Pinky Bompal Magar), Suprava Samal - Sasmita Mallick, Premi Devi, Oinam Bembem Devi, Prameshwori Devi - Kamala Devi

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO - Total Football : Connect The Dots 'SSMI - Delhi'

2013-05-24T00:23:00.000+02:00

In this episode of Connect The Dots, Total Football takes a look at the football program of Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute in Delhi. They speak to SSMI Director Sunita Bhasin.

Total Football over the past year have tried to make an inquiry into the current state and development of football in India in this process they have come across various stories which prove there is a bright future for football in this country. With this particular initiative they try to bridge the gap between various grassroot initiatives and the people who manage football in this country including the apex body.

Great work and keep continuing!

AIFF relaunches its the-aiff.com Website!

2013-05-23T15:12:00.000+02:00

As part of the Performance Enhancement Project in coordination with FIFA, the All India Football Federation has relaunched its existing website www.the-aiff.com !

The newly designed vibrant website will feature all developments and news relating to the AIFF, the beautiful game in the country and more.

The website has separate sections on various Departments and activities related to it. It would be updated on a daily basis and will be bringing news relating to various Teams across all age-groups (Men's and Women's), AIFF Academies, Coach Education, Youth Development, Refereeing Development, etc.

Roberto Mendes Silva leaves Churchill Brothers to rejoin Dempo SC

2013-05-23T09:46:00.000+02:00

Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes Silva, popularly known as Beto has signed a contract with former I-League champions Dempo SC to seal his return from Churchill Brothers SC after a two year gap.

The 34 year old had previously played successfully for Dempo SC from 2006 to 2011 in which he won three I-League/NFL titles before shifting to Churchill Brothers, where he won his overall fourth I-League title this season.

Along with Beto, several other players have extended their Dempo contracts, amongst them goalkeepers Shubhasish Roy Choudhary and Laxmikant Kattimani, defender Debabrata Roy along with midfielders Godwin Franco and Clifford Miranda. The Goan giants have also signed talented midfielder Gabriel Fernandes from Mumbai FC.

The announcement regarding the Head Coach at Dempo SC is expected soon and will be made available along with signings of several other players in the days to come.

Subhas Bhowmick not to continue with Churchill Brothers

2013-05-23T03:01:00.000+02:00

I-League champions Churchill Brothers SC and their technical director Subhas Bhowmick will go separate ways at the end of the season after Subhas Bhowmick send the club his resignation letter from the post on Tuesday.

Bhowmick is quoted as having written that he was not happy with the interference of the club management with the team affairs.

It was known that Subhas Bhowmick had his problems at the way Churchill Brothers are run and he has had his run-ins with club supremo Churchill Alemao, who according to Bhowmick also had a hand in substitutions and other selections.

Churchill Brothers are already on the lookout for a suitable replacement with the likely new Red Machines coach being a foreigner.

Sporting Clube de Goa: Pratesh & Stephene voted Players of the Season!

2013-05-23T02:00:00.000+02:00

Pratesh Shirodkar has been voted by his club team mates as the Sporting Club de Goa player of the season, while Stephene Barretto was voted the SCG young player (Under-23) of the season.

"The fact that the award was voted by team mates, makes it extra special. I want to thank them and look forward to working even harder next season," said Pratesh Shirodkar, who joined the club from Sesa Football Academy at the beginning of the season.

Sporting Clube de Goa's top goal scorer for the second season running, African Ogba Kalu Nnanna finished in second place with 17 votes, one less then Pratesh. Kalu very sportingly presented the winner's award to colleague Pratesh, while striker Dawson Fernandes took third place with 11 votes.

Meanwhile Stephene Barretto was voted as the SCG young player of the year ahead of Dawson and Pratesh who were tied in second place with 10 votes each.

"I want to thank the president Peter Vaz for keeping faith in the young Goan players and also my team mates and coaches for their support," stated Stephene.

Yesterday morning a special mass was held at Don Bosco High School, Panjim where all the players and the club management was present.

The awards ceremony was organised to reward and recognize the player's achievements over the season gone by. The players had the opportunity to have a laugh and a joke over lunch, before they go on a much deserved summer break. The senior team will be back in training in the first week of July for the new season.

VIDEO: Wonderboys: A Film on the SESA Football Academy

2013-05-23T00:12:00.000+02:00

This movie is a little older, but it is a good insight on the SESA Football Academy. A series of candid takes tracks the opinions of coaches at the SESA Football Academy. The film by Gorakshanath, Anand and Pramod (Film and Television Institute of India) focuses on the essence of overall personality and skill development necessary to become a wholesome athlete. The discipline instilled in the youth gives them the ability to pursue their passions without growing up as ignorant and disconnected individuals.

India Women's Captain Tuli Goon: We cannot let our shoulders droop

2013-05-22T20:09:00.002+02:00

Chinese Taipei look the strongest Team on paper in the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifying Group D. A day after the loss to Myanmar, Captain Tuli Goon feels the 'fear element needs to be eliminated'. In an interview to AIFF Media, Tuli spoke at length on India's performance in the opening game, the road ahead, what needs to be done against Chinese Taipei and much more.

Do you think the result against Myanmar is a true reflection of India's performance?

Sometimes the scoreline does not reflect the real picture but that's what matters. They won, we lost. We conceded two in the first-half. We were the much better team in the second half and Myanmar could only attack once, in the dying minutes of the match. But all of that doesn't count.

How is the mood in the India camp?

It pinches when you know you have played a good game and end up on the losing side despite dominating one half. On another day, we could have won. So the mood was gloomy after the match. But we need to move on from there and the squad is gearing up for the next challenge.

You injured your rib in the process. How is it now?

I hope I can play against Chinese Taipei. This was troubling me and got aggravated while going for a tackle. Tomorrow's match stays a very important one for us. I hope I recover in time. I am raring to go.

What's your responsibility as a Captain?

As a Captain it is my responsibility to look that everyone stays in the right frame of mind. Along with my Technical Staff, I am working on it. We cannot let our shoulders droop.

How do you assess Chinese Taipei?

They are a very strong side. We watched them score six goals past Palestine. Against such a team, we have to be on our toes all the time. The opening 20 minutes would be very crucial indeed.

What are the positives which you will be carrying from the Myanmar match?

Our backline played well. We adjusted quickly to the artificial turf after conceding early. The passing was good and mobility on the field defined our strength. The element of fear has to be eliminated.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

UEFA Champions League final: Dortmund to miss injured Mario Götze

2013-05-22T18:30:00.002+02:00

The German UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich will be played without injured Dortmund playmaker Mario Götze. This was confirmed by BVB this afternoon.

Borussia Dortmund will miss attacking midfielder Mario Götze, who lost his fight to regain fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in the return-leg of the Champions League semifinal at Real Madrid on April 30 which forced him to limp off early in the first half itself.

Götze in a statement said, "The final was my big goal and I've been working really hard over the last few weeks. I'm really sorry I won't be able to help the team in such an important game, but I believe in the squad and of course I'll be travelling to London to support the lads from the sidelines."

Yesterday Mario Goetze pulled out of training on his comeback from the hamstring injury, which created doubts if he could make it for Wembley this Saturday. That doubt was confirmed today.

The injury will deny Götze to play for Dortmund against his future club Bayern Munich, whom he is joining for a record 37 million Euro transfer fee.

MSM's Sony Six to show Euro2016 from France!

2013-05-22T16:48:00.001+02:00

The Multi Screen Media owned Sony Six channel has bought the exclusive rights for the 2016 UEFA European Championships to be played in France from European football governing body UEFA. The rights are for the whole Indian sub-continent which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan.

Earlier the rights for EURO2004 and 2008 had been with ESPN-Star Sports, while EURO2012 was shown by Neo Sports. Now the European showpiece tournament again switches to a new host broadcaster in south Asia.

Man Jit Singh, MSM CEO said on the acquisition, "With the successful acquisition of the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament broadcasting rights, we look forward to attracting viewership to Sony Six by leveraging on the growing popularity of European football in the country."

NP Singh, MSM COO, added, "We are delighted to bring one of football's elite tournaments to the Indian viewers exclusively on Sony Six. Through our latest acquisition, we will take the fans closer to the high impact action that the UEFA Euro 2016 promises to deliver."

For MSM and Sonx Six the UEFA EURO rights acquisition shows their intend to show more football after having broadcast some 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

UEFA's Marketing Director Guy-Laurent Epstein said, "We are pleased to welcome Sony Six to the family of broadcasters for the UEFA Euro 2016. UEFA believes that the Sony Six channel and its commitment to high quality programming and sport is an excellent home for UEFA's flagship national team competition."

The the 15th edition of the European Championship, EURO2016 will be the first 24 national team continental European competition with France hosting the tournament from June 10 to July 10, 2016.

2014 AFC Women's Cup qualifiers: Only a win counts for India

2013-05-22T13:06:00.001+02:00

Only with one match of the three 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifying matches played, the Indian Women's national team are finding their backs against the wall after the 0-2 loss to Myanmar yesterday.

Against Chinese Taipei, who pumped in six goals against hosts Palestine in the Group D curtain-raiser on Tuesday, the Women in Blue have their task cut out. A win will keep them in the hunt for a place in the final round of the AFC Women's Cup. A defeat will mean the end of the short journey.

"It is a do or die match for us," national women's coach Anadi Barua maintains.

"In such tournaments where you get three games and only one team qualifies, there is absolutely no breathing space. We have played well against Myanmar, especially in the second half. They got the goals early. We took time to settle and that was the key," he adds.

"Once we got a hold of the match, we looked so much better. I am not taking anything out of Myanmar's victory. They deserved it. They got the goals, we didn't. But we played well. On another day, the script could have been different," added the India Coach.

As the game progressed on Tuesday, the passing improved, wing play sharpened and the back-line held firm. The second-half belonged to India as Myanmar did everything they could to protect the two-goal cushion, which in the end was enough as India couldn't score.

"Bala (Devi) is not fully fit and we will take a call on her on the match day morning. Tuli (Goon) is also nursing a rib injury. Otherwise, our defence held fort and midfield played well," assistant Coach Surmala Chanu informed.

Meanwhile the Chinese Taipei Coach Yen Shih Kai exuded confidence after their 6-0 victory against the hosts Palestine.

"We are confident of doing well against India. I am happy with the way the girls are playing. Lin's (Ya Han) hattrick was a treat to watch. I hope she continues in the same vein in the next two matches."

He added, "We have been preparing for the Qualifiers for a long time. I am glad that we are reaping dividends, though it is a little early to say."

"India and Myanmar won't come easy and we are leaving no stones unturned in our preparations," Yen Shih Kai added.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Pailan Arrows captain Milan Singh signs a two year contract with Shillong Lajong FC

2013-05-22T09:20:00.000+02:00

Last seasons Pailan Arrows captain and India Under-23 international Ongnam Milan Singh has signed a two year contract with Shillong Lajong FC after playing the last three season with the Pailan Arrows.

Milan started his senior career with East Bengal Club and joined the Pailan Arrows in 2010, where he has scored six goals in 31 appearances. After a successful run with Pailan Arrows as one of their key player in the 2011/12 I-league, he was handed the captain's armband for the 2012-13 season and went on to score five goals for his club.

Milan is represented by Libero Sports, who sealed the deal with Shillong Lajong FC for the talented midfielder.

Arvind Narayan, Libero Sports Partner and FIFA Licensed player agent, said, "Milan is a quality player and will support Shillong Lajong's ambitions of creating a title challenging squad. We wish him all the best!"

3,000 kids participate in Football Festivals across India on AFC Grassroots Day

2013-05-22T08:15:00.000+02:00

Nearly 3,000 kids participated across India in the inaugural AFC Grassroots Day which was conducted by Grassroots Leaders from across the country, who organised Grassroots Football Festivals in celebration of the AFC Grassroots Day on the May 15, 2013.

The success of the Festivals is a significant step showing that the Grassroots Programme has generated widespread interest not only from the new Grassroots Leaders, but also for the parents and schools.

The Festivals were held across many States such as Jammu&Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Haryana, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal, etc.

This was the first time that Football Festivals have been conducted across the Country as part of a coordinated Football Festival event and AIFF hopes to have many more such events in the future.

Congratulating the Grassroots Leaders on the conduct of the festivals, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "As part of the AIFF's continued focus on Grassroots Development, we have conducted 40 Grassroots Festivals across the Country with the help of our State FAs. We believe that a robust GR program is imperative for the development of football."

AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan echoed the sentiment adding, "All India Football Federation has started to organise one of the most successful activities in football, the implementation of Grassroot Football in most of the states. Within 10 years from now, India will produce the new Sneijder's, van Persi's or Robben's."

Scott O'Donell, AIFF Director of Coach Education and a FIFA Grassroots Instructor himself felt that Grassroots Development was the way forward for the development of Indian football.

"It is great to see so many Grassroots Festivals taking place to help celebrate AFC's Year of Grassroots Football. Grassroots Football is an essential part of the development of football in India and I hope this is just the start of bigger and better things for us," Scott maintained.

Jyoti Ann Burrett: Juggling has helped me improve my ball control!

2013-05-22T06:30:00.000+02:00

The story of India Women striker Jyoti Ann Burrett - from a juggler to a footballer - is nothing short of spectacular. Jyoti was a surprise entrant into the final 23-member Squad for the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers. In freewheeling interview to AIFF Media the 23-year old chronicles her journey from the juggler to a footballer in the Indian Women's Team, her aspirations and much more.

Throw some light on your journey from a juggler to a National Team player.

I loved to do all sort of things with the ball. I wanted to become a professional juggler. Hockey and Squash stayed my other favourite sports. But football stayed my first love and like every other kid, dreamt of representing my country.

Unfortunately, I didn't know the path to wearing the National jersey. I did not know about National Camps. I only got to know about it in 2008 when I came to Delhi and started playing for the State.

While playing for Jaguar Eves, a Club in Delhi I got to know about the Camp for the AFC (Women's) Cup. I went for the trials and got selected.

Is life different in the National Camp?

It's a different feeling. Here you are representing your country. All my friends and teammates who I have played with also dream of being here. So it's an achievement for sure. And when the National Anthem is sung, I have tears flowing down my eyes. But I know, this is just the beginning. There's so much to achieve.

Elaborate on the 'juggler' most don't know.

I was fascinated by juggling from a tender age. At that stage, I wanted to be a juggler and not a footballer. I participated in juggling competitions and kept on trying new tricks. I can do a lot of aerial movements with the ball on my feet. There was a time when apart from my studies, I just used to juggle the ball. It was an addiction. Gradually when I came to Delhi and started playing for the State, I developed interest in the sport.

When did you start it?

It was way back in 2004 when I watched an advertisement which had Ronaldinho, Edgar Davids, Totti among others featuring in it. Thereafter, I started with a tennis ball. I was 14 then. Gradually, I started appearing in Competitions – an intra-college talent hunt and another Freestyle Competition. I was the only girl in both the categories.

Do your juggling skills help you on the field?

It helps in sharpening your trapping skills and enhances ball control.

You also played football in England. Tell us more about it.

I completed my Masters in Sports and Health Science from Exeter University. There, I played for my University Team. My Coach at the University told me to play as a striker and I have never looked back since then. I have also trained with Tottenham Hotspur in their pre-season Camp back in June/July 2012. It helped me immensely.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra anthem for Bayern Munich

2013-05-22T04:30:00.001+02:00

Here an impressive video of an anthem recording by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in support of FC Bayern Munich ahead of the 2013 UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

The anthem was written by Thomas Berg and Matthias Ambrosius, while world-renowned maestro Lorin Maazel directed the recording. The Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, founded by Franz Kaim in 1893, is one of Munich's three principal orchestras, along with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Bavarian State Orchestra.

2014 AFC Women's Cup qualifiers: India lose 0-2 to Myanmar

2013-05-21T21:33:00.000+02:00

Myanmar rode two first half goals from Naw Phaw and Khin Moe Wai to edge past India in their Group D opening encounter of the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium, West Bank here this evening. Naw Phaw and Khin Moe Wai scored first half goals for Myanmar in the 5th and 26th minute respectively, while Yee Yee Oo's effort in the 27th minute hit the woodwork.

Before India could settle down and get a feel of the artificial turf, Myanmar surged ahead. It was a good goal and goalkeeper Roshni Devi had no chance in a one-to-one situation. Receiving a cross from winger Khin Moe Wai, the Myanmar forward did well to escape her marker and place her shot into the roof of the net.

Striker Bala Devi had a golden opportunity to convert in the 22nd minute after being set up by former India captain Oinam Bembem Devi on top of the box, but the striker from Manipur failed to connect. Just when India looked to have found their rhythm which helped them beat Bahrain in two friendlies a week ago, Myanmar doubled the lead cashing in on the counter. Moe Wai converted Than Than Htwe's spadework from close range. It was 2-0 at halftime.

India looked better after the break as they looked more at ease on the artificial turf and attacked with renewed vigour. In the opening exchanges of the second half, Myanmar – playing a high line in the first half - were forced to drop deep as the likes of Bembem Devi and Kamala Devi made frequent inroads into the final third.

Meanwhile Myanmar attacked in phases, mostly attempting to increase the cushion from set pieces. Goalscorer Naw Phaw was replaced by stopper Thida Oo in the 66th minute. They were literally defending in numbers switching from the initial 4-4-2 formation to a more defensive 5-4-1.

For India, Coach Anadi Barua made two changes. Pinky Bompal Magar replaced Bala Devi and Sasmita Mallick made way for Dangmei Grace. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Myanmar and leaves the Indian Eves with a mountain to climb to qualify from the group.

In the first match of the day, Chinese Taipei blanked hosts Palestine 6-0 in the Group's curtain-raiser. Midfielder Lin Ya Han notched up a hattrick while Lin Kai Lin, Lai Li Chin and and Yu Hsiu Chin netted one a piece.

India Women
Roshni Devi - Tuli Goon [C], Ashalata Devi, Radharani Devi, Suprava Samal - Sasmita Mallick (Dangmei Grace), Premi Devi, Oinam Bembem Devi, Prameshwori Devi - Kamala Devi, Bala Devi (Pinky Bompal Magar)

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Peninsula Pune Football Club Academy Trials - Under-19s Round 2

2013-05-21T21:11:00.000+02:00

The Peninsula Pune Football Club Academy trials in the Under-19 have gone through the second stage. Here a PFC video on the 38 boys who made it through to the final round in July.

Jose Mourinho set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season

2013-05-21T20:43:00.001+02:00

In one of the worst kept secrets in European football, Spanish giants Real Madrid and their Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho will part ways at the end of the ongoing 2012/13 campaign. This was disclosed by the Real Madrid president Florentino Perez yesterday post a board of directors meeting.

The club through a statement said, "after speaking with our manager Jose Mourinho, we've agreed to end our contractual relationship at the end of this season. The club and manager agree the timing is right to bring our relationship to an end. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Jose Mourinho for all his hard work over the last three years. With Mourinho, we made a big leap competitively and sporting-wise. We wish him all the best!"

This then brings a sometimes rocky relationship between the Special One and Los Blancos to an unfulfilled end. In 2010 Mourinho had joined Real Madrid after winning the UEFA Champions League with Italian side Inter Milan, but the expected Champions League title did not return for a 10th time to Madrid and Mourinho's style of operating wasn't always to the liking of the players, club and its fans.

Speaking about Mourinho's time in Madrid, Florentino Perez said, "They way we see it, the balance of Mourinho's time here is that we have made a very important qualitative leap both competitively and sporting-wise. We are back where this club should be; prior to his arrival we were knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 and were not even seeded. The balance is positive. A year ago we were all delighted with the squad's season and 'La Liga of records'. This year, making it to the Champions semifinals, a Cup final and second in La Liga, would maybe be enough for mere mortals but not for a club like this. We're demanding and proud to be so. Our culture is to win. The balance is positive, but we don’t consider this season enough because the club and Mourinho have such a high level of expectations."

Rumours are that Mourinho is expected to return to former club FC Chelsea, but nothing is confirmed for the moment.

AIFF invites fresh tender notice for new I-League Clubs

2013-05-21T19:36:00.000+02:00

Adhering to requests from new bidders, All India Football Federation today has invited a fresh tender notice inviting Bids for new Clubs to be a part of the I-League. The winning bidders will be granted the right to own and operate a new club which will compete in I-League in each year from 2013 onwards and have the opportunity (if applicable and subject to qualification) to compete in the AFC club competitions.

The invitation to the fresh tender will be available on working Days between 10am and 5pm at AIFF Headquarters, Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. All bidding parties need to fulfil the eligibility criteria (club licensing) and other requirements specified.

The last date for submission is Monday, May 27 at 12noon.

Bidders who have submitted their bids as part of earlier bidding process have an option of either collecting their existing bid and submit a fresh bid or to submit a consent letter for considering their existing bids. In either case, they are not required to purchase the fresh RFP Document.

The bids would then be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee which meets on May 27. The results would be announced within a week from the day.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

rs1.tv VIDEO: FC Remscheid win 4-0 away to Bottrop

2013-05-21T09:58:00.000+02:00

My German home town club FC Remscheid yesterday afternoon scored a convincing 4-0 away win at VfB Bottrop in the German Landesliga (sixth division). With these three points FCR move into 7th position with now 34 points from 26 matches and are assured of their status in the league next season.

Here my colleagues report for rs1.tv in German