Former Santosh Trophy footballer passes away

Bengaluru's football fraternity has lost another former player with the passing of Tony Boy, aged 76, at his residence in Viveknagar on November 2, 2026.

Tony Boy represented Mysore State in the Junior National Football Championships on two occasions, in 1966–67, hosted in Bangalore, and subsequently in 1967–68 at Calicut, Kerala. He went on to represent the state in the Santosh Trophy during the 1969–70 season at Jalandhar, Punjab.

A centre-forward by position, Tony began his footballing journey with Maharaja Socials FC before moving to Jupiter FC, which competed in the A Division. His performances for Jupiter earned him selection to the Mysore State team for the Santosh Trophy.

Following his second Junior National appearance at Calicut, he joined Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) FC. During the 1980s, ITC FC competed in the C Division.

Even after his playing days, Tony remained connected with the game. Known for his cheerful and ever-smiling demeanour, he continued to be a familiar face at the football grounds and regularly interacted with members of the football fraternity.

AIFF Deputy Secretary General and former KSFA Honorary General Secretary, Mr Satyanarayan M, shared his memories of Tony, "I attended Chandru's funeral yesterday and now hearing of Tony anna's death. At East Ground he was a powerhouse. Used to meet regularly at the stadium as late as a few months back."

The KSFA, BDFA and Referees Committee expressed their condolences. A minute's silence was also observed during a KSFA Super Division League match in his memory.

Tony Boy is survived by his wife and son. His last rites were performed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Gate 7 of Sacred Heart Cemetery.

With his passing, Bengaluru football loses another former player whose association with the game spanned several decades. He will be remembered by those who watched him play and those who continued to meet him at the football grounds. 

Former footballer passes away

Bengaluru's football fraternity has lost one of its familiar faces. Sri C. Ramachandra, fondly known as Chandru, passed away at the age of 73 at his residence in Cubbonpet on November 1, 2026. 

Born and brought up in Cubbonpet, one of Bengaluru's oldest neighbourhoods, Chandru's association with football began at the Government Arts College (GAS) ground near Mysore Bank circle, where his passion for the game took shape. A goalkeeper by choice, he went on to represent Mysore State in the Junior National Football Championship during 1973–74.

He subsequently played for KSRTC before joining the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) football team, where he served as a goalkeeper for nearly two decades. One of his notable achievements came in 1985, when he represented the All India RBI football tournament at the inter-office championship in Delhi, helping his side defeat Kolkata in the final. During his association with RBI, he also played an important role in the team's progression from the C Division to the B Division.

Beyond his playing days, Chandru remained deeply connected to Bengaluru football. A passionate admirer of the erstwhile Bangalore Blues FC, he was a regular at league matches, often occupying his familiar spot beside the press box, whether at the old stadium or the new KSFA premises. He was never hesitant to interact with officials, referees and fellow football enthusiasts, and remained an enthusiastic follower of the local football scene.

Remembering him, AIFF Deputy Secretary General Mr Satyanarayan M said, "Chandru was such a jovial person, always part of the group that used to come for every match. Many times, has shared snacks during the games with me. Football will miss him."

His passing was mourned by members of the KSFA, BDFA, refereeing fraternity, and former footballers. A minute's silence was also observed during a KSFA Super Division League fixture in his memory. 

A minute's silence was also observed
during a Super Division League game

Beyond 87th Place: India's Promise and the Realities of Youth Football at FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026

87th out of 189. On paper, India's finish at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, may appear unremarkable. But developmental football cannot be judged by final standings alone. India's campaign offered glimpses of attacking promise, individual talent and resilience, while also exposing the gaps that continue to challenge Indian football. 

Pic: AIFF

Understanding the tournament

The tournament was played under a fast-paced 8v8 format and used two 20-minute halves, in smaller pitches, and rolling substitutions. The format was specifically designed to test awareness, maximise player involvement, quick transitions, decision-making, and development opportunities. 

FIFA designed the competition around six performance tiers, with teams continuing to compete for a final position regardless of their qualification-stage performance.

A bright start, followed by a reality check

Demonstrating no signs of nerves in the opening round, the blue colts launched their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Laos, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win against Cameroon. Goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam's key saves, paired with an aggressive frontline featuring Lalremruatfela and Victor Lalawmpuia, showed a side willing to dictate play rather than sit deep. 

The final group-stage fixture delivered a stark reality check. A 1-6 defeat to a physically superior Senegal side exposed defensive transitions under high pressure, placing India 3rd in Group K and sending them into Tier C them into the Tier C placement bracket of competing for 65th to 96th overall. 

Phase 1: Group K Qualification Stage

• Match 1 (Oct 24, 2026): India 4 Vs Laos 2
• Match 2 (Oct 25, 2026): India 2 Vs Cameroon 1
• Match 3 (Oct 25, 2026): India 3 Vs Grenada 3 
• Match 4 (Oct 26, 2026): India 4 Vs Bahrain 3
• Match 5 (Oct 26, 2026): India 1 Vs Senegal 6 

Pic: AIFF 

Bouncing back in Tier C

What stood out most from India's response in the placement knockouts was their refusal to let the Senegal loss linger.

• Comeback vs. Trinidad & Tobago (3-2): Trailing 2–0 at half time, India rallied behind a second-half brace from Lalawmpuia and a 29th-minute winner from Lalremruatfela. 
• Goal Fest vs. Cuba (6-4): In the 87th-place play-off, India’s attack came alive. Braces from Lalawmpuia, Nibas Meetei Wahengbam, and Lalremruatfela held off a late Cuban surge to lock in the win.

Closing out the with 4 wins from 5 matches and racking up 16 goals highlighted a natural attacking instinct that ran deep throughout the squad. 

Phase 2: Tier C Knockout & Playoffs 

• Match 6 (Oct 28, 2026): India 1 Vs Honduras 2 (Round of 32)
• Match 7 (Oct 28, 2026): India 3 Vs Trinidad & Tobago 2 (Lower Round of 16)
• Match 8 (Oct 29, 2026): India 1 Vs Afghanistan 2 (Placement Quarterfinal)
• Match 9 (Oct 29, 2026): India 5 Vs Kazakhstan 5 (4-5 on Penalties) (Placement Semifinal)
• Match 10 (Oct 30, 2026): India 6 Vs Cuba 4 (87th-Place Play-off)

The youth-to-senior transition

It remains a well-documented trend in Indian sports - we fare better at youth level.

For the standout performers in Baku, including Lalremruatfela, Lalawmpuia and Nibas Meetei Wahengbam, the real journey begins now. The challenge is to retain, develop, and expose these youngsters to increasingly competitive football environments will determine whether the promise displayed in Baku translates into long-term success.

If three or four members of this squad eventually progress to the senior national team, it would be some achievement. But the larger success would be an ecosystem capable of consistently producing players who can compete at the highest level.

Ultimately, India's 87th-place finish should not be the defining takeaway from Baku. What matters is what Indian football does with the promise these young players have demonstrated.

 

Former international Ilyas Pasha passes away

Karnataka and East Bengal stalwart remembered by the football fraternity

Renowned footballer Ilyas Pasha, aged 61, passed away on Thursday, 22/01/2026, at his residence in Guttahalli, Bangalore. Pasha, a celebrated figure in Indian football, began his career with Raja Mill Team and Vinayaka FC before making his mark with the famous ITI. His stellar performances helped ITI secure the BDFA League title. Thereafter, he was signed by Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting, and later joined East Bengal, where he enjoyed a long stint. 

Pasha represented Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy from 1986 to 1989 and later played for Bengal in the same tournament. He was part of the senior Indian national team and also served as vice-captain. 

After retiring, Pasha dedicated himself to coaching young footballers at Vinayaka Club and contributed as a fitness trainer for local cricket clubs.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons. The football community, including KSFA, BDFA, and the Referees Committee, has expressed deep condolences. His body will be kept at his residence, and the burial is scheduled to take place at Mysore Road Graveyard today, January 22, at 5:30 pm. 

Kickstart clinch Super Division League 25-26; FCBU finish runners-up

With Kickstart FC amassing 48 points playing 18 matches and topping the league table, the prize distribution ceremony was held today at the Bangalore Football Stadium. The event witnessed the presence of Shri N A Haris, MLA Shantinagar, Vice-President AIFF and President KSFA, who presented the coveted champions rolling trophy to Kickstart FC and the runner up trophy to FC Bengaluru United (FCBU), finishing with 42 points.

The two teams with the lowest points on the table were relegated to A Division. Bharat Bengaluru FC, with only 3 points, and MFAR Students Union FC, with 10 points, will move down to the A Division for the next season.

Kickstart FC were awarded the prestigious George Hoover Cup as league champions for 2025-26, while FC Bengaluru United secured the GMH Basha Cup as runners-up.

Prize Distribution

• Kickstart FC received a cash prize of ₹2,50,000, along with individual wrist watches for the players.
• FC Bengaluru United were awarded ₹1,50,000 as cash prize, along with mementos and wrist watches for their squad.
• Match referees were honoured with individual mementos and wrist watches for their contribution to the league.

Individual Honours

• Best Goalkeeper: Srijith R (FCBU)
• Best Defender: Arjun Goud M (Sporting Club Bengaluru)
• Best Midfielder: Shreyas Ketkar (Bengaluru FC)
• Top Scorer: Ngairangbam Rakesh Singh (Kickstart FC) – 20 Goals

Top Scorers

1. Ngairangbam Rakesh Singh (Kickstart FC) – 20 Goals
2. Lalkrawsmawia (Kodagu FC) – 13 Goals
3. Nikhil Raj Murugesh Kumar (FCBU) – 12 Goals