Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium is undergoing extensive renovations to prepare for upcoming international football matches featuring five-time world champions Brazil and two-time world champions Uruguay against India. The upgrades include fresh paint, renovated seating, improved spectator facilities, re-turfing of pitches, and enhanced security measures.
The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.
The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.
An international friendly football match between India and Uruguay in Kolkata was halted for 34 minutes due to lightning and thunder. The score was 1-1 when play was suspended, with Anirudh Thapa scoring for India and Darwin Nunez for Uruguay.
Following a stampede-like situation that resulted in 18 deaths and 25 injuries, several prominent Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata were instructed by authorities on Saturday evening to temporarily close their pandals to visitors. This decision affects major crowd-pulling pujas and extends to areas like Bidhannagar, with a review meeting scheduled for Sunday.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the India-Brazil international football friendly in Kolkata on October 3. The city is preparing for the historic match, with Brazil's five-time world champions having arrived and security measures stepped up.
A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.
Real Salt Lake won their first Major League Soccer championship on Sunday with a penalty shootout victory over David Beckham's LA Galaxy after the title game had ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Despite significant efforts including slashed ticket prices and complimentary passes, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium saw a disappointingly low turnout for India's friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay, raising concerns about fan engagement in Indian football, even with legendary players like Diego Forlan present.
Mamata Banerjee government was principally opposed to granting SEZ status to any such units willing to come to the state
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan offered their perspectives on the Indian football team's 6-1 defeat against Uruguay. Chaubey highlighted the team's strong start and confidence, suggesting rain disrupted momentum, and stressed the importance of playing top-level opposition. Khan called the match a landmark moment for Indian football exposure but also criticised political interference in West Bengal's football ecosystem.
Kolkata, a city with a deep passion for football, is grappling with Lionel Messi's international retirement. The article explores the city's unique and enduring connection to the Argentine superstar, from his memorable 2011 visit to the emotional fan reactions to his retirement, including a controversial 2023 event.
Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata for a high-profile friendly match against India.
Rama Jhawar (21) is the daughter of a businessman and studies at the G D Birla College.
Admissions are open to LKG, UKG and Classes I to V at Salt Lake Shiksha Sadan, Kolkata.
Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.
Having created a buzz with their 1.5 kilometre long floor art during Durga Puja, the fine arts students of West Bengal are all set to create a gorgeous 'Rangoli' keeping Under-17 World Cup theme in mind, during the final, in Kolkata, on October 28.
Brazil has announced its 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for a historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. This landmark fixture follows Brazil's Australia tour and promises a grand spectacle for Indian football fans.
Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.
Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.
East Bengal FC is set to face Kuwait's Al-Arabi SC in a pivotal AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage match at Salt Lake Stadium, with tickets starting from Rs 149. This high-stakes fixture will determine the Indian Super League champions' continental future, offering a chance to secure a spot in the ACL Two 2026-27 group stage or drop into the AFC Challenge League.
Anirudh Thapa scored a historic goal against Uruguay, becoming the first Indian to score against a top-20 FIFA nation since 1992.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
Glimpses of India's vibrant Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations, as devotees perform traditional Garba, worship Goddess Durga and visit elaborately decorated pandals.
East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.
India's head coach Khalid Jamil and left-back Akash Mishra discuss the team's short recovery time and the significant challenge posed by two-time world champions Uruguay, following their 0-4 defeat to Brazil. Despite the demanding schedule, the team remains focused on performing well in the upcoming friendly, with players acknowledging the importance of competitive football.
Brazil, with eight changes to their starting line-up, defeated India 4-0 in a football friendly, with Samuel Lino scoring a brace and Estevao and Pedro also finding the net.
Former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas has been summoned by police in connection with a case related to chaos at a Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium last year. The summons follows an FIR lodged by event organiser Shatadru Dutta, accusing Biswas of black-marketing tickets, extortion, and cheating.
India's national football team suffered a 6-1 defeat against two-time former world champions Uruguay in an international friendly in Kolkata.
India's head coach Khalid Jamil is preparing his team for a historic football match against five-time world champions Brazil. Jamil emphasizes handling pressure, keeping things simple, and giving their best, despite the significant gap in rankings. Defender Anwar Ali also stresses the importance of staying calm and following the coach's plan for the high-stakes encounter.
Indian tennis player Parikshit Somani has been handed a four-year ban by an independent tribunal after testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension, which will last until September 2029. Somani's explanation of food contamination was deemed "scientifically implausible" by the tribunal, leading to the full ban without mitigating circumstances.
Sourav Ganguly has confirmed his new role as head coach for Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL season, replacing Hemang Badani. He addressed potential conflict of interest concerns regarding his concurrent presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal, citing a BCCI ombudsman order. Ganguly also commented on India's football performance and congratulated PM Narendra Modi.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Indian footballer Jay Gupta expresses his hopes that the upcoming friendly matches against five-time world champions Brazil and Uruguay will ignite a revolution for football in India, similar to Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup win for cricket. He views the unprecedented fixtures as a crucial opportunity for the Indian team to test their calibre against elite opposition and learn, aiming to build on their recent performance against Panama.
The All India Football Federation has announced a series of high-profile international friendly matches for the Indian men's national team. India will host Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, followed by five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata. These matches represent a significant step for Indian football, offering the team a chance to compete against top-ranked global opponents.
Legendary Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, now coaching Uruguay, believes India can significantly improve its football standing despite cricket's dominance. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots development, strong domestic leagues, and consistent exposure to high-level international competition to nurture young talent and elevate the sport in the country. Forlan also shared his positive experiences with Indian football passion during his ISL stint.
With its shores being devoured by sinkholes, the Dead Sea would soon disappear right before your eyes.
