Long-serving Indian woman footballer Ngangom Bala Devi shared a humorous incident related to her popularity, recounting that fans in Nepal asked her if she was the coach when she arrived in the Himalayan nation for the SAFF Women's Championship, despite being the leading striker of the national team. The 34-year-old Devi scored her 50th international goal to become the first Indian woman footballer to do so in India's 5-2 win over Pakistan in a group match on Thursday. "When I arrived in Nepal, many people recognised me. Some even asked if I was coming as a coach. Some players from another team still wanted me on the field as a player," Devi told the-aiff.com. "I started playing for India back in 2005, and while the atmosphere within the team has changed over the years, the support and affection everyone shows me are overwhelming," said the player who is often known as the 'goal machine' of Indian women's football team. "I feel proud to have continued playing for so many years and to still be loved by the fans. It's a great feeling to play in a foreign country and gain new experiences in the game." Her milestone was celebrated not only by Indian fans but also by local supporters at the Dasharath Stadium here, as the crowd honoured her with a standing ovation after the match. Also Read: Bala Devi breaks barriers with 50 international goals Bala is not only known for her goals but also for creating history. In 2020, she became the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract with a European club. She joined Rangers WFC, the women's team of the Scottish club Rangers FC, marking a significant milestone in Indian football. "I feel proud to score 50 goals for India. It was a very special moment for me," said the Manipuri player who had dedicated her 50th goal to her father. Talking about the milestone goal, she said, "Whatever strategy the coach and players decide for set-pieces, we stick to it. Who takes the kick depends on the situation, whether it's from the right or left. "At that moment, I felt I should take the kick, and Manisha came over and said, 'Di, you take it.' I asked her to just touch the ball, and I went in for the shot. Manisha's pass was perfect, with spot-on accuracy, and the ball went in." An emotional 5️⃣0️⃣th International goal for @BalaDevi_10 ✊#PAKIND #SAFFWomensChampionship2024 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/KR0ZcGfYs7 — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 17, 2024 Bala was returning to action after nearly a 10-month hiatus due to injury-related issues. She was last seen in action during the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 against Uzbekistan in November 2023. "I have been involved with football all my life, so I know how to keep my mentality strong when I am injured. And I always try to push myself a little extra during training sessions, focusing on maintaining my fitness. "A lot of people have supported me along the way, especially coach Santosh. After my injury, I didn't have the confidence to play, but he created a comfortable environment in Goa that helped me regain it." Bala said her time at Rangers taught her invaluable lessons in fitness and professionalism. "I had good experience in Europe. Indian women's football is growing and we can see now players are going abroad to play after me. "AIFF has also been very supportive, and the women's department is putting in a lot of effort for us. If this level of support continues, we can achieve great things and go a long way." Asked how would she described her career in one word, Bala said, "I call it 'She Power' because I work hard from morning till evening. I take care of myself and manage my household, it's all hard work. Nothing comes easy." (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 07:45 PM IST | Kathamandu, Nepal | mid-day online correspondentThe biggest-ever season of United We Play (UWP) saw the participation of over 15,000 budding Indian footballers across 18 cities, culminating in a grand finale in the presence of Manchester United legend and all-time great Gary Neville in Chandigarh. In the finale, 5 young footballers - PC Lalchhuanawma (Mizoram), Shreejal Kisku (Bhubaneswar), Mohd Ayan (Lucknow), Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar (Nepal) and Chanason Chaiyatham (Bangkok) emerged as winners in the fourth edition of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative by leading tyre maker Apollo Tyres, in association with Manchester United. The 5 shortlisted players are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Old Trafford to participate in exciting activities like a matchday experience, training session with Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and legend interactions. The UWP programme is an on-ground grassroots football initiative to encourage young football talent from across geographies by giving them a platform to showcase their skills with the objective of motivating aspiring footballers to continue playing and introducing them to global training methodologies. Considered as one of the greatest right-backs ever to play the game, Gary Neville's illustrious career includes eight English Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles for Manchester United. A rare one-club man, Neville played for Manchester United for his entire career, spending almost 20 years with the club with a whopping 602 appearances for his boyhood club. He has also served English football with distinction with 85 appearances over a 12-year career for his country. Speaking at the UWP finale, Gary Neville said, "Delighted to see the dedication and passion for football among young children in India. Investing in youth development is extremely important and I am very pleased to see the efforts of Apollo Tyres and Manchester United in having built this platform, which encourages the youth to pursue their passion for football". Also Read: Bala Devi breaks barriers with 50 international goals "Many congratulations to the young players whose hard work has paid off today. I am sure that the experience that they will have at the iconic Old Trafford, will be memories of a lifetime", he further added. The launch of the fourth edition of United We Play took place at Kolkata in December last year, where former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha kicked-off the programme. Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial, India and SAARC, Apollo Tyres Ltd said, "It gives us immense pleasure to see the United We Play programme grow bigger and better year after year and this finale was extra special because of the presence of a legend of the game, Gary Neville. Through this initiative, which is in its fourth year, Apollo Tyres is committed to grow the game of football and help young emerging talent to express themselves. Apollo Tyres would also like to thank Manchester United for being a part of this programme and congratulations to the deserved winners." The fourth edition of United We Play was the biggest ever with a season-round programme, reaching out to 18 cities pan-India and over 15,000 young footballers across the country. Over 100 coaches were engaged through virtual Manchester United Soccer Schools training sessions, ensuring that the teachings and training methods reach to every footballer involved in the programme. In addition, the initiative was also expanded to more cities in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions across cities such as Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka and Dubai. (With ANI inputs)
19 October,2024 06:23 PM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondentBala Devi, often referred to as the 'goal machine' of Indian women's football, reached an exceptional milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to score her 50th international goal during the SAFF Women's Championship 2024 in Nepal, in a match against Pakistan. Her achievement was celebrated not only by Indian fans but also by local supporters, as the crowd in Nepal honoured her with a standing ovation after the match, as per the AIFF Media Team. When asked about her feelings on reaching this milestone, Devi shared, "I feel proud to score 50 goals for India. It was a very special moment for me," read the statement by AIFF. Also Read: Bala Devi dedicates 50th international goal to late dad Devi dedicated her goal to her father, expressing the deep influence he had on her career. "Everything I am today is because of my father. He taught me everything since childhood, from kicking the ball to scoring a goal. He always encouraged me to stay connected with the game. As I stepped into the field against Pakistan, memories of him flooded back and I couldn't stop crying. I missed him so much at that moment. The motivation to score that goal came from him and everything he taught me," Devi said. Also Read: Joga Bonito win women’s beach football title Reflecting on her goal against Pakistan, Devi revealed her thought process. "Whatever strategy the coach and players decide for set pieces, we stick to it. Who takes the kick depends on the situation, whether it's from the right or left. At that moment, I felt I should take the kick, and Manisha came over and said, 'Di, you take it.' I asked her to just touch the ball, and I went in for the shot. Manisha's pass was perfect, with spot-on accuracy, and the ball went in," she noted, as per quoted by the AIFF Media Team. Devi, who has been a part of the national team since 2005, reflected on her long career and the admiration she receives. "When I arrived in Nepal, many people recognised me. Some even asked if I was coming as a coach. Some players from another team still wanted me on the field as a player. I started playing for India back in 2005, and while the atmosphere within the team has changed over the years, the support and affection everyone shows me are overwhelming. I feel proud to have continued playing for so many years and to still be loved by the fans. It's a great feeling to play in a foreign country and gain new experiences in the game," Devi remarked. After a month-long break due to injury, Devi made a strong return to the national camp. She emphasised the importance of mental strength and the support she received. "I have been involved with football all my life, so I know how to keep my mentality strong when I am injured. And I always try to push myself a little extra during training sessions, focusing on maintaining my fitness. A lot of people have supported me along the way, especially coach Santosh. After my injury, I didn't have the confidence to play, but he created a comfortable environment in Goa that helped me regain it. I am grateful to all the coaches, staff, and players for their efforts. Everyone contributes, from managing diets and training to the hard work put in by the young players. Together, we maintain a positive atmosphere, and that has been my biggest motivation," she said. Discussing her experiences in Indian and European football, Devi said, "I have learned a lot during my time at Rangers. How to stay fit, maintain professionalism, and had good experience in Europe. Indian women's football is growing and we can see now players are going abroad to play after me. AIFF has also been very supportive, and the women's department is putting in a lot of effort for us. If this level of support continues, we can achieve great things and go a long way." When asked to describe her career in one word, Devi chose 'SHE POWER'. She explained, "I call it 'SHE POWER' because I work hard from morning till evening. I take care of myself and manage my household, it's all hard work. Nothing comes easy." Devi concluded with a heartfelt message for her supporters, "Keep supporting us. We will go forward as much as you support us." (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 05:56 PM IST | Kathamandu, Nepal | mid-day online correspondentInter Miami’s Lionel Messi has added another award to his huge collection. He became the first recipient of the MARCA America Award, presented by the Spain-based media company. The award recognises Messi’s championship-laden career — one with a record 46 trophies won for club or country, and at least 56 other awards on the individual level. Also Read: Messi nets brace as Inter Miami clinch Shield “It has been quite the journey,” the Argentine superstar said in Spanish during a moderated question-and-answer session at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami’s home field. “We have experienced so many beautiful things but also complicated moments. In 20 years not everything is beautiful. You cannot win all the time.” For Messi, no title outshines the 2022 World Cup with Argentina that helped cement his legacy among the sport’s greatest players. However, the 37-year-old Messi has won plenty and still feels the drive to continue adding titles. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:04 AM IST | Fort Lauderdale | AP | PTIErik ten Hag defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of the sack. Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90. United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford, whose manager Thomas Frank has been linked with replacing the Dutchman at Old Trafford. Without a victory in their last five games in all competitions, Ten Hag’s side have won just twice in seven league matches this term. Another flop against Brentford will pile further pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a tricky week featuring away games at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League and West Ham in the Premier League. But the former Ajax boss is convinced he retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his coterie of advisors. “Noise is only coming from some of you in the media, creating stories and fairy tales, and bringing lies,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday. “I told this before the break. Several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports. But internally, in the club, it’s quiet. Of course, we are discussing, that we are unhappy with the position where we are and how we have to turn the corner.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:42 AM IST | London | AFPMikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return to fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off and could be fit to face title rivals Liverpool next week. The Norway midfielder has been sidelined with an ankle problem suffered on international duty early last month. Although Odegaard has not played for the Gunners since August 31, Arteta’s side remain unbeaten in the Premier League and are just one point behind leaders Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s game at Bournemouth. The Spaniard said Odegaard would not be ready for this weekend but the situation will be reassessed ahead of next week’s games against Shakhtar Donetsk, in the Champions League, and Liverpool. “I think he’s not going to be fit for this game,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “Next week will be a different story, but again, in that later stage of rehab where he is at the moment, because he’s doing already a lot of the stuff. I think next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:41 AM IST | London | AFPTitle-holders Mumbai City FC will look to secure their maiden win of the season when they face familiar foes FC Goa as the Indian Super League returns to action after the international break here on Saturday. Mumbai have drawn twice and lost once in the three fixtures until now to be placed 11th in the points table. Goa have five points in four outings. The two teams have had their share of rivalries in the past with the Gaurs dominating the Islanders until 2019-20. However, the tables have turned since then, with Sergio Lobera coming in for Mumbai. They settled for a draw in both of their league-stage clashes last season, while it was the Islanders who prevailed over the Gaurs in the two-legged semi-final. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:41 AM IST | Margao | PTIReal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday the club’s French striker Kylian Mbappe “seems unaffected to me” after Swedish media reported he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Stockholm. Mbappe’s lawyer told AFP this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and he will take action for libel. The forward was not selected by France for UEFA Nations League matches after an injury and visited the Swedish capital with a group of people last week. Carlo Ancelotti ‘Kylian’s working every day’ “In this moment [the reports] are speculations, I see him working every day, he is happy, content, he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti told a news conference. “He’s looking forward to keep on helping the team.” Ancelotti said Mbappe, 25, had been given time off by the Spanish and European champions. “The days off were set for him and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do,” explained Ancelotti. Players have free will “I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody. I also don’t have a travel agency to organise trips for players.” A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe. Mbappe claimed in a post on X on Monday there was a link between the report and a hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday over his bitter dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he says is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages. “FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote. Mbappe completed a dream move to join Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:40 AM IST | Madrid | AFPIndia striker Bala Devi remembered her late father and dedicated her 50th international goal to him following the team’s 5-2 win over Pakistan in the SAFF Women’s Football Championship opener here. The 34-year-old scored her only goal in the match in the 35th minute, with the other goal-scorers being Grace Dangmei (5th and 42nd min), Manisha Kalyan (17th min) and Jyoti Chouhan (78th min) on Thursday. “This goal is for my father. Though he is no longer with me, I know he would be proud of me today,” said an emotional Bala to AIFF after the win. Also Read: Joga Bonito win women’s beach football title Meanwhile, Jyoti recollected her father’s dream of her playing for India as she netted her debut goal on the international stage. “I am really happy and satisfied with my performance. My father had a dream that someday I would get to wear the Indian colours and score for the country, which I did yesterday,” she admitted. Grace, who scored a brace in the contest, was adjudged the Player of the Match and dedicated the strikes to the “entire team and staff members.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:40 AM IST | Kathmandu | PTIBengaluru FC earned a slender 1-0 win over Punjab FC, despite being reduced to ten men for a majority of the second-half, in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru this evening. With this win, the Blues have taken a four-point lead at the top of the table. The clean sheet also means Bengaluru FC have now set a new record for most minutes without conceding from the start of an ISL season (481 minutes and counting) overtaking Jamshedpur FC (389 minutes at the start of 2017-18 season). Gerard Zaragoza broke his own record of four clean-sheets that the team created under his watch last season, courtesy of this outcome. A solitary goal from Naorem Roshan Singh was enough to hand Zaragoza’s side their fourth victory of the season. Punjab FC tried their luck mostly from distance, often missing the target. Bengaluru FC’s first positive move came in the 10th minute, when Naorem Roshan Singh found himself at the end of a through ball. But before the full-back could conjure some magic, Khaiminthang Lhungdim came to Punjab FC’s rescue. Ten minutes later, the Blues came up with another chance. Rohit Danu played a pass onto Edgar Mendez's feet. Mendez then laid it off to Roshan. The latter took some extra time on the ball and his shot was successfully blocked by Suresh Meitei. Also Read: Bengaluru continue win streak with 3-0 victory over Mohun Bagan SG Finally in the 43rd minute, the deadlock was broken. Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s cross from inside the 18-yard area itself took a deflection to fall into the path of Roshan. The left-back didn’t hesitate to try his luck and came back with a stunning goal. Nikhil Prabhu tried to restore parity from distance before the half-break. However, his shot was quite some distance from the target. In the 50th minute, the Blues could have found their second goal of the evening. Jorge Pereyra Diaz played in a ball to Sunil Chhetri who laid it off for Alberto Noguera. The Spaniard’s curling effort, meanwhile, wasn’t on target. Bengaluru FC went down to 10 men in the 58th minute after Chinglensana Singh was given his marching orders. Post this, Punjab FC started getting a stronghold of the game. Punjab FC got their best chance of the evening in the 74th minute. Asmir Suljic whipped in a ball into the six-yard area. Roshan Singh failed to clear it properly and the ball fell straight into Mushaga Bakenga’s feet. With a clear sight on goal, the Norwegian hit the crossbar. Bengaluru stood tall in the face of repeated attacks by the Shers and managed to edge out their opponents to remain at the top of the table. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 06:34 AM IST | Bengaluru | IANSDetermined Chennaiyin FC came from a goal down to beat NorthEast United 3-2 in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday, courtesy of a brace from Wilmar Jordan Gil. The Marina Machans played the final few minutes with a man lesser but held firm to register their second win of the season. An eventful first half saw Chennaiyin FC come from a goal down to lead 2-1 at the interval, courtesy of strikes from Jordan Gil (25’) and Lukas Brambilla (36’) after Nestor Albiach (5’) had given NorthEast United the lead. Jordan Gil doubled his tally early in the second half (51’), while Alaeddine Ajaraie scored a late consolation for the hosts (89’) after Laldinliana Renthlei was sent off. Head coach Owen Coyle made one change to the line-up that started the match against Hyderabad FC two weeks ago, with forward Jordan Gil coming in for his first start of the season. The starting XI also featured Lalrinliana Hnamte and Farukh Choudhary, fresh from their appearances for the Indian football team over the international break. The hosts took the lead early on in Guwahati on the breakthrough Nestor. The Marina Machans bounced back, however, and turned the screw on their opponents, especially through the lively Brambilla, who tested his luck once from close range and twice from distance. Also Read: Adding international flair, Elsinho's arrival bolsters Chennaiyin FC's defensive core After a period of sustained pressure, Jordan Gil powered a bullet header past Gurmeet Singh in goal from an inswinging Connor Shields corner in the 25th minute. Eleven minutes later, after Michel Zabaco fouled Ryan Edwards in a clash-of-captains inside the box, Brambilla stepped up to give CFC the lead from the spot–which they subsequently preserved till the break, courtesy of a smart stop from Samik Mitra to deny the in-form Alaeddine Ajaraie. Six minutes after the restart, Jordan Gil grabbed his second of the night. Showing plenty of awareness and finesse to chest down a pass from Laldinliana Renthlei, before firing past Gurmeet from close range. Confusion by the corner flag saw Dinliana receive his second yellow card in the 83rd minute, forcing Chennaiyin FC to play the final minutes with a man less. Despite a late concession through Ajaraie, the Marina Machans stood resolute to take all three points. Chennaiyin will now look to build on this result when they face FC Goa in Chennai on October 24. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 October,2024 01:38 PM IST | Guwahati | IANSADVERTISEMENT
