[Goanet] MEDIA INVITATION FOR LAUNCH OF SAI-AIFF ONLINE PORTAL FOR OVERSEAS SCOUTING PROJECT FOR U-17 WORLD CUP

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find attached the media invite for the launch of SAI-AIFF online
portal for overseas scouting project for the U-17 National Team.


The launch will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex (East
Gate No. 10) on September 12, 2016 (Monday) at 5pm.


Shri Vijay Goel, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), MYA Mr. Rajiv Yadav,
Secretary Sports, MYA Mr. Injeti Srinivas, DG, SAI, Mr. Kushal Das,
General Secretary, All India Football Federation and Mr. Nicolai Adam, Head
Coach, Indian U-17 World Cup Team would be available for interactions.


Mr. Stephen Constantine, Head Coach, Indian Senior National Team will also
be present on the occasion.



Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] PICTURES FROM INDIA'S TRIUMPH AGAINST PUERTO RICO

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find attached pictures from India vs Puerto Rico match.


regards

[Goanet] AIFF MEDIA ADVISORY: MEDIA INTERACTION WITH GURPREET SINGH SANDHU AT 4.30PM ON AUG 31

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the Media Advisory of the Indian National Team for
Wednesday, August 31, 2016.


*PRACTICE TIMING:* The Indian National Team will be having their practice
session at the Andheri Sports Complex on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from
5pm onwards. The first 15 minutes of the media session would be open for
the Media.


Photographers and Videographers (NRH) can film the practice session for the
first 15 minutes from behind the goal lines, while journalists from Written
Press are requested to watch the first 15 minutes from the stands.


*PLAYER INTERACTION:* Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the first Indian Footballer to
have played the Europa League will be available for an interaction with the
Media at 4.30pm (won’t start before 4.30pm) at the venue.


*MEDIA QUERIES:* For all media queries please get in touch with Indian
National Team Media Manager Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150.



Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] DENIAL OF MISLEADING MEDIA REPORTS

[AIFF Reports]

Denial of misleading Media report

All India Football Federation denies a certain Media report where the
proposed change of AIFF Constitution has been linked to ‘landmark effect of
Lodha Committee reforms… as the All India
Football
Federation (AIFF) has also decided to make institutional bodies like
Railways  and
Services associate members with no voting rights.’

All India Football Federation clarifies that the proposed change of AIFF
Constitution is to keep in changes with the FIFA norms.

“AIFF already adheres to the Sports Code implemented by the Ministry of
Sports and Youth Affairs. We were in fact, one of the first Sporting
Federations of the Country to comply to the RTI regulations and have even
changed our Constitution in 2012 on the lines of the Sports Code,” Mr.
Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF stated.

[Goanet] AIFF APPEALS COMMITTEE REDUCES FINE IMPOSED BY DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

[AIFF Reports]

*AIFF Appeals Committee reduces fine imposed by Disciplinary Committee*



The AIFF Appeals Committee after considering various circumstances and
conducting hearings attended by FC Goa were of the considered opinion that
there were mitigating circumstances to reduce the penalty imposed of Rs. 50
lakhs by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee to an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs which
should be paid by FC Goa to AIFF within 10 days of receipt of the order.

The appeal of FC Goa was directed against the order dated 4th March 2016
passed by the Disciplinary Committee of the All India Football Federation
which had imposed disciplinary sanctions by imposing a fine of Rs. 50 lakhs
for not being present for the Prize distribution ceremony on December
20, 2015, after the Final match of the second edition of the Indian Super
League.


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] PRESS RELEASE TO FOLLOW SOON

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


A Press Release will follow soon.


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,
AIFF Media Team


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: NEED TO WIN THE MATCH FOR THE FANS, SAYS CHHETRI + TRYING TO FILL IN THE BOOTS OF A LEGEND, SAYS GURPREET + LUCKY NOT TO CONCEDE MORE GOALS IN 1ST LEG, ADMITS LAOS COACH

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below three reports:


a.Need to win the match for the fans, says Chhetri.


b.Trying to fill in the boots of a legend, says Gurpreet.


c. Lucky not to concede more goals in 1st leg, admits Laos Coach.


Also find attached three picture:


a.We are ready for Laos, says Chhetri.


b.Had no idea Gurpreet would go this far, states Chhetri.


c.Will give India a tough test, informs Laos Coach.


Please credit AIFFMedia for the picture used.


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team




NEED TO WIN MATCH FOR THE FANS, SAYS CHHETRI



*By Joseph Solomon,*

*AIFF Media Team*



*GUWAHATI:* Despite registering a solitary goal win in Laos in the 1st leg
of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup UAE Qualifiers, Stephen Constantine, Head Coach
of the Indian National Team understands that the job is still “half done
and anything can happen in the next 90 minutes.”
 READ ON: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7238 --- TRYING
TO FILL IN THE BOOTS OF A LEGEND, SAYS GURPREET



*By Joseph Solomon,*

*AIFF Media Team*



*GUWAHATI:* The first Indian to play in the top-flight of European Football
is a man of few words – ‘hardworking, committed and passionate.’



Speaking at the Official pre-match Press Conference, Indian Team Captain
Sunil Chhetri put things into perspective and stated: “Gurpreet is a much
better Player now than he was before.”
 READ ON: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7237 --- LUCKY
NOT TO CONCEDE MORE GOALS IN 1ST LEG, ADMITS LAOS COACH






*AIFF Media Team*



*GUWAHATI:* Ahead of India’s 2nd leg clash against Laos in the 2019 AFC
Asian Cup UAE Qualifiers, which is slated to kick-off at the Indira Gandhi
Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam tomorrow (June 7), Head Coach of the
Laos National Team, Valkaone Pomphakdy dubbed the Indian National Team as,
“a good side with a lot of potential.”
 READ ON: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7236 ---






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF MEDIA ADVISORY: TIMINGS OF MEDIA INTERACTION + PRACTICE ON JUNE 5 IN GUWAHATI

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the *Media Advisory* of the *Indian National Team* in
Guwahati on *June 5, Sunday.*


*4.45pm:* Media Interaction with Indian National Team midfielder *Halicharan
Narzary*


*5pm:* Practice session of *Indian National Team*.


*Venue:* *Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sajusarai, Guwahati.*
(The first 15 minutes of the Practice session will be open for the Media).


For further queries please get in touch with Indian National Team Media
Officer Mr. Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150.


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


--


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORTS: 'IT WILL BE FOOLISH TO LABEL MOHUN BAGAN AS FAVOURITES' + 'MY TEAM CAN BEAT MOHUN BAGAN' + 'JEJE IS BEST INDIAN STRIKER AT MOMENT' + PIXS (2 ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


*Please find below the following reports:*

*An Interview with Mohun Bagan Coach Sanjay Sen. In the Interview Sen
insists that it would be foolish to label Mohun Bagan as the favourites. He
speaks about how he looks at Aizawl FC and their strengths.*

*The report can be found on*
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7200



*The preview of the Hero Federation Cup Final match between Mohun Bagan and
Aizawl FC where Aizawl FC Coach Jahar Das asserts that his Team can beat
Mohun Bagan. Quotes from Aizawl FC Coach Jahar Das, Aizawl FC Striker Joel
Sunday and Mohun Bagan Coach Sanjay Sen have been incorporated into the
copy.*

*The report can be found on*
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7201



*An interview with former Mohun Bagan midfielder Satyajit Chatterjee where
he looks back the Bagan’s golden days and the Federation Cup triumphs for
his Club during his career.*

*The report can be found on *
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7202


**

*Also find attached three pictures. *

*It will be foolish to label Mohun Bagan as favourites, says Sanjay Sen.*

*Jeje is the best Indian Striker at the moment, says Satyajit Chatterjee.*

*My Team can beat Mohun Bagan, asserts Jahar Das.*

*The copyright of all the pictures lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media
for the pictures used.*

For all updates of the AIFF Youth Cup, Hero Federation Cup and all other
news and exclusive pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle
@AIFFMedia at *https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*


*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


==


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: AIFF ELITE ACADEMY'S FIVE MAN ARMY SIGN FOR CHENNAIYIN'S YOUTH SETUP + PIX (ONE ATTACHMENT).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the report about five AIFF Elite Academy graduates
signing for Chennaiyin FC’s Youth setup on a long term deal. The five
graduates are presently training at French Club FC Metz. Quotes from AIFF
General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, Chennaiyin FC co-owner Mrs. Vita Dani and
Mr. Rahul Patil, CEO, Chennaiyin FC, have been incorporated into the copy.


*Also find attached a picture:* *AIFF Elite Academy graduates (from left)
Jerry, Prosenjit, Bedashwor, Bodo and Anirudh have signed contracts with
Hero ISL Champions Chennaiyin FC.*

*The copyright of the picture lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media for
the pictures used.*


*WE WILL BE SENDING YOU A PREVIEW REPORT AND INTERVIEW FROM AIFF YOUTH CUP
SOON.*





For all updates of the AIFF Youth Cup, Hero Federation Cup and all other
news and exclusive pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle
@AIFFMedia at *https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


==



*AIFF Elite Academy’s Five Man Army sign for Chennaiyin's Youth Setup*


*WERE SPOTTED BY AIFF IN 2012*

*AIFF Media Team*


*NEW DELHI:* All India Football Federation has facilitated the signing of
five of AIFF Elite Academy boys with Hero Indian Super League Champions
Chennaiyin FC.


The five AIFF Academy boys – Anirudh Thapa, Prosenjit Chakraborty, Jerry
Lalrinzuala, Baoringdao Bodo and Bedashwor Singh -- all of whom  who are
presently training at French Club FC Metz have been signed by the Hero ISL
Champions on a long-term deal.


The boys who were scouted by AIFF in 2012 have been part of the triumphant
Indian U-16 squad in the U-16 SAFF Championship in 2013, Indian U-16 squad
in the AFC U-16 Qualifiers (in Kuwait in 2013), the Indian U-16 squad in
the ACT 2013, Indian U-19 squad in the SAFF U-19 Championship and many
other International exposure Tours which were all organised by the AIFF.


Besides, they also played a stellar role in AIFF Elite Academy retaining
the U-19 I-League earlier in 2016.


AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said the priority was to ensure a
“smooth transition” for the boys after graduating out of the AIFF Elite
Academy.


“Very often many a talent is lost in the transition phase. In an effort to
arrest the slump, we were looking out for a Club who has a vision of
stressing on nurturing Youth Players. Hence, we are pleased to help the
boys move to Chennaiyin FC's youth setup,” Mr. Das stated.


“I would like to congratulate Chennaiyin FC for taking this visionary step
for Youth and Player Development and I hope other Clubs follow suit,” Mr.
Das added.


Chennaiyin FC co-owner Mrs Vita Dani said: “We at Chennaiyin FC are
committed to develop the very best young Football talent of India and
hence, we are delighted to sign these five very talented boys from the AIFF
Elite Academy. We look forward to grooming them both on and off the field
and help them develop into top professionals.”


Chennaiyin FC CEO Mr. Rahul Patil added: “As a Football Club we have a big
responsibility towards youth development and thus we are thankful to AIFF
for accepting our long-term vision for these five boys. We will do
everything to ensure they develop into top players for Club and Country.”


“Many of our previous Academy graduates have had substantial playing time
for the Hero I-League and Hero ISL and we look forward to the five boys to
make a mark in their Club and earn laurels for the Country,” Mr. Das
maintained.


Chennaiyin FC are presently paying for all expenses for the five AIFF
Academy graduates during their training stint in FC Metz.

---









Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: 'TIRED' INDIA GO DOWN TO TANZANIA + PIXS (8 ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of India vs Tanzania from the AIFF Youth
Cup.


Also find attached 3 pictures from the match.


*The copyright of the pictures lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media for
the pictures used.*


Also find attached the following:


*ATTACHMENT 1:* The match schedule of the AIFF Youth Cup.


*ATTACHMENT 2:* Contacts of Liaison Officers of the participating Teams
(for interested Media persons to seek for appointments for

interviews/interactions).


*ATTACHMENT 3:* Team List of the Indian U-16 Team for the AIFF Youth Cup.


*ATTACHMENT 4:* AIFF Youth Cup logo.


*ATTACHMENT 5:* Training schedule of Teams





For all updates of the AIFF Youth Cup, Hero Federation Cup and all other
news and exclusive pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle
@AIFFMedia at *https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team

==



*#AIFFYouthCup #BackTheBlue*


*‘TIRED’ INDIA GO DOWN TO TANZANIA*



*By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team*


*VASCO (GOA): *A “tired” India went down 1-3 to Tanzania in their second
match of the AIFF Youth Cup at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Goa. Tanzania led
2-1 at half time.


For Tanzania, Maziku Amani opened the scoring in the 20th minute off a
diagonal right-footer which beat a diving Indian Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz
Khan. Eight minutes later, Sarif Khan, in an effort to intercept Asad Ai’s
cross deflected the ball into his own net.


For India, Komal Thatal reduced the margin in the 36th minute, gleefully
tapping it in the rebound after Tanzanian Golkepeer Ramadhani had failed to
gather it properly.


However, Tanzania sealed it two minutes after resumption – Asad Ali curling
in a free-kick from just outside the box.

Speaking at the Official post-match Press Conference, Tanzanian Coach
Bakari Shime said India “looked tired.”


“They were technically better than us. But we beat them for fitness. They
looked tired and drained out after their 2-2 draw against Malaysia” he said

Indian Assistant Coach Eitebar Ibrahim said it was “bad day” for us. “We
have trust in our boys. The opponents deserved to win. We were not at our
best,” he maintained at the Official post match Press Conference as Niclai
Adam was ordered to leave the bench by the fourth Official.


“Our main focus stays the AFC U-16 Championship and the FIFA 2017 U-17
World Cup. Mistakes at this stage happen. The boys are learning,” he added.


Tanzania looked the better Team on the field. India did have their chances
but in such a match unless one capitalizes, you pay for it. The cohesion
which was evident all over against Malaysia seemed to be fizzling out as
the game progressed. Moreover, the composure of the two rival Central
Defenders frustrated India all throughout.


India were off the blocks faster. In the first minute itself, Komal
hoodwinked his marker but his placement went wide. Some 10 minutes later,
Boris cut in from the corner and placed it for Ninthoi. The latter’s shot
all addressed to the net was tipped over but a stretched Ramadhani.


Nicolai brought in his first change as early as the 30th minute – Rakip
replacing Aimol. He did utilize all the three within the next 28 minutes –
Aman coming in for Sanjeev (53rd) and then Gaston replacing Ninthoi (58th).


For India, the easiest chance of the match fell in the 70th minute. Aman
sneaked in between the two defenders and had Ramadhani at his mercy. But in
an effort to finish off fast, he muffed it. Another half chance came in the
80th minute – but even as Ramadhani missed the flight of Gaston’s corner,
Amarjit’s header went wide.


With India having staged a spectacular comeback against Malaysia in the
last 10 minutes, everyone was hoping for another. But it all belonged to
Tanzania. In fact, had their Strikers maintained calm, they could have
scored a couple, or maybe even three more.


India next play United States of America in their next match on May 19 at
8pm.



---








Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORTS: WE NEED TO AVOID MISTAKES ON THE FIELD, ASSERTS NICOLAI + PIXS (9 ATTACHMENTS)

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of India vs Tanzania from the AIFF
Youth Cup which will be played at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco Goa on Tuesday
(May 17). Quotes from Nicolai Adam, Tanzanian Coach Bakari Shime and
Malaysian Smsundaram Periasamy have been incorporated into the copy.


*Also find attached 4 pictures from the morning pool recovery session.*



*We cannot commit silly mistakes on the field, asserts Nicolai.*



*India were fitter than us, admits Malaysian Coach Somsundram Periasamy.*



*India have been preparing for a long time, says Tanzanian Coach Bakari
Shime.*


*Heat is not a problem for us, maintains Nicolai.*


*The copyright of the pictures lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media for
the pictures used.*


Also find attached the following:

*'*

*ATTACHMENT 1:* The match schedule of the AIFF Youth Cup.


*ATTACHMENT 2:* Contacts of Liaison Officers of the participating Teams
(for interested Media persons to seek for appointments for
interviews/interactions).


*ATTACHMENT 3:* Team List of the Indian U-16 Team for the AIFF Youth Cup.


*ATTACHMENT 4:* AIFF Youth Cup logo.


*ATTACHMENT 5:* Training schedule of Teams





For all updates of the AIFF Youth Cup, Hero Federation Cup and all other
news and exclusive pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle
@AIFFMedia at *https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*


*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


==



*#AIFFYouthCup #BackTheBlue*


*WE NEED TO AVOID MISTAKES ON THE FIELD, ASSERTS NICOLAI*


*‘HEAT IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR US’*



*By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team*


*VASCO (GOA):* The morning after at the Team Hotel, Coach Nicolai Adam in
his shorts waves to his boys and the boys follow him like the Piped Piper
of Hamelin. “Come on boys,” as he steps into the Swimming Pool. The sea of
talent follows. The Coach leads by example.


The Arabian Sea, barely some 50 meters away, spurred on by the breeze and
maybe by the dark clouds overhead, thunders with all its might on the sand.
“The Sea is most dangerous at this time. Monsoon is to arrive soon. It just
washes the sand away,” quips a local.

At the Pool, the boys wash away their tired limbs at the recovery session.


Goa at this time of the Year is hot and humid. “But we don’t have any
problems playing in this heat,” Nicolai declares to www.the-aiff.com.  “We
did our training sessions in Goa in the last five weeks in the heat. It’s
not a problem,” he adds, and only after a brief pause spreads his hands
around, smiles and says” It’s much cooler today.”


The overnight rain had an effect early morning in Goa but with the Sun at
his scorching rage as the day progressed, it has turned out more humid.

Did you have a look at Tanzania?


“The boys look a lot like the Players from South Africans when we played
there. They are tall but not muscular. They played a very good match
against USA. It will be another hard day for us,” he maintains.


Tanzanian Coach Bakari Shime, also insists, that it will be a “hard match”
against India. “India are the hosts. The hosts are always the strongest. On
top of that, India have been preparing so long. It will be a hard game,” he
says in one breath.


Only last night Malaysian Coach Somasundram Periasamy had certified “India
are a fit Team.”


“India were physically fit and better than us. They had momentum with which
they attacked and it cost us. Their wingers were very impressive,” he had
uttered at the Official post-match Press Conference.


Nicolai, nevertheless, speaks of what is more to be done. “We also have to
be critical of ourselves. A 2-2 draw is not enough for what we have to play
in the future,” he asserts. “The boys made too many mistakes. We need to
avoid that. That’s how I see it, especially when you are the better Team on
the field. You just can’t afford that. So we need to improve on that
aspect,” he informs.


The roar of the waves prompt you to take a glance to the Sea. The Beach,
despite “being cool,” is almost empty.


“Coming back from 0-2 is quite good. I feel the spectators liked the
spectacle. We hope more people come to the ground to cheer for us.”


*Tickets for the Tournament are available online on www.bookmyshow.com
 while admission for 18 and below is free.*


*The match will also be live streamed on Indian Football Team’s Official
Facebook Page.*


*TUESDAY’S MATCHES:*


India vs Tanzania – 4pm (Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Goa)


Korea Republic vs Malaysia – 8pm (Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Goa).


---






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: MOHUN BAGAN PROGRESS INTO THE FINALS OF HERO FED CUP + SPORTING GOA GEAR UP FOR AIZAWL FC CHALLENGE IN HERO FED CUP SEMIS + CONTACTS OF LIAISON OFFICERS + MATCH SCHEDULE + PIX (F

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of Shillong Lajong’s clash against Mohun
Bagan in the semi-finals of the Hero Federation Cup and the preview report
of Sporting Goa’s clash against Aizawl FC tomorrow.


Also find attached the contacts of the Liaison Officers for the
participating Teams (for Media queries and Interactions) in the AIFF Youth
Cup and the Match schedule.



Also find attached two picture:


A. Aizawl FC's Joel Sundy vies for the ball in the first leg of the clash
against Sporting Goa.

B. Mohun Bagan held to a goalless stalemate in their second leg of the Hero
Fed Cup semi-final tie.


*The dropbox link for exclusive pictures from Shillong Lajong’s match
against Mohun Bagan can be found below:*

*https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9n2o258brqd63xe/AAADic4hPKv6RCtLaC17AvnEa?dl=0*




*The copyright of  the above mentioned picture lies with AIFF. Please
credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,
AIFF Media Team





*MOHUN BAGAN PROGRESS INTO THE FINALS OF HERO FED CUP*




*AIFF Media Team*



*SHILLONG:* Mohun Bagan played it safe to secure a goalless draw against
hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the second leg of their Hero Federation Cup
Semi Final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya to sail
to the final of the Federation Cup on Saturday.  The scores remained
leveled at 0-0 at full time and Bagan, who had won the first leg semi final
by a thumping margin of 5-0, made the cut to the grand finale with ease.



The Mariners made no effort to be adventurous and rightly so. They held
tight to their fortress to deny every single assault from the Reds who
seemed destined not to score any today.



Bagan will now take on the winner of the Aizawl-Sporting Clube de Goa tie
in the final of the coveted tourney. With just one step away from glory,
the Mariners are certain to give it all in the final.



Meanwhile, down 0-5 on aggregate, hosts Lajong had a herculean task ahead
of them and the burden perhaps was too much to handle for the young side.
Despite numerous efforts, goals eluded the Northeasterners who, however,
cannot be termed guilty of not trying enough today.



In fact, for Lajong it was a day of missed chances and Fabio Pena’s miss
hit from close range in the second half bore testimony to that.



Earlier, the hosts started on a positive note showing all intent to make
things move in their favour. Their first real chance came as early as the 6
th minute with Chinglensana Khonsham hitting one over the bar following a
Bipin Singh corner kick. Despite the wasted effort, Lajong continued to
press hard for the breakthrough while Bagan seemed happy dong the defending
job. Another decent chance came Lajong’s way in the 23rd minute following
yet another corner. This time Chinglensana Khonsham headed it just over the
woodwork.



Five minutes later, a fine shot by Samuel Lalmuanpuia took a slight
deflection as rival custodian Debjit Mazumdar stretched himself to push it
out.



Changing over, two corners within five minutes failed to change Lajong’s
fortunes.



Three minutes after the hour mark Nim Tamang wasted another opportunity for
his side as he lofted a shot wide of the nets with Mazumdar, who had failed
to collect the ball, being out of position.



In the 66th minute, an unmarked Robin Gurung charged into the box but his
effort went haywire.



Lajong’s best chance to stir the scoreboard came in the 71st minute when
Fabio Pena missed a sitter from inside the box with his shot hitting the
bar on the right. This so to say summed up Lajong’s fate.



Bagan almost scored in the stoppage time but the Jeje Lalpekhlua shot
missed the top of the crossbar by a whisker. At the end of time, it was 0-0
with the Mariners progressing on a 5-0 aggregate.



*---*


*SPORTING GOA GEAR UP FOR AIZAWL FC CHALLENGE IN HERO FED CUP SEMIS*



*AIFF Media Team*



*VASCO (GOA):* Sporting Goa will clash swords against Aizawl FC in the
second leg of their Hero Federation Cup semi-final clash at the Fatorda
Stadium in Goa on May 15, 2016. The kick-off for which is at IST 7PM.



After the first leg of the tie between Sporting Goa and Aizawl FC ended in
a goalless stalemate, Sporting Goa would be looking to bank on home
advantage and defeat their opponents come tomorrow.



However, speaking at the Official Pre-Match Press Conference, Head Coach of
the Flaming Oranjes’ Mateus Costa stated that the fixture will be a tough
test of credentials. “It is always difficult to play Aizawl FC as they are
a compact side, who can upset anybody on 

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT + ADVISORY: LAJONG FACE AN UPHILL BATTLE AGAINST MOHUN BAGAN IN HERO FED CUP SEMIS + INVITATION FOR AIFF YOUTH CUP PRESS CONFERENCE + CONTACTS OF LIAISON OFFICERS + MATCH

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of Shillong Lajong’s clash against
Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals of the Hero Federation Cup.


Also find attached the invite for the Official Pre-Tournament Press
Conference for AIFF Youth Cup which is to be held at Bogmallo Beach Resort
on May 14, 2016 at 12.30pm. The Press Conference would be followed by Lunch.



The contacts of the Liaison Officers for the participating Teams (for Media
queries and Interactions) and the Match schedule have also been attached.



Also find attached a picture: Bagan’s Sony Norde lines up a shot against
Shillong Lajong in the Hero Federation Cup.


*The copyright of  the above mentioned picture lies with AIFF. Please
credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team






*LAJONG FACE AN UPHILL BATTLE AGAINST MOHUN BAGAN IN HERO FED CUP SEMIS*



*AIFF Media Team*



*SHILLONG:* Mohun Bagan will start as clear favourites to make the cut when
they take on Shillong Lajong FC in the second leg semi final of the
Federation Cup in Shillong on Saturday evening (May 14, 2016) at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya. The kick-off for which is
at 5PM IST.



The Mariners had trounced the Reds 5-0 in the first leg, leaving the hosts
to try and pull off a miracle of sorts if they fancy making it to the final
of the coveted Tournament. However, the elevated position does not make the
experienced Mohun Bagan gaffer Sanjoy Sen one bit complacent. Rather, he
wants his boys to treat this as a fresh game and go all out for a positive
result.



“This is a new game. We are starting 0-0. Need to win this game and qualify
for the final,” Sen said during the Official Pre-Match Press Conference.



Sen minced no words in stating that the Federation Cup meant a lot to the
Mariners who “missed the I-League title by a whisker”.



“We need to win the Fed Cup for our supporters,” Sen informed.



The Bagan coach was also all praise for rivals Shillong Lajong who he
claimed, “have a good young side and experienced foreigners and beat East
Bengal thrice in 15 days.”



“It’s not going to be easy by any means. We have to be at our best,” he
added.



Meanwhile Shillong Lajong’s Head Coach Thangboi Singto has no choice but to
forget the miserable performance in Kolkata and marshal his troops for an
eventful outing at home.



“For us it (tomorrow’s game) is one more chance for redemption. The players
should take this game as a big challenge and aim to end the season on a
high,” Singto opined.



“We were doing well till they scored the first goal. We always knew it was
going to be a tough game but did not expect this kind of result. We should
have done better as a team,” he said.



The usually cool and composed Singto agreed that motivating the players
under such circumstances is never easy but backed his boys to give their
100 per cent tomorrow.



One person who seemed all charged up ahead of the encounter tomorrow was
Lajong’s midfield mainstay Penn Orji.



“Bagan grabbed their advantage in Kolkata, now it’s our turn. Football is
unpredictable, anything is possible,” said Orji adding that the team was
composed and ready for the do or die encounter.



 ---




Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: IT WILL BE LIKE A TINY LITTLE MINI WORLD CUP, SAYS NICOLAI ADAM+ PIXS (THREE ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

[image: Inline image 1]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below an interview with *Indian U-16 National Team Coach
Nicolai Adam. *In the interview to AIFF Media, Adam mentions about the
forthcoming AIFF Youth Cup (in Goa from May 15) and where his targets in
the five-Nation Tournament.


*Also find attached two pictures:*


*We have set up our goals for the Tournament, asserts Nicolai Adam.*


*India play Malaysia in their first match of the AIFF Youth Cup on May 15.*


*The copyright of both the pictures lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media
for the pictures used.*


*We will be mailing the match report Hero Federation Cup semifinal between
Aizawl AC and Sporting Clube de Goa later in the day (as and when it
finishes).*


For all updates of the Hero Federation Cup and all other news and exclusive
pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at
*https://twitter.com/AiffMedia* 


Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


==


*#AIFFYouthCup #BackTheBlue*


*‘IT WILL BE LIKE A TINY LITTLE MINI WORLD CUP’*


*We want to play five matches in the Tournament, says Adam*



*By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team*


*NEW DELHI:* With less than a week left for the kick-off of the inaugural
edition of the AIFF Youth Cup, Head Coach of the Indian U-16 National Team
Nicolai Adam feels the competition in the five-Nation Tournament would be
“intense.”


“The competition would be intense,” Adam told www.the-aiff.com, referring
to the participation of USA, Korea Republic, Tanzania and Malaysia in the
Tournament.


“It will be like a tiny little mini World Cup,” Adam states, only to
repeat: “Tiny little mini World Cup.”


“As a Team we sat together and set up our goals. We would like to play five
matches in the Tournament. If we finish among the top four Teams, we get to
play an additional match (the third-place play-off). In other words, we
can’t afford to finish last,” he states.


You look at the schedule to understand better what he means.


“We have a Team from North America and they have been regular entrants to
the U-17 World Cup,” Adam mentions with reference to USA.


“Then we have two Asian Countries besides us. It’s no secret that Korea
Republic are a powerhouse in Asia and have qualified for the U-16 AFC
Finals (which are to be hosted in Goa in September 2016) and so have
Malaysia. So they will come prepared,” Adam adds.


“We also have an African Team playing in the format,” Adam says. “We do not
know much about Tanzania but we came back from South Africa (from an
exposure Tour) and understand that Teams from the region are normally very
strong.”


“What better tests can you get than this?” Adam, who has now been in charge
of the 2017 U-17 World Cup Team for a year, quips. “I expect youth Football
at the highest level to be played in the competition.”


The Tournament kicks-off on May 15 and two matches have been scheduled for
the day. While Tanzania play USA in the opener, India U-16 will be

playing Malaysia U-16 in the second match of the day. All matches would be
played at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Goa.


The Tournament is part of the exposure being provided by AIFF to the U-16
National Team as they prepare for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

-

EOM


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: WE WILL HAVE TO BE AT OUR BEST AGAINST SALGAOCAR SC, ASSERTS SEN + THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO WIN A TROPHY: NORDE + PIXS (THREE ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below:


The preview report of Mohun Bagan’s match against Salgaocar SC in the Hero
Federation Cup.


An exclusive interview with Hero of the Hero I-League Sony Norde.


*Also find attached two pictures:*


*Mohun Bagan Players celebrate a goal against Salgaocar SC in their first
round match.*


*The Hero Federation Cup is our chance to win a Trophy this season,
stresses Norde.*


*More pictures from the first round match in Goa between the two Teams can
be downloaded from *
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8jnef4r20xoukox/AAASTi6OkuFtCFiYY0SYbKLOa?dl=0


*The copyright of all pictures lie with AIFF. Please credit AIFF Media for
the pictures used.*


*AIFF Media will be mailing match report of #HeroFedCup matches later
today.*


For all updates of the Hero Federation Cup and all other news and exclusive
pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at
*https://twitter.com/AiffMedia* 


Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook
at *https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at
+91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


==


*#HEROFEDCUP #MBvSFC*



*We will have to be at our best against Salgaocar, asserts Sen*



*AIFF Media Team*



*KOLKATA: *Mohun Bagan are all set to resume their pursuit of the Hero
Federation Cup which has evaded them for a eight long years, when they take
on Salgaocar FC at the Barasat Stadium in the 2nd leg of their clash
tomorrow (May 05, 2016), the kick-off for which is at 7PM IST.


The reverse fixture in Goa ended up in the Mariners' favour, with a late
goal by Jeje Lalpekhlua giving them a 3-2 away win. While Jeje had opened
the scoring in the very first minute, Salgaocar were in the driver's seat
for the majority of the match with goals from Calvin Mbarga and Martin
Scott giving them the advantage. However, Abhishek Das restored parity
about fifteen minutes from time before the eventual winner in the 85th
minute.


Sanjoy Sen had reason to be pleased on the eve of the encounter as his
talisman, Sony Norde had trained with the team in the morning and hinted
that he might be available for selection. Cornell Glen meanwhile suffered a
slight niggle during training and was scheduled to see a doctor.


Speaking at the Official Pre-Match Press Conference, Mohun Bagan’s Head
Coach Sanjoy Sen mentioned, "There will be a few changes to the side. Sony
trained and he can play if necessary. Glen needs to show a doctor and then
we can take a call on him”


The midfield of Pronay Halder and Lenny Rodrigues would most likely be
constant as Kinshuk Debnath and Luciano Sobrosa will remain at the back.
Subash Singh might continue upfront with Jeje Lalpekhlua while Sony Norde
will come into the side at the expense of Kean Lewis. Sen, though made it
clear that they would look to keep a clean sheet going into the match.


"Our first objective will be to not concede and then obviously we will look
to win the game. We have always managed to score goals, that has never been
the problem”, asserted Sen.


He also said that they needed to take lessons from Aizawl FC trouncing
Bengaluru FC away from home yesterday and believed that the Marines would
need to play at their best to guard against a wounded Salgaocar.


"Salgaocar are a goal behind and that means they will be all the more
hungry to come back. So we have to be at our best," he stressed.

The Greens though will curse themselves for conceding the late goal as they
were in the supremacy for most of the time in Goa. Salgaocar’s Head Coach
Mario Soares stated that his side have to be at the top of their game if
they are to grab anything from the match”

"Mohun Bagan are a very good team but we are here to win and we will give
our very best to attain that objective," he opined.

"Last time we were here we scored two. We also scored two against them at
Goa. So only thing we need to ensure is that we have to be solid at the
back and I am sure we can win this," remarked a confident Daryl Duffy.

Gilbert Oliviera and Keenan Almeida will be out injured but Soares would
look to deploy an almost identical team to the one in Goa. Daryl Duffy and
Calvin Mbarga will lead the line with Martin Scott supporting them from
midfield. Karanjit Singh will be in goal while Eder Fernandes and Augustin
form the centre-half pairing, with the task of keeping the rampaging Bagan
attack at bay.


An exciting encounter is in store, it will be a match of forwards as both
teams boast some deadly strikers who can turn the game at any moment.

*-*



*#HEROFEDCUP #BACKTHEBLUE*


*This is our chance to win a Trophy: Norde*



*By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,I-League Media Team*


*NEW DELHI:* The astounding authority over the pitch, the suavity to
percolate any defence at will defines 

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: JEJE'S BRACE LEADS MOHUN BAGAN TO A 2-3 WIN OVER SALGAOCAR + BENGALURU FC FACE AN UPHILL AIZAWL FC TASK + OUR BULL'S EYE IS TO RETAIN THE HERO FED CUP, SAYS WESTWOOD + PIX (TWO A

[AIFF Reports]

[image: Inline image 1]





Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of Salgaocar’s clash against Mohun Bagan
in the Hero Federation Cup 2016. Also find below a pre-match press
conference report from Bengaluru FC’s tie against Aizawl FC tomorrow.


An exclusive interview with Bengaluru FC’s Head Coach Ashley Westwood can
be found on: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7157


Also find attached two pictures:


a. Daryl Duffy's shot is blocked by Mohun Bagan's Pritam Kotal


b. Bengaluru FC face an uphill Aizwal FC task


*The copyright of  the above mentioned pictures lies with AIFF. Please
credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.*


The dropbox link for exclusive pictures from Salgaocar’s clash against
Mohun Bagan can be found below:


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8jnef4r20xoukox/AAASTi6OkuFtCFiYY0SYbKLOa?dl=0


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team






*JEJE’S BRACE LEADS MOHUN BAGAN TO A 2-3 WIN OVER SALGAOCAR*



*AIFF Media Team*



*VASCO (GOA):* Mohun Bagan secured a crucial 2-3 win away from home against
Salgaocar FC in the first leg of their Hero Federation Cup 2016 encounter
at the Tilak Maidan, in Vasco, Goa on Monday (May 02, 2016).



Jeje Lalpekhlua’s strikes in the first minute and 83rd minute alongwith an
Abhishek Das goal in the 77thminute proved enough for Mohun Bagan to breeze
through, after Salgaocar equalized their deficit in the 26th minute through
Martin Scott and took the lead in the 31st minute through Calvin Mbarga,
which eventually got cancelled.



In the Official Post Match Press Conference, Mohun Bagan’s Head Coach
Sanjoy Sen praised the determination of his side. “The boys showed that
this team is not dependent on one or two individuals. The boys showed that
football is a team game,” Sen said suggested that the absence of Sony Norde
and Glen Cornell did not affect the side.



“It is a delight to see Jeje on the scoresheet. We are privileged to have
in our side”, Sen added.



Meanwhile, Salgaocar’s Head Coach Mario Soares said, “We will be positive
about the reverse fixture and look to give our cent percent in that. We
have to fight if we are to get anything out of the second leg”



Mohun Bagan got off to the perfect start as the Mariners struck just 27
seconds into kick-off. The Salgaocar defence was caught napping when
Subhash Singh’s floated cross from the right flank was comfortably netted
home by an unmarked Jeje Lalpekhlua in the box. The forward who had all the
time and space in the world simply powered the ball past Karanjit Singh to
break the deadlock.



In the 26th minute, Salgaocar drew level when Saran Singh delivered a
diagonal ball that for Martin Scott. The Scottish midfielder unleashed a
swerving shot that rocketed into the net as the scoreline read 1-1.



The home-side started to dominate the tie and took the lead in the 31st minute
when Daryl Duffy managed to hold the ball and found Calvin Mbarga with a
cross from the left flank. Mbarga, managed to put the ball past the Bagan
custodian as Salgaocar found the net for the second time in under five
minutes to take a solitary goal lead as the socreline read 2-1 in their
favour.



Duffy who had a free-kick earlier in the half missed the target by inches,
also had another attempt to make it 3-1 but he managed to hit it straight
at Majumder, after Augustin Fernandes found him with a long ball. At the
half-way mark, Salgaocar led Mohun Bagan by 2-1.



In the second half, Bagan had a glorious opportunity to draw parity when
Jeje tried a shot on the turn after being teed-up by Prabir Das. The
forward however shot straight at Karanjit, who parried the ball to safety.



After a lot of prompting and probing, Bagan managed to equalize their
deficit in the 77th minute when skipper Yusa Kastumi’s cross from the right
was tapped in by substitute Abhishek Das to make the scoreline read 2-2.



The 2008 Federation Cup winners then sealed the deal when Jeje held off
defender Augustin Fernandes as he controlled a long ball from the back by
Luciano Sobrosa. The diminutive forward managed to beat Karanjit for the
second time as he struck low and hard into the corner to give Bagan a
solitary goal lead as the full-time scoreline read 2-3 in the Mariner’s
favour.



*---*



*BENGALURU FC FACE AN UPHILL AIZWAL FC TASK  *



*AIFF Media Team*



*BENGALURU:* In a do or die situation to stay afloat in the Hero Federation
Cup, Bengaluru FC are all set to host Aizwal FC at the Sree Kanteerava
Stadium on May 03, 2016 in Bengaluru. The kick-off for which is at 9PM IST.



Aizwal FC’s existence thus far in the National scene might be for a short

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: PASSI HEADER EARNS FULL POINTS FOR SPORTING GOA + PIX (ONE ATTACHMENT)

[AIFF Reports]

[image: Inline image 1]






Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of Mumbai FC’s clash against Sporting
Club de Goa in the Hero Federation Cup 2016.


Also find attached a picture: Sporting Goa defeats Mumbai FC by a solitary
goal to nil.


*The copyright of  the above mentioned picture lies with AIFF. Please
credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.*


The dropbox link for exclusive pictures from Mumbai FC’s clash against
Sporting Club de Goa can be found below:


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rn3laufzsi9wjvu/AAC2GRxI1B0JNdLFA3xAmLO3a?dl=0


As was sent in the previous Mail, the match report of Shillong Lajong’s 2-1
win over Kingfisher East Bengal can be found on:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7153


The dropbox link for exclusive pictures of the match between Shillong
Lajong FC and Kingfisher East Bengal can also be found below:


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5xirr25357lqnxx/AADnbKPxNpvZ0NXC9qynnEA9a?dl=0


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team





*PASSI HEADER EARNS FULL POINTS FOR SPORTING GOA *



*MUMBAI:* A Sumeet Passi header in the 90th minute helped Sporting Clube de
Goa scrape past Mumbai FC by a solitary goal in a Round 1 match of the Hero
Federation Cup played at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday (May 1).



The two sides next meet in what will be Sporting Clube’s home match in Goa
on May 4.



The home-side seemed set to make most of the home advantage count with the
early exchanges in and around the Sporting Goa's final-third area. But it
was the visitors who had the first real chance 5 minutes into the game.



A Nicholas Fernandes cross down the left-flank was met by Densill Theobald
inside the 18 yard area but the latter's mistimed effort denied Sporting
Goa in what was their finest opportunity in the first half.



The two sides failed to produce noticeable goal-scoring opportunities for a
majority of the first-half finding no time and space where it mattered.



With much of the game played in the midfield, a large proportion of the
chances in the first-45 minutes of play came through set pieces or
long-ball down the vacant flanks.



Sporting Goa next came agonizingly close to taking the lead six minutes
before half-time. A Rowllin Borges' free-kick from outside the 18-yard-box
was tipped over by Mumbai Goalkeeper Kunal Sawant.



Mumbai FC replied with a similar chance from a Steven Dias free-kick which
was convincingly parried-away by Arimdam Bhattacharya standing under the
visitor's goal.



In the first half, Mumbai FC were unable to create real pressure but
produced a better performance as the game progressed into its final stages.
A Clifford Miranda cross was met with a Steven Dias first-time hit volley
but Arindam was equal to the task.



As the match was about to end in stalemate a darting run in the 9oth minute
from second-half substitute Victorino Fernandes was met an onrushing Sumeet
Passi, who directed his header into the goal to give his side the one-goal
victory and that precious away-goal to carry forward into the second-leg.



EOM


Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: WEST BENGAL CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF 37TH SUB-JUNIOR NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of the finals of the Sub-Junior National
Football Championship in which West Bengal defeated Odisha 1-0.


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team




*WEST BENGAL CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF 37TH SUB-JUNIOR NATIONAL FOOTBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP*



*By Joseph Solomon,*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI:* West Bengal were crowned Champions of the 37th Sub-Junior
National Football Championship as they defeated Odisha 1-0 in the finals of
the Championship at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital on April 23, 2016.



Kartick Golder’s 88th minute strike proved to be the difference between the
two sides, in a cagey match, which saw both Teams showcase some glitzy
attacking Football.



West Bengal started the game on an attacking note, catching Odisha
off-guard, and in the 1st minute itself Kartick Golder breezed past two
defenders only to shoot way over the bar.



Shaking-off a complacent start, Odisha came back into the game as they
started dominating possession and controlling the tempo of the game. In the
18th minute, Odisha fostered a golden opportunity to take the lead as a low
cross from the left flank found Samir Kerketta in the penalty box.
Kerketta, instead of bundling the ball home, failed to tap-in from
handshaking distance.



The match became cagey as both Teams tried to take the game by the scruff
of its neck, but neither succeeded. Odisha came close once again in the 34th
 minute when Bekey Oram’s outside of the boot free-kick from the edge of
the penalty box rattled the cross bar.



With neither Team able to convert their fostered chances, the half-time
scoreline read 0-0.



Changing over and Odisha created a goal scoring opportunity when a cross
from the right flank found Samir Kerketta’s head. Kerketta’s header lacked
the necessary venom as the West Bengal custodian made an easy save.



The match turned into an end-to-end affair and in the 58th minute, Bekey
Oram’s shot from distance earned a finger touch save from the West Bengal
custodian. Two minutes later, Hassan Ali Molla went on a solo run and with
only the Odisha custodian to beat, Molla miscued his shot and struck the
crossbar.



In the dying embers of the match, West Bengal took the lead when Kartick
Golder scored a screamer as his shot from 25 yards out curled into the back
of the Odisha net, leaving the Odisha custodian wrong-footed as the
scoreline read 1-0.



The West Bengal defence thwarted away Odisha attacks and stood strong as
the full-time scoreline read 1-0 in West Bengal’s favour.


---

Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: ODISHA DEFEAT MADHYA PRADESH + WEST BENGAL HAMMER GOA IN SEMIS

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the links to the match reports of today’s fixtures in the
37th Sub-Junior National Football Championship.


Odisha defeat Madhya Pradesh:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7125


West Bengal hammer Goa:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7128


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: GOA DEFEAT DELHI + ODISHA BLANK MEGHALAYA

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the links to the match reports of today’s fixtures in the
37th Sub-Junior National Football Championship.


Goa defeat Delhi: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7119


Odisha blank Meghalaya:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7120


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: ODISHA THUMP TAMIL NADU + MEGHALAYA EDGE PAST DELHI

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the links to the match reports of today’s fixtures in the
37th Sub-Junior National Football Championship.


Odisha thump Tamil Nadu:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7108


Meghalaya edge past Delhi:
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7109


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia*



*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,

AIFF Media Team






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF MEDIA AVDISORY: TIMINGS OF PRE-MATCH OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE + OFFICIAL TRAINING SESSIONS.

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please note below the timings for the Pre-match day Official Media
Interaction and Official Training sessions for the Russia 2018 World Cup
Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match between India and
Turkmenistan.


*Official pre-match Press Conference:*

*Date:* March 28, 2016

*Time:* 3pm onwards

*Venue:* Hotel Holiday Inn, Cochin (+91-484-4199000)


*Official Training sessions:*

*Venue: *Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (March 28, 2016)

*Turkmenistan:* From 6pm onwards

*India:* From 7pm onwards.


*Both the training sessions would be open for the Media for the first 15
minutes. Photographers and Video Camerapersons are requested to shoot from
behind the goal lines while Journalists from written press are requested to
watch the first 15 minutes from the stands.*


*Journalists who had applied for the Media Accreditations within the
deadline would be handed over their Media Accreditations at the Press
Conference venue.*


For any queries please touch base with Mr. Joseph Solomon @+91-810578254 or
Mr. Nilanjan Datta @+91-9873185150.


Regards,
AIFF Media Team

[Goanet] REMINDER: AIFF MEDIA ACCREDITATION FORM FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIER BETWEEN INDIA AND TURKMENISTAN IN KOCHI (TWO ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,



Please find attached the Media Accreditation Form for Russia 2018 Joint
Qualification Preliminary Round 2 match to be held on the following date:



*March 29, 2016:* India vs Turkmenistan (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi).



Interested journalists are requested to mail the requisites ONLY TO
*accreditation.a...@gmail.com
*



The last date for submitting applications is March 20, 2016 (6pm).






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: INDIAN WOMEN FACE A STERN NEPAL TEST + LAST TWO DECADES HAVE BEEN NOTHING LESS THAN A DREAM, SAYS BEMBEM DEVI

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below preview report of Indian Women’s Gold Medal clash against
Nepal tomorrow. Also find below an interview with Bembem Devi, who will be
playing in India colors for the last time on Feb 15.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team




*LAST TWO DECADES HAVE BEEN NOTHING LESS THAN A DREAM, SAYS BEMBEM DEVI*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *An era comes to end on February 16, 2016 when the legendary
Bembem Devi who has virtually been the face of Women’s Football in India
for the last two decades takes the pitch for the last time when India face
Nepal in the final of the South Asian Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
in Shillong. In an exclusive chat with www.the-aiff.com, the living legend
emotionally talks at length about her experiences, nostalgia, India’s
performance in the South Asian Games and a lot more. *EXCERPTS:*



*20 years is a long time for any Athlete to be part of any sport on a
professional level.*



It looks like living a dream. I had never imagined that my playing career
would span over two decades and here I am today. I want to thank the AIFF
(All India Football Federation) for giving me the opportunity to represent
the Country and all the Coaches who made me into a better Player. The last
two decades have been nothing short of spectacular.



*How has the journey been?*



It has been a remarkable journey right from making my first appearance for
India to bagging the AIFF Woman Player of the Year to coming out of the
tunnel for my first professional match. It has been nothing less than
stellar and full of memories. It’s been worth it and I would give anything
to undergo all once again.



*You will be wearing the India ‘Blue’ for the last time.*



It will be an emotional experience wearing the Indian jersey for the last
time. I will cherish singing the Indian National Anthem as a Player of the
last time a lot. It will certainly be one of the best memory life has
provided me with. At the same time, I will regret not lining up in the
tunnel as a Player. The gravity of some moments is immense, moving and
unpredictable.



*How many memories are associated with Football?*



Almost all my memories are associated with Football. Football has made me
into a better person, in to a better human being. I don’t know where I
would be if it was not for Football. I have lived for the game and it has
repaid me with some of the best things in my life.



*What next?*



I look forward to Coaching. I have passed my AFC B License Course recently
and am also a Grassroots Instructor. I hope to pass down whatever I have
learnt in Football to posterity.



*How has the fan support been in Shillong for the Women’s Team?*



This is the first time in my life that I have seen such a stellar fan
support for Women’s Football. It is heartening to see everybody, regardless
of age, gender, creed and religion join hands and cheer for the Nation.



As a Player, you dream of playing in atmospheres where the crowd is your 12
th man and the Shillong fans have certainly given us an edge over our
opponents through constant cheering.



*How would you rate India’s performance in the South Asian Games?*



We have played quality attacking Football in the South Asian Games.
However, we have not taken as many opportunities upfront. Moreover, every
Team that we faced adopted a defensive stance towards us and that makes it
all the more hard. Still, we have made it to the Finals and we look forward
to winning it.



*How do you reflect on Nepal as opponents?*



We have already played a goalless draw against Nepal wherein we dominated
the match. If we had took our opportunities we would have won and that is
what we intend to do. At the same time we know Nepal are a good technical
side and we respect them for their abilities.



*It will be a fairytale ending to your career if India lift the South Asian
Trophy.*



It will be the best gift that I will ever receive. The Players in the squad
have already told me that we want to win the Gold Medal for you and that in
itself is reassuring. It will be an emotional and sentimental experience to
end my career on a high note -- winning the Gold Medal for India.
 *-* *INDIAN WOMEN FACE A STERN NEPAL TEST*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *Defending champions India clash swords against Nepal in a Gold
Medal clash in Women’s Football of the 12th South Asian Games at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong onFebruary 15, 2016



 The kick-off is at IST 4pm.



Albeit the Indian Women finished second in the Group Stages with eight
points out of a possible 12, courtesy of two goalless draws against Nepal
and Maldives and thumping 5-0 and 5-1 wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
respectively, the ‘Women in Blue’ have been the best Team in the
Championship by far, having dominated every fixture played.



However, come Monday, Nepal will pose a difficult challenge for the

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: INDIA U-23 ROMP INTO SEMI-FINALS + MR. PRAFUL PATEL CONGRATULATES AIFF ELITE ACADEMY BOYS

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of India’s 3-2 win over Maldives. Also
find below a report of Mr. Praful Patel congratulating the AIFF Elite
Academy Boys.


The preview of Indian Women’s Team’s clash against Nepal tomorrow can be
read on: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=6996


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team




*INDIA U-23 ROMP INTO SEMI-FINALS*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI:* The Indian U-23 National Team romped into the semi-finals of
the 12th South Asian Games as the ‘Men in Blue’ defeated Maldives 3-2 in
Guwahati on February 10, 2016.



An Udanta Singh brace and a Pritam Kotal strike ensured an Indian win in a
topsy-turvy match wherein Maldives equalized their deficit twice, before
finally surrendering to the Indian attacking prowess.



India took the lead as early as the 4th minute when Udanta Singh steered
clear off the Maldivian defence line and blasted his opportunity home to
give the ‘Men in Blue’ a solitary goal lead.



Three minutes later, Udanta Singh once again burst onto goal and in an
attempt to score his second of the match, he hoofed the shot wide, as the
attacking opportunity went abegging. In the 9th minute, Maldives equalized
their deficit against the run of play to make the score-line 1-1.



Not to be deterred, the Indian contingent took the charge of the match once
again as Pritam Kotal’s thunderous header in the 11th minute ended in the
back of the net to give the ‘Men in Blue’ a 2-1 lead.



With India having the lion’s share of possession, opportunities to extend
their lead came in plenty. In the 31st minute, Udanta Singh dashed onto a
vacant left flank, however the Bengaluru FC forward slipped while positing
himself for the final shot. Nine minutes later, it was Jerry tried to
extend India’s lead, but his shot deflected off the Maldivian defence line.



In the 42nd minute, Maldives equalized their deficit as both Teams went
into the tunnel on level pegging as the scoreline read 2-2.



The ‘Men in Blue’ once again surged into lead in the 59th minute through
Udanta Singh, who slotted his opportunity cheekily past the Maldivian
custodian to make the scoreline read 3-2 in India’s favour.



Shortly after, Head Coach Lee Johnson shuffled his pack and introduced
Lallianzuala in place of Jayesh Rane. The Indian contingent kept possession
and pushed to extend their lead by two. In the 87th minute, Germanpreet’s
rasping shot, following a corner kick, was saved by the Maldivian custodian.



Despite the Maldivian attack force pressed for the equalizer, the Indian
defence line kept them at bay by diffusing the attacks with sheer acumen,
as the full-time scoreline read 3-2 in India’s favour.



*India XI against Maldives:* T.P Rehenesh (GK); Pritam Kotal, Bikramjit
Singh, Salam Ranjan Singh, Narayan Das (C); Udanta Singh, Rowlin Borges,
Germanpreet Singh, Jayesh Rane (74’ - Lallianzuala), Jerry, Sumeet Passi
(81’ – Halicharan Narzary)
 *-* *MR. PRAFUL PATEL CONGRATULATES AIFF ELITE ACADEMY BOYS*

*AIFF Media Team*



All India Football Federation President Mr. Praful Patel congratulated the
AIFF Elite Academy Players and Staff for their sterling performance in the
recently concluded U-18 I-League.



The AIFF Academy boys stayed unbeaten all throughout the Championship as
they emerged Champions accounting for Tata Football Academy 2-0 in the
final held at the Howrah Stadium, Howrah, Kolkata on Wednesday (February
10, 2016).



Applauding the achievement of the Academy boys, Mr Patel said: “The Academy
Programme which we started in 2012 is beginning to pay off and the way
these boys played is a clear indication of how a structured Youth
Development Programme can raise the bar.”



“These boys consistently defeated the opposition in a convincing manner and
I hope other Clubs learn from this and create a structured Youth
Development Programme including Academies.”



This is the second consecutive time the AIFF Academy boys lift the title,
having won it the previous year.



AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das also lauded the performance of the
boys. “The boys have been a part of the AIFF Academy Programme since 2013.
It was this batch (1998 born) who had won many a heart with their
possessional Football in the AFC 2014 AFC Qualifiers in Kuwait. We are
proud of them,” he told www.the-aiff.com.



“Congratulations to all the boys and staff. Well done.”



Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM








Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: INDIAN WOMEN BLAST FIVE GOALS PAST SRI LANKA

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of India’s clash against Sri Lanka.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team




*INDIAN WOMEN BLAST FIVE GOALS PAST SRI LANKA*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI:* It rained goals in Shillong on February 09, 2016 as the Indian
Women’s Senior National Team hammered Sri Lanka 5-0 in a one sided
encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the ongoing 12th South Asian
Games.



A brace from Dangemi Grace and strikes from Sasmita Malik, Kamala Devi and
a Sri Lankan own goal gave the Indian Women an easy win over Sri Lanka,
leading them to garner 4 points out of 2 matches.



“We took our chances today and the result is there for all to see. However,
we should not get carried away with the result”, Head Coach of the Indian
Senior Women’s National Team Sajid Dar told www.the-aiff.com.



“We face Nepal next and we have to remain focused on the task at hand”, he
added.



Coming on the back of a goalless draw against Maldives, the Indian Women
tried to pile pressure on their opponents by taking an early lead. In the 4
th minute, Bembem Devi’s rasping shot from outside of the box was saved by
the Lankan custodian. Two minutes later, Prameshwori Devi’ cross which was
intended for Kamala Devi was collected by the opponent’s custodian.



With the crowd hollering the Indian Women through with chants of ‘India,
India’, the Women showcased fluid attacking football, whilst keeping
possession, as they pinned Sri Lanka in their own half.



In the 18th minute, Bembem Devi tried to chip the Lankan Goalkeeper with a
cheeky effort, but the custodian made a fine save to deny Bembem the joy of
scoring.



The breakthrough finally came for the Indian women in the 24th minute,
albeit from an own goal, as the Lankan defence line headed the ball into
their own net, following a Sasmita Malik corner kick to give India a
solitary goal lead.



Rejuvenated by taking the lead, the Indian Women tried to double their lead
as they initiated a flurry of attacks. In the 35th minute, Bembem Devi
released Grace onto goal with a long ball, but the latter ran into
defensive traffic.



Shortly after, Prameshwori Devi, with the goal at her mercy failed to score
as she hoofed the ball over the bar, after Sasmita Malik’s shot earned an
uncanny save from the Lankan keeper. In the 44th minute, Prameshwori Devi
after wriggling past the Lankan defence line, cut inside from the right
flank and teed-up Kamala Devi in the 18 yard box, who ran into defensive
traffic as the opportunity went abegging.



Almost right at the stroke of halftime the Indian Women doubled their lead
as Dangmei Grace blasted her opportunity home to make the half-time
scoreline read 2-0.



The Indian Women picked up right where they left off and Kamala Devi
rattled the Lankan crossbar with a thunderous shot seconds in the second
half. In the 55th minute, Prameshwori Devi failed to tap the ball home from
hand-shaking distance after she was found clear of the defensive mix by a
Sasmita Malik cross.



Three minutes later, a rocket of a strike from Dangmei Grace from outside
of the box, which flied straight into the top corner of the Lankan goal
gave India a 3-0 lead. In the 60th minute, the goal-scorer turned provider,
as Grace released a graceful cross for Kamala Devi, only for the latter to
tap home as the scoreline read 4-0 in favour of India.



In the 73rd minute, Kamala Devi was brought down inside the 18 yard box
following an uncanny tackle from the Sri Lankan defence line as the referee
pointed to the spot. Sasmita Malik slotted it comfortably past the Sri
Lankan custodian from the penalty spot to make the scoreline read 5-0.



With India taking an unassailable lead, the ‘Women in Blue’ kept possession
and saw out the match as the full-time scoreline read 5-0. The Indian Women
clash swords against Nepal next on February 11, 2016.



*India starting XI against Sri Lanka:* Aditi Chauhan (GK); Umapati Devi,
Ashalata Devi, Manisa Panna, Supriya Routray; Premi Devi (86’ – Sangita
Basfore), Bembem Devi (C), Dangmei Grace, Sasmita Malik, Prameshwori Devi
(59’ – Sanju), Kamala Devi (76’ – Bala Devi).





Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: A YOUTHFUL BREEZE FLOWS IN THE INDIAN WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a report on the youth Players present in the Indian
Women’s Senior National Team.


Also, the match report of India’s clash against Sri Lanka today, can be
found on www.the-aiff.com


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team



*A YOUTHFUL BREEZE FLOWS IN THE INDIAN WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *Experience fused with exuberance of youth is perhaps a perfect
recipe for any Team across all Sports. While the Indian Senior Women’s
National Team boasts of experienced Players like Bembem Devi, Bala Devi and
Sasmita Malik, a pinch of youth has been added by young Players such as
Dalima Chibber, Sanju and Pyari Xaxa to the squad, whose average age is
just under 24.



In a quest to harvest the youth of Women’s Football India whilst providing
them with experience and evolution as Players in a competitive environment,
Head Coach of the Indian Women, Sajid Dar included 5 U-19 Players – Pyari
Xaxa, Dalima Chibber, Sanju, Panthoi Chanu, Sangita Basfore – in his squad
for the 12th South Asian Games.



And, Dalima and Sanju did even make their debuts against Maldives.



Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com Sajid Dar explained the importance
of inclusion of young Players in the National Team setup. “Young Players
are like raw diamonds which you have to polish through exposure in
competitive environment to make them finished products.”



“Every Player is important in any National Team setup. However, it is the
youth who are responsible to continue the legacy of the National Team by
learning from their mentors in the National Camps.”



“The notion behind choosing young Players (in the final 20 member squad)
was to give them exposure as they have the dexterity in them to become some
of the best Players in India,” Sajid added.



Complementing the youth in the Women’s Squad, the legendary Bembem Devi
quipped: “They are always eager to learn and that is something which takes
a Football Player a long way.”



“Football is game which is learnt both on and off the pitch and the young
Players have already shown their passion towards it. However, they still
have a long way to go.”



Sticking to his words to promote youth, Sajid Dar gave debuts to Dalima
Chibber and Sanju in India’s 0-0 draw against Maldives on February 05, 2016.



For Dalima it was like a date with destiny. “It was like a dream come
true,” says Dalima in retrospect. “Playing for the Senior Team for the
first time was an emotional and incredible experience for me.”



“The minute the National Anthem played I got goose-bumps and experience
such as that can hardly be put into words.”



“I never thought I would be able to brush shoulder against the likes of
Bem-di (Bembem Devi), Aditi-di and Bala-di, but here I was yesterday doing
just that.”



After a brief pause she adds: “I still cannot get over that.”



Sanju, who came on as a second half substitute for Prameshwori Devi at
half-time was “overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment.”



“It was a bitter-sweet experience. I was happy to make my debut, but at the
same time saddened by the draw. My dreams came true when Coach told me to
replace Pam-di (Parameshwori Devi).”



Women’s Football in India is on an upward surge with the help of the Woman
oriented projects that the AIFF has initiated in recent times. The
inclusion of as many as 5 Players in the National Team setup is nothing
short of a statement, that the best is yet to come.



Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] CORRECTED VERSION -- AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: BOYS WANT TO CAPITALISE ON THE RECENT SUCCESS: LEE JOHNSON + PIXS (TWO ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of India’s match against Maldives from
the South Asian Games.


*Also find attached two pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*


*The boys want to capitalise on the recent success, informs Lee Johnson.*

*Rowlin Borges is one of the Senior Players in the squad.*


*For all Media queries concerning the Indian Men’s Team in Guwahati, please
contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150*


*For all Media queries concerning the Indian Women’s Team in Shillong,
please contact Mr. Joseph Solomon at +91-9810578254*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



Regards,
AIFF Media Team

--


*FIRST MATCH AGAINST SRI LANKA*


*Boys want to capitalise on recent success: Lee Johnson*


*AIFF Media Team*


*NEW DELHI:* A day prior to the Indian Men’s opening match against Sri
Lanka in the South Asian Games, Head Coach Lee Johnson mentions that the
“boys want to capitalize” on the Indian Senior Team’s success in the SAFF
Suzuki Cup.

Though as per the rules, the Tournament is an U-23 one with three overage
Players allowed (as per rules of the Asian Games), the Indian squad will be
fielding only two overage Players while all the rest and below 23 including
three Players who are U-19.


In a freewheeling chat with www.the-aiff.com, Johnson speaks about the U-19
Players, preparations, the mood, India’s opponents and much more.
*EXCERPTS:*


*How much is the importance of the first match?*


We hope for a win and get the ball rolling.


*How have your preparations been?*


We didn’t have much time with the Players but from as and when we
assembled, we have gone well in terms of training. We have trimmed the
squad to 20 Players on basis of Players which we had available with us.


*How’s the mood in the Camp?*


The boys want to capitalize on the recent success of the Senior Team where
they had gone to win the SAFF Suzuki Cup. Some of them were part of the
triumph, and there are also some who have played for the Senior Team in the
recent past. As individuals, they all want to do well and everyone is
positive and confident.


*How much of the SAFF Triumph will transpire down to the squad?*


It was obviously a great experience for those who were involved in the SAFF
Suzuki Cup. They played some exceptional Football and ended as Champions.
Having tasted success, it makes them confident. Now it’s important for them
to impart their experience onto the juniors and their contemporaries.
That’s pertinent for success at all levels. Their experience, I feel,
should help us.


*You have incorporated three U-19 Players in the squad.*


The Players are there on merit and bring value addition to the squad. In
International Football, it is simple – if you are not good enough, you
won’t be there. It’s a good opportunity to develop younger Players.


*What’s your take on India’s opponents in the first game – Sri Lanka?*


In International Football, you cannot take any Team lightly. We respect
them as a Team as much we believe they will respect us as a Team. The
Players need to stay focused. The weather here is so much conducive for
Football.


The 20-Member squad stays as follows:


*GOALKEEPERS:* Kamaljit Singh, Rehenesh TP, Laxmikant Kattimani.


*DEFENDERS:* Bikramjit Singh, Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Salam Ranjan
Singh, Kaushik Sarkar, Narayan Das, Samad Ali Mallick.


*MIDFIELDERS:* Vinit Rai, Lallianzuala Changte (both U-19 Players), Rowlin
Borges, Jayesh Rane, Germanpreet Singh, Udanta Singh.


*FORWARDS:* Jerry Mawihmingthanga (U-19 Player), Sumeet Passi, Amoes T,
Holicharan Narzary.








Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF INTERVIEW: PLAYERS WANT TO GIVE BEMBEM DEVI A FITTING FAREWELL, SAYS SAJID DAR

[AIFF Reports]

 Dear colleagues,


Please find below an interview with Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Senior
National Team Sajid Dar.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,

AIFF Media Team



*PLAYERS WANT TO GIVE BEMBEM DEVI A FITTING FAREWELL, SAYS SAJID DAR*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *The Indian Women’s Senior National Team clashes swords against
Maldives in their opening fixture of the 12th South Asian Games on February
05, 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya, the
kick-off for which is at IST 1:30PM.



The Indian eves had been in a preparatory camp in Shillong from January 17
– 31, 2016, and will look to start their South Asian Games campaign on a
winning note, before taking on Sri Lanka on February 09, 2016.



In an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com, Head Coach of the Indian
Women’s Team Sajid Dar talks at length about the Team’s preparation,
strengths, fitness, tenacity, and a lot more.*EXCERPTS:*



*How do you reflect on the preparation of the Team?*



The Players have acclimatized well to the chilly weather conditions and are
focusing on the forthcoming Tournament. All of them are raring for the
kick-off and are willing to give their all on the pitch. We hope that the
weather does not play spoilsport.



*What stays the strength of the Team?*



The spirit of unity is oozing through the squad and that is one of our
strengths apart from all the Players being match fit. Each and every Player
is looking forward to win the Tournament and that is a huge motivation.



*What is your outlook of India’s opponents – Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal and
Bangladesh?*



There are no easy opponents when it comes to Football. Every Team is
difficult to play against and we have the utmost respect for our opponents,
who have progressed in terms of their style of play in the recent Years.
Every match is a challenge for us.



*Is there some mental pressure, given that India is the defending Champion?*



There is always pressure when you are the defending Champions and given
that we are the hosts of the Tournament the pressure will be like never
before. However, we have to take one match at a time and focus on the task
ahead of us.



*What is your goal for this Tournament?*



We have to win this Tournament for the Women of India. At the same time it
will be a good notion to kick-start 2016 by being crowned Champions of
South Asian Games.



*3 Senior Players (Bembem Devi, Bala Devi, Ashalata Devi) went to play in
Maldives in 2015. Do you think it will give you an edge tomorrow against
them?*



Most certainly! All three Players are integral to the Indian setup and they
will help in identifying and nullifying the strengths of the Maldivian Team
as they have already brushed shoulders against them in Maldives. These
three will be our wildcard on the morrow.



*How significant would be Bembem Devi’s presence in the Dressing Room for
the South Asian Games?*



Bembem’s presence is immense in the Dressing Room as she helps to unify the
Team by leading from the front. Apart from being a sound Player her
ability has always been a driving force for us. Any Coach will be happy to
have a ‘Bembem’ in his squad and all the Players want to win this
Tournament for her as the (South Asian) Games will be her last appearance
for the National Team.





Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM








Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: FOUR STATES DISQUALIFIED FROM SUB-JUNIOR NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2015-16

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the report on the 4 states disqualified from Sub-junior
National Football Championship.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team



*FOUR STATES DISQUALIFIED FROM SUB-JUNIOR NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
2015-16*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI:* As per the recent initiative of All India Football Federation
to curb age cheating, a two member Team inclusive of a doctor, was sent to
each venue of the ongoing Sub-junior National Football Championship 2015-16.



According to the investigation that was carried out by the Team, one Player
from each of the following States – Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttarakhad and
Uttar Pradesh – was found to be over-aged following independent medical
tests.



Therefore, as per the Competition regulations, the abovementioned States
have been disqualified from the Sub-junior National Football Championship
2015-16 in line with AIFF’s zero tolerance policy on age cheating. Other
disciplinary actions will be initiated as per applicable AIFF regulations.





Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM








Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: 28 PROBABLES ANNOUNCED FOR 12TH SOUTH ASIAN GAMES

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a report on the 28 probables for the 12th South Asian
Games.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team




*FIRST MATCH AGAINST LANKA ON FEB 06* *28 Probables Announced For
12th South Asian Games*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *Head Coach of the Indian U-23 National Team for the 12th South
Asian Games, Lee Johnson has announced his list of 28 probables for the
forthcoming Tournament in Guwahati, slated to kick-off from February 06,
2016.



The initial list of 21 Players have already joined the Preparatory Camp in
Guwahati, which commenced from January 31, 2016.



India who have been clubbed alongside Sri Lanka and Maldives in Group A and
will clash swords against Sri Lanka in their opening fixture on February
06, 2016 before taking on Maldives on February 10, 2016.





*READ ON: https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=6975
*





Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: AFGHANISTAN ARE THE FAVOURITES: STEPHEN CONSTANTINE + WE WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE OF AFGHANISTAN HAPPY WITH A WIN: PETER SEGRT + PIXS (SIX ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of the SAFF Suzuki Cup Final between
India and Afghanistan. Quotes from Stephen Constantine.


*Also find attached five pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*


*We have handed International debuts to 22 Players in the last 10 months,
says Constantine.*


*India play Afghanistan in the Final of the SAFF Championship on January 3,
2015 (Sunday).*


*The recovery sessions have been fun.*


*Afghanistan are the favourites for the Final, says Constantine.*


*The Coach has a talk with the Skipper.*


*We want the Players in the Team to feel competition from who are not in
the squad, maintains Constantine.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*


*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


--


*#BACKTHEBLUE #INDvAFG*


*AFGHANISTAN ARE THE FAVOURITES: CONSTANTINE*


By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team


*THIRUVANANTHAURAM (TRIVANDRUM): *On paper, it’s India vs Afghanistan. In
reality, maybe it isn’t.

5 and 15 – that’s the significant figure which glares at your face.


“Of the registered 20 in our Team, 5 play in Afghanistan while the rest 15
stay and play in Denmark, Germany, USA, Bahrain, Malaysia and other
places,” Afghanistan Coach Peter Segrt informs. Most of them have Dual
Passports.


At the pre-match Official Media Interaction National Coach Stephen
Constantine states, “Afghanistan are the favourites because they have
15Players who play mostly in Europe. There is a huge gap between Asian and
European Players.”


“In fact, after the match against Guam almost all had raised eyebrows
saying how we lose to a Country who has a population of 9 people. But
what all didn’t realize that it was a Team comprising of US-based Players.”


“But we will be playing at Home and I hope the fans cheer behind us and we
can use it as an advantage,” Constantine adds.


The Indian Team had their Official Training session at 7pm in the evening.


“It’s hard to predict as to which area the match would be decided. It will
be decided on all parts of the field. It is going to be a very difficult
game. They are a Team who can score goals and we need to be careful,” he
analysed.


Referring to India’s ‘losing the momentum,’ in the 2nd half against
Maldives in the semifinal, Constantine told www.the-aiff.com:

“In Football, when you are in control of the game, you tend to become a bit
sloppy. That’s what happened in the semifinal. And if that happens in the
Final, we will have to pay the price.”


“Obviously with such a young squad and with such little time to prepare in
the Championship, it feels nice to be in the Final. We took each game as it
came. I want the Players in the Team to feel competition from who are not
in the squad. We now have a group of Players who fight and compete for
positions.”


Can India beat Afghanistan?


Constantine reiterated, “They are a very good side,” only to add: “We will
fight form the first to the last minute. If we play at our best and they
don’t have a good day, we can win.”


How much important will Sunil Chhetri’s role be?


“Sunil (Chhetri) is an important Player as is Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das,
Arnab Mondal, Augistine Fernandes and all the others including the
substitutes. One is useless without the other. If Sunil plays well and
others don’t, he won’t get much of the ball. Sunil is a great Captain and
Leader but I never focus on one Player.”


At the Team Hotel, you turn to the Players. “They are a very strong side.
They are the favourites,” all say in chorus.


“But we will fight.”


The kick-off on Sunday (January 3) is at 6.30pm and will be telecast live
on Star Sports.


---


*‘INDIA CAN BE PROUD OF THEIR TEAM’*


*Want to make people of Afghanistan happy with a win: Segrt*



By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team



*TRIVANDRUM:* Even as India clash swords against Afghanistan in a repeat of
the 2011 and the 2013 edition of the SAFF Finals on Sunday (January 03,
2016) at the Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala, Afghanistan


Coach Peter Segrt believes that “it will be a new day for both the Teams.”



Speaking at the Official Pre-Match Press Conference, Segrt said: “Both
Teams are in the Finals of the Tournament to win and it will be a new day
for both the Teams.”



“The Indian Team is very strong and I have the utmost respect of their
Coach, Players and all the staff. We will not take them lightly.”



“India will make it difficult for us. They have the Players to do so and
the crowd will be also cheering for 

[Goanet] AIFF INTERVIEW: 15 OF THE 20 AFGHANISTAN PLAYERS PLAY ABROAD, INFORMS COACH SEGRT + PIXS (FIVE ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below an interview with Afghanistan Coach Mr. Peter Segrt.


*Also find attached five pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*


*15 of the 20 Players from the Afghanistan side play abroad.*


*Arnab Mondal celebrates winning a point in Foot Tennis.*


*Boys challenge Referee Danny Deigan's decision.*


*The Boys played some Foot Tennis at the Kovalam on New Year morning.*


*The perfect setting for playing Foot Tennis.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


--



*15 of the 20 Afghanistan Players play abroad, informs Coach Segrt*


By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team


*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM):* The New Year began on the perfect note
when the Indian and the Afghanistan contingents wished each other at the
restaurant in the Team Hotel prior to the Breakfast. There’s no denying
that Afghanistan have been the most impressive and “strongest” Team in the
SAFF Suzuki Cup so far.


A couple of days prior to the final against India, Afghanistan Coach Mr.
Peter Segrt spoke exclusively to www.the-aiff.com about the present
Afghanistan squad, his vision for Afghanistan Football, the Players who are
from Europe and USA,  and much more. *EXCERPTS:*


*You were linked to be the U-21 Coach of Germany. Why did you opt for
Afghanistan?*


It was interesting to get the offer. I wanted to work as a National Coach
and it’s not often that you get it. Having said that, I am fully aware of
the situation in Afghanistan and that, the Country is going through a
difficult time. But I believe I can bring Afghanistan to a higher level.


*Are your Players all from Afghanistan?*


Despite the situation back in Afghanistan most of the Players are lucky to
play in Germany, Denmark, USA, Bahrain, Malaysia, etc, to hone their
skills. Most of them have Dual Passport. There are over 3 million Afghan
people living in Iran alone and there are a huge number of people in
Pakistan and even India. It’s unbelievable when you have 30 million people
watching your matches.

Off the list of 20 which we have registered in the SAFF Suzuki Cup, 5 come
from Afghanistan while the rest of the 15 Players stay and play outside
Afghanistan.


*So is this a new batch which you have scouted?*


After the triumph in the 2013 SAFF Championship seven Players quit and we
lost some key Players. To fill in the void, we had to look but I am also
looking for Players from Afghanistan to settle down in the squad.


*We heard that the some of the boys went to Kabul for the first time ever
before proceeding for the SAFF Suzuki Cup.*


Yeah. Though some of the Players are from Kabul, some of them had never
been there before. To bring in a sense of unification I assembled all the
Players in Kabul and we started our journey from Kabul and made all Players
drop into the Country.


But even as we were doing a photo shoot and had slated a Press Conference,
there was a bomb attack in the vicinity and I was very scared for the
Players. We proceeded to Doha for seven days for a Preparatory Camp from
where we landed in Trivandrum.


*What stay your future plans?*


I hope I can bring Afghanistan to a higher level. They are very proud
people and have a strong character. They never give up. They like to learn
and I want to make changes, and fast.


As a Coach you need to understand and respect the culture of the Country
you are working in. I am presently staying in Afghanistan in an effort to
create a new situation where I can bring in some hope. I feel any National
Coach needs to reside in the Country he is contracted with.


-





Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: INDIA BEAT MALDIVES TO REACH FINAL OF SAFF SUZUKI CUP + WE HAVE NOT ANYTHING YET: CONSTANTINE + PIXS (THREE ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

*​*
*India beat Maldives 3-2 to reach Final of SAFF Suzuki Cup*



By Joseph Solomon,

AIFF Media Team



*India  3 (Sunil Chhetri 24’, Jeje Lalpekhlua 33’ and 65’)*



*beat*



*Maldives 2 (Nashid Ahmed 45’, Amdhan Ali 75’)*



*TRIVANDRUM: *India bid adieu to 2015 on a winning note as the ‘Men in
Blue’ defeated Maldives 3-2 to advance to the final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup
2015 at the Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala on Thursday.
(December 31, 2015).



Jeje Lalpekhlua scored a brace (33rd and 65th) after Captain Sunil Chhetri
had opened the scoring for India.



After both Teams entwined a battle for possession in the early minutes of
the match, the ‘Men in Blue’ fostered their first chance of the match in
the 9th minute when Jeje played a sweet pass to Sunil Chhetri but the
latter’s shot failed to breach the Maldivian defence line.



Three minutes later Jeje Lalpekhlua slotted the ball into the back of the
net following a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner but the Referee waved it offside
to cut-short the Indian joy.



In the 20th minute, Bikash Jairu was released onto goal by Sunil Chhetri
but his shot sailed over.



Two minutes later, Halicharan’s flick of a corner kick which seemed to have
been brewed in the training ground was unable to find Augustine’s head.



With chances coming in left and right, the ‘Men in Blue’ finally took the
lead in the 24th minute when Captain Marvelous Sunil Chhetri headed in from
a Halicharan cross from the right flank to make it 1-0.



Minutes later, Chhetri was awarded with an opportunity to score India’s
second, but the Maldivian custodian thwarted away his shot which eventually
fell to Jeje. Jeje in an attempt to make something out of the chance
unleashed a shot but that the rival Goalkepeer managed to palm it away.



In the 33rd minute, Jeje latched onto a well-timed Halicharan long through
ball and slotted it comfortably past the Maldivian custodian to give India
a two goal lead.



Attacking with fluidity and defending with solidity seemed India’s way as
the ‘Men in Blue’ pillaged the Maldivian citadel. In the 44th minute, Jeje
should have made it 3-0 but failed to beat the onrushing Goalkeeper.



Much against the run of play Maldives pulled one back in dying minutes of
the first half as India headed into the interval with a 2-1 lead.



Changing over, the Indian contingent got right into the thick of action as
in the 47th minute Eugeneson Lyngdoh lined a shot up, but it went over the
bar.



Three minutes later, Halicharan’s shot hit the Maldivian defence line and
looped over for a corner kick, as the Indian contingent pressed for their
third goal of the match.



Maldives were busy defending and thwarting off the Indian barrage of
attacks. In the 55th minute, Narayan Das’ free-kick from the 25 yards
earned a top-draw save from the Maldivian custodian.



The fans present in the stadium hollered India through with constant
cheering of “India, India” and vuvuzelas throughout the game.



In the 61st minute, Jeje found himself clear of the mix following a pass
from the left flank, but smashed it over the bar. However, four minutes
later he scored his second of the match to make it 3-1.



Maldives did pull one back in the 75th minute to make it 3-2 but despite
the rivals going all out, the Indians managed to hold on.



In fact, India had around three chance in the last ten minutes but first
Augistine failed to connect a Halicharan cross and then, Jeje and
Lalianzuala failed to increase the margin.



*INDIA: *Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Pritam Kotal, Arnab Mondal, Augustine
Fernandes, Narayan Das; Eugeneson Lyngdoh (90’ – Pronoy Halder), Bikash
Jairu, Rowlin Borges, Halicharan Narzary (84’ – Sanju Pradhan), Sunil
Chhetri (C) (74’ – Lallianzuala Chhangte), Jeje Lalpekhlua



*---*

*‘THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT’*



*We haven’t won anything as yet, stresses Constantine*



By Joseph Solomon,

AIFF Media Team



*TRIVANDRUM: *National Coach Stephen Constantine urged everyone to “stay
calm and support us.”



Constantine was speaking at the post-match Official Media Interaction after
India defeated Maldives 3-2 to progress to the Final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup.



“We still haven’t won anything. We have only got to the Finals. I ask
everybody to stay calm and simply support us. This is nothing to be excited
about there is still a game that we need to win,” he stated.



Reflecting upon the 3-2 win over Maldives in the today, Constantine opined,
“We dominated the game and on any other day we could’ve scored five or six
goals. Overall I am happy with the performance.”



“You have to take your chances and not concede sloppy goals. There is still
room for improvement.”



Lauding the Kerala fans for their immense support, Constantine said, “The
fans have been fantastic. They have showed that they are some of the best
in India and I implore them to flock the Stadium for the finals and “Back
the Blue.”



“I have fond memories of Kerala because of IM 

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: ‘PLAY AS IF THIS IS YOUR LAST MATCH’ + PIXS (9 ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of India’s semifinal against Maldives
in the SAFF Suzuki Cup. Besides National Coach Stephen Constantine, the
report has quotes from Arnab Mondal and Pritam Kotal incorporated into the
copy.


A story on Stephen Constantine’s gesture towards a ‘special kid,’ can be
found on https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=6900


*Also find attached nine pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team

*--*



*#BACKTHEBLUE #INDIANFOOTBALL*



*‘PLAY AS IF THIS IS YOUR LAST MATCH’*



*AIFF Media Team*



*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM):* It’s not that threatening but the last
couple of days have seen clouds hover over the City. It’s a bit cloudy and
the next moment, bright sunny.



Two years back, the line-up for the semifinal in Kathmandu stayed the same
– India vs Maldives. India had won one-nil then, courtesy an Arnab Mondal
volley.



“That was then, this is now,” Mondal insists. “In today’s Football every
match is difficult. The Teams study each other so much. So you ought to do
the extra bit to topple the rivals. That pertains to all levels of
Football. Even Maldives will aim at that; and we will aim at that too,” he
says at the Team Hotel lobby.



You remember that strike? You quiz.



Arnab reiterates: “That was then, some two years back. Tomorrow is a new
day. I don’t think the strike is any more significant.”



Pritam Kotal, nicknamed ‘PK’ by his teammates, complements Mondal. “You
have to work hard and play like as if it’s your last match. This is the
ideology of the Coach and we have played every match based on this
ideology,” he states.



At the Official pre-match Media Interaction National Coach Stephen
Constantine said, “We are looking forward to a difficult game against
Maldives as they are a good side. Not only are Maldives highly organized,
they are good in the attacking department too.”



Reflecting upon his squad, Constantine opined: “The 19 Players we have now
have all performed brilliantly. Although our preparations were hampered by
Robin’s injury, which is a big blow for us, life goes on. But it also gives
the opportunity to the other Players to fill into his shoes.”



Constantine further added: “The SAFF Competition also gives us the
opportunity to play youngster against similar opponents, paving a way for
them to evolve in a competitive environment.”



The British Coach has given debuts to two Players in Lallianzuala, who
scored a brace against Nepal, and 22 year old defender Koushik Sarkar, in
the SAFF Cup Championship thus far. In his 11matches so far, he has fielded
22 debutants, ie an average of 2 per match.



“It is always great to see a young Player make his debut – be it for Club
or his Country. But the question is how do we look after the Player off the
pitch?” he inquired. “If we want them to be the Star that they are capable
of, we need to give them time and space. We need to look after them,
nurture them, and not exploit them,” he says in one breath.



Meanwhile, Kotal admits: “Although Maldives will be a tricky fixture, we
will try to play our game. We need to follow the Coach’s plan. They are a
good attacking side and we need to maintain our shape. “We will give our
cent percent on the pitch.”



“Coach (Constantine) is giving a chance to the young Players from all
across the Nation, which is good for the overall growth of Indian Football.”



As 2015 comes to an end, all wait to embrace a new 2016. ‘Happy New Year,’
the most widely used term all over the World among all festive occasions,
has been decorately lit up all over the City and in the Team Hotel too.
Team India “aims” to make the transition into the New Year as smooth as
possible.



But as Coach insisted, “it will be tricky.”



The kick-off is at 3.30pm and the match will be telecast live on Star
Sports.



Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF REPORTS: 'FIGURES ARE RISING' BUT FAR AWAY FROM WORLD STANDARDS + ROBIN SINGH TO MISS REST OF SAFF SUZUKI CUP + PIXS (SEVEN ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below two stories:

1.  A report with figures from the GPS used by the National Team and
the comparison to World standards.

Robin Singh to miss the rest of the SAFF Suzuki Cup

*Also find attached seven pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*

*Those are the figures which have been collected by the GPS.*


*Missing Robin Singh is a “loss” for us, says Constantine.*


*The GPS figures indicate that despite the rise there's a lot to be done to
catch up to World standards.*


*The boys enjoy a recovery session at the Pool.*


*India take on Maldives in the first semifinal on December 31 at 3.30pm.*


*The Players need to do the extra bit themselves, says Danny Deigan.*


*Everything has to be high intensity, maintains Deigan.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


--


*#BacktheBlue #IndianFootball*


*‘Figures are rising’ but far away from World Standards*



*By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team*


*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM):* Who was your Man of the Match in our
last match (December 27 against Nepal), quizzed National Coach Stephen
Constantine.


You mentioned a name -- the others also gave in their opinions. The Coach
listened.

Who was your Man of the Match? You quiz back.


“You should have a look at the numbers,” he said pointing at Sports
Scientist Danny Deigan.


Danny, much like the kid who has got the permission from his dad to use the
laptop for the first time, prefers never to remove his

eyes off it. “Come here,” he waves. “I have a data of over 200 lines on the
Team and each individual and how it relates to everything -- right from the
risks of injury which they can suffer to their performances, the
improvements and even the

downward curve which is never encouraging,” he states.


“All these are variables which are the key to Stephen Constantine’s game
plan,” he adds.


The intent is to achieve and match the World standards. That’s why the GPSs
are here. It’s all about Sports Science.


“You have a look at the figures. Over stats collected from the last two
editions of the World Cup to games involving top Club sides in La Liga,
Bundesliga, the EPL and other Premier Leagues, a distance of 10-12 kms is
to be covered by a Player depending on his position,” Deigan informs.


“A wing back as per World standards cover 10400 meters in a match; a
Central Defender 9650 meters; a Midfielder 11200 meters and a Forward 10400
meters,” Deigan goes on.


Where are we placed?


“In the match against Iran in Bengaluru, where we used the GPS for the
first time, our wing backs covered a distance of 9507 meters; Central
Defenders 9100 meters; Midfielders 10872 Meters and the Forwards 10137
meters,” that’s what the GPS says.


“In our last match against Nepal in the SAFF Suzuki Cup, the Wing backs
covered 10476 meters, Central Defenders 9435 meters; Midfielders 11298
meters while the Forwards 10600 meters,” Deigan points.


So are we almost there?


You understand its improving. But in some matches, you also need to
understand it is strongly influenced by team tactics and the opposition,
and can even be influenced by poor positioning of the player and the
distance he needs to cover as a result of that.


“Not really,” Deigan insists. “You need to take into consideration the
distances covered by a Player as a high speed, over 14km per hour. That’s a
big part of where we need to improve if we are to go forward.”


Do you have figures for that?


“Of course,” you see the twinkle in Deigan’s eyes.


“As per the World standards, wing backs cover 2800 meters at high speed (ie
over 14km per hour); Central Defenders 2000 meters; Midfielders 3050 meters
and Forwards 2600 meters,” the stats are slapped on your face.


Where do we stand?


“In the match against Iran where we first used the GPS, our Wingbacks
covered 1465 meters, Central Defenders 1117 meters; Midfielders 2272 meters
while the Forwards 2098 meters,” Deigan pronounces.


“In our last match against Nepal, however, the figures have increased a
bit. The wing backs covered 2020 meters; Central defenders 1196 meters;
Midfielders 2407 meters and Forwards 2430 meters.”


How does a Player improve on that?


“The best way to improve is to work at high speed and the training has to
be conducted at high intensity,” Deigan prescribes.


“The gap between Football at the domestic level and the International level
is huge and for us the biggest challenge is to bridge

the gap. It can never be 

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: SUN, SAND AND FOOTBALL AT THE KOVALAM + PIXS (EIGHT PIXS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the preview report of India’s match in the SAFF Suzuki
Cup against Nepal. The report has quotes from National Coach Stephen
Constantine and Arnab Mondal incorporated in the copy.


*A quote copy from a Media Interaction with Arnab Mondal will be updated
on www.the-aiff.com  by 6pm.  *


*Also find attached eight pictures – Please credit AIFF Media for the
pictures used.*


*Arnab Mondal tries to escape but in vain.*


*Even on the Beach, everyone wanted to win.*


*He's an exceptional talent, mentions Constantine.*


*India play their second match against Nepal on Sunday (December 27).*


*It was as much mental as much it was physical, says Constantine.*


*Narayan Das and Pronay Halder won't let go Arnab Mondal go without a swim.*


*Recovery at the Beach is 'Fun.'*


*The Players don't feel the pressure of recovery sessions in water.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


*-*


*#BacktheBlue #SAFFSuzukiCup*


*Sun, Sand and Football at the Kovalam*



*By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team*


*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM): *Even as the live band made all to stand,
hum and lip sync, the Indian Footballers, post their convincing 2-0 victory
over Sri Lanka headed to the roof top for their Dinner.


The rooftop was misleading – it wasn’t snazzy but just a huge roof with
Tables and Dinner prepared as per Danny Deigan’s Menu. The twinkling lights
away perhaps may have given the feeling of the Christmas Star. That was the
night of Christmas.


The contingent stay aware as National Coach Stephen Constantine has
emphasized that “the end matters, not the beginning.” In fact, all were
worried more and constantly kept asking how serious Robin Singh’s injury
was.


Morning after, Constantine informs “Robin’s X-ray reveals it isn’t anything
serious. He will be back.”


Post breakfast, it was Sun, Sand and Football for the boys. The recovery
session was conducted at the World famous Kovalam

Beach – onlookers watching and joining in for selfies with the Players.


“When you do recovery sessions in water it’s quite beneficial for the
Players. They don’t feel the pressure, the banging on the joints as the
water takes away all the pressure” Constantine mentions to www.the-aiff.com.


 “It also gets them out of the Hotel apart from their daily schedule which
at times can be boring. When you train with scenery behind you it’s quite a
bit of fun. So it’s as much as mental as much as physical,” Constantine
adds.


How did you see Nepal in their first match against Sri Lanka?


“Nepal were unlucky to lose in their first match. They are a good side and
tomorrow (Sunday, December 27) will be a tricky match. We are an improving
Team and hopefully, we will get the result we desire.”


Desire! That’s quite evident in the squad. From a distance you watch
Constantine speaking to Lallianzuala. Hands on his shoulder, the Gaffer
explains waving his hands. The waves thunder at the background.


You ought to credit it to the Coach. For the SAFF Championship, it’s a
20-member squad which can be registered. And he was brave enough to have an
18-year old kid and another University student who has just played for a
State League Team, that too not for any big side in the list of 20. Not to
forget that registering three Goalkeepers stays a must in the Championship.


“Listen,” this time Constantine puts his shoulder around you. “Sports is
simple. If you are good enough, you are old enough. Do your job, get your
chance, grab your spot,” comes the 1-2-3 from Constantine.


At the Kovalam, the boys played some warm-up games, stretched on the sands,
some jogging in the water and a bit of fun riding the waves.


Arnab Mondal, who was at times dragged into the waves by Pronay (Halder),
Narayan (Das) and Pritam (Kotal) laughed it off when mentioned whether he
feared of the deep waters.


“Life is synonymous with challenges. Waters will be deep but we are there
to ride and swim out of the deep. We are Constantine’s squad. We are
fearless,” he said even as Halder helped dust the sand behind his back.


The kick-off against Nepal on Sunday (December 27) is at 6.30pm and will be
telecast live on Star Sports.


-


EOM






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Goanet annual year-end meet in Goa: if you're 

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: INDIA PROVE 'TWO' GOOD FOR SRI LANKA + PIX (TWO ATTACHMENTS) + MEDIA ACCREDITATION FORM FOR HERO I-LEAGUE 2015-16 (ONE ATTACHMENT)

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below the match report of India’s opening encounter with Sri
Lanka in the SAFF Suzuki Cup.


*Also find attached some pictures from the day (Credit AIFF Media).*


*a.India ride on Robin Singh’s brace*


*b.India face Nepal next on December 27*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team

­--



*INDIA PROVE ‘TWO’ GOOD FOR SRI LANKA *



*India  2 (Robin Singh – 51’ and 74’)*



*defeat*



*Sri Lanka 0*



*By Joseph Solomon,*

*AIFF Media Team*



*TRIVANDRUM:* On Christmas day, it was jingle all the way for India as the
Blue Tigers defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in their first match of the SAFF Suzuki
Cup 2015 at the Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala.



The Indian contingent dominated possession, shots on goals and corners and
ran out eventual winners courtesy of a Robin Singh brace, whilst grabbing
three points in the process sending them to top of Group A.



With the fans hollering the ‘Men in Blue’ through with chants of “India,
India”, the Indian contingent attacked right from the word ‘go’. As early
as the 3rd minute, India were awarded an opportunity to open their goal
scoring tally as Pritam Kotal earned a free-kick right on the edge of the
penalty box after the Lankan defence line handed the ball. A Eugeneson
Lyngdoh shot from the resulting free-kick came close to opening India’s
lead as it went abegging of the goal.



Minutes later, Sunil Chhetri, after cutting in from the left flank released
Sanju Pradhan onto goal. Sanju essayed in a delightful cross for the Indian
attack line to capitalize on, but the Lankan defence line sweeped it away.



A thumping Sunil Chhetri header which followed almost seconds later from a
cross from the right flank earned a top-draw save from the Lankan
Goalkeeper.



Perhaps the best chance of the first half fell to Jeje in the 9th minute,
when he went one-versus-one with the Lankan custodian, after latching onto
a Eugeneson Lyngdoh pass. Jeje in an attempt to chip the onrushing
custodian got rejected with yet another last ditch save from Perera.



Although India had the better of the two Teams in the opening minutes of
the match, the score-line reflected the contrary as it still read 0-0, even
after 3 clear goal scoring chances.



With Gurpreet Singh Sandhu not even called to action and enjoying the view
from afar, the Indian attack line cut through the Lankan defence line like
knife on butter. In the 33rd minute, Jeje once again made contact with a
delicious cross from the right flank, only to earn a corner kick in the
process.



Three minutes later, Sunil Chhetri cut inside from the left flank after
taking a well-weighted through ball into his stride and unleashed a
venomous shot. The shot however, got defused by the Lankan defenders earned
the ‘Men in Blue’ a corner kick.



The first half undoubtedly belonged to India and had the forwards had their
goal-scoring boards on, the score-line would’ve reflected differently.
However with nothing to flaunt for their attacking prowess, courtesy of
some last ditch defending from Sri Lanka, the score-line reflected 0-0 at
halftime.



The 15 minute interval failed to dampen the attacking momentum of the ‘Men
in Blue’, as they got right into the thick of action. A Sanju Pradhan cross
from the left flank minutes into the second half earned a corner for the
Indian contingent. A scrambling save from Perera from the resulting corner
although cleared the danger away.



With the Indian contingent attacking in numbers and with fluidity the
break-through was bound to come. And the deadlock did break in the 51st minute
when Robin Singh blasted his shot home following a Sunil Chhetri low-cross
from the left flank, as India took a 1-0 lead.



Shortly after, Jeje was handed an opportunity to double India’s lead as he
went one on one with the Goalkeeper following a Sanju Pradhan cross, but
the former was flagged offside.



In the 67th minute, Robin Singh once again found himself right in the thick
of action as he tried a cheeky header, but it lacked conviction and the Sri
Lankan custodian cleared it up. Two minutes later, Jeje was handed with a
glorious opportunity to give India a two goal cushion as a Sanju Pradhan
cross found him clear of the mix. Jeje although headed the ball with venom,
the Lankan custodian made another outstanding save to deny India.



It was the deadly combination of Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh again which
doubled India’s lead. 

[Goanet] AIRR REPORT: LANKAN CHALLENGE FOR INDIA ON CHRISTMAS DAY + PIXS (SEVEN ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a preview report on India’s opening match with Sri Lanka
from the SAFF Suzuki Cup.


*Also find attached seven pictures (Credit AIFF Media).*


*India begin their campaign in the SUFF Suzuki Cup against Sri Lanka on
Christmas Day.*


*The average age of the Indian National squad has gone down considerably.*


*Danny Deigan is a hard task master.*


*Sunil Chhetri is all about the strength, the determination and his spirit.*


*Constantine doesn't believe in shortcuts.*


*Sumit Passi, an AIFF Academy product is never willing to go down without a
fight.*


*The three Muskeeters add to the character in the Team.*


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


--


*#BacktheBlue #IndianFootball*


*Lankan challenge for India on Christmas Day*


By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team


*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM):* “Look at his face. He looks a
schoolboy,” uttered Sunil Chhetri pointing to Lallrinzuala. “He reminds me
of Bhaichung-*bhai *when he first came in,” Chhetri adds. Zuala, just 18,
smiles.


“Who’s your idol – Jerry Zirsanga or Mama (Shylo Malsawmtulanga)?” Chhetri
carries on the conversation.


“Yourself,” Zuala points his finger at Chhetri. This time Chhetri seems a
bit embarrassed; but quips back: “Who are your other favourite Players?”


“Lalrindika Ralte,” Zuala informs. The conversation thereafter revolves
around Football in Mizoram and the quality Football which Mama has played
over the years.


At the practice session, another Mizo – the irrepressible Jeje Lalpekhlua
is the first one to hit the ground. The others follow. Pritam Kotal,
Narayan Das, Rowlin Borges, Pronay Halder, Holicharan Narzary, Gurpreet
Singh Sandhu, Kaushik Sarkar, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Sumit Passi are all
below 23. When did India last have it for a Senior Team? Ever?


Post morning practice, the journalists gather around the National Coach.
“When I took over I had to make a choice -- either to continue with the
tried and tested whose average age was around 30, or to rebuild the squad.
I opted for the second despite being aware that it won’t deliver you
immediate results,” Constantine waves his hand.


“We have lost Sandesh (Jhingan who’s also an U-23 Player), Lobo (Cavin) and
Seityasen Singh. Anas pulled a hamstring and we had to release him too.
Besides, there are a number of guys whom we need to be careful with,”
Constantine states.


“I could have easily played Jhingan and Lobo. They could have played in
this Tournament and their presence would have certainly strengthened my
squad. But if I played them here they would have missed the next six
months,” this time Constantine shakes his head.


In the Footballing World, the true definition of a Coach stays in
protecting his Players and not exploiting them for short term results, any
sensible one will reiterate umpteenth times.


After the initial silence, someone queried: “What’s your opinion about Sri
Lanka?”


“They play a defensive formation and will hit us on the counter attacks.
They have some decent Players and work extremely hard.


There are no easy games for us -- in fact, against anybody. I expect Sri
Lanka to give everything they have. We have to be patient and see what
happens,” the Coach uttered in one breath.


Even as the boys worked on the set plays, the tireless Goalkeeping Coach
Rogerio Ramos, who it seems can stay on the field for more than 24 hours
worked ruthlessly with his Keepers. The best part stays that his Keepers
wait for his ruthlessness. They know, it makes them better – they die for
it.


Referring to a question whether Subrata (Paul) can push Gurpreet (Singh
Sandhu and retain his position under the citadel, Constantine hits back
hard. “If Subrata didn’t have a chance he won’t have been here. I have
never had any attachment for Players of what they have done in the past,”
he states sternly.


“It’s all about NOW,” this time his voice echoes in the large room.
Everyone needs to be the type of Player which suits the National Team.”


The Sun by 9am is quite scorching despite it being December. Even as a cold
shower stays the best thing after the session at around 35 degrees, the
Players go and sit out in the ice bath.


Forget the snow and the Reindeers but nevertheless the heat doesn’t stop
the smiles of the innumerable Santa Clauses smiling from over a hundred
hoardings all over in the City. All of a sudden you remember the cakes, the
wines and the turkeys and 

[Goanet] EVERY PLAYER IS ASSIGNED TO DO A JOB: EUGENSON LYNGDOH + PIXS (SIX ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleague,


Please find below a quote copy from the Media Interaction with 2015 AIFF
Player of the Year Eugenson Lyngdoh.


Also find attached six pictures:


*2015 AIFF Player of the Year Eugenson Lyngdoh insists on Football being a
Team Game.*


*'Spiderman' Subrata Paul adjusts his Wall.*


*Every Player is assigned to do a job, says Eugenson Lyngdoh.*


*India play Sri Lanka in their first match on December 25.*


*2015 has been nothing short of a fairy tale for Eugenson Lyngdoh.*


*India play Sri Lanka in their first match on December 25.*


Request you to credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.


*For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow
our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia. You will find live updates of all
of India’s matches (across all age-groups) and all other relevant updates
on our Official Twitter handle.*


*Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on
Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam*



*For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Nilanjan Datta, Media
Officer, AIFF, on +91-9873185150.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team





*Every Player is assigned to do a job: Eugenson Lyngdoh*


By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team


*TRIVANDRUM:* “Congratulations Eugene,” quips a journo as the 2015 AIFF
Player of the Year steps into the room. Eugene, shy as ever off the field,
quips back “Thank You.” The tone was meek, as if the Midfielder had
committed a wrong in winning the Award.


“I am looking forward to the SAFF Suzuki Cup. It’s the first Tournament I
will be playing in my Country apart from the World Cup Qualifiers. Like as
any other Player playing in this Tournament from all the other Countries, I
want to win it too. That stays our priority,” Eugene was much at ease
saying it at one breath.


The Indian National Team toiled hard during their sole practice session
early morning. Though the Sun wasn’t that scorching, the Players sweated a
lot and it was high intensity, a fact which must have pleased National
Coach Stephen Constantine for sure.


Referring to a query as to whether the National Team lacks creative Players
in the midfield, Eugene dismissed it saying: “I think we have a lot of
creative Players. Every Player is assigned a job and the job of the Player
is to perform it on the field. It’s all about what the Coach wants, the
game plan, the strategy and performing tactically.”


Eugene who was voted the 2015 AIFF Player of the Year by the I-League
Coaches, however, maintained that it’s the not “right age for him to
venture playing abroad.”


“I am a bit old now (28). I need to admit it. Maybe I could have given it a
thought some years earlier. Maybe at that time I could have had a chance,”
he stated.


“If you look at Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu), he is at the right age and he has
been doing extremely well. He has been there for quite some years yet so
young,” he opined.


2015 has been nothing short of a fairytale for Eugene. Despite having
played I-League for long, it was in April 2015 that he broke into the
National squad. He had an impressive domestic season with his Club and won
the AIFF Player of the Year Award, that too after being nominated for the
first time.


“It was so satisfying when I got my first National Cap against Nepal.”


Whom do you idolize, someone queried back.


“Climax  Lawrence, Rocus Lamare and Rennedy Singh,” pat came the reply.


“It’s easy to be working with someone like Venkatesh (Shanmugam). He is
always there to talk about his experience and helps and guides all of us.
We all look up to him,” he talked straight.


“There’s so much competition in the squad now. Constantine (Stephen) wants
to give an opportunity to all. There are boys in the squad who are not even
part of an I-League Team. It’s been a very nice experience for me with
Constantine. The competiveness of the State League Players will certainly
help develop Indian Football further.”


“We are a Country which has so much talent. But Football is a Team Game. So
it’s not possible for a single individual to script glory. Each of us is
supposed to be doing what we are expected to do,” he declared.


India play their first match against Sri Lanka on November 25.




Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Goanet annual year-end meet in Goa: if you're reading this, you're
eligible to join us! Dec 28, 2015 @ 11 am Fundacao Oriente, Panjim
Confirm your participation with a short email to goa...@goanet.org
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: HARD TO JUDGE PLAYERS FROM ONE SESSION, SAYS CONSTANTINE + PIX (FIVE ATTACHMENTS)

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a report from the Official Pre Tournament Media
Interaction from the SAFF Suzuki Cup. The report has quotes from Stephen
Constantine, Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala incorporated into it.



Also find attached five pictures:


1.The Indian Team arrives for the morning session.


2.We had our first 11v11 practice today morning, informs Constantine.


3.Sanju Pradhan and Jeje Lalpekhlua share a light moment.


4.Head Coaches of participating Teams pose at the Official pre-match  Media
Interaction.


5.Captains of the participating Teams pose at the Official pre-match Media
Interaction.



Request you to credit AIFF Media for the pictures used.



For further information, please touch base with Indian National Team Media
Officer Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150.



Regards,
AIFF Media Team



--



*#BACKTHEBLUE #INDIANFOOTBALL*



*Hard to judge Players from one session: Constantine*



By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team



*TRIVANDRUM:* National Coach Stephen Constantine stressed on his vision of
“building a Team for future,” in the Official pre-Tournament Media
Interaction in Trivandrum on Tuesday (December 22).


“Our squad is about the younger Players. I am trying to build a Team for
the future,” he said on the occasion.


“It’s always nice to play in your own Country. But the irony is that we
haven’t been able to have 11v11 games prior to this morning despite having
summoned a Preparatory Camp since December 10,” he added.


The Indian Team had a practice session in the morning. “Though we had
called for Players in the Camp earlier in an effort to prepare better for
the SAFF Suzuki Cup, the strength in the Camp wasn’t enough to prepare. At
a time we were reduced to just 14 Players and there was no way we could
conduct our practice properly,” he later told www.the-aiff.om.


Referring to a question of how he gauged the morning session, Constantine
replied towww.the-aiff.com that “it’s hard to judge Players from just one
session.”


All the Players summoned reported to the Camp latest by yesterday (December
21) evening except the duo of Romeo Fernandes and Mandhar Rao Desai. “We
were expecting them in the Camp but they didn’t turn up,” Constantine
echoed.


For the record, Constantine had earlier released an injured Sandesh
Jhingan, Cavin Lobo and Seityasen Singh from the Camp in Kochi.


“I just don’t care as to who plays where. If you are good, you will find a
way into my squad. That has always been my philosophy and it will always be
the same. I have never gone by the names and the Clubs you play for and
will not do so ever,” Constantine maintained.


“If you look at the squad, we have a couple (K Zain and Arjun Tudu) from
the Army and another Player (Kaushik Sarkar) from SAI, Kolkata,” he
informed at the Media Interaction.


Apart from them, Daniel Lalhimpuia, Udanta Singh and Alwyn George (all non
ISL Players) were also summoned for the Camp but Constantine regretted that
he “couldn’t have a look at them as they didn’t turn up.”


The trio has been products of AIFF Youth Development over the years and
Daniel, was in fact, the Captain of the India U-19 National Team in the AFC
U-19 Qualifiers earlier this season.


“I have my scouting system in place and will try to bring in as many new
faces into the system,” Constantine stated.


In any case, another 18-year old Lallianzuala, part of the present squad
said it has been an “unbelievable experience” for him.


“It’s a life time opportunity for me. The Coach has given me an opportunity
and I am trying to do my best and learn as much as possible. When you look
around I see my heroes playing with me. I am getting richer in experience,”
he spoke at the Official Media Interaction.


“These young ones keep us on our toes all the time,” quipped Chhetri, who
sat next.


India who have been clubbed in Group A with Nepal and Sri Lanka play their
first match against Sri Lanka on December 25, 2015.






EOM

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Goanet annual year-end meet in Goa: if you're reading this, you're
eligible to join us! Dec 28, 2015 @ 11 am Fundacao Oriente, Panjim
Confirm your participation with a short email to goa...@goanet.org
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: AIFF MEETS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING IN GOA + BALA DEVI IS 2015 AIFF WOMAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR + EUGENESON LYNGDOH VOTED '2015 AIFF PLAYER OF THE YEAR + PIX (FOUR ATTACHMENT

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below three reports:-


a. AIFF meets for Annual General Body Meeting in Goa


b. Bala Devi is 2015 AIFF Woman Player Of The Year.


c. Eugeneson Lyngdoh voted ‘2015 AIFF Player Of The Year’ .


Also find attached pictures:-


1. Mr. Praful Patel Chaired AIFF's Annual General Body Meeting in Goa on
Sunday (December 20).


2. The State Associations need to be more accountable, mentions Mr. Praful
Patel.


3. Bala Devi wins 2015 AIFF Woman Player Of The Year Award.


4. Eugeneson Lyngdoh  is voted the ‘2015 AIFF Player Of The Year’.


(Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media)


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team



*AIFF MEETS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING IN GOA*

*AIFF Media Team*



*MARGAO:* Mr. Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation
Chaired AIFF’s Annual General Body Meeting which was held at Hotel Ramada,
Goa on Sunday (December 20, 2015).



Besides Mr. Patel, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, Vice-Presidents
Mr. Subrata Dutta, Mr. Subhash Chopra, Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, AIFF Executive
Committee Members and members from Member Associations (except Haryana and
Nagaland) also attended the Meeting, as did the two affiliated units – SSCB
and RSPB.



Speaking on the occasion, the AIFF President mentioned that it is time for
all the State Associations to become “more accountable.”



“I feel many States are not doing enough. If Indian Football as a whole has
to grow, we need more wholehearted support and participation,” he added.
“We will soon be going to rank the States much like the Licensing criteria
which is in existence for the I-League Clubs. There has to be
accountability from all the State Associations,” he informed.



“AIFF is the custodian of Football in India and we are here to give a
direction to Indian Football. For that, all the States need to move in
sync,” he stated.



Mentioning that the idea is to take the game to all corners of the Country,
Mr. Patel lauded the support and supply line of Players from the North East
Region of the Country.



“North East is the backbone of Indian Football at the moment. Furthermore,
if you look at Kashmir, there were around 18000 people cheering for
LoneStar FC when they played their Home matches in the 2nd Division League.
The diversification of Football is so positive,” he opined.



“One of the primary reasons for bidding for the 2017 U-17 World Cup was to
start a new Footballing Culture in the Country. We have made a beginning
and hope it will usher in a new era and give a new dimension to the sport
in the Country.”



Mr. Patel also stressed on developing an “ecosystem for Football.”



“We have introduced an U-15 League and the response has been so
encouraging. The idea is to develop an entire ecosystem of Football. Indian
Football is not long away; it’s on the horizon,” Mr. Patel pronounced.



AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das highlighted that the AIFF is
addressing the “transition phase” to produce better Players.



“The kids who have been identified at the GR level need to be engaged in
the YDP and we are working on that,” he said.



Mr. Das also stressed on AIFF’s “zero tolerance policy on corruption
related to the Sport.”



“The AIFF has maintained a zero tolerance on corruption. We have conducted
Workshops with FIFA and even have an Integrity Officer on board.
Maintaining integrity is not just about fighting match fixing. It
percolates down to all the Administrators who run the State FA, Clubs and
the AIFF. In fact, we at AIFF have signed a code of ethics to address the
issue,” Mr. Das echoed.



Meanwhile, Mr. Patel also announced the recipients of the eight 2015 AIFF
Awards. A detailed report on the Award winners can be found on
https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=6879.






 *BALA DEVI IS 2015 AIFF WOMAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR*

*By Joseph Solomon,*

*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI: *After she scored 16 goals in 5 matches in the SAFF Women’s
Championship in Pakistan in 2014 to propel India to the Gold Medal, they
said that Bala Devi can score goals with her eyes closed. You mention it to
her and the lanky striker laughs it off.



All India Football Federation had lauded the current Indian Captain with
the AIFF Women’s Player of the Year Award in 2014, a feat which she
“cherishes” so much.



But she has followed it up by winning the 2015 AIFF Woman Footballer of the
Year. “Winning the first Award in 2014 was so satisfying. Retaining it was
a challenge and more satisfying,” she tells www.the-aiff.com.



“I thank the AIFF for their constant support and help. I revere the Awards
lauded to me by the AIFF a lot and these are the things which matter the
most to you as a Player,” she adds.



“They are an indication that the hard work you put in throughout the course
of the Year was in the right direction. At the same time, they inspire and
motivate you a thousand-folds to play your heart out 

[Goanet] AIFF REPORT: PLAYERS FROM STATE LEAGUE SUMMONED FOR NATIONAL CAMP

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a report on the 40 member Indian Senior National Team
probable squad selected for the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*


Regards,
AIFF Media Team


*PLAYERS FROM STATE LEAGUE SUMMONED FOR NATIONAL CAMP*




*AIFF Media Team*



*NEW DELHI:* National Coach Stephen Constantine has announced his list of
40 Probables for the forthcoming SAFF Suzuki Cup which is to be held in
Trivandrum. The initial list of 28 Probables would be assembling at a
Preparatory Camp in Kochi on December 9, 2015 with practice commencing from
next day.



Keeping in tune with his vision of selecting a Pan-Indian squad,
Constantine’s selected 40 Probables includes Players from the Local
Leagues, Players who are not part of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League
and even members from AIFF U-19 Elite Academy.



This is perhaps the first time in recent times where three Players who
haven’t ever even donned a jersey for any I-League Club have been summoned
for the Camp -- two of them having played for Army XI while the other, a
present Calcutta University Student had played for SAI in the Kolkata
Premier League.



Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, Constantine said: “We have selected a squad
which encompasses all of Indian Football – right from State Leagues, U-19
Academy Players, Players from I-League and the ISL. We are building a Team
for the future.”



“In my first Press Conference in New Delhi, I had mentioned that we will be
keeping a tab on all Football Players who play beyond the I-League and the
ISL. We are trying to expand our pool of Players,” he added.



“28 players will join us initially. With the ISL going on, it gives us an
opportunity to call up those Players that we would not have been able to
work with. It’s not bad the way it’s worked out,” he stated.



Constantine also thanked All India Football Federation for “allowing” him
to work with the Players in the Camp.



“Having the time to spend with the Players is extremely helpful. I am
thankful to All India Football Federation for allowing me this length of
Camp. It’s much appreciated,” he mentioned. “We have 12-14 days to prepare
which is very good, the level of fitness is not there and we need to work
on that front.”



*The list of 40 Probables stay as follows:*



*GOALKEEPERS:* Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Karanjit Singh,
Laxmikant Kattimani, Amrinder Singh.



*DEFENDERS:* Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalchhuanmawia, Sandesh Jhingan, Koushik
Sarkar (SAI, Kolkata), Robin Gurung, Arnab Mondal, Augustine Fernadnes,
Rino Anto, Narayan Das, Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika.



*MIDFIELDERS: *Malswamzuala (AIFF U-19 Academy), Jain Punchakadan (Army
XI), Alwyn George, Rowin Borges (both non ISL Players), Cavin Lobo, Sanju
Pradhan, Irom Seityasen Singh, Rowlin Borges, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Francisco
Fernandes, Mohammed Rafique, Bikash Jairu, Pronoy Halder, Romeo Fernandes,
Sehnaj Singh.



*FORWARDS: *Daniel Lalramzuava (AIFF U-19 Academy), Arjun Tudu (Army XI),
Sunil Chhetri, Holicharan Narzary, Udanta Singh, Robin Singh, Jeje
Lalpeklhua, Haokip, Sumeet Passi.







Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF MEDIA ADVISORY FOR NOVEMBER 11 FOR INDIA VS GUAM MATCH + PIXS FROM TRAINING (THREE ATTACHMENTS).

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,



Please note below the timings of the Official Pre-match Press Conference
and also the Official Practice sessions of India and Guam at the Sree
Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on November 11 (Wednesday).



*PC Timings:*



Press Conference of Guam: 4pm (Sree Kanteerava Stadium on November 11).



Press Conference of India: 4.30pm (Sree Kanteerava Stadium on November 11).



The Head Coach and a Player from the Starting XI would be available for
interaction at the Press Conference.



*Official Practice sessions:*



Indian Team practice session: 5.30pm to 6.30pm (Sree Kanteerava Stadium).



Guam Team Practice session: 7pm to 8pm (Sree Kanteerava Stadium).



Please note that the first 15 minutes of the practice session for each of
the Teams would be open for the Media. Accredited Photographers and
Videographers (with NRH Accreditation) would be allowed to shoot from
behind the goal lines for the first 15 minutes.



Reporters are requested to watch the first 15 minutes of the practice from
the stands.



For further information, please touch base with Mr. Nilanjan Datta, AIFF
Media Manager at +91-9873185150.



Regards,
AIFF Media Team




Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF PREVIEW REPORT: NO ROOM FOR ERROR AGAINST CHONBURI FC, STATES JOHNSON

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find below a preview report on the Indian U-19 National Team’s clash
against Thailand’s Chonburi FC.


*We request you to follow AIFF Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia for regular
updates.*



Regards,
AIFF Media Team




*NO ROOM FOR ERROR AGAINST CHONBURI FC, STATES JOHNSON*




*By Joseph Solomon, *

*AIFF Media Team*



*VASCO (GOA):* The Indian U-19 National Team gears up to face Thailand’s
Chonburi FC in their third and last home match of the FAM-FRENZ Asia
Champions Trophy 2015 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa on Wednesday
(October 14, 2015). The kick-off for which is at 4PM IST.



The Indian colts have garnered seven points out of four matches and find
themselves at third, courtesy goal difference albeit tied at points with
Malaysia’s Frenz United A and Chonburi FC. However a win against Chonburi
FC come Wednesday will propel the Indian contingent to first place in Group
A.



As part of the learning curve, the Asia Champions Trophy 2015 offers a
unique experience for the Indian colts to play against some of the best
Club Teams in Asia, all within a competitive environment which will
eventually evolve them.



Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, Head Coach of the Indian U-19
National Team Lee Johnson expressed the importance of competitive matches
in a Player’s career. “It is important for a Player to play in such
competitive games as it gives them a number of different experiences which
helps aid their development”



“The Asia Champions Trophy has given an opportunity to our Players to test
themselves against some of the best club Teams in Asia”, added Johnson.



Although the Indian colts had lost the away fixture against Chonburi FC
4-2, the contingent has form on their side as they come on the back of a
2-1 win over Malaysia’s Frenz United A in mid September. And according to
Johnson, “the squad will look to emulate the same performance (against
Frenz United A) against Chonburi FC on Wednesday”.



“We played well against Frenz United A and won the game. If we play to our
potential against Chonbri FC, we have a good chance of defeating them”,
stated Johnson.



“However, we respect our opponents and the Players need to remain focused
and concentrate when they play on Wednesday.”



“There is no room for error as they (Chonburi FC) are the National
Champions of Thailand and one of the best Teams in the region”, Johnson
added.



Although the Indian colts are gunning for qualification into the knock-out
stages of the Competition as they find themselves at level pegging with
Frenz United A and Chonburi FC on points, the next two fixtures including
an away tie against Group Leaders Frenz United A will be crucial and
deciding in their Asian campaign.



Regards,
AIFF Media Team

---

EOM







Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com

[Goanet] AIFF MEDIA ADVISORY FOR INDIAN AND IRAN NATIONAL TEAM IN BENGALURU ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2015.

[AIFF Reports]

Dear colleagues,


Please find the Media Advisory of Indian National Team and Iran National
Team in Bengaluru on September 6, 2015 (Sunday):


*INDIAN NATIONAL TEAM:*


*September 6, 2015:*


Practice at Sree Kanteerava Stadium from 6.30pm.


Journalists can watch the practice session from the stands while
Photographers and Videographers (from News Channels) would be allowed to
shoot from behind the goal lines.


The first 15 minutes would be open for the Media.


Furthermore, Mr. Eugenson Lyngdoh, Midfielder, Indian National Team will be
available for a Media Interaction at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium at 6pm
prior to India’s practice session. May we humbly mention that it won’t be
possible for Mr. Lyngdoh to give any one-on-one interviews (even for TV
News channels).


Mr. Lyngdoh will be speaking solely in relation to the India’s preparation
and the forthcoming match against Iran. Interested media persons are
requested to be at the venue on time for the same.


For any clarification, please feel free to be in touch with Media Manager
Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150.


*IRAN NATIONAL TEAM:*


*September 6, 2015:*


The Iran National Team is expected to land in Bengaluru around 11am
tomorrow (Sunday, September 6, 2015) and will proceed to ITC Fortune Hotel
where they would be based during their stay in Bengaluru.


The practice session for Iran National Team is slated from 5pm to 6.30pm.
Though we have no intimation at the moment, it’s understandable that the
practice *may* be open for the Media for the first 15 minutes.


In that case, Journalists can watch the practice session from the stands
while Photographers and Videographers (from News Channels) would be allowed
to shoot from behind the goal lines and all would be asked to leave after
15 minutes.


*However, the Iran Team authorities may decide upon having a closed practi**ce
session on the day and in that case, no Media would be allowed to either
have a look/shoot/or film their training session.*


Former Indian National Team Player Mr. Mastan Ahmed, the local Manager for
the Iran National Team in Bengaluru is available on +91-9845243896.


*May we also duly mention that the Accreditation process for the match
closed on June 1, 2015 and we are not in a position to issue any new Media
Accreditations.*






Media Department, AIFF.
Alternate: me...@the-aiff.com
Website: www.the-aiff.com