Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India's organised defence and counter-attacking efforts despite Brazil's 4-0 victory in a friendly match. Ancelotti noted the game became easier for Brazil after their first goal and highlighted the match as a test for younger players in Brazil's rebuilding phase. India's coach Khalid Jamil defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and stressed the importance of high-level matches for the Indian team.
Vikash Dhorasoo, the first Indian-origin player in a FIFA World Cup, expresses strong belief in India's potential to reach football's biggest stage. Visiting India for a friendly match against Brazil, Dhorasoo highlights the importance of method, clear objectives, and leveraging players of Indian origin to elevate the national team's level. He also offers his coaching expertise to help develop young talent in India.
There is a heartbreaking sincerity in the way Sumo Didi presents its protagonist and her story of courage. But there's a fine line between a sincere underdog story and a banal one, and the film never quite finds it, notes Mayur Sanap.
The Indian football team is set to play a series of international friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, offering valuable experience against world-class opponents. These matches are crucial for the team to assess its current standard and gain confidence, despite facing significantly more accomplished sides.
India faces a challenging FIFA international friendly against two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata, aiming to recover from a 0-4 defeat by Brazil.
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.
The Indian Super League 2026-27 season is set to begin with renewed optimism after a turbulent previous season.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
The India U-17 football team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates U-17 side in Thailand this month as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.
Indian football icon I M Vijayan has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil international friendly in Kolkata on October 3. He believes the visit by the five-time World Cup champions will provide invaluable experience and lasting memories for young Indian players, significantly boosting the sport's profile and attracting global attention to Indian football.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in a difficult situation regarding India's participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and a proposed friendly against Brazil, as both events clash on October 3. FIFA regulations prohibit fielding an understrength team in a sanctioned competition, forcing the AIFF to seek clarification from FIFA on its plan for separate squads.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October. This decision, confirmed by AIFF, means India will miss facing Southeast Asian teams in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, opting instead for a more challenging opponent to improve its international standing.
From Kareena Kapoor Khan's 'cop who wears lipstick' in Daayra to Rani Mukerji's relentless Shivani Shivaji Rao in the Mardaani series, Bollywood has seen a rise in powerful and nuanced portrayals of female police officers tackling brutal crimes and societal challenges.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his towering 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata.
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has revealed that KL Rahul was 'deeply frustrated' with Punjab Kings' performances during his IPL stint, particularly due to losing matches from winning positions and by close margins.
Ajinkya Rahane, known as 'Jinx', has retired from international cricket at 38, leaving behind a legacy of quiet resolve, exceptional captaincy, and crucial innings that often came when India needed them most.
Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.
Kolkata Knight Riders face Mumbai Indians in a crucial IPL match, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their fate also depends on other match results.
The cricket world paid glorious tribute to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers who died in Barbados on Friday, describing him as the benchmark of excellence and terming his death an "irreplaceable loss" for the sport.
The India women's Under-20 football team has arrived in Bangkok for a pre-tournament acclimatisation camp ahead of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand.
KKR's Varun Chakravarthy, who was named Player of the Match, said it would be difficult to consistently reproduce match-winning spells due to the conditions.
Back home after nearly a month on the road and with their campaign hanging by a thread, Kolkata Knight Riders will look to stay alive in the IPL when they face a rampaging Gujarat Titans side chasing a top-two finish in Kolkata on Saturday.
Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a calm and confident T20 leader, earning praise for his sharp tactics, composed decision-making, and strong support for his players under pressure.
Messi's last visit with the Argentina team to India was back in 2011, when they faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
Shah Rukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly shared a heartwarming reunion at Eden Gardens during the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.
Delhi Capitals face Kolkata Knight Riders in a crucial IPL match, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Punjab Kings will be under pressure to halt a worrying slide when they face a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League here on Wednesday.
Kolkata Knight Riders are considering giving Matheesha Pathirana his debut in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, according to bowling coach Tim Southee. Pathirana has been with the team for two weeks after recovering from a calf injury. The decision hinges on team balance and conditions, with KKR aiming to win the Powerplay against SRH's strong batting line-up.
South African batter Heinrich Klaasen has confirmed his retirement from international cricket, choosing to prioritise family time and T20 leagues despite briefly considering a comeback.
Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi's touchdown in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into a frenzy.
Ravi Shastri believes Chennai Super Kings will learn from their defeat to Lucknow Super Giants and bounce back strongly in their remaining IPL matches to secure a playoff spot.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs, but RCB secured the top spot in the IPL standings due to their net run rate. SRH posted a formidable 255/4, while RCB reached their target of 166 to ensure a top-two finish.
Gujarat Titans aim for a third consecutive win in their IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders, focusing on their pace attack to exploit KKR's spin bowling strength.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, buoyed by the emergence of young pace bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Husain, are confident heading into their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. The uncapped duo made an immediate impact in the previous match, giving SRH a new edge.
Today, predictability has replaced volatility. When 200 becomes routine and chases follow a template, the element of surprise goes out the window and with it viewer engagement.
A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.
Mumbai Indians aim to leverage their home advantage against Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a mixed start to their IPL campaign. Key batting performances and bowling partnerships will be crucial for both teams.
