MP Swamy unanimously elected Chairman of BDFA

Chairman of Bangalore District Football Association, MP Swamy was unanimously re-elected today for the period of 2015- 2019 at the BDFA AGM held at the Bangalore Football Stadium. 

Also, the office bearers are unanimously elected for 2015-2019 tenure. 

• Chairman: MP Swamy - Maharaja Socials
• Secretary: ST Bhoopal - Bangalore Independents
• Treasurer: R Ramakrishna - Active Union

BDFA Managing Committee Members

• KL Prakash - Bangalore  Kickers
• S.L.Anthony - Royals
• Sahaya Bakianathan - Queens Star
• B Kamal Dayakar - BUFC
• S Shyam Shahi - Bangalore Yellows
• R Mohan - Southern Blues
• Aslam Khan - City Club
• S Shiva - Sporting Youths
• SP Vijayakumar - Mohd. Sporting
• Chikka Chennaiah  - Excelsiors
• M Shiva Shankar - Rabbani
• V Shankar - Vel Socials
• Mohd. Imtiaz - Life Member
• G Appaji - Universal
• S Devoo Ghodke - Jupiters

KSFA Governing Board  Members 

• AR Khaleel - Life Member
• E Krishnanarayana - Dharmaraja Union 
• Amjad Khan - B’lore Wanderers
• SA Basaheer - Muslims Heroes
• AD Nagendra - Life Member
• S Krishnaji Rao - Vivekananda
• Sadat Ali Khan - Life Member
• M Mohan Raj - Life Member
• Sampangi Ramaiah - Life Member
• TV Maruthi - Life Member 

AIFF conducts Grassroots session ahead of FIFA Live Your Goals

AIFF Media 

The All India Football Federation conducted a two day informative Grassroots Session on June 26-27, 2015 at the new look Cooperage in Mumbai, Maharashtra, building up to the FIFA Live Your Goals, which is slated to kick-off on Sunday. (June 28, 2015)

Members of the Indian Women’s National Team and local participants from WIFA enthusiastically engaged in the session, which aims to extend the outreach of Women’s Football, whilst spraying the expertise of veterans like Bembem Devi and Bala Devi amongst the young crop, enabling them to learn from the very best.

All India Football Federation’s Technical Director Scott O’ Donell, who played a vital role in organizing this imperative workshop for Women’s Football opines that the influence of veterans will not only enable kids to learn the minute details of the game, but will also motivate them in the process.

Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, O’Donell said, “We have engineered this workshop to inspire the young crop. And that can be only done if their role models teach them. We have aimed at just that”

“It is imperative for Women’s Football to develop and extend its outreach. This Session alongwith the FIFA Live Your Goals, is one the many positive steps taken in that direction”

“It is not only satisfying but encouraging to see interest foster amongst young girls”, O’Donell added.

The 26 Participants, learn the basic fundamentals of Grassroots Football in their theory sessions. And then, emulate and spread them out for the young kids to learn, whilst engaging them with several Footballing activities.

“We are as excited as the kids to engage in this Grassroots Session”, expressed the legendary Bembem Devi to www.the-aiff.com.

“Conducting a Grassroots Session is very new to me, but I am loving the engagement with the kids. This new initiative by AIFF is bound to bloom”.

Over a course of two days, 126 girls participated in the Grassroots Session, indicating that interest is starting to foster amongst the Women of our country.

“It is always a pleasant sight to see young girls engage in Footballing activities”, opined Bala Devi.

“This is a start of something positive and something new, which will take Women’s Football in India to new heights”, she concluded. 

Former footballer Narayanswamy passes away

Former state footballer D Narayanaswamy, 78 years, passed away on 21^st at 5.30 am. 

[NOTICE] SAI Bangalore football trials

Sports Authority of India (SAI) invites budding sports persons for admission to SAI Training Centre, Bangalore for extensive training in football (boys). Selection trial will be held at 7.30 pm, June 19-20 at SAI Training Centre, Hockey Stadium, Shanthi Nagar, Bengaluru-25.

The age range is 12-18 years old and the candidate must be a medal winner in District/State and should have represented school at National-level. 

Candidates are requested to bring the following documents in trial: 

• Original copy of Date of Birth certificate issued by the Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation 
• Sports achievements certificate 
• Class studying certificate from the institution 
• Medical Fitness certificate issued by the Medical Officer
• Passport size photograph - 2 no 
• Photocopy of the above certificates attested by a Gazetted Officer

Participants are requested to appear with proper sports kit. No travelling or dearness allowance (TA DA) would be provided by SAI. 

For further details, contact on this number - 080 22221671. 

AIFF signs MOU with Sports Authority Of India

AIFF Media 

AIFF signed a historic Memorandum Of Understanding with the Sports Authority Of India in the presence of the Union Minister for Youth Affair and Sport Of India, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday, June 11, 2015.

The MOU creates a detailed roadmap for the close partnership between the AIFF and the Government of India, whilst working for the development of Football and extending the outreach of the sport in India.

Speaking on the occasion, The AIFF General Secretary, Mr. Kushal Das  said that is was imperative for the government and federations to fully develop sport in the country.

The AIFF General Secretary further outlined the basic framework of the agreement which worked on the three broad areas of coach education, talent identification and infrastructural development

The Union Minister of State-Independent Charge for Sports & Youth Affairs, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal pronounced the signing of the agreement as a significant step in the development of Football. “It is an important occasion for Indian Football and it is a matter of great pride that the SAI is entering into a collaboration with the AIFF.”

“The collaboration will be mutually beneficial for both parties as it focuses on Coach Education, talent development and talent identification, which will be an optimal progression for Indian Football in the coming future”

“The relationship is more than just giving grants and funds. And will focus on the development of Football from the Grassroots”, expressed Injeti Srinivas, DG Sports Authority of India.

“It is imperative to develop infrastructure for the evolution of the National Team. And for this the inception of training centers will be witnessed shortly”, he opined.

One SAI stadium and five training sites have already been shortlisted for use during the FIFA U 17 World Cup to be held in India in 2017.

Oman gets better of India in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier

Putting up a decent show after a horrendous first 20 minutes, host India fall down 1-2 against Oman in a FIFA 2018 World Cup football qualifying match at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Thursday. 

Much before the 19000-plus spectators settled down on their seat, Oman took the lead from a powerful show from striker Qasin Said. The goal came as early as 21st second from kick-off was an outcome from poor defending. 

The goal left the defense in tatters. As many as three defenders in Rino Anto, Dhanachandra Singh, and Lalchhuan Mawia debuted for India today. Their lack of understanding between skipper Arnad Mondal looked evident. 

However, India was quick enough to equalize on a lapse from Oman defense. Vice-captain curled an outstanding left footer from the top corner of the box. That was a stunner from Namma Bengaluru FC player which left the opponent dumbfounded.   

Hosts gained confidence and started controlling the midfield. 

It was the Indian defense again gave away a penalty to their opponent when Dhanachandra brought down Eid Mohammed inside the box. Amad Al-Hosni gave Oman 2-1 lead.  

Post lemon break, India dished out a much improved performance, keeper Paul was seen hardy in any kind of trouble. They almost got the equalizer in the 69th minute via Robin Singh, when a variation in corner flummoxed Oman defense. However, South Korean referee ruled out the goal much to the displeasure of crowd. 

India is placed in Group D in the Asian group with Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Guam. The matches will be played in home and away basis. India will be travelling to Guam for their next match. The top two teams would advance to the next round. 

Arnab Mondal to captain India against Oman

Ranked 40 places ahead of India in the current FIFA Standings, Oman’s French Coach Paul Le Guen has put the onus on the hosts of providing a stellar encounter which will test the credentials of both sides. 

The new match has a new Captain - Arnab Mondal has been chosen to lead India against Oman and Guam.

National Coach Stephen Constantine starts from almost where he had left. His last match as Indian National Team Coach in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2004 was against Oman, that too an away match. 

"Ali Al-Habsi was a promising talent at that time and had he not pulled off two spectacular saves late in the match which some other Goalkeeper may not have been able to…,” Constantine doesn’t finish it, smiles  and shrugs.

Eleven years later, Ali Al-Habsi is still there, this time at the Garden City as the Captain of the Oman National squad as the two Teams gear up for the Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification match in Bengaluru tomorrow.

“This match against Oman will be a completely different game, an entirely different level. We will be without the ball for long periods of the game. The boys would be under pressure from the very first minute by a very good Oman Team,” he maintains.

“Oman have always been a very good side and I have always have a lot of respect for them. They are not the biggest Nation in the World but the developmental process which has been on in the Country speaks for itself.” he adds. 

“I don’t select Players on reputation. When I go to watch games I don’t care where they come from, who they are, how old they are. As long as they hold an Indian Passport and if they do what I need them to do, I pick them. I think in these Competitions, every Team aims to win all their home games and try to steal something away from the Away matches.” he echoes.

New captain Arnab is honored to don the captain's armband, “It’s a rare honour for me and I want to thank Coach for giving me this honour. But this doesn’t change anything. Everyone is a Captain in their own right – right from the Coach to the other Players, the support staff. It’s not about an individual. It’s about the Team.”

A glance through the squad of 26 and one will find out that 8 among them are attending the National Team Camp for the first time. 

News from the India camp is defender Sandesh Jhingan will be mostly missing the match owing to an old injury he sustained during ISL, which resurfaced during the practice.

The kick-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on tomorrow, Thursday, June 11 is at 7 pm. 

Sony Six will telecast the match live.  

Team needs to dream big: Sandesh Jhingan

“It was way back in 2010 that I had sung my National Anthem playing for the India U-19 National side. And then it happened in Guwahati when National Coach Stephen Constantine felt me good enough for the job,” Sandesh Jhingan echoed at a 
Media Interaction in Bengaluru on Tuesday (June 9). “The moment gave me goosebumps.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest play, the best represent his Country.

“Stephen Constantine is such an inspirational man. He always demands discipline – on and off the pitch. He is a great motivator besides being a shrewd tactician. His talks gives me goosebumps,” he added.

That separates the best from the rest. The rest Coach; the best inspires and motivates you further.

“The other day Constantine took us to the Army Training Centre. It was a test of our psyche. When we first saw our Army jawans demonstrating, we all were shocked. But we went out of our comfort zone and took it on,” Jhingan, reflected.

“Constantine was one among the first to take up the challenge. That was an inspiration, an eye opener. Given his age, he raised the stakes. He just didn’t order. He led us. The first step was difficult. But once into it, you carried on.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest asks you to do it, the best leads.

“Against Oman, we need to be realistic and optimistic at the same time. Having possession for any Team always matters but it doesn’t always guarantee you success,” Jhingan opined. “It’s important to remember the instructions – both when you have, and don’t have the ball.”

“It’s a tough group. Oman are a very good side. But if you want to dream, you should never be afraid. We need to believe in the system, our abilities. The entire Team needs to dream big.”

“I am still a learner. You need to be consistent and for that, you need to be disciplined.”

Referring to his earlier injuries, Jhingan mentioned the “period taught me to get mentally tougher.”

“Even when you are down and out, you need to think positive. That’s the time where self doubts start creeping in. Obviously I was upset when I had to sit out. But now I need to deal with it. My brother has been a big pillar of strength in my life,” he informed.

There will be downs in everyone’s life. And for Jhingan, the loss in the Hero ISL Final came as a big disappointment. But his philosophy changed thereafter, courtesy a small realistic one-liner from Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

“Understandably we were depressed and that’s when someone put an arm on my shoulder. It was Tendulkar himself.”
“Get over it. It took me six attempts to win the World Cup,” he had stated.

“And it came from the best ever; perhaps the bestest,” Jhingan pronounced. “I understood that you can never quit from dreaming.”

That separates the best from the rest. The rest may quit but the best will always carry on.

Play for Nepal: East Bengal lifts Garden City Fan's Derby via penalties

When you have the biggest on-field enemies, drama is bound to happen. That was exactly the atmosphere of the Fan’s Derby organized by Love for the Game in memory of Nepal earthquake.

After a stalemate in regulation time, the match went on to the penalties. Other than the online viewers watching the live streaming on www.beamitlive.com/loveforthegame, there were few hundred supporters present on the venue, Kicks on Grass, jeering and cheering. Regulation time saw some good skills from both teams, missing with goals by a whisker. 

The derby culminated at penalties with East Bengal getting the better of Mariners@Bangalore by a narrow 4-3 margin. 

Mukul Das was adjudged the best player for Mariners@Bangalore while Jit getting the best player award for the winning team. 

The cause is ably supported by the reigning ISL- Indian Super League Champions Atlético de Kolkata! 

The organizers, Love for the Game, are not charging any participation fee for this tournament. Rather the participating teams are requested to pull money in the form of cash/cheque and hand over to the organizers on the event day. They will donate the same amount to the cause of Nepal earthquake relief.

For Nepal earthquake donations through Love for the Game do email them at loveforthegame@outlook.com or call at +91-9916798822/+91-8095264888. 

Play for Nepal partners: 

• Broadcast partner - BeamitLive
• Mobility Partner - Uber
• Banking Partner - YES BANK
• Telecom Partner - Aircel India
• Beverage Partner - Kingfisher 
• Booking Partner - Book your games
• Vehicle Partner - Pratham Motors
• Venue Partner - Kicks on Grass 
• Media Partners - Football News India, Football in Bangalore, Indian Football 

[Picture Gallery] Team building exercises for team India

AIFF Media 

Indian National Team going through Team Building exercises organised by the Indian Army at the ASC Campus, Bengaluru.

'Football is a Team Game’ every moment of everyday you get to hear it. However, building the Team by paying special emphasis on Team Building exercises to create relationships based on responsibilities towards each other have not been heard much about in Indian Football history.

On Saturday (June 6, 2015), for the first time ever, an Indian National Team took part in Team Building Exercises organised by the Indian Army. It all happened at the ASC Centre where the Men in Blue were put through obstacle courses consisting of 21 different barriers and also Team Building recreational games. 

Tickets for Oman match go on sale online

AIFF Media 

Tickets for India’s match against Oman in the Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru have gone on sale online.

Fans can book their tickets at http://www.kyazoonga.com/Sports/2018-FIFA-World-Cup-Qualifiers/1260/4#.VXKB1s-qqko.

In addition, tickets for India’s second home-match against Iran (at the same venue) on September 8, 215 are also available.

National Coach Stephen Constantine and the Players thanked the All India Football Federation for the move.

“I am very happy at the tie-up. It is very important for the Football passionate fans of Bengaluru and it’s important for the National Team to have their support. Turn out in Numbers. It’s your Country. Back the Blue,” Constatine told www.the-aiff.com.

“I also need to welcome www.kyazoonga.com on board and hope to have a good working relationship with them,” he added.

‘Spiderman’ Subrata Paul who Captained in the previous two World Cup Round 1 Preliminary matches against Nepal stressed on the “noise from the stands.”

“Indian Football is going through a transition. If you look at our squad, it’s a whole new generation who are shaping up to take on the mantle. We need a good start and it’s not possible without the support of the fans,” he stated.

“It’s your chance to stand up for your Country. Let’s put up a good show together. It’s time to make some noise. Be deafening. Back the Blue.”

Sunil Chhetri, who plays his Club Football in Bengaluru welcomed the tie-up withwww.kyazonga.com. Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, the highest Indian scorer in International Football mentioned about the passion for the sport in the Garden City.

“It’s very important match for us. Be sure that we will give our 200 percent n the ground. Hope to see you in numbers. Let’s collectively do this,” he mentioned.

Local heartthrobs Robin Singh, CK Vineeth and Hero I-League’s best Midfielder Eugenson Lyngdoh urged the fans to “throng the Stands.”

“Bengaluru has never disappointed when it comes to filling up the Fortress. Let’s do it once again for the National Team. It’s your Country, it’s our Country. Stand together on 11th. Back the Blue,” he urged.

Lyngdoh felt the fans can be the “strength” behind the Team.

“This is what we have been waiting for. I’m sure even that this is what all of you have been waiting for. Come out in numbers. Be behind the Team and be the strength to achieve this victory.”

Jackichand Singh, very recently voted the Best Player of the Hero I-League informed that he has been receiving calls for tickets.

“I have received many calls for tickets for the match. I will direct them to www.kyazonga.com. We need your support. Back the Blue,” he opined. 

Indian squad leaves for Bengaluru

AIFF Media 

The Indian National squad left for Bengaluru from New Delhi for the Preparatory camp ahead of India’s back to back Russia 2018 World Cup Preliminary Joint Qualification matches against Oman and Guam respectively.

The squad proceeded to Bengaluru after some intense training sessions at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital. The list would be further pruned to 23 for the two matches.

India play their first match at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore on June 11 while the next match against Guam will be played in Guam on June 16.

India have been clubbed in Group D along with Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Guam.

The list of 26 probables stay as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Subrata Paul (Salgaocar SC), Laishram Prem Kumar Singh (Royal Waingdoh), Sanjiban Ghosh (Mumbai FC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Stabaek FC).

DEFENDERS: Rino Anto, Lalchhuanmawia (both Bengaluru FC), Reagan Singh (Royal Wahingdoh FC), Dhanachandra Singh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Arnab Mondal, Gurwinder Singh (both Kingfisher East Bengal), Sandesh Jhingan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Augustin Fernandes (Salgaocar SC).

MIDFIELDERS: Cavin Lobo, Md. Rafique (Kingfisher East Bengal), Eugenson Lyngdoh, CK Vineeth (both Bengaluru FC), Jackichand Singh, Saityasen Singh (both Royal Wahingdoh FC), Sehnaj Singh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Dhanapal Ganesh (Pune FC), Mandar Rao Dessai, Francis Fernandes (both Dempo SC).

FORWARDS: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh (Both Bengaluru FC), Holicharan Narzary (Dempo SC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (McDowell Mohun Bagan).

Play for Nepal: Kolkata Fan's Derby in the Garden City!

Another football-filled weekend is lining up as the Garden City-based FAN-atics of McDowels Mohun bagan and Kingfisher East Bengal fight for the Fan's Derby, a charity event presented by Love for the Game organized in the memory of Nepal earthquake. 

Popularly known as the Kolkata Derby, Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal football match is one of the top 10 popular football derbies across the globe. Representing Mohun Bagan is the very popular fans group, Mariners@Bangalore and East Bengal will be represented by East Bengal in Bangalore group. 

The event will be played at Sunday, June 7, 6.30 pm at Kicks on Grass, Bellandur. 

The match will be broadcasted live over the internet via www.beamitlive.com/loveforthegame. 

The cause is ably supported by the reigning ISL- Indian Super League Champions Atlético de Kolkata! 

The organizers, Love for the Game, are not charging any participation fee for this tournament. Rather the participating teams are requested to pull money in the form of cash/cheque and hand over to the organizers on the event day. They will donate the same amount to the cause of Nepal earthquake relief.

For Nepal earthquake donations through Love for the Game do email them at loveforthegame@outlook.com or call at +91-9916798822/+91-8095264888. 

Play for Nepal partners: 

• Broadcast partner - BeamitLive
• Mobility Partner - Uber
• Banking Partner - YES BANK
• Telecom Partner - Aircel India
• Beverage Partner - Kingfisher 
• Booking Partner - Book your games
• Vehicle Partner - Pratham Motors
• Venue Partner - Kicks on Grass
• Media Partners - Football News India, Football in Bangalore, Indian Football 

Bengaluru FC retain core team

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC made a statement of intent for the coming season by handing contract extensions to Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Joshua Walker among a host of other players who formed the core of the Blues’ successful second season.
The announcement was made a day after Bengaluru secured the signatures of North Korean striker Kim Seng-Yong and Seiminlen Doungel.

Named the League’s midfielder of the 2014-15 season in which Bengaluru FC finished second, Lyngdoh penned a two-year extension that keeps him with the Blues till the end of the 2016-17 season. Fellow midfielder Joshua Walker too was handed a one-year deal with the club having the option to add another year to it.

“I am delighted to extend my stay at Bengaluru FC. I have much left to give the club and its fans and I am grateful that this new deal gives me the chance and the time to be able to do that. I have great teammates, inspiring coaches and amazing fans and cannot wait to make next season bigger,” said Lyngdoh.

Youngster Shankar Sampingiraj who was one of the League’s revelations this season with consistently mature performances was awarded a new three-year deal. Rino Anto, Lalchhuanmawia, Udanta Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, CK Vineeth and Beikhokhei Beingaichho have all been handed two-year deals while Siam Hanghal is on a one year agreement with the club having the choice to extend it at the end of the season.

“It was important to retain the core of our team. The boys, owing to the performances they turned up with this season, were the subject of interest from many teams. But we are glad we have been able to retain them and that is a testament of the vision and work ethic of Bengaluru FC. We wish the boys all the best for the coming season and have absolute confidence that they will only get better,” said Mustafa Ghouse, COO, Bengaluru FC. 

Play for Nepal: FC Bengal lifts Community Cup 2015

8 teams battled out on a knock-out basis to determine the champions of the Community Cup 2015, an 8-a-side daylong tournament organized to raise charity for the Nepal earthquake disaster. 

Finally FC Bengal got the better of ATK Fan's Club, Bengaluru and lifted the Community Cup 2015. 

Player of the Tournament was awarded to Utsav of ATK Fan's Club while Kenny of FC Bengal took away the Best Goalkeeper prize.

The event was played at Kicks on Grass, Bellandur and was broadcasted live over the internet via www.beamitlive.com/loveforthegame. 

The cause was supported by the reigning ISL- Indian Super League Champions Atlético de Kolkata! 

The organizers, Love for the Game, did not charge any participation fee for this tournament. Rather participating teams pulled money in the form of cash/cheque and handed over to the organizers on the event day. The organizers, Love for the Game, will donate the same amount to the cause of Nepal earthquake relief.

Play for Nepal partners: 

• Broadcast partner - BeamitLive
• Mobility Partner - Uber
• Banking Partner - YES BANK
• Telecom Partner - Aircel India
• Beverage Partner - Kingfisher 
• Booking Partner - Book your games
• Vehicle Partner - Pratham Motors
• Venue Partner - Kicks on Grass
• Media Partners - Football News India, Football in Bangalore, Indian Football 

Len and Kim to play for the Blues next season

Bengaluru FC media 

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signings of strikers Kim Seng-Yong and Seiminlen Doungel as the Blues are looking to build on what’s been a successful second season where they finished winners of the Federation Cup, runners-up in the I-League and made the last-16 of the AFC Cup.

North Korean Kim is no stranger to Indian football having turned out for Rangdajied United before he switched to Royal Wahingdoh last season where he played a key role in the club’s third place finish. A clinical finisher with an impressive aerial prowess, Kim will replace Australian striker Sean Rooney whose contract with the Blues has expired.

“I am extremely happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC. I consider myself lucky to have been given a chance to play for a club like this. They have done an amazing job on and off the pitch over the past two years. I am looking forward to playing under the guidance of Ashley Westwood and the rest of the staff, and I will do my best to contribute towards the team's success on all fronts,” said Kim who is on a one year deal with the club having the choice to extend it for another year.

Twenty-one-year-old Manipuri lad Doungel, who has signed a two-year deal, is the other addition to the Blues’ armoury alongside Kim.  The former East Bengal and Shillong Lajong striker said he was excited on signing for the Federation Cup champions. “It makes me happy to say that I am part of Bengaluru FC. It’s a club where I know I will improve as a player and I cannot wait to be a part of wonderful things the club does,” said Doungel.

Bengaluru FC COO, Mustafa Ghouse said the duo had caught the coaching staff’s attention for a while and that Blues were happy to have closed on their targets. “Kim and Len are both very talented players and have been on our radar for some time now. We are certain the fans will be happy to see them in the BFC blue next season, just as we are. We would also like to thank Sean Rooney whose contribution to the club in our first two season has been immense and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” said Ghouse.