Latest news with #PunjabFC
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Indian team call-up a proud moment for me and my family: Nikhil Prabhu
Nikhil shared his journey, experiences, and thoughts ahead of joining the camp with Business Standard, and he looks forward to transferring his decent form from the Indian Super League. Shashwat Nishant New Delhi Punjab FC midfielder Nikhil Prabhu was recently called up to the Indian national football team for the first time as India will be taking on Thailand in a friendly and Hong Kong in the AFC Asian cup qualifier on June 4 and 10 respectively. Nikhil shared his journey, experiences, and thoughts ahead of joining the camp with Business Standard as he looks forward to transfer his decent form in the Indian Super League onto the national scenario. Here are the excerpts from his conversation: Nikhil: I was in Bali when I got the news. I immediately called my parents and sister, this was a dream not just for me, but for my whole family. They always told me hard work pays off, and this call-up was a great moment of joy for us all. It's been about patience and perseverance. Q: You started as a central defender and transitioned to a defensive midfielder. How was that change for you? Nikhil: Initially, it was challenging because I hadn't played as a midfielder before. Coaches like Panos and Staikos supported me, helping me understand my new role, focusing mainly on defense and guiding the team from the middle. It involved more running and responsibilities, but I embraced it since I love leading and taking on challenges. Q: How do you plan to carry your form from Punjab FC to the international stage? Nikhil: I have worked closely with coach Manolo for over a year. He has been very supportive, communicating clearly about how I can improve as a CDM. It's motivating to have him as the national coach now. Representing the country is a huge responsibility but also a dream come true. Q: How was your season with Punjab FC? Nikhil: It was full of ups and downs, but overall a good season. Sometimes we lacked a bit of luck, conceding goals quickly. Still, we showed great performance, especially in the Super Cup until the last moments. Q: Have you met your national teammates yet? Nikhil: The camp starts on June 18, so I haven't met them yet. But I've received congratulatory messages from senior players like Nikhil Pujari and Rahul Bheke, which was encouraging. Q: Are you prepared for any initiation rituals in the national camp? Nikhil: I haven't prepared anything yet. It will be a special moment just wearing the national jersey and playing alongside legends like Sunil Chhetri. I look forward to supporting my teammates. Q: You're known for your intensity on the field. What are you like off the field? Nikhil: Off the field, I'm calm and kind. I'm always willing to help others and believe in fairness. If someone deserves recognition more than me, I'm happy to give it to them. Q: If you weren't a footballer, what else might you have pursued? Nikhil: Growing up in a sports-friendly community, I played various sports like swimming and table tennis. If not football, maybe I would have explored another sport, but football has always been my passion. Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions? Nikhil: Before every match, I speak with my parents. That conversation pumps me up and fuels my aggression on the field, which is crucial for my role as a defensive midfielder.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Punjab FC secure AIFF U-15 Junior League title
ANI 29 May 2025, 00:55 GMT+10 Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], May 28 (ANI): Punjab FC beat city rivals Minerva Academy FC 1-0 to clinch the AIFF U-15 Junior League 2024-25 title in the finals which was played at the JRD Tata Complex. A first half strike from Keisham Bikash Singh was enough for the club to secure their second youth league title of the season, after the Under-17 side won the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month, according to a release from Punjab FC. The only goal of the match came in the 40th minute after Arambam Deepak Singh put in a low cross from the right wing which the Minerva defence failed to clear properly. The clearance deflected off Bikash Singh and found the bottom corner of the net. The Cubs put in a resolute defensive display from then on led by Khupkhanlian, Maibam Mangalsana Meitei and Prabhjot Singh and well marshalled by captain Jasmeet Singh from the centre of midfield. Prabhjot received the 'Player of the Final' award for his performance. Goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta pulled off some stunning saves to maintain the lead for his side. Punjab FC edged past Parappur FC Kerala 1-0 in the quarterfinals with Jasmeet Singh scoring the winner. The Cubs dominated East Bengal in the semi-finals to win 5-1 and qualify for the finals. Keisham Bikash Singh scored a brace while Taibang Nganba Takhellambam, Prabhjot Singh and Arambam Deepak Singh scored the other goals for the winners. Punjab FC had earlier qualified for the knockouts by finishing second in Group C of the final round. In the first match, the youngsters went down to Minerva Academy FC 1-4 but bounced back to beat Football 4 Change Academy, Manipur 4-1 and Jamshedpur FC 3-0 to take them to the knockout rounds of the league. The Sandeep Alhan coached side finished second in the North Zone Regional Group stage to qualify for the Playoffs of the Final Round. They scored eight unanswered goals past Namdhari Sports Academy and Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and beat Sri Dashmesh Martial Sports Academy 4-0. The only defeat came in a 1-6 loss to Minerva Academy FC. In the Playoffs, Punjab FC beat Kerala Blasters and Alchemy International FA, Bengaluru in identical 4-1 scores to qualify for the final round. The youth teams of Punjab FC have been having a terrific season qualifying for the National Championship of all age group categories, winning the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month. The same side also clinched the Dream Sports Championship. The Sub-Junior team reached the semi-finals of the Final Round of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2024-25 where they went down to FC Madras in the penalty shootout after both teams were tied 0-0 in regulation time. (ANI)
Hans India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Punjab FC secure AIFF U-15 Junior League title
Jamshedpur: Punjab FC beat city rivals Minerva Academy FC 1-0 to clinch the AIFF U-15 Junior League 2024-25 title in the finals, which was played at the JRD Tata Complex here on Wednesday. A first-half strike from Keisham Bikash Singh was enough for the club to secure their second youth league title of the season after the Under-17 side won the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month. The only goal of the match came in the 40th minute after Arambam Deepak Singh put in a low cross from the right wing, which the Minerva defence failed to clear properly. The clearance deflected off Bikash Singh and landed in the bottom corner of the net. The Cubs put in a resolute defensive display from then on, led by Khupkhanlian, Maibam Mangalsana Meitei and Prabhjot Singh and well marshalled by captain Jasmeet Singh from the centre of midfield. Prabhjot received the Player of the Final award for his performance. Goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta pulled off some stunning saves to maintain the lead for his side. Punjab FC edged past Parappur FC, Kerala, 1-0 in the quarterfinals with Jasmeet Singh scoring the winner. The Cubs dominated East Bengal in the semi-finals to win 5-1 and qualify for the finals. Keisham Bikash Singh scored a brace while Taibang Nganba Takhellambam, Prabhjot Singh, and Arambam Deepak Singh scored the other goals for the winners. Punjab FC had earlier qualified for the knockouts by finishing second in Group C of the final round. In the first match, the youngsters went down to Minerva Academy FC 1-4 but bounced back to beat Football 4 Change Academy, Manipur 4-1, and Jamshedpur FC 3-0 to take them to the knockout rounds of the league. The Sandeep Alhan-coached side finished second in the North Zone Regional Group stage to qualify for the Playoffs of the Final Round. They scored eight unanswered goals past Namdhari Sports Academy and Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and beat Sri Dashmesh Martial Sports Academy 4-0. The only defeat came in a 1-6 loss to Minerva Academy FC. In the Playoffs, Punjab FC beat Kerala Blasters and Alchemy International FA, Bengaluru in identical 4-1 scores to qualify for the final round. The youth teams of Punjab FC have been having a terrific season, qualifying for the National Championship in all age group categories and winning the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month. The same side also clinched the Dream Sports Championship. The Sub-Junior team reached the semi-finals of the Final Round of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2024-25, where they went down to FC Madras in the penalty shootout after both teams were tied 0-0 in regulation time.
Business Upturn
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Who is Singamayum Shami? Indian captain who sealed SAFF U-19 final against Bangladesh
Singamayum Shami is an emerging football sensation from India who recently shot to fame after captaining the India U-19 national football team to a thrilling victory in the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025. Known for his composure, leadership, and exceptional free-kick abilities, Shami has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in Indian football. Early Life and Background Born on April 18, 2007, in Manipur, India, Singamayum Shami hails from a state renowned for producing exceptional football talent. According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Shami represented the Punjab Football Association at the state level, indicating his early exposure to competitive football outside his home state. Shami currently plays as a midfielder for Punjab FC, a prominent club in the Indian Super League (ISL). In the 2024-2025 ISL season, Shami made five appearances for Punjab FC, demonstrating his versatility in midfield. On March 6, 2025, Shami etched his name in ISL history by scoring a goal against Hyderabad FC at the age of 17 years and 322 days, becoming the youngest-ever goal-scorer in the league's history. SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 Heroics Shami played a pivotal role in India's title-winning campaign at the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship. In the final against Bangladesh, Shami scored a stunning goal from a direct free-kick, giving India the lead in a high-stakes match. Despite Bangladesh equalizing through Mohammad Joy Ahamed, the game ended 1-1 and moved to a tense penalty shootout. Under pressure, India fell behind after missing one of their early penalties while Bangladesh scored their first three. However, dramatic misses by Bangladesh in their final two kicks gave India a lifeline. In a fitting finale, Captain Singamayum Shami stepped up to take the decisive penalty—and calmly slotted it home to seal a 4-3 shootout victory and secure the championship. SAFF U-19Singamayum Shami Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Punjab FC ease past Jamshedpur FC to clinch AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League title
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 14 (ANI): Four first-half goals ensured Punjab FC (PFC) eased past Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 4-1 to clinch the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 title in the final played here at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Goals from Karish Soram, Ashish Lohar, Vikash Kisku and Usham Thoungamba Singh within a space of 11 minutes ensured they secured the title, as per the Punjab FC press release. Karish Soram opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 28th minute, setting the tone for a dominant first half. Ashish Lohar doubled the lead after six minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Vikash Kisku then added a third just three minutes later, with an excellent close control finish from inside the box. The fourth goal came from Usham Thoungamba Singh in the 39th minute with a clinical strike to all but seal the match before the break. Punjab FC finished second in Group A of the Final Round matches, winning two and losing one to qualify for the knockouts of the league. They started the final round stage with a 5-0 win over Sudeva Delhi FC and followed it up with another dominant 6-0 victory over FC Goa. In the final group stage game, to decide the group stage winners, they went down to AIFF FIFA Talent Academy 4-5, in a nine goal thriller. The Cubs displayed another dominant performance to get the better of Bengal Football Academy 6-2, with Sameer scoring a hat-trick and Vishal Yadav scoring a brace. Usham Thoungamba Singh scored the other goal for the winners. The semi-finals saw another nail biter with, Punjab FC edging past FC Madras 3-2, after being 1-2 down with the help of goals from Ashish Lohar, Vishal Yadav and Thongram Rishikanta Singh to send them to the finals. The Ramesh Gangaram Bista-coached side qualified for the final round of the tournament after finishing on top of the Zonal Round qualifiers, with seven wins, two draws, and just one loss. They scored 40 goals and conceded just four on the way to topping the group and qualifying for the final round. They played Delhi FC, Sudeva Delhi FC, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, Minerva Academy FC, and Sri Dashmesh Martial Sports Academy in the zonal qualifiers. (ANI)
