Football

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday, September 13.Mohun Bagan, the reigning ISL Shield winners, will be eager to make a strong start to their title defense. They have a perfect record in ISL season openers, having won both their previous matches against Kerala Blasters FC. However, their record against Mumbai City FC is less impressive, with only one victory in 10 encounters.Mumbai City FC, the ISL Cup winners, have undergone a change in leadership with Lallianzuala Chhangte taking over the captaincy from Rahul Bheke, who has moved to Bengaluru FC. The Islanders will be looking to avenge their defeat to Mohun Bagan in the ISL final last season.Both teams have made significant additions to their squads during the transfer window. Mohun Bagan have signed the likes of Aniket Jadhav, Asish Rai, and Nongdamba Naorem, while Mumbai City FC have brought in Mehtab Singh, Rostyn Griffiths, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams possessing a wealth of talent and experience. Mohun Bagan will be relying on the goalscoring prowess of Hugo Boumous and Liston Colaco, while Mumbai City FC will look to their captain Chhangte and the creativity of Greg Stewart.The match will be telecasted live on Sports 18 and streamed live on Jio Cinema. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, bid farewell to international football with a tearful farewell at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The 39-year-old talisman, who has been a beacon of hope for Indian football for nearly two decades, played his final match for the Blue Tigers against Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Despite the match ending in a goalless draw, the stadium erupted in a standing ovation as Chhetri walked off the pitch for the last time. His teammates formed a guard of honor, a fitting tribute to the man who has captained India with distinction for many years.In an emotional speech, Chhetri thanked everyone who had been a part of his glorious journey. "The ones who have watched in videos, the ones who have taken autographs, the ones... the old-time supporters, thank you everyone. These 19 years would not have been possible without each and everyone of you and I genuinely mean it," he said.Chhetri, who has played a record 151 matches for India and scored a record 94 goals, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time. He has led India to numerous victories, including the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.His most memorable achievement came in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the final to help India qualify for its first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. He has been an inspiration to countless young players and has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the sport in India. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

India's Farewell to Sunil Chhetri in FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier Against KuwaitIndia's legendary captain Sunil Chhetri will bid farewell to international football in a historic FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match against Kuwait on Thursday, June 6. The match, to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, marks the end of an illustrious career for the 39-year-old striker.Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer with 84 goals, has been instrumental in the team's rise in the FIFA rankings. Under his leadership, India has achieved its highest-ever ranking of 96th and has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup four times.The FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers are a crucial step in India's quest to reach the global football showpiece for the first time. The top two teams from each of the nine groups of four teams will advance to the third stage, where Asia's eight World Cup berths will be decided.India currently sits second in Group A, behind Oman, with six points from four matches. A win against Kuwait would boost their chances of finishing in the top two and advancing to the next round.Kuwait, ranked 146th in the FIFA rankings, will be a tough opponent for India. The Kuwaitis have won two of their four matches in the qualifiers and will be looking to upset India in Chhetri's farewell match.The match is expected to be an emotional affair for Chhetri and Indian football fans alike. Chhetri has been a symbol of hope and inspiration for the nation, and his retirement will mark the end of an era.

Emotions will run high as the talismanic Sunil Chhetri leads India out one last time in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6. The 39-year-old Chhetri, who has dominated the national football landscape for 19 years, will hang his boots at the end of this match.Chhetri's goal is to propel his team into the next round of the World Cup qualifiers as a parting gift. The top two teams from each of the nine groups of four teams will advance to the third stage, which will determine FIFA's increased allocation of eight World Cup berths for Asia.While it may be a long shot for India to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, a win over Kuwait would take the team into uncharted territory, where they would face the best of Asia in at least 10 matches. This would also translate into some quality friendly games.India currently occupies the second spot in Group A behind Qatar, with four points from four games. They are ahead of Afghanistan on goal difference and Kuwait, who have three points. A victory would put India firmly ahead of Afghanistan, who face Qatar in a tough fixture later on June 6.Chhetri has been a bonafide legend of Indian football, with 94 goals from 150 appearances and a dozen trophies in his cabinet. His last dance will be at the Salt Lake Stadium, where his professional football career took shape with Mohun Bagan in the early 2000s.India will be coming into this match with solid preparation. They have made some interesting additions in I-League forwards Edmund Lalrindika (Inter Kashi) and David Lalhlansanga (Mohammedan Sporting), who will be aiming to become the first players in five years to make national debuts from the second tier league.However, the defense will have to cope with the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, who has been sidelined due to an injury from the Asian Cup in January. It remains to be seen if the likes of Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, and Subhasish Bose will be able to compensate for his absence, especially the aerial strength he has provided over the years.Focus will also be on Lallianzuala Chhangte, who had a strong 2023-24 ISL season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists for Mumbai City FC. He will look to carry this form against Kuwait, who will have the firepower of Hassan Al-Enezi in the defense.Kuwait will be coming to the game after routing Afghanistan 4-0, with their key forward duo of Shabaib Al Khaldi and Mohammed Daham scoring three goals between them. The duo will once again be a big threat to the Indians.

Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac anticipates a packed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata for the country's crucial World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6. This match will also mark the final international appearance for legendary captain Sunil Chhetri.Chhetri's 19-year international career will culminate in this match, where he will retire as India's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals. He will also leave the field as the most-capped player, having played in 151 matches.A victory against Kuwait would significantly boost India's chances of reaching the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time. "Considering the significance of the game, with us potentially a win away from qualifying for the third round and it being Sunil Chhetri's farewell game, we expect the Salt Lake Stadium to be packed," said Stimac."I am confident that our supporters will travel from all over India to Kolkata to support our team and bid farewell to Sunil. I am certain it will be an emotional occasion, and hopefully, we can celebrate together after the final whistle," he added.The team has been training in Kolkata for two weeks, focusing on fitness and game tactics. "The players are progressing well. A long camp has proven beneficial in the past. We are working on both offensive and defensive aspects of the game," said Stimac."Our fitness levels are improving daily, and we are now focusing on tactics. From Monday onwards, we will work on positioning, set pieces, and transitions."The Blue Tigers were initially scheduled to depart for Kolkata on June 2 but have moved their travel date to May 29 to acclimatize to the city's conditions. "It's hot and humid here, but we are enjoying every training session. The facilities and hospitality are excellent. However, we have decided to leave for Kolkata earlier to adjust to the humidity better and prepare for the crucial game," said Stimac.

Igor Stimac, India's head coach, has expressed his preference for Kolkata as the venue for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. Stimac believes that the city's passionate football atmosphere would provide a significant advantage for the Indian team.The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has a capacity of over 66,000, and Stimac is eager to utilize the potential of a large and enthusiastic crowd to boost India's chances of securing a berth in the third round of the 2026 qualifiers. A victory or draw against Kuwait would mark a historic achievement for India, as it would be their first-ever progression to the third round.Stimac's preference for Kolkata aligns with the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) policy of prioritizing the head coach's recommendations for national team matters. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has emphasized that Stimac's suggestions will be paramount in decision-making.While Kolkata remains the frontrunner, Hyderabad and a venue in Maharashtra are also in contention to host the match. However, Stimac has indicated that he would prefer to explore new venues only after India qualifies for the third round.In the event that Kolkata is unable to host the game, Stimac has identified Bengaluru as an alternative venue. India recently triumphed in the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, and Stimac believes that the city's positive football environment would be beneficial for the team.Stimac has also announced a long list of 35 probables for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan on March 21 and 26. The list includes several new faces, such as Amey Ranawade, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Jay Gupta.The probables list will be pruned after the Indian Super League pauses for the international break on March 14. Stimac has stated that he may consider adding new players to the squad for the June qualifiers, which include an away game against Qatar.Stimac emphasized that the rebuilding process for the Indian team will begin after the 2024 Asian Cup. He believes that it is crucial to maintain continuity with the players who have been part of the squad for the past four years.