Latest news with #AIFF
New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
FC Madras' sub-junior team gets candid after bagging silver in AIFF finals
On May 26, defeat hung heavy in the air, at the Scamper Park football facility in Mahabalipuram. The scoreboard read 2-1. Eleven boys in their sweat-stained white jerseys, walked up to receive their silver medals. Some managed to fight their tears. Some left teary-eyed. Some others welled and weeped. The team's defeat however, didn't erase the record that they had already set. The lads, representing FC Madras, became the first to lead a Tamil Nadu-based football club into the finals of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) nationals in the sub-junior category. Despite the feat, the team stood low. Afterall, the boys spent eight months training for this tournament, played 230 games against 64 different teams, put up a nail-biting fight in the semi-finals — a game they won after it stretched into a penalty shootout — and reached the final. On the D-day, they saw their opposition, Minerva FC from Punjab, bag two goals early in the game. The team's striker Areez Alam's goal in the 70+5' minute, restored faith in the game, but in vain.
India Gazette
17 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Debutants Manisha Naik, Malavika, Priyadharshini dream of more Blue Tigresses caps
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] June 1 (ANI): As the Blue Tigresses faced Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA Women's International Friendlies, three youngsters got a taste of what international football at the highest level was actually about - Manisha Naik, Malavika P, and Priyadharshini Selladurai, according to AIFF website. While Manisha and Malavika made their India debuts as part of the starting XI, Priyadharshini got her first cap when she replaced Dangmei Grace in the 74th minute. For Manisha Naik, May 30, will forever be etched in memory. 'I was really happy and proud when I got the call-up. It felt surreal. But I was also nervous, wondering how I would perform in my first match. Thankfully, the seniors supported me and helped me settle in,' she said. Her rise has been steady and impressive - seven goals for Sports Odisha in the 2022-23 Odisha Women's League, followed by a standout season with Nita FA in the 2024-25 IWL, where she netted a brace against HOPS FC. While India didn't clinch the win on her debut, Manisha's perspective remained positive. 'We tried to give our best, but the match didn't go our way. Still, we'll come back stronger. We've seen how Uzbekistan play and will use that experience to prepare better for the next game,' she said. At age 21, Malavika P from Kasargod, Kerala, is known for her pace and creativity on the wing. Her footballing journey has been one of steady rise. Starting from sub-junior levels, she worked her way in women's football in her state, even being named the Best Female Player of 2024 in Kerala by the Kerala Football Association. Thereafter, she worked her way to Sethu FC, where she has played a crucial role in the 2024-25 season. 'There were people in my own village who criticised me for playing football, but my mother stood by me through it all. She's my strength. So is my coach and family, they've been my backbone, and it's because of their support that I'm here today,' she shared. Looking back at her international debut, she said, 'It's my first match for India, and honestly, I don't even know how to put this feeling into words. I'm just so happy and proud. It's like a dream come true. We played well, but this is football anything can happen. What matters now is that we come back stronger.' When Priyadharshini Selladurai pulled on the Indian jersey for the first time, it was more than just a personal milestone, it was a moment of pride for her village, her family, and every young girl who dares to dream. The 22-year-old midfielder from Savalakaran village in Tiruchirappalli became the first-ever player from her community to represent India at the senior level. 'It's exciting that my dream is coming true. I've been waiting for this chance to wear the India jersey and represent my country,' she said. Her football journey began back in sixth standard when her school coach, V Muthukumar, encouraged her to pursue the sport despite societal barriers. Already a top scorer in the 2024 Kerala State League, a Khelo India representative for Tamil Nadu, and part of the IWL runners-up team with Gokulam Kerala, Priyadharshini is determined to inspire the next generation: 'I'll work hard and do my best to represent the country. I hope my story inspires more girls back home to chase their dreams, too.' (ANI)
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Chhetri recalls India's 'fantastic' 2019 AFC Asian Cup victory ahead of Thailand friendly
From the Asian Games to the Asian Cup, from the King's Cup to the Nehru Cup, the history of India versus Thailand clashes in men's football is a long one. Including the first meeting, which India won 4-1 at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, the Blue Tigers and Changsuek have played 26 times. The head-to-head reads seven wins for India, 12 for Thailand, and seven draws. The previous two matches, however, were both won by India in 2019. A sensational 4-1 win at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in Abu Dhabi, before a narrow 1-0 victory to win bronze at the King's Cup on Thai soil. Sunil Chhetri, who scored the first two goals in the Asian Cup victory, reminisced about the performance that ended India's 55-year wait for a win at the continental showpiece event. "That was a long time back. What I remember of the game was that the team was outstanding. (Anirudh) Thapa was amazing. So was Udanta (Singh Kumam). The defence was amazing. Ashique (Kuruniyan) started with me, and he was good. The whole team was really, really good in that game," he told the AIFF's official website. "I think at that time, Thailand were probably better than us on paper by a mile. We were underdogs in that game, and to win the game the way we did — it wasn't just four goals but the way we held ourselves and dominated the game — was really fantastic," said Chhetri, who became the first Indian to score at two Asian Cups in that game. The 40-year-old added that it serves as a source of motivation for the Blue Tigers as they prepare to face Thailand again in the FIFA International Friendly on June 4 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani. "That's also a marker for us to know that on a good day, if we work hard, that's what we can achieve. That game was special because a lot of young people did really well. So, we are taking a lot of positivity and inspiration from the game," said Chhetri. While India are currently placed 127th in the FIFA Rankings, Thailand are 99th. The Changsuek have risen 14 places since Japanese coach Masatada Ishii took charge in December 2023 and led them to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup a month later. Except for missing out on the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after finishing behind Korea Republic and China in the group, 2024 was a fairly successful year for Thailand. They won the King's Cup after beating Philippines and Syria, and were finalists in the ASEAN Championship, losing 3-5 on aggregate to Vietnam. For the Changsuek, the friendly against India serves as preparation for their AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifier against Turkmenistan. Thailand began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka in March — a game the island nation 'did not deserve to lose,' according to Manolo Marquez. The notable names in the Thai squad are captain and midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin, who is the most experienced player with 70 caps, forward Supachai Chaided, Swedish-born defender Elias Dolah, midfielder Ben Davis, who has three goals in just six caps, and Italy-born defender Marco Ballini, with a towering height of two metres. Among those who ply their trade outside Thailand are midfielder Jaroensak Wonggorn (Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top tier), midfielder Ekanit Panya (Ehime FC in the Japanese second tier) and defender Elias Dolah (Bali United in the Indonesian top tier). Domestically, BG Pathum United and Muangthong United contribute the most to the Thai squad, with five and four players each, respectively. Indian winger Lallianzuala Chhangte shared his thoughts on Thailand, which will be a solid test before the Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong. "We played against Thailand multiple times. They are a good team, a hungry one. They like to make runs behind. They are also a team that want to play with the ball. But again, we are totally focused on ourselves. It's all about executing what we have been doing on the training pitch in the match. And if we can do it, I believe we can win these two matches (against Thailand and Hong Kong)," said the 27-year-old.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
AIFF announces amendments to regulations on status and transfer of players
New Delhi [India] May 31 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a set of amendments to its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), which will come into effect from June 1, according to a release from AIFF. The reforms focus on enhancing player welfare, supporting women's football and youth football more effectively, and improving regulatory transparency. A standout feature of the updated regulations is the increased attention to the rights and well-being of female players. The AIFF has introduced provisions addressing menstrual health, allowing female players to take leave from training during the onset of their menstrual cycle. Expanded clauses now also cover pregnancy, adoption, and family leave for both players and coaches, aiming to create a more inclusive environment for women in the sport. The amendments also introduce structural reforms in player transfers and youth development. New limitations on the number and duration of player loan deals have been set to ensure fairness. To safeguard young talent, the AIFF has revised its regulations concerning the registration of minors at academies, emphasising child protection in accordance with FIFA standards. Earlier on Thursday, AIFF announced the AIFF Academy Accreditation Rules and Regulations for the 2025-26 season. The Academy Accreditation application window is now open, and the deadline is June 10. An academy wishing to be eligible for elite academy accreditation would have to complete a minimum nine-point checklist for passing the Academy Accreditations with a one-star rating. Further excellence ratings ranging from two to five stars would be granted on the gradation system in each category. The academies that fail to meet the minimum nine-point checklist but wish to still be formally recognised through the AIFF Academy Accreditation process will have a 'Basic Accreditation' category assigned to them, which will be launched after the completion of the first round of Elite Academy Accreditation. (ANI)
The Print
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Print
Inter Kashi set to move CAS again after AIFF upholds appeal of Namdhari, Real Kashmir and Churchill
Thus Churchill would rise to an 'unassailable' 42 points and would be champions irrespective of Kashi's appeal at CAS. The AIFF appeals committee's latest judgement means four points would be deducted from Inter Kashi while two would get added to Churchill's tally and Namdhari would get three. New Delhi, May 31 (PTI) I-League club Inter Kashi is set to knock on the doors of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a second time after the All India Football Federation upheld the appeal of Namdhari FC, Real Kashmir and Churchill Brothers against the Varanasi-based club over re-registration of Mario Barco. Inter Kashi would drop to 37 points while sixth-placed Namdhari would jump to 35 points. Inter Kashi said they would appeal against the judgement at CAS — the highest court to adjudicate sports disputes internationally — where an appeal by club is pending. 'Inter Kashi will now appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. While it is unfortunate that Inter Kashi has to approach CAS yet again for a truly free and fair hearing of the matter, it seems to be the new reality of Indian football,' Inter Kashi said in statement and posted it on X. 'The club fully believes that a free and fair hearing at CAS will bring all relevant facts to the forefront. There will be no further comment on this matter at this time,' the club added in the statement. In its order passed on Saturday, the AIFF appeals committee rejected the league committee's earlier decision, saying that the ruling cannot be used for making an ineligible player (Mario Barco) into a valid player for Inter Kashi. In the provisional standings, Churchill had 40 points from 22 matches, one point more than Kashi, while Real Kashmir were third with 37 points. The I-League officially concluded on March 31, and after weeks of uncertainty, the AIFF appeals committee declared Churchill Brothers as champions on April 19. But Inter Kashi appealed against the ruling at CAS, which had asked the AIFF to not declare Churchill Brothers as I-League champions or organise medal ceremony. The CAS had stayed the AIFF's decision while hearing the appeal from Inter Kashi. A ruling from the Deputy President of the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division Sport had stated: 'The All India Football Federation is ordered not to declare the winner of the I-League 2024/2025 or organise a medal ceremony for the I-League 2024-25 until the present arbitration has been concluded.' Amendments to regulations on status and transfer of players ======================================== The AIFF meanwhile announced a set of amendments to its regulations on the status and transfer of players, which will come into effect from June 1. The AIFF said it focuses on enhancing player welfare, supporting women's football and youth football more effectively, and improving regulatory transparency. 'A standout feature of the updated regulations is the increased attention to the rights and well-being of female players,' the sports body said. The AIFF said it has 'introduced provisions addressing menstrual health, allowing female players to take leave from training during the onset of their menstrual cycle. 'Expanded clauses now also cover pregnancy, adoption, and family leave for both players and coaches, aiming to create a more inclusive environment for women in the sport. 'The amendments also introduce structural reforms in player transfers and youth development. New limitations on the number and duration of player loan deals have been set to ensure fairness. 'To safeguard young talent, the AIFF has revised its regulations concerning the registration of minors at academies, emphasising child protection in accordance with FIFA standards.' PTI AH AH TAP This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
