Latest news with #IndianFootball
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Sweety Devi inspires young aspirants at Zinc Football Girls Academy launch
The captain of the Indian women's football team Sweety Devi interacted with the trainees at the launch of the Zinc Football Girls Academy at the Zawar Mines here on Thursday. Sweety told the 20 girls, chosen in the under-15 age group for the academy — the first of its kind in the country, the pride she and the national team had felt by beating Thailand 'in their ground, in front of their people' to qualify for the AFC Cup. 'Our dream is to play in the World Cup. It will be tough teams to play in Australia to qualify, but we have time to prepare till March,' said Sweety. India's captain… the lovely Sweety Devi is here with us for our big day 💙💛#DeshKaSapnaGoalApna# — Zinc Football (@ZincFootball) July 31, 2025 She was particularly impressed with the F-Cube technology used for training at the academy, with a digital wall, on which the trainees were bombarding their shots, offering varied data and scientific analysis for speedy development of players. 'We are working hard to make life easy for you in future. We didn't have such technology, but we train with such intensity and are so tired that we don't remember that we have a mobile phone. 'We have no distraction. It is amazing that you have such technology to train at the grassroots level. We need such training centres in different parts of the country, and for girls,' said Sweety. The president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kalyan Chaubey lauded Hindustan Zinc for the initiative and expressed confidence that in five years time many girls from the academy would represent the country. Kishore Kumar, the chief operating officer of Hindustan Zinc, said that the success of developing around 200 boys at the centre since 2017 had prompted the team to focus on women empowerment and inclusivity. Hindustan Zinc 🤝 AIFF Read more about the partnership 🔗 ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 31, 2025 The objective of the academy was nicely expressed in the slogan, 'Desh ka sapna, Goal apna'. Priya Agarwal Hebbar , chairperson Hindustan Zinc, sought guidance from AIFF, and assured that the organisation was willing to do everything to develop the 20 girls who have the passion and determination to excel in the game, and emerge as strong personalities. Maharani Nivritti Kumari Mewar appreciated the efforts and said that sports like football taught so much, and played such a significant part in the lives of youngsters, especially in ensuring good mental health. 'Football means team work, and it teaches you to be selfless in achieving the collective goal. For the girls, it will be a great way to be physically strong,' said Nivritti Kumari. In due course, the academy aspires to accommodate 60 girls, and the work on developing the residential infrastructure was already in progress. Kishore Kumar assured that there was no dearth of resources and the organisation was willing to 'scale up' the efforts to strengthen the grassroots of Indian football.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
India Grouped With Japan, Vietnam & Chinese Taipei At 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup
Last Updated: The Indian women's football team are in Group C alongisde Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei for the 2026 AFC Women's Asia Cup. The Indian women's football team have been grouped with Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. In the other two groups, hosts Australia have been clubbed with South Korea, Iran and Philippines, while defending champions China are in the same group as North Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Draw – Group A – Australia, South Korea, Iran, Philippines Group B – North Korea, China, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan Group C – Japan, Vietnam, India, Chinese Taipei ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????????! 🏆🇮🇳 India are placed in Group C of #WAC2026 alongside Japan 🇯🇵, Vietnam 🇻🇳 & Chinese Taipei #BlueTigresses #IndianFootball ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 29, 2025 After a quarter-final exit in the last edition, 2010 champions Australia are determined to go all the way on home soil. Korea Republic, having suffered heartbreak in the 2022 final against China PR, are eager to finally claim the coveted trophy. Iran, who secured their second successive Finals appearance by defeating Jordan in the Qualifiers, aim for a knockout stage appearance after their debut ended with two defeats. The Philippines, an emerging force on the continental stage, seek to match or improve on their 2022 semi-final finish. DPR Korea, returning to the continental stage for the first time since 2010, are counting on their FIFA Women's World Cup U-17 and U-20 talents to drive their bid for a fourth title. China PR, who overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Korea Republic in the 2022 final, are vying for a record-extending 10th title. Bangladesh, making their debut appearance in the Finals, aim to make a significant impact after an impressive showing in the Qualifiers. Uzbekistan, having returned to the Finals for the first time since 2003, look forward to challenging themselves against the continent's top teams. Japan, denied a hat-trick of titles after losing to China PR in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, are determined to reclaim the title. Vietnam aim for at least a spot at the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 after debuting at the 2023 edition. India are focused on impressing after being forced to withdraw from the 2022 edition due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Chinese Taipei, targeting an extended run and FIFA Women's World Cup qualification, aim to build on their last AFC Women's Asian Cup title win in 1980. What Is The Schedule For 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup? Scheduled from March 1 to 21, 2026, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 will be held in Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast, including stadiums that hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. This tournament marks its return to Australia for the first time since 2006. India, runners-up in 1980 and 1983, will make their first tournament appearance since 2003. They achieved this through a historic qualification campaign, topping Group B by defeating Thailand, Iraq, Timor-Leste, and Mongolia earlier this month. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027. The losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-offs for the remaining two direct spots allocated to the AFC for the World Cup. The two play-off losers will have another chance to qualify for Brazil through the inter-confederation play-offs. China PR, Korea Republic, and Japan qualified as the top three teams from the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, while Australia secured their spot as hosts. The remaining eight teams confirmed their places through the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers, held in eight centralised groups from June 23 to July 19. The teams that qualified are Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Location : Sydney, Australia First Published: July 29, 2025, 15:27 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Student Claims Responsibility For Fake Xavi Application For India Head Coach Role
Last Updated: A 19-year-old student has claimed that he was behind the prank played on the AIFF, as he revealed that he sent an email to the governing body posing as the legendary midfielder. A 19-year-old student from VIT Vellore has claimed that he was behind the 'prank' played on the All-Indian Football Federation, as the governing body received an application for the job of the head coach of the national team from legendary Spanish midfielder Xavi. The student reportedly revealed to The Telegraph Online that he created a fake email id 'xaviofficialfcb@ and requested a prompt from ChatGPT to write an email expressing interest in the vacant head coach role of the Indian football team. It wasn't Xavi who applied to coach India. It was a 19-year-old who used a fake email ID. I spoke to him and he showed me a screen recording from his Sent folder. Yes, this might've been the email AIFF thought came from football deserves better. #IndianFootball #Xavi — Naman Suri (@Namansuri03) July 25, 2025 AIFF had stated that they had received an application from Xavi, but the economic feasibility of hiring the Barcelona legend was beyond a realistic proposition. A day after reports emerged that former Spanish midfielder Xavi had expressed interest in the vacant position as head coach of the Indian national football team, sources close to the World Cup winner revealed that the AIFF had misused his name to enhance the job's profile. Sources associated with the Barcelona legend asserted that Xavi never applied for the role and suggested that the AIFF used his name to generate more interest in the vacancy. The AIFF later admitted that the job applications from Spaniards Xavi and Pep Guardiola for the position of head coach for the Indian men's football team were not genuine. Xavi made the switch to coaching after retiring from a highly successful professional playing career, during which he won every major trophy, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro twice, and numerous individual awards. He initially served as head coach at Al Sadd before taking over at Barcelona four years ago, where he guided the Blaugrana to the La Liga title in his first season as head coach of his childhood club. Several prominent figures such as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, Stephen Constantine, Steve Kean, Khalid Jamil, Kibu Vicuna, and Eelco Schattorie have shown interest in leading the Blue Tigers. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Satyamev Jayate: Inter Kashi reclaim I-League crown after solo CAS battle
When Inter Kashi were finally declared I-League 2024–25 champions, there were no fireworks, no medals, no trophy lifts—just a one-line post on Instagram: Satyamev a club that had its title and promotion stripped by an All India Football Federation (AIFF)-appointed committee in April, the quietness of the moment didn't matter. What mattered was that they were right—and now the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had confirmed it. Inter Kashi had won the title, fair and will always emerge victorious! #IndianFootball #ILeague #HarHarKashi #Kashi Inter Kashi (@InterKashi) July 18, 2025advertisementSpeaking to India Today after the verdict, club co-founder Aryaman Shukla said: 'Everyone in and around the club understands always believed we were in the right. This just proves it.'The lone fight 'Absolutely,' Aryaman admitted, when asked if the wait disrupted planning. 'We were in limbo—not here, not there. We had ideas, but without clarity, we couldn't act.'The legal path was precise but draining. 'From a procedural point of view, CAS was very efficient. But if it had come sooner, it would've helped not just us, but everyone involved.'And if there was any institutional support along the way? 'This was 100% a solo battle,' Aryaman said. 'If you're talking about external help—there was none.'Congratulations to @InterKashi inon winning their maiden #ILeague title #IndianFootball I-League (@ILeague_aiff) July 18, 2025"The All India Football Federation congratulates Inter Kashi FC on being adjudged champions of I-League 2024-25, in reference to the judgment passed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Friday, July 18, 2025," the AIFF statement what now?Now that CAS has ruled in their favour, Inter Kashi are, on record, I-League champions and logically the next team to be promoted to the Indian Super League. But there's a promotion and relegation not fully enforced yet, and the ISL's future structure still unclear, the club's big win has landed in uncertain territory. 'One step at a time,' Aryaman said. 'We've started planning internally again, but we still don't have clarity on the ISL situation.'We knew on April 6thThe World knows todayInter Kashi. Remember the name! #IndianFootball #HarHarKashi #Kashi #ILeague Inter Kashi (@InterKashi) July 18, 2025The long-term uncertainty may have taken some shine off the victory, but for now, Inter Kashi are holding onto what matters most: the league title they earned, and the fight they didn't give up for the fans who stayed loyal throughout?'To our fans—thank you,' Aryaman said. 'We're only in our second season as a club. To have achieved this much already means a lot. But this is just the beginning.'- Ends
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
More embarrassment for All India Football Federation as international sports court declares Inter Kashi as I-League champions
In April — three weeks after the final round of matches were played — the All India Football Federation (AIFF) handed over the I-League trophy to Churchill Brothers. Three months on, the federation will have to organise another ceremony — and this time hand over the trophy to Inter Kashi. The Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the AIFF Appeal Committee's decision to award the title to Churchill Brothers of Goa and declared that Kashi, instead, should be declared the second-division champions. The decision, which came on Friday, will end a months-long saga that overshadowed a nail-biting season. The international sports court's verdict will come as further embarrassment for an under-fire AIFF as it had earlier announced Churchill Brothers as the I-League champions. Their decision came after its Appeal Committee ruled against Inter Kashi in a matter related to the fielding of an 'ineligible player'. The Varanasi club had ended in second spot after points were deducted from their tally. Truth will always emerge victorious! 💪🏼🧡#IndianFootball #ILeague #HarHarKashi #Kashi — Inter Kashi (@InterKashi) July 18, 2025 However, Inter Kashi approached the CAS, which asked the AIFF to reverse its decision. 'The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of the I-league 2024-25 season,' the Lausanne-based CAS said in its order, according to the Press Trust of India. 'The appeal filed on 4 June 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against the decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is partially upheld. The decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All India Football Federation is set aside.' On January 13, Namdhari beat Inter Kashi 2-0 in the I-League. After the match was over, Inter Kashi disputed the result, alleging that Namdhari had fielded an ineligible player, Cledson Carvalho da Silva — also known as Dé. They contended that Dé should have been suspended under the AIFF's rules, claiming he had accumulated four yellow cards through the season. The fact that one of his yellow cards led to a sending-off presented a confusing scenario for the parties involved. It took more than one month for the AIFF's Disciplinary Committee, headed by a former Uttarakhand High Court judge, to announce its verdict. On February 24, the committee upheld Inter Kashi's appeal and handed them a 3-0 win. At that point, it placed Inter Kashi above Churchill Brothers in the title race. Namdhari immediately appealed the decision. The Punjab-based club claimed that the AIFF's portal 'did not show' that the player was suspended for the match and hence, they fielded him. Another month later, on March 27, the AIFF Appeals Committee, headed by a former Allahabad High Court judge, put the earlier decision in abeyance. It meant that Churchill regained their position at the top of the table. The appeals committee said it would continue hearing the case on April 28, long after the league was done and dusted. On April 6, the final day of the I-League, Churchill did just enough against Real Kashmir to finish top of the table with 40 points whereas Inter Kashi defeated Rajasthan United to end the season that afternoon with 39 points. They hoped that if the AIFF's appeals committee gave the verdict in their favour, like the disciplinary panel, they would get the three points and leapfrog Churchill to become champions. Amidst confusion and outcry over the lack of clarity regarding the champions, the appeals committee brought forward the hearing to April 12. And after speaking to all parties, it sided with Namdhari, thus paving the way for Churchill to be crowned the champions on April 20 — two weeks after the league was over. Inter Kashi approached CAS even as the AIFF handed over the trophy to Churchill. Now, with the CAS ruling in their favour, the AIFF will have to take the trophy back from Churchill and hand it over to Inter Kashi.
