Today Goshto Pal's 113th birth anniversary was commemorated by Maidan Welfare Association. Mohun Bagan club payed homage to the Chinese Wall. Today On the occasion Padmasree Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami,Justice Shyamal Sen were also present. Mohun Bagan fan club " Mariners on the Move" also showed respect to the legend. India lost to Lebanon in the opening of Nehru Cup 19.08.2009 :: ANIRBAN ROY, DELHI :: Defendeing Champions India lost to Lebanon by a solitary goal in the opening fixture of the Nehru Cup on their home turf at the Ambedkar Stadium here in New Delhi. The tournament opener attended by a packed crowd cheering the home team from the starting of the game. The Indian defence conceded freekick in the 3rd minute and Ali Al Saad of Lebanon converted the free kick piercing through the Indian wall. In the 23rd min Steven Dias's shot just went wide of the post. Lebanon started to dominate the midfield, moving the ball around and keeping possesion. India got few free kicks in first half and once Sushil Singh came close to scoring with a header. Surkumar's effort was also saved by Lebanese keeper Mehanna with ease. Second half started with the introduction of Sunil Chhetri in place of Sushil Singh. Lebanon started to have the lion's share of possesion. The introduction of Mahesh Gawli in the 54th min saw India making moves from the left wing and playing long balls into the opponent box. While Subrata Pal kept the home team in the game after a good flick over the box. In the 64th min Sunil Chhetri's effort just went wide. The next move resulted in Bhaichung getting the ball and getting tripped in the box yearning for a penalty, but was instead booked for diving. India now tried their luck with long balls from the flank provided by Surkumar Singh & Gourmangi,but an average taller Lebanese defensive setup dealt with ease. The 75th min saw India making a good move with possesion resulting in a corner from left which was saved by keper Mehanna hurriedly. The last chance fell to Anthony Pereira in the 80th min who shot wide of the frame. The match was over with disappointment for the crowd. Lebanon's Ali Al Saad was declared the man of the match. In the press conference, coach Bob Houghton seemed pleased with his boys performance but he made a point to talk about the length of the grass of the pitch. He answered questions about Bhaichung's controversial penalty decision & the fitness of Sunil Chhetri. He also was optimistic that his team would perform better & that they have a tough tournament ahead. Lebanesecoach Emile Rustom was happy that his boys came out above all, including factors like the humid temperature, the length of the grass and of course the Indian opposition. INDIA TEAM: Subrata Paul ,Gourmangi Singh ,Surkumar Singh ,Steven Dias , N.S.Manju (Mahesh Gawli 57'),Climax Lawrance, N.P. Pradeep, Anwar Ali (Mehrajuddin Wadoo 78'), Anthony pereira ,Sushil Singh (Sunil Chhetri 46'), Baichung Bhutia(C) Online Update During Match 93: Match ends. Final score Lebanon 1-0 India. 92: The goal scorer Al Saadi has been adjudged man of the match. Last minute going on. 90: 3 min injury time. 88: Mahesh pass to Anthony, his center goes to goalkeeper. Lebanon goalkeeper should be today's Man of Match. 86: India continues to build pressure, but still score 1-0 in favor of Lebanon. Lebanon defence putting up a valiant fight. 85: Baichung pass to Steven, his center goes straight to goalkeeper. 83: Baichung pass to Pradip, his shot goes out. 80: Lebanon scores but ruled out offside. 78: Mehraj comes in place of Anwar. 76': Lebanon counter attack, No. 9 takes shot, fisted by Subrata for corner. Corner headed out by Gourmangi. 74': Gourmangi long pass, cleared by lebanon defence 73': Anwar gets injured while trying to tackle Lebanon player, Lebanon gets corner. 71': Baichung pass to Pradeep, his shot goes out. India totally dominating the match but still unable to score. 68': Climax pass to Baichung, who gives long pass to Steven, goes out. India still trailing by 1-0. 65': Sunil gives pass to Baichung, Baichung tackled at edge of box, it should have been a freekick, but referee shows yellow card to Baichung, a very unfortunate decision. 63': India playing inspiring football now, especially in 2nd half after inclusion of Sunil. Baichung head just goes out 60': Baichung gives good pass to Steven in right flank but he makes a weak center. India gets corner, Steven's corner comes to Surkumar, who takes a shot from outside box, poor attempt goes out. 58': Lebanon attacks, cleared by Surkumar nicely. India counter attack, Dias fouled near corner flag, but referee gives goalkick in favor of Lebanon. 57': Manju replaced by Mahesh. Mahesh heads ball towards Anthony who fails to receive. 55': Steven Das free kick, Pradip heads ball goes out. Again India attack, Sunil fails to take shot. Surkumar throw cleared by India defence. India playing well now. 54': Still same score, Lebanon attack foiled by Anthony, pass to Baichung who is fouled, No. 6 of Lebanon shown yellow card. 51': Anwar pass towards Manju, goes out 47': Match starts, India gets corner, chance wasted 45': A half turn well shot by Sushil singh ..Lebanon keeper saved it by corner...Now it's half time.. 44':added time.. India 0 - 1 Lebanon . .. 41':Free kick taken by Dias..when a lebanese defender fouled Baichung..Good attempt by pradeep ..but no damage done. Manju is slightly injured..out side the field.. 39':five minutes to go for half time..Lebanon is leading 1 - 0.Again attaced from right side..cleared by pradeep. 36': India got corner.. Dias took the corner.. Cleared by Lebanon defence.. Two Lebanon players were slight injured.. 33':Still lebanon is leading 1 - 0. Pradeep's shot went away off sushil Singh's pass. 31':India got a corner from a N.P. Pradeep movement..Good header Sushil Singh just out side the 2nd bar from the corner.. 28': Surkumar singh cleard a movement of Lebanon.. 26': Baichung was trying to entered in the Lebanon box.. but Lebanon defence cleared the ball.. corner.. No damage done from corner 22':India got a corner.. Lebanon defense is very much strong.. cleared the ball.. 20': Lebanon is leading 1 - 0.. India is trying to play long ball..India got a free kick.. no damage done.. 17': Again attacking from left wing by Lebanon.. crossed the ball but cleared by Manju...Antony got a ball.. try to shoot..very weak shot .. 14':Lebanon is playing small ground pass among themselves.. 11': A good chance missed by Baichung from a cross of antony. unable to touch the ball in right time.. 7': An another attack by Lebanon..Anwar Ali tackle in the box..no foul. 6': Lebanon is playing well.. attacking with both wings..They are leading by 1 - 0. 4': Goaallll.. scored by Ali Al Saddi of Lebanon from the free kick.. 2': danger in India box.. Right side attack of Lebanon..crossed the ball into penalty box.. cleared by steven.. Free kick gifted by referee. 1': Match starts.. Lebanon is attacking from left side.. crossed .. cleared by India defence.. India:Subrata,Gourmangi,Surkumar,Steven, Manju (Mahesh 57'),Climax, Pradeep, Anwar (Mehraj 78'), Anthony,Sushil (Sunil 46'), Baichung 19.08.2009 :: Mr. Woo - Wonder Ball Jugglar BUZZ FILMS wins Nike and Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup Film Competition 19.08.2009 :: Press announcement ::Nike and Homeless World Cup are delighted to announce Buzz Films as the winner of the “Spiritus Concordia Victoria” Film Competition. Buzz Films will see up and coming presenter, Buddy, capture the spirit and essence of the Homeless World Cup, which unites 500 players from 48 nations in Milan in September. Buddy’s last assignment was for National Geographic with a trip through Outer Mongolia. Over 75 submissions were received from filmmakers from 5 continents when Nike and Homeless World Cup put the call out with a $50,000 fund to produce a short film capturing the Spirit, Unity, Victory of The Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup, which takes place in the Arena Civica, Sempione Park from 6-13 September 2009. “Nike was looking for film makers that could bring to life the excitement and energy of the tournament together with the powerful stories of players who are realizing their potential through sport. We are excited to see how Buddy captures these ‘Gamechangers’ through his combination of humour and authenticity,” said Dave Cobban, Consumer Mobilization Director at Nike. The Homeless World Cup is an annual, world-class international football tournament energizing people who are homeless with the opportunity to change their lives. Players wear their shirt for their country, stand proud and over 70% change significantly by coming off drugs or alcohol, moving into homes, finding jobs, resuming their education, or becoming coaches, football players, leaders in their communities, or social entrepreneurs. The Homeless World Cup has triggered and supports grassroots football projects in over 70 nations working with over 100,000 players since the first Graz 2003 Homeless World Cup. Founded by world-leading social entrepreneur Mel Young, the Homeless World Cup partners and supporters include UEFA, Nike, Vodafone Foundation, Inter Milan, Italian Football Federation, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand, Marcel Desailly and Emmanuel Petit. Buzz Films was formed by directors Jan Bednarz & Robin Schmidt, as a home for diverse documentary and drama projects. The award-winning duo are currently developing a feature length documentary on the socio-environmental impacts of the extractive industry, alongside a number of musical and drama projects. 114th IFA Shield may start from 31st August 19.08.2009 :: The 114th edition of Historical IFA shield may start from 31st August.According to the IFA officials the fixtures will be released on next Friday after visiting newly made Salt Lake Stadium's pitch. The matches may be played in five venues - Barasat Stadium, Howrah Stadium, Mohun Bagan Ground, Khardah Stadium and Semi Final and Final at Salt Lake Stadium. The Final may be held on 12th or 14 September. The ten participating teams has already sent their consent to play in the Tournament and the Champion Team of Pordyut Dutta Memorial cup 2009 will be added as 12th no Teams. Viva Kerala may not play in the tournament due to their internal problems,in that case IFA may try to include Air India in that place.. "We are confident now to take on stronger opponents,” Houghton 19.08.2009 :: Deep from Delhi :The expectations are running high and the players are optimistic that they are going to become the nehru cup champions for the consecutive time. The Indian national football team is also on the verge of completing a hat-trick of trophies after winning the AFC Challenge Cup and the Nehru Cup. after a lot of controversies the tournament is finally on the road. the teams like Lebanon, Syria, Sri lanka, kyrgyzstan are among the other teams along with the hosts India. while the cup is a preparing ground for lebanon for the Asian Cup 2011 qualifiers, the Syrian team is looking forward to avenge their loss in their last Nehru Cup. the other two teams will try to improve their Fifa rankings through this tournament. but this scenario doesn't hold true for the hosts india. the defending Champions have prepared and trained for a month to participate in this tournament. they camped in Dubai and Barcelona. chief coach Bob houghton said that "in these camps we have tried to increase the fitness levels of the players. we have also concentrated on the aspects of mental toughness and psycological balance of the players." the camps also focussed in fostering unity among the players. " the national footballers play for different clubs and my job is to bring them together as a unit," he adds. it is certainly to be seen how the camps have shaped up the players. the side is also facing some problems with their main stiking force. their most formidable striker,baichung bhutia (also the side's captain) is under immense mental pressure as he is going into the tournament without a contract for the first time in his career. but he promises to give his full effort for the tournament. "it is very rare that we are going into the tournament as the defending champions. this is an added advantage. we will try to make the best of it.," Bhutia said. the side will also miss the services of Sunil Chettri as he has injured himself during the camps in dubai and barcelona.there are also some minor injuries to renedy, Masih, and mohanraj. but given all the conditions, the side also has some very good players with the likes of Gawli, anwar, gourmangi, deepak mondal, steven dias, Climax, nabi, and others. the players are staying together for a long time and are well aware of each other strengths and weaknesses. so it depends upon the players to prove their mettle in front of their home crowds. "We are confident now to take on stronger opponents,” Houghton said. the team is ready to face the toughest opponents and it is now over to the Ambedkar Stadium where the tournament kicks off from 6:30 p.m.today. Novy Kapadia will miss Nehru Cup Novy Kapadia - 3rd from left 19.08.2009 :: Subhransu Roy :Noted Sports Journalist, Television Commentator and freelance Football columnist in News Papers and Magazine, Novy Kapadia, will not be seen in action in this year's Nehru Cup. The veteran Football Journalist who has been covering India's most prestigious Tournament from its inception, recently mate with a fatal accident in Slovakia Which forced him to stay away from action. The Nehru Cup will commence from today but the Football Lovers of India will surely miss this ever smiling, bold face man on Television Screen.Football Fans saw him in this year's Santosh Trophy Tournament in Zee Sports where ace anchor Mayanti Langer presented the pre-match and a post match analysis along with football expert Novy Kapadia. Now he is recovering from his injuries to stay in London. Defending Champion India will meet Lebanon tomorrow 18.08.2009 :: Anirban Roy, Delhi ::Defending Champion India will open their ONGC Nehru Cup encounter against Lebanon tomorrow at the Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium.The match will start from 6.30 PM. A 19-strong Lebanon football squad had a practice session at a city college ground here. Their defender Ahmad El Khodor could not accompany the team due to illness just before departure of the team towards India. Half of their squad were below 25 and at least four of them have played against India in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers (30.10.2007). The match result was 2 - 2 and return match they beat India 4 - 1 ( 8.10.2007). Their Striker Mohammad Ghaddar, who scored two goals each in the two legs of that matches will be the player to watch tomorrow including Ramez Dayoub, who signed up with Kolkata giants East Bengal this season.. Lebanon coach Emile Rustom told that his two players are playing in Germany and India and one defender is injured,in spite of that he feels that thay have a good chances in the tournament. The team will do their best and will give their hundred percent effort on the field and it would be a good preparation of coming Asian cup. On the other hand Bhaichung Bhutia and Co. are a confident lot after a seven-week training tour of Dubai and Barcelona where they played four friendly (2 win 2 drawn) games against Spanish third division sides in their month-long camp in Barcelona where they used top class facilities at Nou Camp. Lebanon Squad Goal Keepers : Lary Mehanna, Elias Freije, Defenders :Hussein Amine, Hassan Daher, Ali El Atat,Ali Al Saadi,Bilal Cheikh El Najjarine. Midfielders : Hassan Maatouk, Mohamad Korhani, Hussein Dakik, Abbas Ahmad Atwi, Akram Moghrabi, Amer Khan, Ali Yaakoub, Mohamad Baker Younes, Forwards : Hamze Abboud, Mohamad Ghaddar, Ali Hamam, Mahmoud El Ali, India Squad Goalkeepers ::1-Subrata Pal, 24-Subhashish Roy Chowdhury Defenders :: 3-Nanjangud Shivananju Manju, 5-Anwar Ali, 12-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 14-Mahesh Gawli, 17-Irungbam Surkumar Singh, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 20-Samir Naik, 27-Mehrajuddin Wadoo Midfielders ::7-Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep, 8-Potsangbam Renedy Singh, 22-Syed Rahim Nabi, 23-Steven Benedic Dias, 28-Anthony Pereira, 30-Climax Lawrence Forwards ::11-Sunil Chhetri, 15-Baichung Bhutia [C], 18-Sushil Kumar Singh, 21-Abhishek Yadav Excluded Players :: Mohan Raj,Subhash Singh,Arindam Bhattacharya,Govin Singh,Jagpreet Singh,Baldeep Singh,Rakesh Masih Coach : Bob Houghton Performances of India in Nehru Cup from 1982 - 2007 18.08.2009 : From the starting of Nehru Cup in 1982 at Kolkata.The performances of Indian National Team 2007 - New Delhi 17- 8 :: India 6 - 0 Cambodia Scoere-India : N.P.Pradeep 16', Baichung Bhutia 45'+4'pen,Steven Dias 73', 90', Sunil Chettri 83', 84' 20- 8 :: India 1 - 0 Bangladesh Scoere-India : Baichung Bhutia 5' 23- 8 :: India 2 - 3 Syria Scoere-India : Sunil Chetri 13', K.N.Ajayan 81' 26- 8 :: India 3 - 0 Kyrgyzstan Scoere-India : Baichung Bhutia 39', Sunil Chetri 60', Abhishek Yadav 90'+1] Final 29- 8 :: India 1 - 0 Syria Scoere-India : N. P. Pradeep 44' 1997 - Kochi 1- 4 :: India 0 - 0 China 4- 4 :: India 2 - 2 Uzbekistan Scoere-India : M.Vijayan, Carlton Chapman 6- 4 :: India 0 - 1 Iraq 8- 4 :: India 2 - 2 Ghana Scoere-India : I.M.Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia 3rd/4th place Match 11- 4 :: China 2 - 1 India Scoere-India : Baichung Bhutia 1995 - Kolkata 10- 3 :: India 0 - 5 Thailand 12- 3 :: India 1 - 1 Iraq Scorer-India: Tausif Zamal 22- 3 :: India 1 - 0 Uzbekistan Scorer-India: Baichung Bhutia 24- 3 :: Russia 3 - 0 India 1993 - Madras 20- 1 :: Finland 0 - 0 India 24- 1 :: India 1 - 1 Cameroon Scorer-India : I.M.Vijayan 26- 1 :: India 0 - 2 Finland 30- 1 :: India 2 - 2 Cameroon Scorer - India : P.B.Sathyan,Aqeel Ansari Fair Play Trophy: India Man of the Tournament : I.M. Vijayan 1991 - Thrivantipuram 13- 1 :: India 0 - 3 Romania 17- 1 :: India 1 - 2 Hungary Scorer-India: C.V.Pappachan 19- 1 :: India 1 - 0 Zambia Scorer-India: Bikash Panji 22- 1 :: India 0 - 1 China 24- 1 :: India 1 - 3 Soviet Union Scorer-India: Bikash Panji 1989 - Margao Group Stage :: India 0 - 2 Poland Do :: India 0 - 2 Soviet Union Do :: India 1 - 2 North Korea Scorer - India: Bikash Panji Do :: India 1 - 2 Iraq Scorer - India: Satyajit Chatterjee Do :: India 0 - 1 Hungary 1988 - Silliguri 19- 1 :: India 0 - 2 China 22- 1 :: India 1 - 4 Hungary Scorer - India: Krisanu Dey 25- 1 :: India 0 - 3 Bulgaria 28- 1 :: India 1 - 1 Poland Scorer - India: Deepak Kumar Coach:Syed Nayeemuddin (Chief-Coach) 1987 - Calicut 22 - 1 :: India 1 - 1 China Scorer -India: Pem Dorji 28- 1 :: India 0 - 2 Bulgaria 01- 2 :: India 1 - 1 Denmark Scorer - India :: Sisir Ghosh 1986 - Kolkata ? :: India 0 - 6 Soviet Union ? :: India 0 - 5 East Germany ? :: India 0 - 2 South Korea ? :: India 0 - 0 China 30- 1 :: India 0 - 1 Peru 1985 - Kochin 23- 1 :: India 0 - 1 South Korea 25- 1 :: India 2 - 3 Algeria Scorer-India:Aloke Mukherjee, Bikash Panji 31- 1 :: India 0 - 1 Morocco 1984 - Kolkata 11 - 1 :: India 1 - 2 Poland Scorer India :: Manas Bhattaracharjee 14 - 1 :: India 0 - 1 Argentina 19 - 1 :: Hungary 1 - 0 India 21 - 1 :: India 0 - 0 Romania 24 - 1 :: China 3 - 0 India 1983 - Kochin 15 - 3 :: India 1 - 2 China Scorer - India : Akkum 19 - 3 :: India 0 - 1 Italy 25- 3 :: India 1 - 2 Hungary Scorer India ::Parminder Singh 1982 - Kolkata 16 - 2 :: India 1 - 1 China Scorer - India : Mihir Bose 18- 2 :: India 2 - 2 South Korea Scorer - India :Prasanta Banerjee, Manas Bhattacharya 21- 2 : India 0 - 1 Italy 25- 2 :: India 1 - 3 Uruguay Scorer - India : Manas Bhattacharya 27- 2 :: India 2 - 1 Yugoslavia Scorer - India : Manoranjan Bhattacharya, Manas Bhattacharya KAKA: Juggling two Balls ? same time? The ignored man his Birth Centenary: Syed Abdul Rahim 17.08.2009 :: Subhransu Roy :: A notable day in the history of Indian football. Just after 100 years nobody in the country recalls this day, A man was born on that day and still without this man the post independent Indian football remains incomplete. Do you know who this man about whom we are talking about is? He is none other than Syed Abdul Rahim (Sir Rahim Saab), the man from Hyderabad who had coached India to win two Asian Games gold medals and a rare fourth place in the 1956th Melbourne Olympics and was widely regarded as the architect of modern Indian football. In his birth centenary day passed away completely unnoticed. The 56 Olympic National Football Team was felicitated recently by Sport and Youth Affairs Ministry, Government of India but it is very unfortunate that the coach of that team is totally ignored in his birth centenary. This legendary coach is considered as one of the successful coach India ever has and many of his football students are considered as stalwarts in Indian football. www.Kolkatafootball.com pray this great football personality a rich tribute in his Birth Centenary. Short Profile of Sir S.A.Rahim Sir Syed Abdul Rahim was born in 1909 in the city of Nizams, Hyderabad.Rahim was a student of the Madrasa Aaiza School before joining Chaderghat School where he completed high school. He was a good footballer during his younger age. His football career started with Eleven Hunters Club and later shifted to the Meerry go Round Club.He was one of the founder members of Qamar Club of Hyderabad. He became the National Referee after his playing days were over. In 1943 he became the secretary of Hyderabad state Football Association till his death on 11th June. 1950 - 1963 he was the coach of Famous Hyderabad Football team Hederabad City Police.The team won Rovers cup in Mumbai for an unprecedented five successive years(1950 - 1954) which is still an unbeaten Record in Indian Football.His remarkable success with Hyderabad City police Football Team helped him to get the post of Indian National Team;s coach just at his 42 years of age. Ayed Abdul Rahim who as a coach guided India to two Asian Games 1951 and 1962 Gold Medals. He slso guided India to success in the 1st and 3rd Quadrangular tournament for South East Asian Nations held in 1952 in Colombo and 1954 in kolkata respectively. 1959 India finised runners -up in Famous Mardeka Cup in Malasia. To Read the full story of Sir S.A.Rahim written by Novy Kapadia (Noted freelance Football Coloumnist and Television Commentator) - collect the Soccer Journal 90 MINUTES (Vol.1 - Issue 1). Baichung issue remains unchanged 17.08.2009 ::Bhaichung Bhutia's hopes to resolve his problems with Mohun Bagan before Nehru Cup today took a beating as the Club remained adamant on his six-month suspension even after talks with the All Indian Football Federation here today. India captain Bhutia had pleaded an early solution to the issue, saying he was unable to concentrate on the preparations for the Nehru Cup, beginning August 19. But Mohan Bagan Secretary Anjan Mitra in his discussion over the issue with AIFF Secretary Alberto Colaco refused to change the decision on the player's six-month suspension without salary which means that the striker will have to wait to join East Bengal. "He has been suspended for six months and there is no change in the decision". His suspension will continue and I don't want to add anything further," Mitra told reporters after the two-hour closed door meeting. "Not only Baichung, we are also upset and want to save the face of Indian football. Baichung has signed the contract with the club for three years and that will expire in 2010. So we expect him to play for our club for the 2009-10 season and there is no question about that". Courtesy: www.zeenews.com ITFA Selection Trials of Under 17 17.08.2009 ::Indian Tigers Football Academy’ Selection tryouts for the 7th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament (U-17)” organised by Govt. of Chandigarh which is held at Bhavans collage ground on 16th & 17th Aug, 2009. 120 kids participated with great enthusiasm for the selection. ITFA announced the selection of 22 players. The selection process was conducted by Maloy Sengupta – Coach Maharashtra State Team As Sherley J Singh quotes “Great talent nurtures itself continuously when provided with avenues to excel…. To create such an environment, we are participating in the said tournament” AFC 'B' License Cource at Jamshedpur 16.08.2009 :: The first out of three practical examinations of the 26 participant football coaches undergoing the Asian football confederation 'B' certificate coaching certificate course at the Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, India took place on 13 and 14th August, 2009 after a hectic first phase of the course. The former National Captain of India Sebastiao Roberto Fernandes is carrying out his Practical examination while the AFC Course Instructor and the Director of coaching of AIFF Gabriel E Joseph is assessing him. Levino Anthony Pereira the Assistant Coach of Sporting clube, Goa is conducting his practicals and Gabriel E Joseph the AFC Course Instructor is making the assessment. Gabriel E Joseph the Senior most AFC Instructor of India demonstrating to the Participants of the AFC 'B' certificate participants at the Tata Sports complex, Jamshedpur, India 1149 Fans donated Blood in Football Lovers Day - 2009 16.08.2009 ::That was 16th August 1980, A grimmest tragedy in the soccer field shocked the Sports lovers when it claimed the lives of as many as 16 Football fans at the Eden Garden, who went to observe the Match between two Kolkata Giats Club East Bangal and Mohun Bagan.The match ended 0 - 0. IFA Kolkata Football League was abandoned due to the tragic incident on 16th August, 1980 during a routine Kolkata Football League derby match Between two Giants Team of Kolkata East Bengal and Mohun Bagan at Eden Gardens. Thereafter, thousands of well-meaning lovers of the game and the people in general took an oath and the same day every year is being jointly observed by the IFA and Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, West Bengal as "FOOTBALL LOVERS DAY", when thousands of people from all walks of life assemble to offer their gift of blood voluntarly. The 29th occasion of "FOOTBALL LOVERS DAY", held today at historical Town Hall with the management of the said camp like all years. Like previous years this year each donor has got a certificate of honour duly autographed by "Arjuna" awardee ex- Indian National footballer Prasun Banerjee. Last year 1567 Football fans donated their Blood in Football Lover's Day This year Total Number of the Donors was 1149 . In which 685 donated blood at Town hall and rest donated in other Districts of Bengal. In Town hall 53 women donated blood in the memory of 16 football Lovers. The 16 ill fated Fans who died on 16th August 1980 Dhananjoy Das , Uttam Chawule, Asim Chatterjee, Alok Das, Prasanta Dutta , Sanat Basu, Rabin Adak, Kartik Majhi, Samir Das, Nabin Naskar ,Shayamal Biswas, Kalyan Samanta, Biswajit Kar, Madan Mohon Bagli , Kartik Maity, Himangshu Sekhar Das VISIT THE LIST OF MAJOR SOCCER STADIUM DISATERS CLICK HERE The Two Giant Teams of the Day 16th August 1980 at Eden garden East Bengal : Dilip Paul, Dilip Palit, Monoranjan Bhattacharyya, Samar Bhattacharyya, Satyajit Mitra (Captain), MD. Habib (Harjinder Singh),Sudhir Karmakar, Khabaji (Kajal Chatterjee), Tapan Das, Jamsid Nasiri, Majid Baskar. Extras : Nasir Ahmed, Md. Najib, Subhash Roy, Amit Guha, Somnath Banerjee, Lafituddin, Sumit Bagchi, Tomas Mathuz, Bibhas Sarkar. Mohun Bagan : Sibaji Banerjee, Crompton Dutta (Captain), Subrata Bhattacharyya, Pradip Chowdhury, Shyamal Banerjee, Goutam Sarkar, Prasun Banerjee, Manas Bhattacharyya, Mihir Bose, Xavier Payas ( Ulga Nathan), Bidesh Bose. Extras: Jagadish Ghosh, Pratap Ghosh, Francis D' Souza, Shyam Thapa, Ranjit Mukherjee,Kesto Mitra, Munish Manna, Sanjib Chowdhury, Ashok Chakrabarty, Fresh Fixture of Nehru Cup Football Tournament . 14.08.2009 ::India will take on Lebanon in the opening match of the ONGC Nehru cup International tournament which gets underway on Wednesday, 19th of Aug at Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium,new Delhi.India plays their next match against Kyrygstan on 22nd Aug ,Sri Lanka on 25th Aug and against Syria on 28th Aug. The Fixture Aug 19 : India vs. Lebanon Aug 20: Kyrgyzstan vs Syria Aug 21: Sri Lanka vs. Lebanon Aug 22: India vs. Kyrgyzstan Aug 23: Syria vs. Sri Lanka Aug 24: Kyrgyzstan vs. Lebanon Aug 25: India vs. Sri Lanka Aug 26: Syria vs. Lebanon Aug 27: Sri Lanka vs. Kyrgyzstan Aug 28: India vs. Syria Aug 31: Final Speaking to media at AIFF Football House on Friday ,Bob Houghton Chief National Coach said that Syria start favorites based on their FIFA Rankings.Syria played quite a few international matches and quite a few good performances.Lebanon who defeated us 4-1 in World cup qualifiers last year is another good team.But all other teams will be competitive in the tournament.It will be interesting to see results against Syria and Kyrygzstan who played in 2007 also. Sri Lanka also had a good tournament in SAFF cup. Bob said “Our preparation has been excellent with the training tours abroad.We brought the players to same level of fitness in Dubai.We conducted training sessions in Barcelona where we played four practice games also.It raised confidence level of the team as we did not lose any game.” To a question to Sunil Chhetri’s fitness he said “We have to wait little longer to decide about Sunil Chhetri .He will not play if we have doubts about his fitness. Samir Naik and Sushil are fast recovering from their injuries and were back in training.Subhash Singh also is a good player.He did well during Last I league also.” As regards BCCI grants to AIFF for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 project Bob Houghton said it will help us to prepare for the Asian Cup 2011 by organizing more camps and training and matches. AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco said “ we are happy that BCCI has responded positively .The modalities and exact form of execution will be worked out after discussions.” Courtesy: www.the-aiff.com Dr. M. S. Gill, Hon. Minister for Sports, Government of India Visits FIFA Headquarters. 14.08.2009 :: Press Release - AIFF :The Union Sports Minister, Dr. M. S. Gill visited the FIFA Headquarters at Zurich last Wednesday and held meeting with officials of the FIFA Development Department. Mr. Thyerry Regenass, Director of Development at FIFA and Mr. Urs Kluser, Head of Goal Department briefed the Hon. Minister about various FIFA Development projects including the setting up of artificial turf fields in India. Mr. Manilal Fernando FIFA Development officer for South and Central Asia and AFC Vice-President informed the Hon. Minister about the progress of the GOAL II and the Tsunami projects. Dr. Gill thanked FIFA for their support to India. He also explained to the FIFA officials various Sports Ministry schemes to help sports in India at the village level. Mr. Gill requested FIFA’s support for this program as it will help in the development of Football at the Grassroots level. It was decided that the Sports Ministry and the AIFF will prepare a report and send it to FIFA for their comments. Dr. Gill was accompanied by Jt. Secretary of Sports Mr. Sailesh and his Personal Secretary, Mr. Dass. Mr David Borja ,Manager Development Division Asia Oceania in FIFA and AIFF General Secretary Mr. Alberto Colaço were also present for the meetings. The probable teams of Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup 2009 14.08.2009 :The 31st All India Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament 2009 conducted by Sikkim Football Association will be held at picturious Paljor Stadium, Gangtok from 7th Sept to 20th Sept 2009. The tournament is likely to be declared open by Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh, H.E. the Governor of Sikkim while Dr. Pawan Chamling, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim is likely to be the Guest of Honour on the occasion. The negociations are on with the following football teams of national repute beside teams from neighbouring countries to participate in one of the prestigious tournament of the country. Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup is always regarded as a Mini South Asian Games where teams from most the neighbouring countries of India viz. Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan participate. 1) Bangladesh XI 2) Nepal XI 3) Bhutan XI 4) Faria Strikers, Goa 5) Md. Sporting Club, Kolkata 6) Chirag United, Kolkata 7) Titanium, Kerala 8) Punjab Police 9) George Telegraph 10) Dehradun XI 11) Tata Football Aacdemy 12) Dove F.A. 13) Port Trust, Kolkata 14) Eastern Railway 15) B.S.F. (Jullandhar) 16) Simla Youngs, Delhi All India Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament is one of the few tournaments of the country which is being organised uninterruptedly for the last thirty years. Sikkim Football Association is proud of its success story and is hopeful to make this tournament a grand success. Kalyani Municipality has got National Award Hon'ble President of India MRS.PRATIVA PATIL (Left) and Dr. Santanu Jha (Receiving the Award) 14.08.2009 :He is not only a Football Lover but also a successful Chairman of the Kalyani Municipality, West Bengal. DR. Santanu Jha, the Chairman of Kalyani Municipality,Nadia, West Bengal who is a well known professor of the Department of Agricultural Entomology of BCKV ( BIDHAN CHANDRA KRISHI VISWAVIDYALAYA) the State Agricultural University of West Bengal. He is the maker of Wonderful Kalyani Municipality Stadium where Indian Football Teams (Age wise) and Famous Clubs of Kolkata (East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan, Chirag United) are practicing in the Stadium. He is also the maker of a Sports Academy under the banner of Kalyani Municipality and the Football team of this Academy won the last year's IFA Nursery Football League, the Academy participated in the NIKE Manchester United Premier Cup 2009 in India Finals, currently participating in the IFA organised Prodyut Dutta Memorial Cup Football at their home ground Kalyani Stadium. He also an advisor of the Sports Department of Meghalaya as well as Meghalaya Sports Association to rebuild their Football Ground at the JN Sports Complex,Shillong, which would be the home ground of Lajong Football Club . Yesterday Dr. Santanu Jha received the award National Urban Water Award 2009 from Hon'ble President of India Mrs. Prativa Patil at New Delhi. Kolkatafootball.com team is very much proud of his success as he inspires us every time to spread Football passion throughout India. Poem book released by Mohun Bagan Fan Club 13.08.2009 : Sabooj-Meroon- Swapno - the Fan club of Mohun Bagan A.C released today a Book of Poem releated to the history and glorious days of Mohun Bagan. The name of the book is "Sabooj-Meroon -Uchhas" written by the fans and supporters of Mohun Bagan. There are 30 nos. poems in the book about Mohun Bagan. In the opening programme of the book Mohun Bagan Secretary Anjan Mitra, Coach Karim Bencherifa, Asst. Coach Mridul Banerjee and Brazilian Striker Barreto along with the members of the fan club were Present. East Bengal will start for Myanmar tomorrow 13.08.2009 : Kolkata Giant East Bengal will leave for Myanmar tomorrow afternoon for 4 friendly matches there. After returning from residential camp at Puri East Bengal Coach Subhash Bhowmick now can test his Players in the said tour. Myanmar Football Federation is the organiser of this tour of East Bengal. East Bengal will play their first practice match at Mandalin on 16th and then they will play at Rangoon on 19th, 21st and 23rd of this Month. The team will return on 24th from their. On the eve of IFA shield which will be started on 28th August the tour will be helpful for East Bengal for preparation to face their first match probably on 1st September in the historial 114th IFA Shield. Wasim Firoz, Goalkeeper Pryant Sing, Sumon Day and Poibang Poshna are not indluded in the 21 Squad East Bengal due to their Visa problem. Sporting Tools “Indian Tigers Football League has started 13.08.2009 : 01/08/2009 (Gr.'A') : St. Aloysius High School (Nallasopara (E) 0 - 0 Oxford Public School (Kandivali) Mom : Rishabh Kothari 01/08/2009 (Gr.'E') :: St. Mary School SSC (Mazgaon) 0 - 0 Hansraj School (Andheri W) MOM: Yash Rele 01/08/2009 (Gr.'A') :: St. Aloysius High School (Nallasopara (E) 2 - 0 St. Thomas High School (Dhaisar E) MOM: Manish Patra 02/08/2009 (Gr.'F') :: Utpal Sanghvi School (Juhu) 3 - 0 SBombay Cambridge School Andheri (W) MOM: Shams Patel 08/08/2009 (Gr.'F') :: Bombay Cambridge School - Andheri (W) 1 - 0 Bhawans A. S. Wadia - Andheri (W) MOM : Saurabh Agarwal 08/08/2009 :: (Gr 'B') :: Bombay Scottish – Powai (Absent) 0 - 2 (Awarded) Don Bosco School – Vasai 08/08/2009 (Gr 'E') :: Hansraj School - Andheri W (Absent) 0 - 2 (Awarded ) St. Xavier's High School - Thane 08/08/2009 (Gr 'F') :: St. Marry's High School- Thane (Absent) 0 - 2 (Awarded )Bombay Cambridge School – Andheri (W) 08/08/2009 (Gr 'E') :St. Mary School SSC - Mazgaon 4 - 0 M P Shah English School – Vile Parle (W) MOM: Rohit Hazari 08/08/2009 (Gr.'D') : IES Modern School – Dadar 0 - 2 St. Francis D’Assisi High School – Borivali MOM :Yohan Nazareth Celebration of East Bengal Day as Sports Day 13.08.2009 :Today was the birth anniversary of Dipak Das, the man fondly called Paltu Das. Paltu das’s 70th birth anniversary was celebrated today by East Bengal Club as their Sports Day. Today in the Club tent more than 115 East Bengal Fans donated Blood where former East Bengal Captain and Indian National footballers like Surojit Sengupta, Shyamal Ghosh, Samaresh Chowdhury, Subhasish Guha,Ranjit Mukherhee and many other eminent Football personalities were present. Last year in the same day Late Hon'ble Minister of Sports and Transport,Govt. of West Bengal Subhash Chakrabarty was present in the occasion. Today in that function,East Bengal donated 5 Nos. of Football to 40 Football Coaching camps of the state and the best players of IFA organised Kolkata Football League From 1st Divn. to 5th Divn. Milon Neogi (Coal India-1st DIvn Gr 'A'), Prabir Dey ( Rainbow 2nd Divn), Arun Sarkar (Bali Protibha - 3rd Divn.), Biswajit Bag ( Beneapukur Club- 4th Division) and Raja Roy( Evergreen Club - 5th Divn) were felicited in the occasion as league's Best players. The best players decided by Calcutta Sports Journalist club Members. Club Vice-President Dr. Santi Ranjan Dasgupta, Club General Secretary Mr.Kalyan Majumdar Member of Parliament Mr.Somen Mitra , Debabrata Sarkar, Swapan Bol and huge fans of Red and Gold were present in the occasion. "The Demise 1956 Olympic heroes should also be honored" Samar (Bodru) Banerjee PIC Courtesy : 90 MINUTES Soccer Journal 11.08.2009 :Subhransu Roy (Editor- 90 MINUTES Soccer Journal) : The Sports and Youth Affairs ministry Government of India recently felicitated the national Indian football team of 1956 summer Melbourne Olympic, the team which earned highest honour for Indian football by securing Fourth place in the Olympic Games. That time no professionalism was there so Indian players received nothing but just empty honour that too from its serious followers. But both the Government authority as well as Football Federation never came forward to honour these great team members until M S Gill the Cabinet Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs in current Central ministry warmly greeted the living golden boys in a colourful function organised in the capital. The programme was attended by 7 living members of that team. But this has given a birth of a fresh debate as Sofia Rahman wife of late Abdul Rahman who was a member of 56’ Olympic team, has written a letter to sports minister demanding posthumous honour of rest nine players who already demised. When this correspondent has made contact over phone, the captain of 56’ Olympic side Samar(Bodru) Banerjee said that he is aware of this demand and he personally fell that rest of his team members who are not in this world any more should be honored posthumously by the government. He said as the felicitation programme was organised in bit harry that’s why it wasn’t possible to gather whereabouts about the relatives of demised players, henceforth they were not felicitated by the Hon’ble Sports Minister. Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry in response of the letter of Ms Sofia Rahman, has decided to honour demised members of 56’ Olympic team and has send a letter to AIFF seeking present whereabouts about the relatives these players, namely Peter Thangaraj, Abdul Rahaman, Noor Mohammed, Shaikh Abdul Latif, Neville Stephen J. D'Souza, Syad Khaja Aziz, Mohammed Kannayan, Krishna Kittu and Mohammed Kempiah. It is noticeable that Indian team was the first ever Asian side to reach the Semi-final of this mega event. Neville Stephen J. D’Souza was the first and only Asian who was top scorer with 6 goals. The details of Indian performance is given herewith. Five teams withdrew, Egypt, China, Turkey, Vietnam, and the football team of Hungary, a nation that was cheered in other Olympic contests due to the ongoing suppression by Soviet troops. This left only three games to play in the first round. India was given chance in the second round. Total participating team was 11. The Quarter-final 01.12.1956 : Australia 2 - 4 India Goals : Neville Stephen D'SOUZA (IND) 9', 33', 50', Krishna KITTU (IND) 80' AUS: Bruce MORROW (AUS) 17', 41', India : Line-up [16] Peter THANGARAJ (GK), [1] Samar BANERJEE (C), [2] Krishna KITTU ,[5] Pradip Kumar BANERJEE , [6] Muhamed KEMPIAH ,[7] Muhamed KANNAYAN, [8] Abdul RAHAMAN, [9] Syed Khaja AZIZ , [11] Noor MOHAMMED, [13] Muhamed Abdus SALAM, [14] Neville Stephen D'SOUZA EXTRAS: Subramaniam NARAYAN (GK) ,Nikhil NUNDY, Husain AHMED, Shaikh Abdul LATIF, Krishna PAL (Kesto) Semi-final 04.12.1956 : Yugoslavia 4 - 1 India Goals : Neville Stephen D'SOUZA (IND) 52', Goal: Zlatko PAPEC (YUG) 54', 65', Todor VESELINOVIC (YUG) 57', Muhamed Abdus SALAM (IND) 78' O.g India : Line-up [12] Subramaniam NARAYAN (GK), [2] Krishna KITTU , [3] Shaikh Abdul LATIF, [5] Pradip Kumar BANERJEE, [6] Muhamed KEMPIAH, [8] Abdul RAHAMAL, [10] Nikhil NUNDY, [11] Noor MOHAMMED, [13]Muhamed Abdus SALAM, [14] Neville Stephen D'SOUZA [,15] Tulsidas BALAMARAN EXTRAS: [16] Peter THANGARAJ (GK), Krishna PAL , Husain AHMED, [1] Samar BANERJEE [7] Muhamed KANNAYAN, [9] Syed Khaja AZIZ Bronze medal match 07.12.1956 : Bulgaria 3 - 0 India India:Line-up [12] Subramaniam NARAYAN (GK), [2] Krishna KITTU, [3] Shaikh Abdul LATIF, [4] Husain AHMED, [6] Muhamed KEMPIAH , [7] Muhamed KANNAYAN , [9] Syed Khaja AZIZ , [10] Krishna PAL, [11] Noor MOHAMMED ,,[14] Neville Stephen D'SOUZA , [15] Nikhil NUNDY EXTRAS : [16] Peter THANGARAJ (GK), Tulsidas BALAMARAN ,[1] Samar BANERJEE , [5] Pradip Kumar BANERJEE, [8]Abdul RAHAMAL, [13]Mohammed Abdus SALAM MOHUN BAGAN BEAT CUSTOMS 2-0 IN A PRACTICE MATCH 11.08.2009 ::Mohun Bagan today won 2-0 against Customs in a practice match held in club ground. Mariners resumed their practice today after two days of rest, coming back from their first preseason conditioning camp held in Kalimpong. Snehasish and Biswajit scored the goals for Mohun Bagan. The first team comprised of Shilton, Biswajit, Karan, Mandi, Rino, Snehasish, Subho Kumar, Ramluah, James, Ishfaq, Chiddi. Later on Sangram, Kartick, Santa Kumar, Manish, Subhojit etc. came as substitute. The first goal came in first half via a James long pass which Snehasish placed past the goalkeeper inside goal. The 2nd goal came after lemon break when Lalramluah snatched the ball nicely near center circle and passed it towards Biswajit who overlapped and made a down the middle run down the left flank and then played a one-to-one pass with Chiddi, whose final pass was a brilliant sliding pass and Biswajit nicely lobbed the ball over goalkeeper's head to score the second goal for Mariners. Chiddi played quite well today and his distribution was brilliant today, but finish could have been better by his fellow strikers. Mohun Bagan's next practice match is against Army XI on Thursday at 3 pm.Mohun Bagan Defender Habibur Rahaman Mondol today came to Mohun Bagan Tent after a long gap.The Captain of Bengal Santosh Trophy Team practiced with the players but not played in the practice match. Fixtures of Kalna Independence Cup 2009 10.08.2009 :: The two Kolkata football giant Mohammedan SC and Chirag United Sports club will start their new football season plying in Kalna Independence Cup which will be started from 18th of this month. Mohammedan S.C and Chirag United will play from Semi Final . Before Playing in the 114th IFA shield Camellia George Telegraph, Chirag United and Mohammedan S.C will get a chance to see their new signing Footballer's skills and power. The final fixture of Kalna Independence Cup - 2009 18 August : Camellia George Telegraph VS Peerless Sc (Match no. 1) 19 August : Jain Tollygunj Agragami VS Kalna Super Soccer Club (Match no. 2) 22 August (1st Semi-Final) : Mohammedan SC VS Winner of match no 2 23 August (2nd Semi-Final) : Chirag United SC VS Winner of match no 1 25 August (Final) : Winner of 1st semi-final VS Winner of 2nd semi-final All matches will be kicked-off at 3:30 pm Venue : Kalna Stadium, Burdwan AIFF AFC 'B' Certificate Course Conducted by Gabriel E.Joseph 10.08.2009 :: Mr.Gabriel E. Joseph, the AFC Course Instructor of the AFC B Certificate Course and the Director Coaching, AIFF is showing the presentations to the participants of the AFC 'B' coaching certificate course at the Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India on 9th August, 2009. Photo No. 07 - Gabriel E Joseph, the AFC Instructor for AFC B' Certificate course is conducting the practical classes for the AFC B'Certificate participants Espanyol Captain has died from heart attack PIC Courtesy:www.rcdespanyol.cat 09.08.2009 ::Dani Jarque, the captain of Espanyol, has died from heart failure while on a pre-season tour of Italy, the Primera Liga club have announced. The 26-year-old defender had trained on Saturday morning but collapsed in his hotel room in Coverciano while talking to his girlfriend on the phone in the early evening, Spanish media reports said. "The Espanyol player died due to a systolic heart failure," the club said in a statement. "[Club doctor] Doctor Cervera tried CPR on the player and used a defibrillator but said it was not possible to resuscitate. Within minutes, the first emergency ambulances arrived from Florence, and tried their defibrillators but again were unable to resuscitate." Medical services tried to revive Jarque for an hour before pronouncing the player dead, the club said. "Espanyol are distraught and wish to put themselves at the complete disposal of our captain's family," the club added. Their director German de la Cruz told radio station RAC1: "It's inexplicable. It's horrific. We are returning to Barcelona on Sunday but we can't come back with the coffin because they have to do an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. "The players are destroyed. One minute he was there with them, and the next he's gone. It's terrible." The club had been due to play friendlies against Bologna and on their Italian tour. Last Sunday he led his team in a 3-0 victory against Liverpool, in the inaugural match at Espanyol's new ground, the Estadio Cornellá-El Prat. Jarque came up through the youth ranks at Espanyol, helping them win the Copa del Rey in 2006 and to reach the Uefa Cup final in 2007, and had just been made captain of the club for the new season. Jarque's death comes nearly two years after that of Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta, who died on 28 August 2007, three days after collapsing during a Primera Liga match against Getafe. Courtesy: www.guardian.co.uk www.kolkatafootball.com team are very much shocked for his death. Club team to play in prestigious Nehru Cup ? Pic Courtesy :www.maanimages.com 09.08.2009 ::The most astonishing news of this evening spread through the Indian football community when rumors surfaced on a leading Arabic sports website that the Palestinian team which has already been sheduled by the AIFF to play the opening match against Indian National Side of this year's most prestigious international Football Tournament ONGC Nehru Gold Cup 2009 to be started from 19th August on which India's ranking depends the most, has actually been identified as a leading club team of Palestine "Hilal Al Quds" that has won this year's Yasser Arafat Cup held in the West Bank village of Al-Khader near Bethelehem on August 4, 2009! This surprising news has already started giving rise to a controversy and also raised brows of some top officials when the present General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, Mr. Alberto Colaco is on the verge of completion of his tenure. If by any means this rumour turns out to be true, then probably the Federation officials might run into jeopardy if fingers are raised towards them on some controversial issues like how can a complete schedule be penned without having a thorough inquiry of the participating teams and without a final confirmation from the involved country and its football federation! As evidence, The Palestine Telegraph published this story on 6th August on their online News portal : Palestine National team prepares for friendly league Thursday, 06 August 2009 © 2009 - The Palestine Telegraph Saopaulo F.C win NIKE MUPC U-15 2009 09.08.2009 :: Press Release :Sao Paulo were crowned Manchester United Premier Cup Champions of the World for the second time - after beating Werder Bremen 3 - 1 at Old Trafford today in the concluding chapter of the competition sponsored by NIKE, which has brought together around nine thousand under-15 teams over the last twelve months. The German team took charge in the opening session, scoring after just five minutes and looked to be in the driving seat until Sao Paulo raised the tempo, earning the equaliser half-way through the second half. Just one minute into extra time and the Brazilians took the lead for the first time in the match before delivering the final blow just before the final whistle. 3:1 and Sao Paulo deserved winners of the title for the second time. Coach Thorsten Bolder from Werder Bremen:“I am very proud of my boys, but although they played with passion and strength, unfortunately they did not perform as well as they have throughout the week. We participated in a training camp the week before the tournament – and maybe that contributed. We missed a couple of chances early in the match and once Sao Paulo scored their second goal, we knew it was going to be difficult to get back into the match.” Sao Paulo’s Bruno Jose Petri : “We’ve suffered a few setbacks this week. Losing a couple of matches in the group stages was a big shock, Brazilians do not lose! “I played the boys some recorded messages from friends and parents back home and that reminded them what they were here for. After that, we just got stronger and stronger, and were soon playing in our usual way.“Werder Bremen were a very strong physical force in the match today and it took a while for us to settle into our own rhythm and show our ability. Once we had scored, I knew we would win through.“This is an incredible tournament, a fantastic opportunity to participate in a true World Championship. We have been working hard to reach this point for the last three years and today I am very happy!” Legendary England and Manchester United Captain Bryan Robson made on pitch presentations to the top three teams and later, at the Closing Ceremony, awarded Top Scorer to Colo Colo’s #9 Cristostomo (6 goals) and MVP as voted by Coaches of the opposing teams - to Orlando Pirates’ #9, Ngubo whilst Japan’s Gamba Osaka took the fair play award, having received no red or yellow cards throughout the tournament. Bryan Robson: “You can all be proud of yourselves when you go back home, you’ve worked hard. Continue to show the same level of sportsmanship, skills and endeavour like the great players you have the potential to be. Always remember to enjoy your football – and remember too that sometimes it’s nice to win!” MUPC 2009 WORLD FINALS – FINAL STANDINGS: 1st :: Sao Paulo 2nd :: Werder Bremen 3rd :: Right to Dream 4th :: Paris Saint Germain 5th :: Boin Middle School 6th :: Colo Colo 7th :: Atletico de Madrid 8th :: KRC Genk 9th :: AC Thonburi 10th :: MTK Hungaria FC 11th :: Orlando Pirates 12th :: Manchester United 13th :: Atlas FC 14th :: AS Roma 15th :: Alta Loma Arsenal 16th :: West Bromwich Albion 17th :: Marconi Stallions 18th :: Changchun Yatai FC 19th :: Gamba Osaka 20th :: Salgaocar SC Chelsea will face Man Utd. in FA community Shield tomorrow 08.08.2009 :The 2009 English FA Community Shield will be the 87th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries. Just in India I- League Winner fights Federation Cup winner in Super Cup. The match will be played at Wembley Stadium, London, tomorrow, and contested by 2008–09 Premier League champions Manchester United, and 2008–09 FA Cup winner Chelsea .The FA Community Shield sponsored by Mcdonald's. Some Past Records The most successful teams in the competition are Manchester United (13 outright wins, 4 shared), Liverpool (10 outright wins, 5 shared), Arsenal (11 outright wins, 1 shared) and Everton (8 outright wins, 1 shared). The highest scoring game was Manchester United's 8-4 win against Swindon Town in 1911. The most successful player in the competition is Ryan Giggs with 7 outright wins (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008 with Manchester United). Ryan Giggs also holds the record of the most Shield appearances, with 12 to his name so far. Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion are the only clubs to win just the Shield, never the FA Cup or the League; Leicester won as Second Division champion (see above) and Brighton as Southern League champions. Two Teams Winning Years Manchester United : 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008 Chelsea:1955, 2000, 2005 Some past Results of FA Community Shield 2002 Arsenal 1 - 0 Liverpool 2003 Manchester United 1 - 1 , (4 - 3 ) Arsenal 2004 Arsenal 3 - 1 Manchester United 2005 Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal 2006 Liverpool 2 - 1 Chelsea 2007 Manchester United 1 - 1 ( 3 - 0 ) Chelsea 2008 Manchester United 0 - 0 (3 - 1 ) Portsmouth Tomorrow's Match 9 August 2009 :: Manchester United VS Chelsea Venue: Wembley Stadium, London Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside) MATCH OFFICIALS : Assistant referees: Philip Sharp (Hertfordshire), Simon Beck (Essex) and Fourth official : Lee Mason (Lancashire) Online Sports Journalism has a bright prospect in India 08.08.2009 :The department of Journalism and Mass Communication Vivekananda College, Thakurpukur has organised a Seminar tittled "Sports Journalism : The New Aspects" today .Speakers of the said seminar were Sanjay Chattopadhyay, Special correspondent Sanbad Pratidin and Subhransu Roy, Chief Editor of Soccer Journal 90 Minutes as well as President of Valerian Soccer foundation, Kolkata. The seminar was conducted by Prof. Arnob Banerjee, Head of Deapartment, Journalism and Mass Communication, Vivekananda College,Thakurpukur. Speaking to the occasion Mr. Subhransu Roy said that the online sports journalism is the higher synthesis of both Print and Electronic media.He further added that, the online Sports Journalism is a growing field in India and it has bright prospect in future. Sanjay Chattopadhyay has pointed out the recent changes occurred in print media in post globalize India. The seminar was attended by around 100 students of Journalism and Mass Communication. Werder Bremen reach in the final 08.08.2009 : WERDER Bremen became the first team from Germany to reach the Final of the Manchester United Premier Cup at Carrington today. The German outfit delivered a solid and organised performance in their semi-final, containing Paris Saint Germain’s undeniable flair and frustrating their creativity in attack, with the match ending 0:0 in regular time and their defensive ploy finally beating the French side on penalties 4:2. Earlier in the morning they delivered an outstanding performance against Belgian hopefuls KRC Genk resulting in a 3:0 victory; while Sao Paulo staged a remarkable recovery on the heels of their two losses yesterday. The Brazilians made an impressive start to Day 3 - rocking the stylish and previously unbeaten Atlético de Madrid, also 3:0. The second semi-final saw Sao Paulo crush Right to Dream’s chances to go all the way when the Ghanaian team could not convert any of their many chances on goal, and fell victim to a couple of incisive movements resulting in an inevitable 0:2 scoreline. The grand finale takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at 12.30pm following first team Open Training, when the two best under-15 teams in the world walk out onto the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, the “Theatre of Dreams”. Can Werder Bremen go all the way and become the first ever German MUPC World Champions? – Or will Sao Paulo continue to do what Brazilian teams do best - and win to take the Premier Cup World Title for a second time? Right to Dream regrouped to finish 3rd in the Bronze Match of the competition sponsored by NIKE which brought together the top 20 teams from around the world after beating Paris Saint Germain 2:1. The French side, still stunned from the earlier loss on penalties at the hands of the Germans; fell away at the constant pressure applied by the youngsters from Ghana, who finished top of the leader board – if only overnight. Penalties became the order of the day in the top placement matches, with Korea’s Boin Middle School taking 5th place, whilst Colo Colo flew the flag for Chile, delivering a 6th place finish following a 2:2 result after normal time. Atlético de Madrid seized the initiative in their penalty shoot-out against KRC Genk to finish their campaign in a creditable 7th place, the Belgians taking 8th. AC Thonburi (9th) took the initiative from MTK Hungaria(10th), whilst Orlando Pirates (11th) beat host club Manchester United (12th) and the technically brilliant Atlas FC (13th) took the honours over AS Roma. (14th) A single goal was enough for the USA’s Alta Loma Arsenal (15th) to take the advantage from West Bromwich Albion (16th) and Marconi Stallions (17th) won friends with an enthusiastic display in which they beat China’s Changchun Yatai (18th). Japan’s Gamba Osaka(19th) finished their MUPC campaign on a high, with an 11:0 tutorial over India’s Salgaocar FC.(20th) Sir Alex Ferguson summarised the value of the MUPC experience in helping to raise the level of football around the world. "One of the things I love about MUPC is that young boys from all around the world get the chance to come here to Manchester United and it’s like a dream come true for them. Of course they all want to win, but they can learn a lot from each other – and sometimes at this age they can learn even more from losing. "Many of the boys including our own have had a tough couple of games, as did the boys from Salgaocar in India. Back home they win everything – and here it’s been tough for them. But they have to look on that as something positive. When they go home they can assess their performance and work out what they have learned here and what they can improve. "It’s tough now, but if this experience increases their determination to succeed, it will definitely help them in the future." Chelsea players spent £105,000 on alcohol 07.08.2009 :Recession? What recession?! Chelsea players spent £105,000 on alcohol during a four-hour drinking session at a London nightclub last night as they celebrated Salomon Kolou's 24th birthday. According to the Daily Mirror, players including Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien got through 20 bottles of vodka, 10 bottles of Jack Daniels, a £5,000 Jeroboam of Cristal and four £400 Quaich Trophy cocktails (the club's signature drink, apparently) which is served in a giant - and rather dramatic- sounding - 18th century silver solid cup. Prince Harry was also at the club at the same time and sent a congratulatory bottle of champagne to Kalou. Because, clearly, he really needed it... Courtesy: www.4thegame.in One day One Goal - Play for peace 07.08.2009 : Millions of football fans from Iraq to India, Afghanistan to Australia and Uruguay to the United Kingdom will host friendly matches on Peace Day 2009. Countries across the globe will kick-off the 'One Day One Goal' event on September 21 - a Peace One Day initiative sponsored by puma.peace. 'One Day One Goal' - the campaign to get people across the world playing football together on Peace Day - is the brainchild of Peace One Day founder, documentary filmmaker Jeremy Gilley. puma.peace is supplying a specially designed Fairtrade football and cotton, made in Africa captain's shirts to the first team from each country to sign-up to the event. So far, teams in 170 countries have registered to play football for peace on the day. Peace Day is the United Nations recognized International Day of Peace, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September each year. More than 180 countries hosted 'One Day One Goal' matches last year, with all 192 UN member states expected to take part in 2009. To register your match or to find out how you can get involved in Peace Day, log on to www.peaceoneday.org For more information go to www.puma.peace.com. Courtesy: www.4thegame.in Salgaocar boys lost 4 Matches in MUPC U-15 Final 07.08.2009 :A nervous start at MUPC opening matches today – resulted in 54 goals scored – and one of the highest winning margins in Premier Cup history …. The story in Group A is that Belgian team KRC Genk are the only team in Group A to take full six points from both their matches, and Changchun Yatai languish at the bottom of the table with no points. Meanwhile in Group B, Werder Bremen and Right to Dream nudge ahead of MTK & Atlas, only one point separating the sides, whist Goan team Salgaocar lost both matches – and currently stand with a 14 goal deficit. Group C - Both PSG & Sao Paulo are honours even at 6 points each, with Manchester United suffering at the hands of both teams today. Thailand’s AC Thonburi lead the way in Group D, their perfect record achieved at cost to Marconi and AS Roma – who nevertheless managed to salvage a point in their first match against Atlético de Madrid. Match Day 1 : Rights of Dream (Ghana) 5 - 0 Salgaocar S.C Match Day 1 : Atlas F.C (Mexico) 9 - 0 Salgaocar S.C Match Day 2 : Warder Bremen (Germany) 4 - 0 Salgaocar S.C Match Day 2 : MTK Hungarian (Hungary) 2 - 0 Salgaocar S.C Salgocar Boys next match against Chinese Team Changodhun Yatai F.C PIFA International camp in Bangalore 06.08.2009 : Premier India Football Academy will have their PIFA International camp in Bangalore. This will be their 3rd camp in Bangalore. This football intensive training program will be held from 21 to 24 September at XLR8, next to Southern Asia Bible College, Hennur Bagalur Main Road, Bangalore. Highly qualified UEFA/FA licensed academy coaches from England will be conducting the training sessions. The camp is open to boys & girls between 10-18 of all abilities. Talented children from this camp will be invited to play for the PIFA academy team. Last year’s Bangalore camper winner - Rishi Singh played for PIFA-CYFC U-17 in South Africa. As there are limited places, registration will be on first come basis. The forms can be downloaded from the website www.pifacademy.com India in Group 'A' of Nehru Cup 2009 06.08.2009 ::Defending champions India will take on Palestine in the opening match of the 2nd ONGC Nehru Cup at Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium on 19th August. Today All India Football Federation acting president, Praful Patel announced the inauguration of the tournament. In the press conference Chairman and Managing Director ONGC R S Sharma, Head sports ONGC Dr N K Jit, President Delhi Soccer Association Subhash Chopra along with officials of ONGC, DSA and AIFF were present. India, have been placed in Group A along with Lebanon and Palestine, who replaced Thailand. The final will be played on August 31 while the third place play-off will be played on August 30. Amongst those present for the press conference were Chairman and Managing Director ONGC R S Sharma, Head sports ONGC Dr N K Jit, President Delhi Soccer Association Subhash Chopra along with officials of ONGC, DSA and AIFF. Group A : India, Lebanon and Palestine Group B : Syria, Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka FIXTURE Venue : Ambedkar Stadium,Delhi, Kick-Off : 19.30 PM IST 19th August :: India vs Palestine 20th August :: Syria vs Sri Lanka 21st August :: Palestine vs Lebanon 22nd August :: Kyrgyztan vs Sri Lanka 23rd August :: India vs Lebanon 24th August :: Syria vs Kyrgyztan 27th August :: Winner of A vs Runners up of B 28th August :: Winner of B vs Runners up of A 30th August :: 3rd Place match 31st August :: Final India Win their last match at Barcelona 06.08.2009 ::In the last practice match at Barcelona India beat local FC Santboia 1 - 0.Striker Sunil Chheri scored the goal from a Penalty in the 17th minutes of the match. In the same field India won against EL Prat 2 - 0 in their 2nd Match. Sunil who was not in the Squad of the India Team in the last 2 games due to his injury, today played 58 minutes and scored a goal for the team.Today India got a Penalty in the 17th minutes of the match when skipper Bhaichung Bhutia was brought down inside the box. Sunil Chhetri scored the goal from the spot kick awarded by Referee. Subrata paul saved some opponent's attack, Steven Dias also had a good chance to score from a close range but missed ultimetely. India remained unbeaten in the 4 practice mathes of Barcelona tour with two wins and two draws. Team INDIA: Subrata Pal, Gouramangi Singh, N.S.Manju,Surkumar Singh, Anwar Ali, Steven Dias, Climax Lawrence, Sunil Chhetri , N.P.Pradeep, Anthony Pereira,(Sushil Kumar Singh 58’), Bhaichung Bhutia AIFF Ad Hoc Committee for Women’s Football 05.08.2009 :: Decisions Taken by Women’s Committee The Ad Hoc Committee for Women’s Football met on Tuesday ,the 4th of August at Rajiv Bhavan, New Delhi. Following Attended the Meeting: 1. Mr. Praful Patel President in Charge AIFF 2. Mrs. Shanti Mullick 3. Mr. Lawrence Gomes 4. Mrs. Renuka Lakshmi 5. Mrs. Kailash Yadav 6. Mr. Sahadev Rout 7. Ms. Chung Chung Bhutia 8. Dr. Mukesh Sagar 9. Ms. Priya P. V. 10. Mr. Alberto Colaço ,General Secretary AIFF Following Decisions were taken 1. Ad Hoc Committee Chairman Mr. Praful Patel Dy. Chairman Dr. Mukesh Sagar General Convener Mrs. Kailash Yadav Convener (South Zone) Mrs. Renuka Lakshmi Convener ( North Zone) Ms. Abha Jain Convener (East Zone) Mr. Sahadev Rout Convener (West Zone) Mr. Lawrence Gomes Convener (North East Zone) Mrs. Kumari Devi Chairperson Selection Committee: Ms. Shanti Mullick 2. National Championships Sub Junior Nationals Uttarkand from 20th September Junior Nationals Cuttack, Orissa from 20th October Women’s Festival Gurgaon, Haryana Nov. 2009 Women’s Nationals Manipur Jan. 2010. 3. The following suggestions will be considered for implementation a) Have all National Championships at Zonal level and then Inter-zonal level. b) Request States to introduce Five a Side Competitions for women. c) Request states to have at least one interclub competition for Women. d) Play friendly matches with neighboring countries at all levels. e) Request SAI South Center to take up Women’s Football Activities in their schemes. f) Organise an International Football Championship every other year. g) Request Railway Ministry to have Football Teams and organize Inter Railway women’s football competitions. 4. Request from Sikkim F. A. to organize a Inter Club tournament for Women was accepted. Requests by Tamilnadu and Haryana to organize similar tournaments were also approved. AIFF decided to give financial support for organizing these tournaments. Courtesy: www.the-aiff.com IFA Prodyut Dutta Memorial Cup from 10th Aug 05.08.2009 ::The Indian Football Association West Bengal is going to ogranise an another football Tournament 2nd Prodyut Dutta Memorial Cup 2009 from 10th August. The champion of this Tournament will play in the 114th IFA shield as 12th no team which is scheduled to be held on 28th August .Last year Mohammedan S.C was the Champion of this tournament. IFA has released today the Groups and Fixtures of the Tournament. Groups: Group A (Kalyani Stadium) : IFA Academy, Mohammedan A.C, Kalyani Municipaliry S.A , Railway F.C Group B (Khardah Stadium ) : TFA, Kalighat Club, Eastern Railway, Jain tolllygunj Agragami Group C (Rabindra Sarobar Stadium) : Narayanpur United, BNR, Peerless S.C, W.B.Police Group D (Howrahi Stadium) : Burdwan University, Cal.Customs Club, Indian Air Force, Kalighat Club Fixtures : 10.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: IFA Academy VS Mohammedan A.C 10.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: TFA VS Kalighat MS 10.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: Narayanpur United VS BNR 10.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Burdwan University VS Cal.Customs Club 11.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: Kalyani Municipaliry S.A VS Railway F.C 11.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: Eastern Railway VS Jain tollygunge Agragami 11.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: Peerless S.C VS W.B.Police 11.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Indian Air Force VS Kalighat Club 13.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: IFA Academy VS Kalyani Municipaliry S.A 13.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: TFA VS Eastern Railway 13.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: Narayanpur United S.C VS Peerless S.C 13.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Burdwan University VS Indian Air Force 14.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: Mohammedan A.C VS Railway F.C 14.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: Kalighat M.S VS Jain Tollygunj Agragami 14.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: BNR VS W.B. Police 14.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Cal. Customs VS Kalighat Club 16.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: IFA Academy VS Railway F.C 16.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: TFA VS Jain Tollygunj Agragami 16.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: Narayanpur United VS W.B. Police 16.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Burdwan University VS Kalighat Club 17.08.2009 (Gr. 'A') :: Mohammedan A.C VS Kalyani Municipaliry S.A 17.08.2009 (Gr. 'B') :: Kalighat M.S VS Eastern Railway 17.08.2009 (Gr. 'C') :: BNR VS Peerless S.C 17.08.2009 (Gr. 'D') :: Cal.Customs VS Indian Air Force SEMI FINAL 20.08.2009 (SF1): Winner of Gr. A VS Winner of Gr. C 21.08.2009 (SF2) : Winner of Gr. B VS Winner of Gr. D FINAL 24.08.2009 (SF2) : Winner of SF1 VS Winner of SF2 Mohun Bagan win practice match by 5 - 0 05.08.2009 :: Mohun Bagan win against local Kalimpong Football Association Team 5 - 0 in a practice match at Kalimpong Melar Math during their residential camp. Karim Benchirifa boys played without injured Barreto.Newly signed Suroj Mondol Scored 2 goals and Branco ,Isfaq Ahmed and Santa Kumar scored each.There will be 3 intervals during the match by 30 minutes each where coach Karim tested his players. Mohun Bagan will stay their upto 7th August. ONGC Nehru Cup will start from 19th Aug 05.08.2009 :: The ONGC Nehru Gold Cup will be started at the Ambedkar Stadium from Aug 19 th ( 6.30 PM starting) to 31st ( 9.00 PM ending) , it would be help to prepare the national team for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha.The Fixure draw for the six-team 2009 edition will be made on Thursday at Delhi. The participating teams are Syria (Current FIFA rank 95), who lost 0-1 to India in the 2007 final, . Lebanon (Current FIFA rank 148) are the second highest ranked team. , Sri Lanka (Current FIFA rank 156), Newly added Palestine(Curent FIFA ranking 177) instead of Thailand, while Kyrgyzstan (Current FIFA rank 160) along with host country India (Current FIFA rank 156). The six teams will be divided in two groups and the top two from them will qualify for the semi-finals. In this year's ONGC Nehru Cup ,the winner will get an amount of 40000 Dollar, Runners-up will get 20000 Dollar while the 3rd place winner will get 10000 Dollar. Man of the match prize will be 300 Dollar and Every math winning team upto Group league will get 500 Dollar. Previous Nehru cup brought world stars like Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay), Laszlo Kiss (Hungary), Jorge Luis Burruchaga (Argentina), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Poland), Rinat Dasayev and Alexei Mikhailichenko (both Russia) to showcase their talent in the country later. Former Soviet Union had won the title on 4 occasions, Iraq and Hungary triumphed 2 times each while Poland, Uruguay, North Korea, Romania and India have tasted success once. In the year 1993 Madras Nehru Cup India won Fair Play Trophy and Indian Player I.M.Vijayan was declared Man of the Tournament. Salgaocar U-15 in Group 'B' in MUPC- Final 05.08.2009 :: THE DRAW for the MUPC World Finals took place at Manchester United's training facility in Carrington, England this evening. An impressive Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of the four day competition which runs from 5-8 August 2007 bringing together twenty of the best Under-15 teams in the world. Around 9,000 teams, from grassroots clubs to some of the most famous names in football, have taken part in local, national and regional tournaments over the last year in the competition sponsored by NIKE. Each will be dreaming of the chance to walk out at Old Trafford this Saturday at noon, to win the title of 2009 Manchester United Premier Cup Champions of the World. David Tucker, GM of Manchester United Merchandising Limited, hosted the evening and introduced United & England defender Rio Ferdinand to a standing ovation from the assembled youngsters, friends and family. Ferdinand offered some sound advice to the young players, "If you really want to make it - first and foremost you need to work hard in training. When I was 14 or 15 years-of-age there were players talked about as the next great thing but they rested on their laurels and never made it. They didn't work hard enough or continue to do the things they'd already done to reach a good level in the first place. So work hard - on your strengths and your weaknesses. "Even as a professional footballer when I came through the doors at Man Utd the first thing that really struck me was the work ethic of players like Roy Keane... players who'd been here for years were the benchmark of what it was to become a Man Utd player and then inspire you to work even harder to try and stay one." Ferdinand was then joined on stage by two of the most influential men in Manchester United's recent history, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson. Talking about the characteristics which contribute to creating great players, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: If you look at the careers of the best, they've always been receptive to coaches' vision and imagination, they work hard and practice, have a great hunger to win and never, never give in." The all important Draw took place after the United heroes had welcomed the captain from each team on stage. UK MUPC Champions West Bromwich Albion head up Group A and will face some interesting challenges in their group matches starting with Belgium & Premier Cup European Champions KRC Genk, South Africa's Orlando Pirates play China's Changchun Yatai FC & Boin Middle School from Korea. MTK Hungaria will start the fight in Group B against Werder Bremen, whilst Africa's Champions Right to Dream Academy face India's Salgaocar SC and 2008 runners-up from Mexico - Atlas FC. Host team Manchester United will face tough opposition from Paris-Saint-Germain in the opening match of Group C and Alta Loma Arsenal play Gamba Osaka before 2002 Premier Cup World Champions Sao Paulo line up opposite Manchester United for their first match of the tournament. Atlético de Madrid took the first spot in Group D, followed by AS Roma, Thailand's AC Thonburi, Marconi Stallions and Colo Colo. Sir Bobby Charlton encouraged the youngsters to stay focused and play well: "Every one of you twenty teams coming here has a responsibility to represent your country - and if you can do that with style - you will have a marvellous week." Group A :West Bromwich Albion , KRC Genk, Orlando Pirates , Changchun Yatai FC, Boin Middle School Group B : MTK Hungaria FC; Werder Bremen; Right to Dream; Salgaocar SC ; Atlas FC Group C : Manchester United, Pais Saint Germain; Alta Loma Arsenal; Gamba Osaka; Sao Paulo Group D : Atlético de Madrid; AS Roma; AC Thonburi; Marconi Stallions; Colo Colo Kalna Independent Cup will start on 18th Aug 05.08.2009 :: The Kalna Independent Cup Football Tournament will start from 18 August.The 6 teams Tournament will take place at Kalna Stadium Burdwan. Mohammedan sporting, Chirag United, Camellia George Telegraph, Peerless S.C, Tollygunge Agragami and Kalna S.C will participate in the Tournament. Chirag United and Mohammedan Sporting Club will play directly into the Semi final stage. while rest four teams will fight in Quarter Final. According to Subir Ghosh, Ex-India International footballer and one of the main organisers of the Tournament told us that The grand Final will be held on 25th August at Kalna Stadium. Messi will beat Ronaldo as highest Paid Footballer? 04.08.2009 :: Close to being named as the best soccer player in the world, Barcelona's star Lionel Messi will have one more reason to celebrate— the club will double the price of his contract termination provision and will give him a pay rise, which will turn him into the highest paid player of the squad. Thus, the Argentine striker will earn €9,500,000 plus fringe benefits, followed by newly signed Swedish Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who receives €9 million. Apart from that, Messi's contract termination provision will be fixed in €300 million once authorities discuss the figures with Jorge Messi. Meanwhile, the squad are having their preseason in the United States, where last weekend they defeated David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 and where Messi wore the team's number 10 jersey and the captain's band. Courtesy:www.sportsya.com Indian Olympians rejects 25000 AIFF Cheque 04.08.2009 ::The nine surviving members of India's 1956 Melbourne Olympics football squad that finished fourth in the Olympic Football, have decided to return the cheques amounting to Rs. 25,000 to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) which they received on 28th July as a grant. Recently awarded Mohun Bagan Ratna and the Captain of that team Samar (Badru) Banerjee and his team mates Tulsidas Balaram and Nikhil Nundy told mediapersons today in a press meet at Calcuta sports Journalist Club in the evening. The other six footballers are P K Banerjee and K Paul (both from Kolkata), S S Narayan (Mumbai), Julfiquer and Abdus Salam (both Hyderabad) and Ahmed Hussain (Bangalore ). Banerjee said during a during a felicitation on 23rd February at Delhi by Union Sports Minister M S Gill they were informed by AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco that AIFF had a benevolent fund which could be utilised for the benefit of veteran Olympians and he had requested him to start a pension scheme for Olympians and a Golden pass for Railway. At that function Dr. Gill presented to each surviving members a silver plaque in memory of their unforgettable performance, a shawl and a token Cash Award of Rs. 1.5 lakh each. Out of the nine surviving members of the 1956 team, seven members could attend the function and receive the award personally from the Minister. They were : Samar Banerjee, S.S. Narayan, A.S. Salam, A. Hussain, N.K. Nandi, P.K. Banerjee & MZ. Zulfaikar. Tulsidas and K.C. Pal could not attend the function because of their ill health. On 26th February Colaco sent a letter to Olympian the he wrote a letter to Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav about their matter.After receiving that Mr. Banerjee had made a number of phone calls to the AIFF secretary between February and July, reminding him about his proposal for a pension scheme.But no answer fro AIFF. "But on July 28, each of us received a cheque of Rs 25,000 from AIFF as a grant. It's very unfortunate. I did not ask for any grant to them.How do you expect that Olympians like us, who have crossed 70, will come before you and beg?" We have played for the country with our heads held high" he added. An another famous Olympian Tulsidas Balaram "We will see how the AIFF reacts after hearing this from media and then, if needed, we will approach the union sports ministry." The Indian soccer team for 1956 Melbourne Olympics: Goalkeepers : Peter Thangaraj (Madras Regimental Centre, Services), Shankar Subramaniam Narayan (Caltex, Bombay). Defenders : Abdul T. Rehman (Rajasthan Club, Calcutta), Syed Khwaja Azizuddin (Hyderabad City Police), S.A. Latif (Bombay). Midfielders : Marianna Kempiah (East Bengal Club), Mohammed Abdul Salaam (Bengal), Nikhil Kumar Nandy (Eastern Railway SC, Bengal), Ahmed Hussain (Hyderabad), Noor Mohammed (Hyderabad City Police). Forwards : Samar Banerjee (Mohun Bagan AC - CAPTAIN), J. Krishnaswamy "Kittu" (East Bengal Club), P.K. Banerjee (Bengal), Krishna Chandra "Kesto" Pal (Bengal), Muhamed Kannayan (Bengal-Nagpur Railway, Calcutta), Neville Stephen D'Souza (Bombay - Vice-CAPTAIN), Tulsidas Balaram (Hyderabad), Mohammed Zulfiqaruddin (Hyderabad City Police). Maradona condoles Sports Mininster of Bengal's demise 04.08.2009 :: Legendary footballer of Argentina Diego Maradona paid his respects to the departed Sports Minister of West Bengal Subhas Chakraborty on Tuesday. Celebrity Management Group mailed him about the sudden death of Sports Minister. Maradona e-mailed his condolence addressing Sports Minister's wife Ramala Chakrabarty that “We are deeply shocked at the sudden demise of Sri Subhas Chakraborty. He gave all of us memories too beautiful to forget and the unforgettable experience of meeting your beloved people and country.We will be forever grateful to him. Please accept our condolences and be strong and patient during this turbulent period.” Maradona, who made his maiden trip to the Kolkata, the Capital of Indian Football as well as the Capital of West bengal at the initiative of Subhas Chakraborty, 6th December last year. India will play last friendly tomorrow at Barcelona 05.08.2009 :: Before returning home on 7th August Team India will play their last friendly tomorrow against another Spanish third division side, Santboia Football Club. The kick of time is 19.00 (Spainish Time) and 22.30 as Indian Time. 100 years ago the Santboia Football Club was founded in 1908 by a group of friends. .Milan Rebull, who was the first president of the Club. The name of the stadium where the match will be played is C.A.R (centre d’alt rendiment esportiu).It is situated at Sant Cugat del Valles. Sant Cugat del Valles is a town and municipality west of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. In antiquity known as Castrum Octavianum, it is named after Saint Cucuphas, who is said to have been martyred on the spot now occupied by its medieval monastery, which has a Romanesque cloister with many historiatedcapitals. Spanish Giant Real Madrid insure Ronaldo's legs for £90millon 04.08.2009 ::The Spanish giant Real Madrid recently paid Manchester United a world record £80m fee for recruiting FIFA world player of the year Footballer from Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo. Now the Team wants to protect their money if he picks up a long-term injury. The 24-year-old Mega Star has suffered 34 fouls in a friendly match against Ireland side Shamrock Rovers and against Liga de Quito and Juventus in the Peace Cup.The Real Madrid Bosses got nervous after Ronaldo who knocked his knee recently. For the reason, Ronaldo's legs have been insured for £90 MILLION by Real Madrid. Ronaldo is not the only Sportsman to have a part of their body insured. Michael Owen had his legs insured for £60m, while David Beckham had his whole body insured for £100m. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has finally sold his old home in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England to new Manchester City signing Emmanuel Adebayor for £5.5million.The seven room palace? has an indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym and cinema room. Adebayor beat Carlos Tevez, Colo Toure, New Manchester United signing Antonio Valencia who also gave bid for the House. Real president Florentino Perez has spent almost £200m for Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso as new signing in his team and thrown a challenge to their arch rival Barcelona to wrestle the La Liga and Champions League titles. 04.08.2009 :Mr.Nuno Mousinho Esteves of SPUNP - (Sports Unlimited Partners) Portugal said to Kolkatafootball.com Reporter A. Bhattacharyya Q :: Is it right that your agency "Football & Friends is involved with the Indian team's this year Barcelona Trip? Apart from India , is there any other country for which you have arranged such practice matches? A :: FOOTBALL & FRIENDS WAS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 2006 GOAN CONFERENCE. FROM 2007 ONWARDS, WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING UNDER OUR NEW COMPANY SPUNP www.spunp.com WE HAVE BEEN FOCUSED IN INDIA FOR THIS TYPE OF EVENT. OUR AUSTRALIAN BRANCH WILL SOON LAUNCH AN ACADEMY PROGRAM UNDER THE BANNER OF A SPANISH CLUB. Q :: In 2007 & 2008 also you arranged the conditioning camp for India in Portugal? Isn't it? if you compare between the training facelities between Portugal and Barcelona which you fell better? Why? A ::YES WE HAVE ALSO ORGANIZED THE 07 AND 08 CAMPS. THE PLAYERS CAN ANSWER THIS QUESTION. WE BUILD THE CAMPS ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF TEAM INDIA. THE FACILITIES HAVE BEEN THE BEST IN BOTH COUNTRIES. Q :: We saw that after returning from the training and practice match in Portugal last two years.India won Nehru Cup and AFC challenge cup.Can India give a good performance in the coming Nehru Cup? What is your expectation in this regards? A :: WINNING IS ALWAYS EVERYONE'S AMBITION AND WE ARE NO DIFFERENT. NEVERTHELESS THIS IS JUST ANOTHER STEP IN THE LADDER THAT TEAM INDIA IS TAKING TO IMPROVE ITS POSITION IN AFC RANKS. WINNING IS IMPORTANT BUT MORE IMPORTANT IS TO KEEP THE STEADY GROWTH WE HAVE WITNESSED IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. Q :: As you know that this year's Indian Squad has not changed much from previous Portugal trip.How you rate this year's Indian Team? A :: MORE MATURE. THERE ARE A GOOD NUMBER OF PLAYERS THAT SHOW SIGNS OF REAL IMPROVEMENT. NOTHING WILL CHANGE OVERNIGHT AND THESE TRAINING CAMPS HAVE SHOWN THAT A LONG TERM PROJECT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO STEP UP THE GAME IN INDIA. Q :: In this year's Barcelona Trip, which of the players of India side do you think have potential to play well ? In your opinion what are the basic lacuna's of the Indian Footballers that have let them so behind from their European counterparts? A ::IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO NAME JUST A FEW. THE BEST QUALITY THE INDIAN PLAYERS HAVE COMPARED WITH EUROPEAN PLAYERS IS THE HUMILITY TO ACCEPT THAT THEY STILL HAVE A LOT TO LEARN. BOB HOUGHTON'S EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION HAVE BID EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN INDIAN REALITY AND EUROPEAN STANDARD.THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH INDIAN PLAYERS. THE HUGE DIFFERENCE LIES IN THE INFRASTRUCTURES AVAILABLE. Q :: It is seen that whether it was in Portugal or now in Barcelona,India team is playing aagainst 2nd /3rd Division Teams.Do you think that the India National Team deserves to be pitted against far superior sides? A ::THAT IS A TECHNICAL DECISION THAT I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE. IT WOULD BE POINTLESS TO FACE 1ST DIV TEAMS. WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WORLDS. THE MAIN GOAL OF THESE CAMPS I AM SURE IS TO BUILD A TEAM SPIRIT, TO CREATE A TEAM ROUTINE WITH THE OBVIOUS RESULTS WE HAVE SEEN IN RECENT YEARS. Q :: You being the Countryman of C.Ronaldo, Figo and Legaedary Eusebio,It is obvious that you have enough experience in Football.From that view point, dou you think that Indian Football team has good future? A :: NO ONE SHOULD EXPECT OVERNIGHT MIRACLES. I AM PRETTY SURE THAT ONLY A LONG TERM STRATEGY WILL PAY DIVIDENDS. YOU COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL TEAM. PORTUGAL IS A COUNTRY OF 10 MILLION PEOPLE ... AND WE HAVE AT LEAST 6 STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAINING CENTERS AND 10 RECENT (2004) STADIUMS WITH A CAPACITY OF AT LEAST 30,000 SEATS. NOT TO MENTIONS DOZENS OF SMALLER STADIUMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. INFRASTRUCTURE IS KEY, TO DEVELOP A STEADY AND LONG TERM WINNING STRATEGY. Q :: We came to know that last year some Club Football scouts from different Countries used to attend the Indian teams matches at Portugal and did spot some of the players. Can you let us know whether this year the Football Scouts are present in Barcelona? Any player spotted by them? A :: NO I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY SCOUTS. Q :: It's fact that, you are closely associated with the Indian Football from few years, have you any programme in future to come to Kolkata - The Football Capital of India? A :: YES WE DO. LIKE I HAVE STATED ABOVE, I BELIEVE IN LONG TERM PROJECTS AND DEFINITELY KOLKATA IS A CENTER PIECE IN OUR PLANS. Q :: on behalf of the millions of Indian Soccer fans in general and Kolkatafootball.com in particular, we thank you once again for extending your helping hand for the betterment of Indian football. Hope we will always find your cooperation in the days ahead. A. LIKE I SAID TO YOUR FELLOW GOAN JOURNALISTS IN NOVEMBER 2006, I AM IN INDIA FOR THE LONG RUN. YOU WONT SEE SPUNP QUIT OR SLOW DOWN. Sports &Transport Minister of West Bengal Subhas Chakrabarty passes away FILE PIC (Late Subhash Chakrabarty - White Hat) 03.08.2009 , Kolkata ,West Bengal:: Sports and Transport Minister of West Bengal Subhash Chakrabarty died today at the age of 68. As a communist Party of India - Marxist Leader of the State's rulling Govt. since last 32 years, he played a big role to increase the popularity of Football in West Bengal . In his 27 years long tenure in State's Sports Ministry, Salt Lake Stadium (1,20000 Capasity) was built in the year 1984-85.The stadium has the second largest non-auto racing capacity in the world and largest in the Indian sub-continent. As a big fan he could be seen in any football Match at Salt Lake Stadium and other Stadiums in Bengal. He was very much popular in the State as an organizer. The experienced administrator and lover of sports and culture, Subhas Chakraborty will be best remembered as a mass-leader. FILE PIC (Late Subhash Chakrabarty with India PM Dr. Manmohon singh at Salt Lake Stadium) The most colourful character of West Bengal politics and Sports field has passed away mornning due to infection in Lungs.He had been admitted to the AMRI Hospital in the satellite township of Salt Lake last Tuesday with lung and kidney disorders besides severe heart problems. He was not responding to treatment, medical superintendent Debashish Sharma had said. We the team of www.kolkatafootball.com are very much shocked for his death who inspired us to make this site and always helped us when we needed.We condole his death as football Lovers. India made 1 - 1 draw against Europa 02.08.2009 :: Sujit Gangopadhyay, Barcelona-Spain ::Team India again made a 1-1 draw against Sapnish 3rd Divn team Esportiu Europa.India scored first through captain Baichung but the Spanish side equalised. out of 3 games, this is the 2nd draw match of India in Spain friendly. India   1 - 1   Esportiu Europa (Spain) IND: Baichung Bhutia 31' :: EUR:Xavi Padilla (pen 67') 90' - Match ended in 1 - 1 draw.. 88' - corner taken - sunil chetri defending inside indian box - guess d kind of pressure on Indian defense. 84' - India's thro deep inside europa half - nothing resulted - Europa on break - almost scored - saved by subrata for corner 81' - foul on anthony - renedy takes free kick - manju heads inside 6 yrd box - yadav cud not put it in - just above posts 78' - freekick favoring india - renedy takes - foul by sunil in attempt to connect 75' - attack fm europa. - cross fm left had open goal - shot goes just wide.Eeuropa attacks & indians defending - now finally sur kumar pass to abhishek resulted in corner Abhishek & sunil almsot scored 72' - another attack fm europa - volley fm just inside d box - goes above post 70' -europa dominating things - waves of attacks..Surkumar tackles just on edge of d box - resulted penalty & goal - subrata dived on opposite direction 62' - - waves of attacks fm europa - one shot fm outsie box saved by subrata - immediate next attack results in corner - again took by subrata but this also after coming out of hand 60' - another attack cross fm left - acrobatic save by subrata 57' - another attack -pass fm right by dias - bhaichung shoots just side 59' - europa attacking - consequtive corners - ball almost goes out of diving subrata's hand - almost creating danger - however saved by himself 56' - free kick outside indian box for europa - saved & counter attack fm india - slight delay fm bhaichung allows defence to clear 54' - india's free - kick taken by climax - sunil offside inside d box 53' - europa attack - looping cross goes strt to subrata 51' - india on counter offense now - sur kumar on overlap - throw 50' - another good attack fm europa fm left side - cross goes just wide 48' - counter attack by europa - shoots just above d bar 47' - india slowly trying to get their grip back on match 46' - Europa is playing better in 2nd half - continueous attacks - cleared by sur kumar for throw 46' - Start of 2nd half - sunil chetri is fielded - subtituing sushil sing .SUNIL chetri is on for 1st time in spain / barca - 2nd half starts 45' - Half time - India 1 - 0 Europa. 44' - Dias & Bhaichung combining well in The right Side. 43' - Well co- ordinated attack by India - Bhaichung passes Dias in free to the right who crosses in & Pradeep's flying header just above d bar - almost scored 39' - Europa trying to get back into d match however Indian defense holding well & not with much probs 37' - Dias free kick into box but Sushil fouls a defender of europa 33' - free kick fm dias inside box - header attepted by sushil & bhaichung - saved by GK 31' - - GOAL............. from Bhaichiung .. Long ball from indian defence had bhaichung in free inside box - received & cool placement for 1st goal for india & bhaichung in spain India leads 1 goals to nil 30' - Another good attack - Sushil chests & manages to pass to Dias - another chance - Dias delayed a bit ..paseed to Baichung 28' - Dias pass aimed for sushil - little long - just out 27' - Bhaichung back head inside box - Dias had it in clear - shoots above d post - open chance wasted 26 ' - foul by Antony at mid of Indian half - free kick finally resulted in off side 24' - Stephen Dias tries a long ranger however goes above d post 23' - Sushil receive d ball outside box & shoots but GK saves well 22' - Bhaichung shot goes way up of post 20' -Indian on attack - Pradeep's shot at goal saved by GK 18' - Bhaichung earned another corner on solo effort 16' - Now offside favoring India on Europa attack 15' - Bhaichung passes forward but Sushil offside 14' - Bhaichung earned a corner after throw for India 12' - Danger avoided at indian goal at cost of corner by surkumar - had it in open - nice attack from Europa. 10' - Long cross from right by Steven Dias - Bhaichung tries a diving head inside box - not connected to perfection - goes to opponent GK 5' - India on attack - pass from Bahichung. - Sushil's cross from right goes out 4' - Another attack from Europa - shot goes out. So far match on balance 3' - Sushil's shot blocked by Europa defender 2' - Responded by India with counter attack - Antony's cross goes out 1' - Early attack from Europa from the starting Warm Up:Today's match is restricted for security purpose - only on invitation in Mini Stadium of Barcelona..Players of both the teams are warming up now. Today India will play as regular system i,e, 11 Players and 3 extras India : Subrata Paul, Surkumar Singh , Gourmangi Singh, Climax Lawrance ,Bhaichung Bhutia (Abhishek Yadav),Sushil Kr. Singh (Sunil Chhetri 46'), Anwar Ali, Antony Pereira, Steven Dias ,N.S.Manju,N.P.Pradeep, EUROPA :: Adri, Xavi Roca, Ramon Suarez, Sergio, Victor, Ivan Alvarez, Nefter, Delmas, Gatell Llobet ,Tambe van jugar, Canadas Sub :: Alex, Cano, Diego, Denis, Garcia, Valderas, Xavi, Padilla, Josu i Plana. Canadas, Alex, Cano, Diego, Denis, Garcia, Valderas, Xavi Padilla, Josu and Plana. Referee : Raul Calle Martinez (Barcelona) India will face Europa today PIC source :www.fcbarcelona.cat 01.08.2009 ::After winning the last match against EL Prat 2 - 0 India Team will face 3rd Divn. another Club Esportiu Europa today. This is a Spanish/Catalan sports club, based in the Gracia district of Barcelona. The match will be started India Time from 22.30. The club is best known for its football team who in 1928, along with city neighbours FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, were founder members of La Liga. During the late 1990s they won the Copa Catalunya twice in succession, on both occasions beating FC Barcelona in the final. They currently play in Group 5 of the Tercera Division. The Team Home Ground which is called Nou Sardenya (Capasity 7000), and their Practice Ground is called -The Eagle (Capasity 1600). But the match may be played at Mini Estadi (Catalan for "Mini Stadium") which is a football stadium located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The 15,276 seat stadium is situated across from Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona. The stadium is home to FC Barcelona Atletic, FCB's reserve team. The FC Barcelona complex lies to the north-west of the centre of Barcelona, in the Les Corts district. The closest Metro stations are Palau Reial and Collblanc. Limitation of access for security reasons for tomorro's match against India . It has been learnt that for security reason spectators will come there by public invatitation.This will be the only friendly with the special condition of pre season campaign of Europa. Omaxe LTD : New Football Academy in Ludhiana 01.08.2009 ::Omaxe Ltd, India’s leading real estate developer today launched LIONS - The first of its kind Football club of Ludhiana at Omaxe Royal Residency at Pakhowal Road. Being initiated by Omaxe, the Club aims to be a mecca for aspiring football players and will offer the best of the facilities. Omaxe, a leading real estate & infrastructure developer, believes in creating new dimensions and walking on the same path it has launched the club. The club will be training the young blood in Ludhiana with an objective to develop players for national & international level competition. The football club – “Ludhiana Lions” while maintaining the highest standards will have the best of facilities & infrastructure including flood lights to sure that the young players can be saved from heat in summers & early set in winters. In addition to it, modern equipments & internationally practiced training schedule will be adopted at the club to give the best of the opportunity to the young stars. The Club will be professionally managed & has selected highly experienced coaches like Mr. AP Mahvi, Ms. Anita Sharma, & Mr. Manjeet Singh to train the members. The club also has renowned advisors Mr. Ali Hassan, Mr. Parminder Singh, Mr. Jagir Singh, Mr. Saleem Bakshi, Mr. Dheeraj Parashar and patron members Mr. Rohtas Goel, Mr. Shivtar Singh Bajwa, Mr. Rohit Parashar to adhere the best training practices. The club will surely provide a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talent & play at the international level. The LIONS Football club will work towards identifying unexplored talents and provide them with state of the art infrastructure & international level facilities so as to groom them into future champions capable of achieving excellence in the sport of Football. The club will also offer free membership and training to the children of the armed forces and under privileged giving them full opportunity of high quality participation opportunities. The club will also form teams of under 10 years and under 14 years players promoting them to compete at international level. The club will conduct a talent hunt next month and will select 20 best players & will prepare them to play at national & international level matches. In the third week of the August, the club will be organizing Ludhiana corporate league where 8 to 12 teams will be participating. This initiative is a small contribution by Omaxe towards providing good training, good infrastructure and youth development to the people of Punjab by taking the responsibility of creating best environment for improving sports facilities in the country. LIONS’ The Football club of Ludhiana KEY PERSONS Advisors:- 1.Mr. Perminder Singh : Winner of International Award like Asian All Star in 1983 and “Rahim Award” Best Player of the decade in 1992, Mr. Perminder Singh has also won Best Indian Player award for the year 1984 and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award in 1983. 2. Mr. Jagir Singh :Jagbir Singh had done coaching courses like Diploma in Football Coaching from Sports Authority of India, NIS Centre, Patiala in the year 1981 and AFC “C” Licence Football Coaching Course conducted by All India Football Federation under the aegis of Asian Football Confederation.He had represented Punjab State Senior Football Team in National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy (1966 to 1976 except 1971). Out of which two times we won the National championship (1970 & 1974). Coaches:- Ms. Anita Sharma, Mr. Amritpal Sigh Mahi Patron:- 1. Mr. Rohtas Goel : Chairman & Managing Director of Omaxe Ltd., one of the leading real estate development companies of India. 2. Mr. Shivtar Singh Bajwa : Vice President of the Punjab Football Association. He is the President of the District Football Association of Ludhiana and also the member of the Punjab Football Committee. 3.Dr. N.S Maan, (Retd. Prof of physical education) from Punjab University