Sunil Chhetri expected to trigger bidding war in ISL Player Auction

10:09 AM

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Sunil Chhetri

Star striker Sunil Chhetri spearheads the list of players who are set to go under the auctioner's hammer at the first "Player Auction" of the Indian Super League Football, which is scheduled on Friday.

Sunil Chhetri - ISL Player Auction 

The 30-year-old four-time AIFF Player of the Year and highest goal scorer for the country commands the highest base price set for the day at Rs 80 lakh and is among 10 Indian players set to feature in the auction ahead of the October 3-December 6 Season 2 of the tournament.

Other than Chhetri, who is expected to trigger an intense bidding war among the eight franchises are: Karanjeet Singh (base price Rs 60 lakh), Anas Edathodika, Arata Izumi, Robin Singh (all commanding base price of Rs 40 lakh), Thoi Singh (Rs 39 lakh), Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Rs 27.50 lakh), Jackichand Singh, Seityasen Singh (both Rs 20 lakh) and Rino Anto (Rs 17.50 lakh).

All these players, who had missed on the inaugural season of the tournament last year owning to their individual contracts with respective I-League clubs, have shown keen interest to be part of the League's Season 2.

Six of these ten players -- Chhetri, Robin Singh, Thoi Singh, Izumi, Edathodika and Karanjeet -- have signed with Football Sports Development Limited, the promoters of Hero ISL, as free agents.

Jackichand Singh and Seityasen Singh have been loaned from I- League club Royal Wahingdoh FC while Rino Anto and Eugeneson Lyngdoh are loaned from Bengaluru FC.

Additionally, an extensive list of 113 Indian players have been made available to 8 franchise club owners through the Player Draft, which is also to be held on the same day.

The eight franchises have 64 Indian players on their roster - either retained from last year or signed from the open market.

The comprehensive Draft list would help them to fill up a total of 40 positions of the Indian player quota.

Other than the celebrity club owners, that includes former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly who is to be present, each club would be represented by their head coach/ assistant coach and technical staff during the Auction and Draft.

A lot many players in the Draft list command base prices which are in excess of Rs 20 lakh.

The highest among them are free agents are: T Saran Singh (Rs 33 lakh) and Keegan Pereira (Rs 32 lakh).

Some others are: Gurjinder Kumar (Rs 27 lakh), Augustin Fernandes (Rs 26 lakh), Nicolas Colaco and Gilbert Oliveira (both Rs 23 lakh), all of them on loan from Salgaocar, and free agents Beevan D'Mello (Rs 24 lakh) and Zakeer Mundampara (Rs 23 lakh).

Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul has been pegged at a base price of Rs 22.50 lakh.

A majority of players have been fixed with base prices below Rs 10 lakh. Each franchise club has been given a salary cap of Rs 20 crore for the season to be spent on the players.

The Player Draft list has 15 goalkeepers, 35 defenders, 52 mid fielders and 11 strikers to choose from.

Goalkeepers: L Ralte, Soram Polrel, Nidhin Lal, Amrinder Singh, Lalit Thapa, Nikhil Bernard, Albino Gomes, Luis Baretto, Abhra Mondal, Ravi Kumar, L Premkumar Singh, L Bishojit Singh, Kunzang Bhutia, Debjit Majumder and Shilton Paul.

Defenders: Keegan Periera, Chinta Chandrashekhar Rao, Justin Stephen, Prabir Das, Rahul Bheke, Avinabo Bag, Matthew Gonsalves, Raju Yumnam, Salam Ranjan Singh, Munmun Lugun, Zohimnglinna Ralte, C Lallawmzuala, Lalchhawnkima, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Reagan Singh, Augustin Fernandes, Brian Mascheranas, Gilbert Oliviera, Nicolau Colaco, Keenan Almeida, Ngouba Singh, Samuel Shadap, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Jessel Carneiro, Shouvik Ghosh, Sukhen Dey, Sadsh Singh, Zodingliana Ralte, Samir Naik, Deepak Devrani, Govin Singh, Biswajit Saha, Naoba Singh, Anupam Sarkar and Rakesh Masih.

Midfielders: Shankar Sampingiraj, Shilton D'Silva, Slam Hanghal, Malemnganba Meitel, Gunashekar Vignesh, Fulganco Cardozo, Alwyn George, Germanpreet Singh, Abhinash Ruidas, Lalkamal Bhowmick, Sehnaj Singh, Collin Abranches, Reisangmei Vashum, Ashutosh Mehta, Sampath Kutty Mani, Dhanpal Ganesh, Fanai Lalrempuia, Lalramluaha Hmar, Nikhil Kadam, Vellington Rocha, Marlangki Suting, Calvin Lobo, Prohlad Roy, Mohammad Rafique, Bikash Jairu, Karma Tsewang, Thangjam Saran Singh, Zakeer Mundampara, Joseph Lalfakzuala, Beevan D'Mello, Cajetan Fernandes, Peter Carvalho, Pratesh Shirodkar, Rowllin Borges, Velito Cruz, C Laldinmawia, Malsawmtluanga, A Sushil Meitei, Loken Meitei, Pradeep Mohanraj, Aayushman Chaturvedi, Brandon Fernandes, Bineesh Balan, Tirthankar Sarkar, Manish Bhargav, Jalson Vales, Tapan Maitry, Steven Dias, Prateek Shinde, Gurjinder Kumar, Sushant Matthew and Asif Kottayil.

Strikers: Beikhokhei Beingaichho, CK Vineeth, Uttam Rai, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Aslon Oliveira, Sumeet Passi, Victorino Fernandes, Pankaj Moula, Manandeep Singh, Durga Boro and Milagres Gonsalves.

Source: indiatimes

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Sunil Chhetri becomes first Indian to score 50 international goals

8:57 PM

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Sunil Chhetri

Prolific striker Sunil Chhetri on Tuesday became the first Indian footballer to score 50 international goals during his team's 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Guam.

File picture of Sunil Chhetri

Chhetri's feat, though, came in a losing cause, as India suffered their second successive defeat in the preliminary joint qualification second round.

"Number of goals never matter for me. I never keep track of feats. I just play for my nation," Chhetri said after the match ended in a 1-2 defeat for the visitors.

Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia stays at the second spot with 42 goals in 107 matches while IM Vijayan has 40 goals from 79 games. This meanwhile, was Chhetri's 87th match.

After Guam took a two-goal lead by scoring in each half, Chhetri reduced the margin for the visitors in added time, heading in a cross from the right.

For the record, it was Chhetri who scored India's all the goals in the team's four joint preliminary round 2018 World Cup qualifying games so far.

Source; firstpost

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Sunil Chhetri Highest paid Indian footballer in ISL (Indian Super League)

9:29 PM

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Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, not surprisingly, is on top of the charts with a base price of Rs 80 lakh and looks to be the best-paid Indian footballer after being guaranteed Rs 1.55 crore for the second edition of ISL (Indian Super League). Even if Chhetri fetches only his base price at the auction, the India striker will pick up what he has signed up for, with Bengaluru FC agreeing to pay him an additional Rs 75 lakh as his loan fee.

Sunil Chhetri Highest paid player of Indian Super League

The player auction for the second edition of the Indian Super League will be held on July 10 in  in Mumbai.The Indian Super League (ISL) has finalized the ten players that will be up for grabs at the first ever auction of Indian footballers.

Players for ISL auction with their base prices 

Sunil Chhetri (Rs 80 lakh), Karanjit Singh (Rs 60 lakh), Robin Singh (Rs 40 lakh), Izumi Arata (Rs 40 lakh), Anas Edethodika (Rs 40 lakh), Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Rs 27.50 lakh), Thoi Singh (Rs 39 lakh), Jackichand Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Setyasen Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Rino Anto (Rs 17.50 lakh)

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Israil Gurung Signs Up With Vitória de Guimarães Portugal

8:26 AM

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sports news

Portugal second divisional football league Vitoria de Guimaraes have hired Israil Gurung .

Israil Gurung Signs Up With Vitória de Guimarães Portugal

Following on the great traditions set forth by the Indian Soccer legends Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri Kalimpong lad Israil Gurung is all set to play for an European Club.

Following his outstanding performance for Pune City FC, Israil has been hired along with fellow Indian Manish Maithani to play for the second division Portuguese football side Vitoria de Guimaraes.

We wish Israil luck and pray for his success... you Sir are super talented and we are sure you will bring glory to our beloved Darjeeling hills and India. - The Darjeeling Chronicle

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Sagar Hang Limboo a rising gorkha footballer from Assam

10:50 AM

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sports news

Sagar Hang Limboo has come a long way from his small tea estate village of Tipling in the Dibrugarh District of Assam to the shores of Goa. It has not been an easy journey for this youngster but he has made it thus far. Currently he is playing professional football for one of the top clubs of India, Churchill Brothers, he is already a player who is looked up by the youngsters of his village as he has showed them a way, if you have the the passion and compensate that with hard work it does not matter where you come from. Limboo plays as a forward and has knack for scoring crucial goals.

Sagar Hang Limboo 

Limboo started playing serious football from standard VIII when was selected to represent his school team. His talent was quickly noticed by the Duliajan Football Academy where he honed his talent from 2007~2009. During his time at DFA, Limboo was selected to represent Assam state team in the Under~14 Nationals. He then joined Sports Authority of India (Guwahati) for one year which further helped him to improve his football skills, it was not long before his talent was spotted by Assam State Electricity Board, one of the most successful and popular teams of the state. Limboo was an integral part of ASEB team where he spent 2 years giving impressive performance in the Guwahati League. While at ASEB he also played in Dr T. Aoa tournament and Under 19 Nationals for Assam.

While playing a tournament in Siliguri, Limboo was noticed by a senior footballer, who was impressed by his game and he put forward Limboo's name to the Kolkata Police Athletic Club which plays in Calcutta Premier League. He was called for trails but it took a lot of time for the Police to decide on Limboo, So he became a bit frustrated and decided to try his luck at Mohammedan Sporting Club where the coach liked him but again the senior footballer who had taken him to Kolkata convinced him to join the Police team, so finally Limboo donned the colours of the Kolkata Police Athletic Club in the Kolkata League. He scored 4 goals in the qualifying rounds.

Limboo also got a chance to play with Kolkata Giants, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting, teams which he had till now watched just on TV and heard about their rich history and exploits from his father. Limboo said "It was like a dream come true for me to play with the big clubs of India, I had heard and watched their matches and suddenly I was playing with them".
Now Limboo has signed for Churchill Brothers and is training hard to further improve his skills. Limboo also has that ultimate dream of playing for the National team one day. Only time will tell if this dream of his will come true but for now this boy from Tipling is looking right on the course.

Source: Hill Football News Network (HFNN)

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Sunil Chhetri lifted the Federation Cup for Bengaluru FC

2:09 PM

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Sunil Chhetri

MARGAO: Sunil Chhetri lifted the Federation Cup for the first time in his long career on Sunday. The India captain not only scored the first goal for his team but also shared the top-scorer's honours with Dempo's Tolgay Ozbey.

Sunil Chhetri

And in doing so, Chhetri also became the first Indian player to finish as (joint) top scorer in both I-League as well as the following Federation Cup.

"I'm part of a very good team. We performed as a team. Every goal was a collective effort and we celebrated it as a team effort. We play as a team and we score as a team. That's our key to success," Chhetri said after the match.


Coach Ashley Westwood said, "We always wanted to show (to our critics) that winning the I-League last season was not a fluke. By winning the Federation Cup, we have proved that we are a good side and we are going in the right direction. The team's efforts in the last couple of weeks, not just today, have been magnificent. - timesofindia


Margao: Bengaluru FC lifted their maiden Federation Cup football tournament title when they edged past 10-man Dempo FC 2-1 in the summit clash here on Sunday.

Sunil Chhetri (10th minute) and substitute Robin Singh (65th) scored for the winners while Tolgay Ozbey (45+4) pulled one back for the home team at Nehru Stadium at Fatorda here.

This was the second major title for Bengaluru FC in their two years of existence. They have won the I-League last season.

For Dempo FC, who won the title in 2004, they finished runners-up for the fifth time.

Bengaluru FC defender Curtis Osano was declared the Hero of the Match and was awarded Rs 10,000. Dempo's Romeo Fernandes, who scored four goals, was named Hero of the Tournament and earned Rs one lakh.

Both the teams came into this match with unbeaten records and there was not much to separate between the two teams till the hour mark.

But the complexion of the game changed after Bengaluru FC took the lead, which turned out to be the match-winner, in the 65th minute and then Dempo were reduced to 10 men three minutes later as defender Rowilson Rodrigues was shown a direct red card by referee Pratap Singh for a dangerous foul on Thoi Singh.

The match started at a slow pace but Bengaluru FC took the early lead as they earned a penalty after Dempo defender Haroon Fakhruddin pushed Eugenseson Lyngdoh down inside the box while going for an aerial ball from a flag kick taken on the left.

Chhetri did not make any mistake from the spot, beating keeper Laxmikant Kattimani to his right to score his sixth goal of the tournament.

Dempo FC were unlucky not to earn a penalty midway in the first half as referee Pratap apparently did not see defender John Johnson elbowing Romeo Fernandes inside the Bengaluru box.

Dempo striker Tolgay Ozbey, who was equal with Chhetri on five goals coming into this match, got a chance but his effort missed the target by a whisker.

Dempo's persistent attack finally paid off as they earned a penalty in the stoppage time of the first half. John Johnson blocked Haroon Fakhruddin inside the box as he was running for the ball and the referee awarded the penalty.

Tolgay Ozbey took the penalty and blasted the ball to the right of keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte to score his sixth goal and remain on equal terms with Chhetri as both the team went 1-1 at half time.

Bengaluru started better in the second session and enjoyed better ball possession and took the lead in the 65th minute when a move on the right saw Thoi Singh send a measured cross for substitute Robin Singh to nod home a powerful header past a diving Laxmikant Kattimani.

Dempo suffered a double blow three minutes later when defender Rowilson Rodrigues was shown a direct red card by the referee for a dangerous foul on Thoi Singh.

The visitors, who enjoyed the numerical advantage, had a couple of close chances to increase the lead but first a Chhetri header was saved by the keeper by diving to his left and then Francis Fernandes made a goal-line save.

Dempo nearly equalised from a counter attack but substitute Holicharan Nazaray, who was unmarked inside the box, failed to score off a cross from the left by Haroon Fakhurddin.

Dempo repeatedly found themselves under pressure in the last 10 minutes with Francis Fernandes once again making a goal-line save off Sean Rooney's header after the keeper was beaten. - sports.ndtv

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Saheed Gold Cup 2014 to begin soon in Kurseong

7:59 AM

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sports news

The Kurseong Gorkha Hill Sports Association in association with the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, GTA is organising the second edition of Invitational Knock-out Saheed Gold Cup Football Tournament 2014.

Saheed Gold Cup 2014 to begin soon in Kurseong

The tournament is scheduled to begin from January 19 next year and will be held at Goethals Memorial School Ground in the town. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.1lakh, while the runner up will receive Rs 50,000, along with citations and trophies. The finale of the tournament is slated for January 30, 2015. (HS)

Source: EOI

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Sunil Chhetri declared 'AIFF Player of the Year' for the third time

8:48 AM

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sports news

Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri was declared 'AIFF Player of the Year' for the third time in four years while Bala Devi has been declared the 'Woman Player of the Year'.

Sunil Chhetri was declared 'AIFF Player of the Year' for the third time

Sandesh Jhingan, who played for Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), was declared the 'Emerging Player of the Year'.

Chhetri was chosen the winner on basis of votes from coaches from I-League clubs, according to an All India Football Federation (AIFF) release.

Bala Devi scored 16 goals to help India retain the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) women's crown in Islamabad. The 24-year-old would be presented Rs.1 lakh besides a trophy.

Chhetri, who had also won the award in 2013 will be presented a prize of Rs.2 lakh besides a trophy. This is his third award for him in four Years and fourth overall. In the process, he overtook I.M. Vijayan's feat of winning it three times.

"It's humbling to be awarded the prestigious Award for a record fourth time. I've said this before and reiterate that while the accolades and awards may be fulfilling, it is the love for doing what I do best that keeps me going," Chhetri said.

"There are some great names in the list who have received the award earlier and winning it for the fourth time makes me feel proud. If you look at the list there have been many whom I have been lucky to play along with and there have been some whom I have always looked up to during my school days."

The 30-year-old said that this award will motivate him to improve his game.

"It means a lot to me. It's an inspiration to further improve and meet the responsibilities and expectations which come along it. That all the Coaches found be competent to receive the Award is a huge honour for me."

Source: timesofindia

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The Unmatched Charm and Beauty of ‘Inter-Jorebungla’

11:08 AM

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sports

Writes: Upendra for The Darjeeling Chronicle

If you have ever been curious as to why they call football ‘a beautiful game’ you should come to Jorebungla during the football season. Now don’t ask me when that is? Because no one knows for certain, but we love football and play it with gusto, ask anyone who is from Jorebungla, or even those who know of Jorebungla, they will all agree to one thing, there is no better example of the ‘beautiful game’ than inter-Jorebungla tournaments.

Current Garidhura team

Basically football has been very popular in Darjeeling hills from time immemorial, and of the many clubs that are renowned all over Darjeeling, the Ghoom-Jorebunglow Sporting Club (GJSC or more popularly known as GJ) stands out as one of the most loved clubs. Each match of GJ is watched by thousands of fans from Jorebungla and Ghoom region, who travel in style – hundreds of trucks, land rovers, zongas, maruti vans and buses.

If we were in Argentina, I am sure GJ fans would be like the Boca Junior fans, in England like the Liverpool fans, in Germany like the Dortmund fans, in Spain like the Barcelona fans, in old India like the Mohun Bagan fans, and in new India like the North-East United fans.

Loud, Proud, Rowdy and Fanatical!!

Tales are told to the young ones in Jorebungla about the football glory days of GJ, and how it was actually the fans who helped win this tournament and not really the players. That when once the team did not win the final game, how a GJ fan from Jorebungla actually stole the winner’s cup and brought it home, his only comment after revealing the cup in Jorebungla – “La tero cup” and the whole football mad fans are supposed to have cried out in unison –

“harye panee… jitye panee… GJ – GJ”

Legends of Darjeeling football like Dil Prasad Rai (ex-Darjeeling Police and Bhutan National Team Coach), Suren Pakhrin – JOJO (ex-Aryan Football Club), Kundan Thapa, Dhaneshwar Prasad, Uttam Gurung all represented GJ at various stages in their career, and it was these legend whose legacies the people of Ghoom-Jorebungla were expected to carry forward.

Back in 1990s DGHC had started this Mahakal Cup which was famed for giving away Rs 1 Lakh as prize, back then GJ had split into two GJ and Shiva Shakti, and if I remember correctly Shiva Shakti won the tournament all three times before they stopped hosting it.

One of the most memorable games from one edition of the tournament was played between Shiva Shakti and Darjeeling Police, it was the semi-final game played at Lebong Ground, almost everyone above the age of 12 from Ghoom-Jorebungla had I think gone to see the match. It was a festive affair, till when Gopal referee erroneously awarded a goal to the Police team, which the GJ players objected to, as the linesman had lifted the offside flag. Following the protest by GJ players, Gopal referee decided to not award the goal and awarded a free kick to GJ instead.

This pissed off the police players, who were already down by two goals I think, and they started to misbehave with the referee, to the extent, one of them in fact landed a punch on the referee. It went downhill after that, apparently Mr. Gopal’s wife or daughter was in the stands, saw it all happen and could not stop herself. She entered the ground, got Gopal referee to take off his jersey and she started to tear it up right there on the ground, amidst loud cheer from all the GJ fans.

The police team could not take it anymore and there was a scuffle amongst players, to which GJ fans naturally reacted and started to shout and yell against the police team, at this the police who were there on duty to maintain peace lost their cool and ended up hitting one of the GJ fans – it was pandemonium after that.

I won’t go into details of what happened, but let me put it this way, the police team, and the police on duty themselves had to be escorted out safely by senior GJ functionaries – go figure. Later on our way back home from Lebong, each of the vehicle full of GJ supporters stopped in front of the home guard office in Darjeeling town and chanted

“Sungur ko Pattha…. Police Ja**ha”

No policemen or women dared come outside to stop us.

Such is the passion when it comes to football in Jorebungla and also by extension Ghoom. But this article is not about GJ, it’s about the best and most honest football tournaments in the world “Inter-Jorebungla.”

When I was growing up, there were a few teams that were notoriously legendary even within Jorebungla. Milan Samity – one of the main football teams of Jorebungla, which was a feeder for GJ, other one was Rising Sun from Diary which had the legendary goal keeper Suren Subba (popularly known as langade Suren in Jorebungla), Tiger 7 which consisted of players who worked in tourism office up there in Tiger Hill, and Young Blood – which consisted of upstarts and younger crops of players who were sort of a rebel team from Garidhura-Bichgaon, and even their goal keeper Late. Palu Wangdi was legendary.

Within Jorebungla the legend of Palu and Suren’s enmity is so profound that I could write a whole article dedicated to them. But both were goal keepers from rival teams, and notoriously anti-each-other.

One of the game which I still remember was being played between Rising Sun whose goalkeeper was Suren and Young Blood whose goalkeeper was Palu, something had happened and the game was on hold. The two teams were sitting on the ground in their respective half, and the crowd was all, you know, being crowd – “dhilo bhaa… paisa farka” kinds…

So Palu starts walking towards the other half, remember he is a goal keeper hai, gets past the halfway mark and all of a sudden starts to yell – “Surennnnnnnnnn… Tero A**… K bhanis toiley malai…” and ran towards Suren… and before Suren could get up, stuck him with a Vogals boot (do you remember thsoe?), Suren was flat on the ground… and Palu left the field. The game was abandoned after that.

I mean where else do you get to see such action in the middle of a football tournament?

When I started to play soccer, basically there were three main tournaments that used to be hosted, Tik Hang Memorial organized by the Four Square club – which consisted of two Dimple and two Pema and hence the name Four Square Club - in the memory of late Tik Hang Subba who had unfortunately drowned while swimming – this was inter-Samesty tournament. Another was Sushil Memorial organized by 7 Brothers Club in the memory of Late. Sushil Subba who had died due to a disease when he was in the prime of his life, and the Dil Prasad Rai Memorial which was organized by the Regent’s Club.

All the games were played in 7 a side format, with 2 reserve players each and was held at Rangbull Ground. If you want to see a naturally gorgeous football ground, check out Rangbull Ground, it is hands down one of the best naturally developed football ground in Darjeeling.

What makes Inter-Jorebungla football tournaments amazingly beautiful is not the quality of the play or the player, but the festivity which surrounds the games. People from all walks of life, in all physical shape join the tournament, with majority joining to play for fun, instead of wanting to win the tournament.

If you don’t believe me check out some of the team names, they are a dead give-away to how much fun Inter-Jorebungla actually is – here are some samples:

Bol Bam - Consisting of players who were Shiva Bhakta of the other kind
Mango 7 – Named after the team captain whose head was shaped like a Mango
Khaini 7 – Consisting of players, who all consumed khaini
Thaili 7 – Consisting of players with deep pockets, mostly from business community
Kheldyum 7 – Consisting of players who wanted to play
Phipsing 7 – Consisting of players renowned for their love of Phipsing
Water Supply – Consisting of players who work as drivers and cleaners in water tanks

There was also a team called Lashkar-e-Tayiba once

There is no doubt in my mind that if there is honest football played anywhere in the world, it has to be in Jorebungla. No one is playing to win, but everyone is playing for fun.

The players are crazy you might think, the fans are even crazier, cheers of:

'Liti-Piti Liti-Piti - Swattai Goal'

'Rangbull ko Ground ma - Bhoom-Chyaak Bhoom-Chyaak'

'Kipper Kasto - Chumbak Jasto'

'Defense Kasto - Bhitta Jasto'

'Forward Kasto - Chituwa Jasto'

'Kolley Jityooo - Hameee Le'

and if there was a good player on the opposite side, chants of

'Kangba-la tey-tye... Kangba-la tyer' [Kangba = foot in Tibetan, rest you can add up]

could be heard all around the ground...

If someone fell the whole ground would start singing - 'Tandarustee ki Raksha Karta Hai Lifeboy....'

If the goalkeeper was not good, shouts of 'Tyo goalkeeper chalni jastoi cha... chuncha... chuncha... tadoi bara haan' could be heard.

If the goalkeeper refused to dive to save a ball, the whole ground would shout out 'Lar na oie lar... Buru mo luga dhui-dinchu'

Every once in a while, fights would break out between the supporters, instead of the players... sometime even the ladies would get involved.

But don’t let the names of various teams fool you, as they do not suggest the quality of those playing... my own peers were amazing players - everyone in Jorebungla even to this day talk of Debrey Pritam, his left foot was so potent that if he got the ball to go to his left foot, chances that he would score were very high, his right one was useless though. Then there was Scissor Karma – his scissor shot was legendary for having gone with such force that it tore the net. Then there was Diving Ganesh – whose prowess in front of the net was unmatched – one of the best goal keepers in our days.

But along with the good players, were players like me – Limit 15 minutes

The most I could seriously play was for 15 minutes, and then I had to look for someone to substitute me. Majority of the players were like me.

There was this daju whose name I won’t take, let’s call him Mr S… he was legendary in that he was a Captian of his team in all the tournaments – year in and year out Mr. S would show up with his immaculately dressed team. Funny thing was that he would be on the ground till the formality of the handshakes were done with, as soon as the toss was over and the pictures clicked, he would be out in the sideline.. cheering his team… imagine a Captain sitting out as substitute even before the game had begun.

Yes! He was the one paying the join fees, so undoubtedly he would be the Captain, but as far as playing was concerned, that was not his job.

Funny things like that you know, how you miss when you are grown up.

The team from our village Garidhura, were hopeless in Football, we were good in Cricket but in football we were hopeless. When we played, the score line would read 2-7, with us scoring 2 or 1-8 with us scoring 1. But it never mattered. After playing the game, when we got home, everyone in the village would ask what was the score and if we said say 1-9 they would be very supportive and say… “1 ta diyecha nee… syaabas”… and if we said “2-6” then they would be like… “Amamama dui halyeko? Ramro khelyecha ta hai es palee ta.”

Where else can you find such beauty, simplicity and supportiveness?

Of late our team has improved though, younger players are starting to perform better, and there is a hope that may be, just may be Garidhura may win a football tournament someday soon.

Since I was away from home astee, my younger brother sent me a message, it simply read “Daa 4-5” I couldn’t believe my ears Garidhura scoring 4 in a tournament? Is unheard of… Man the kids have improved these days… so I asked them against whom? and he goes, “Water Supply.”

Now that is the Unmatched Charm and Beauty of ‘Inter-Jorebungla’

[In Pics: 1 Garidhura football team (the one that scored 4 recently) 2014, Pic 2: King's Birthday Cup finals Darjeeling XI vs Mahendra Police via: The Darjeeling Football Society. http://on.fb.me/1zaKC3G showing legendary football players from Ghoom and rest of Darjeeling]

Source: The Darjeeling Chronicle

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Pune FC ‘A’ set out for Gorkha Gold Cup in Darjeeling

11:04 PM

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sports news

Pune FC will be represented by the youth of their academy set up at the XV All India Brigade of Gorkha Gold Cup 2014, at Darjeeling which begins Monday.

Pune FC ‘A’ set out for Gorkha Cup in Darjeeling

The team comprises of seventeen players of the Peninsula Pune Football Club Academy (PPFCA) Under-19 squad and two members – Henry Monsang and Subhasish Bose – from the Pune FC Senior team.

The 19-member squad that left Pune to participate in the tournament for the first time will figure as Pune FC ‘A’ at Darjeeling.

The tournament more popularly known as the Gold Cup is being organized by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Sports Association (DGHSA) in association with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sports and Youth Affairs department.

For Pune FC ‘A’, the tournament is the second all-India tournament of the season. Earlier, the team figured in the 63rd Bordoloi Trophy and exit in the quarterfinal stage losing 1-3 to Oil India Limited Football Club, Duliajan.

Coach Naushad Moosa said, “It’s a learning experience for the boys. Seasoned teams are expected to participate in Darjeeling and we hope to put on a better show than the last time. The boys are confident and we are hoping for the best.”

Pune FC ‘A’ has been directly seeded into the quarterfinals and begins their campaign against Assam’s Salhbagan FC at the Gorkha Stadium, Lebong on Tuesday, 11th November, 2014 at 12.30pm.

THE TEAM

Goalkeeper(s): Sukhadev Patil, Tanmay Bhattacharjee

Defender(s): Henry Monsang, Balkar Singh, Manoranjan Singh, Dimple Bhagat, Asheer Akhtar, Subhasish Bose

Midfielder(s): Jesmon Soares, Pradeesh Clement, Md. Ashique Kuruniyan, Altamash Sayed,  Sanchayan Sammader, Chesterpaul Lyngdoh, Myron Mendes, Sanik Murmu

Striker(s): Arif Shaikh, Farukh Choudhry, Akshay

Officials

Coach: Naushad Moosa, Asst. Coach: Mohan Dass, Physio: Lino Sequeira


Source: footyshekkeer

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15th All India Brigade of Gurkha’s Gold Cup from November 8 to 16 in Darjeeling

10:30 AM

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sports news

The 15th edition of the All India Brigade of Gurkha’s Gold Cup (AIBGGC) football tournament- an annual activity in the Darjeeling Hills- will be held from November 8 to 16. This will be the second time in this year that the tournament would be held.

All India Brigade of Gurkha’s Gold Cup

The tournament more popularly known as the Gold Cup is being organized by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Sports Association (DGHSA) in association with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sports and Youth Affairs department.

“This year we are organizing two editions- the 14th and the 15th - of the tournament. In 2013 we could not hold the tournament because of certain reasons and so we made up for the loss by holding

it earlier this year in February,” said working president of the AIBGGC Dawa Lama,  while announcing the tourney on Wednesday in Darjeeling.

This year, 12 teams from Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Sikkim and Darjeeling are participating in the tournament which includes premier clubs like Pune Football Club, Dalhousie Football Club, ONGC Mumbai and the Army XI.

The Gold Cup was revived in 2010 after nearly 25 years of suspension because of the Gorkhaland agitation since 1986. The tournament could not be held in 2012 and 2013.

Source :EOI

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Bhaichung Bhutia Inducted in AFC Hall of Fame

2:02 PM

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sports news

Former Indian National Team Captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted to the AFC’s (Asian Football Confederation's ) Hall of Fame, a letter from Dato Alex Soosay, General Secretary, Asian Football Confederation, to All India Football Federation, confirmed.

Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted to the AFC’s (Asian Football Confederation's ) Hall of Fame

“The AFC is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in Philippines on November 30 this year where a joint event will take place to celebrate the Anniversary as well as reward Asia’s finest at the AFC Annual Awards,” the letter read.

“It is my pleasure to announce that India’s legendary Player Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has been selected to be honoured as an inductee to the AFC”s Hall of Fame.”

Besides Bhaichung, nine other legendary Players from Asia would also be honoured. The Awards are being instituted for the first time and Bhaichung is the sole Indian in the glittering list.

In his congratulatory message, Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF said: “Bhaichung has been the flag bearer of Indian Football in over 100 International matches. My heartiest congratulations to him! Post retirement, he has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of the sport in the Country.”

Congratulating Bhaichung, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, stated: “It’s a huge honour for Indian Football. Being an inductee into AFC’s Hall of Fame is recognition of all his hard work and commitment. We at AIFF are very proud of his achievements and look forward for his involvement as we move ahead.”

Bhaichung thanked AFC for selecting him into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s a great honour for me. I need to thank AFC for finding me competent enough. I also need to thank All India Football Federation for their continous support.”

“Obviously it won’t have ever been possible without the support of all my teammates whom I have played along with and also the Coaches for their guidance and Clubs I have represented. A special thanks for all my fans for standing beside me. This Award more for you than mine,” he maintained.

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Peter Biaksangzuala died as he landed awkwardly while celebrating a goal

6:48 PM

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Video

The 23-year-old Peter Biaksangzuala Indian footballer damaged his spinal cord doing a somersault after scoring an equaliser for Bethlehem Vengthlang FC against Chanmari West FC in a state level game in the Mizoram Premier League.

Peter Biaksangzuala died as he landed awkwardly while celebrating a goal

Peter was taken to hospital and had surgery, but passed away.

It has been a sad day for Mizoram football and the demise of the footballer shook his team-mates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram.

Watch The Video

"Peter was a defensive midfielder who had always been aggressive and hard working, a true team player.

Source: bbc, KYZ TUBE

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Gorkhali footballer Israil Gurung from Kalimpong Hills in ISL

10:36 PM

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sports news

Indian Gorkha footballer  Israil Gurung from Kalimpong Hills in ISL playing for FC Pune City his position in the team is of a Midfielder/Striker.

Gorkhali Israil Gurung from Kalimpong Hills in ISL

Name:  Israil Gurung
Date of birth: 2 April 1989 (age 25)
Place of birth: India (Kalimpong)
HEIGHT (CM)172
Playing position: Striker
Current team: Mohammedan
ISL Team: FC Pune City
Nationality: Indian

Biography
The diminutive Israil Gurung learnt the ropes in the loping hills of Kalimpong and Shillong before he was picked by the Sports Authority of India for further training. The teenager however moved to Delhi for his first professional stint with Hindustan FC where he blossomed under the encouraging care of Bernard Oparanozie who then sent him to Clifford Chukwuma at Sporting Clube de Goa. Gurung instead found a new home at the Sesa Football Academy who play in the second division. It was an important learning curve in Gurung’s career and Churchill Brothers soon came calling for the utility player who can play along both wings or in an attacking midfield role. He has gained a reputation as a super sub who can come in and make decisive interventions or score critical goals and has been part of the successful run of the Varca-based club.

Career Highlights

• Stint with Hindustan FC was the launch pad for a successful career.
• Winner, I-League (2012-13), with Churchill Brothers, Durand Cup (2013) and IFA Shield (2014) with Mohammedan Sporting.
• Scored vital goals when it mattered for Churchill Brothers.

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Nadong Bhutia from Kalimpong in ISL (Indian Super League)

3:06 PM

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sports news

Nadong Bhutia is an Indian Gorkha footballer from Kalimpong he is playing for Mumbai City FC in Forward position (striker) in Indian Super League (ISL).

Nadong Bhutia from Kalimpong in ISL (Indian Super League)

So far in ISL Kalimpong footballer Nadong Bhutia came as a substitute early in the first half for Mumbai City FC against Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata in the ISL inaugural match. He made untiring runs in the biggest stage of his career so far.

Name:Nadong Bhutia
Birth: (25 November 1993)
Place of birth:Kalimpong, India
Position:Forward
ISL Team: Mumbai City FC
Nationality:Indian

BIOGRAPHY

Nadong Bhutia is an up and coming striker from Kalimpong who has great pace and physicality and a good finish too. He regularly got onto the score sheet for United Sikkim during their sojourn in the I-League in 2012-13 but moved to I-league Division II club Eagles FC the following season for more playing time.

MAJOR CLUBS

United Sikkim
Eagles FC

Source: Wiki and indiansuperleague

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Sanju Pradhan Indian Gorkha footballer in Indian Super League - ISL

1:59 PM

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sports news

Sanju Pradhan is an Indian Gorkha footballer who is playing for Atlético de Kolkata, an Indian Super League (ISL) football franchise based in Kolkata. Pradhan playes as a Winger for Dempo on loan from IMG RELIANCE. Pradhan is considered one of the brightest players coming up into the seniors levels of professional football.

Sanju Pradhan Indian Gorkha footballer in Indian Super League - ISL

Name:Sanju Pradhan
Born: August 15, 1989 (age 25), West Sikkim district, India
Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m)
Weight: 139 lbs (63 kg)
Position: Midfielder
Career start: 2006
Current teams: Dempo S.C. (#15 / Midfielder), India national football team (Midfielder)
ISL Team: Atlético de Kolkata
Nationality: Indian

BIOGRAPHY
Sanju Pradhan is a product of the Sikkim government’s ‘Search for more Baichung Bhutias’ scheme and schooled at the Namchi Sports Hostel and Sports Academy of Sikkim. After a good outing in the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup, the youngster was spirited away by Bimal Ghosh to Air-India where the attacking midfielder-cum-right winger made his made his mark thanks to his dribbling skills, scoring ability and high work rate. The big clubs sought him out but it was East Bengal which secured his signature and added the Sikkimese sensation to their roster in 2008. A junior India player, Pradhan established himself as a pivotal figure in the red & gold camp during his five-year stay in Kolkata and also broke through to the senior national team, making his debut against Syria in the Nehru Cup 2012. It was a winning debut, the international honour sitting well with the two Federation Cup medallions, IFA Shield and Indian Super Cup titles that Pradhan has amassed so far.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Has won two Federation Cup medallions, IFA Shield and Super Cup.
• Won Nehru Cup with national team in 2012.
• Was named captain of East Bengal in 2011.

MAJOR CLUBS
Air India
East Bengal
Dempo

Source: indiansuperleague

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Robin Gurung and Nirmal Chettri Gorkha Footballers in ISL

11:30 AM

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sports news

Robin Gurung and Nirmal Chettri Indian Gorkha footballers playing in the first ever Indian Super League (ISL) which is India's newest and most exciting football league. Both the footballers hail from Sikkim and have earned their reputation playing as a defender for reputed Football Clubs across nation.

Robin Gurung and Nirmal Chettri Gorkha Footballers in ISL  Indian Super League

Robin Gurung

Robin Gurung is an Indian footballer who plays as a defender for Shillong Lajong in the I-League.
Born: 1992, Sikkim, India
Height: 5' 8" (1.72 m)
Position: Defender
Career start: 2010
Current team: ONGC F.C. (#15 / Defender)
ISL team: NorthEast United FC
Nationality: Indian
Gurung, a defender, has signed for Indian Super League Team - NorthEast United FC, co-owned and operated by Bollywood star John Abraham and Shillong Lajong FC.

Robin, a good technical defender first turned up in the year 2002, in the Under-12 category at Namchi Sports hostel, South Sikkim and also picked up for the Subroto Cup squad Under-14 to New Delhi, a NE United release said.

He signed his first professional contract with ONGC Mumbai in 2009 and then joined Rangdajied United in 2011. He returned to ONGC in 2012 and then Lajong FC signed the 22 year old defender.

Biography
Robin Gurung is a technically gifted player who can play any role in the defence. He initially played football just for fun but once his potential was recognised, friends and seniors asked him to take it up seriously. He was part of the Namchi Sports Hostel set up in South Sikkim and he shifted to the senior wing in Gangtok in 2008. Earlier, he was also a part of the Subroto Cup under-14 exposure trip to New Delhi. Gurung has played for ONGC in 2009, Rangdajied United in 2011 and moved back to ONGC in 2012 before eventually coming over to Shillong Lajong during the 2013-14 season.

Career Highlights

• Man of the match as ONGC humbled Dempo 3-1 in the I-League at New Delhi in Nov 2012.
• Man of the match as ONGC held Shillong Lajong 1-1 in the I-League at Shillong in April 2013.

Nirmal Chettri

Nirmal Chettri, also a defender, after beginning his footballing career in 2000 with Namchi Sports Hostel has played for reputed clubs like Air India, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Mohammedan. Chettri has been signed by Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL football league.

Full name Nirmal Chettri
Date of birth 21 October 1990 (age 23)
Place of birth Melli, Sikkim, India
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Playing position Center back
ISL team: Kerala Blasters FC
Nationality: Indian

Nirmal Chettri is a product of the ‘Search for more Baichung Bhutias’ scheme launched by the Sikkim government and initially was a striker at the Namchi Sports Hostel. Bimal Ghosh brought him to Mumbai and the doughty defender excelled as a teenaged stopper back with Air India, which earned him a move to East Bengal where Trevor Morgan made him switch to right back to fill in for an injured colleague with great success. The all action defender loves to venture forward into opposition territory with incisive runs up the flanks. Now, the 23-year-old player finds himself reunited with the English-Australian gaffer in God’s own country and hopes the change of scenery will help him secure his place in the national team. Chettri has risen from the ranks of India under-17 and under-23 to making the cut for the senior team.

CHETTRI'S Career Highlights

• Made international debut during 2011 SAFF Championship and played all matches in India’s victorious campaign.
• Biggest moment in football is his outing for the national team in idol Baichung Bhutia’s testimonial match against Bayern Munich at New Delhi in 2012.
• Went for a trial stint with German club Fortuna Dusseldorf along with Godwin Franco.

Source: ibnlive.in, wikipedia

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GTA Team won the Bishnu Jyoti all-India Football Tournament

11:14 PM

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sports news

GTA ( Gorkhaland Territorial Administration ) Team won the Bishnu Jyoti all-India Invitation Football Tournament held in Tezpur Assam by beating the State Bank of India (Bhopal) team 2 – 1, the two goals were scored by Karna Limbu and Sajeet Chettri.

GTA Team won the Bishnu Jyoti all-India Football Tournament

In the second semi-final, the GTA team had won New Model Sports Club by a single goal.SBI, on the other hand had entered the final by defeating Royal FC, Odisha, 3-1 in the first semi-final.

GTA team not only won the tournament, but has also won the hearts of the locals by their brilliant performance and amazing team play.

Such was the dominance of our team that star defender Sailesh Shankar won the "Player of the Tournament Award."

Formed in 2011, Share Football Club,kalimpong. has won numerous tournaments all over Bengal, Sikkim and now Tezpur. The phenomenal raise of this amazing team in only 3 years of its existence is indeed an inspiration to all of us.. and shows that we - the Gorkhas are no less than anyone... all we need is a platform to showcase our incredible talents.

Source: DC

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Gorkha Territorial FC Darjeeling enter the semi-finals in all-India football tournament

10:16 AM

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sports news

Gorkha Territorial FC, Darjeeling today tamed North East Sports Foundation, Tezpur 9-0 to enter the semi-finals of Bishnu Jyoti all-India invitation football tournament at Samdhara Senior Madrassa ground in Napam here.

Gorkha Territorial FC Darjeeling enter the semi-finals in all-India
Bishnu Jyoti all-India invitation football tournament.

Karna Limbu did the star turn for the Darjeeling side netting five goals, which came in the 31st, 34th, 45th, 46th and 57th minutes.

Royal Club, Odisha will meet Bokakhat FC in the last quarter-final tomorrow.

Source: Telegraph

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late Arpana Bomzon Memorial Knockout Football Tournament kicks off

4:47 PM

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sports news

The late Arpana Bomzon Memorial Knockout Football Tournament  started today here at the Tharbu Primary School ground. Organised by Sky Lark, the chief guest for the inaugural day was Mirik Municipality’s vice chairman MK Zimba, while the GJM central committee leader SS Ghisingh was present as the guest of honour. The tournament started after the guests and members of the participating teams offered their respect to late Arpana Bomzon. There are a total of 30 teams participating in the tournament from the Hills, Dooars and Terai region. The finals of the tournament will be played on October 19.

Players and guests pose for a photo-opp on the inaugural
day of the late Arpana Bomzon Memorial Knockout
Football Tournament in Mirik on Wednesday.

In the first game today was played between Francis Club and United Singbuli Games and Sports Committee, while the second match was played between Okety Godam 11 ‘A’ against Mirik Police ‘B’.

Source: EOI

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