Tag: Football

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Named in Al-Nassr Squad for Return Leg Against FC Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Al-Nassr’s squad for their AFC Champions League Two return leg against FC Goa, set to take place in Riyadh. The Portuguese forward’s inclusion marks a potential return to continental action, but questions remain over whether he will actually feature in the match.

The 40-year-old has been managing his workload this season, with Al-Nassr carefully balancing his fitness across domestic and international commitments. Despite being listed in the official matchday squad, the team’s coaching staff have not confirmed if Ronaldo will start, come off the bench, or be rested.

Al-Nassr currently lead their group in the competition and are aiming to secure qualification to the next round. FC Goa, on the other hand, face a challenging task away from home and will be preparing to counter Al-Nassr’s attacking depth — even if Ronaldo is not in the starting eleven.

The anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s possible appearance has generated excitement among fans across Asia. His presence, even on the bench, is expected to draw large crowds to the stadium and significant viewership worldwide.

For Al-Nassr, this fixture provides an opportunity to maintain their strong momentum and demonstrate the strength of their squad depth. Whether or not Ronaldo plays, the Saudi side will look to finish the job and progress comfortably in the tournament.

As the team prepares for kickoff in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo — waiting to see if the football legend steps back onto the Asian stage.

Sports

Goa Has Sporting Talent but Needs the Right Guidance and Support: Mandar Rao Dessai

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, Goa – The passion for football in Goa remains as vibrant as ever, and former Indian national team footballer and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai believes that the state has the potential to produce even more world-class athletes — provided they receive the right guidance and support.

Speaking at a sports kit distribution event in Arpora–Nagoa, organized by the V.P. Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat, Mandar emphasized the importance of nurturing young sporting talent through community involvement and mentorship. Reflecting on his own journey, the 33-year-old footballer recalled the challenges he faced during his early days. “When I started playing, there were challenges — lack of kits, infrastructure, and support. But today, everything is available,” he said.

Mandar noted that while opportunities for sports have grown significantly across India, many young players still struggle due to limited financial and infrastructural support. He urged everyone — from local organizations and coaches to families and sports clubs — to come together to provide the right environment for emerging athletes. “We all should come together to motivate and guide young players so they can become great athletes,” he said.

The footballer also highlighted the crucial role that families play in shaping the careers of young sportspersons. “Support from family and friends — whether moral or financial — is crucial. I have represented my state and country, and I know there are many more talented players in Goa who just need the right training and guidance,” he added.

Calling discipline and dedication the cornerstones of success, Mandar expressed optimism that Goa will continue to produce outstanding athletes who can make India proud. “Football runs in the blood of every Goan,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of the state’s connection with the sport.

During the event, Mandar thanked the Panchayat officials for their efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged further development of local sporting infrastructure. His message was clear — with passion, perseverance, and community backing, Goa’s next generation of athletes can achieve greatness on national and international stages.

International

Indian Expat Anilkumar Bolla Wins Record Dh100 Million UAE Lottery Jackpot

Tanisha Cardozo

The mystery winner of the UAE Lottery’s record-breaking Dh100 million jackpot has finally been revealed. The lucky winner is Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian expat and long-time Abu Dhabi resident, who has now become the UAE’s newest multimillionaire.

Anilkumar struck gold in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018 held on October 18, according to the Khaleej Times. The jackpot was not shared, meaning Anilkumar will take home the entire Dh100 million — making it one of the biggest individual lottery wins in the UAE’s history. He matched all seven winning numbers, defying odds of 1 in 8.8 million.

Speaking to the media, Anilkumar shared his disbelief and joy upon receiving the life-changing call from the UAE Lottery team. “I was at home, relaxing, when they called. I was completely shocked and overjoyed. This win is beyond my wildest dreams. I kept asking them to repeat the message — it took time to sink in,” he said.

When asked about his plans for the massive prize, the Abu Dhabi resident said he intends to make wise investments and fulfil the dreams of his family. “I was just thinking about how to invest this amount in the right way. After winning, I felt like I have money — now I need to work on my thoughts in the right way. I want to do something big,” he said, adding that he hopes to buy a supercar and celebrate with his family at a luxury resort. “My mom and dad had very small dreams. I want to fulfil whatever dreams they have.”

Anilkumar’s win was part of a landmark night for the UAE Lottery, which also saw 10 other participants win Dh100,000 each. Since its launch, the UAE Lottery has created over 200 winners of Dh100,000 and distributed more than Dh147 million in total prizes to over one lakh players.

Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director of the UAE Lottery, congratulated Anilkumar on his historic win. “The Dh100,000,000 prize will not only change his life but also signify a remarkable milestone for The UAE Lottery, reinforcing our mission to uplift people’s lives while delivering exciting and responsible lottery experiences,” Burton said.

One of the most striking aspects of this win is that Anilkumar will receive the entire amount tax-free. The UAE does not impose income tax on lottery winnings. In contrast, if someone were to win ₹240 crore in India, the prize would be taxed at a flat 30%, plus a 15% surcharge and 4% Health and Education Cess — leaving the winner with roughly ₹154 crore after deductions.

For Anilkumar, however, the dream remains untaxed and unfiltered — a once-in-a-lifetime moment that turned a quiet day at home into a story the world is talking about.

Sports

Lionel Messi’s Kerala Visit Postponed; Argentina to Play Friendly in Angola Instead

Tanisha Cardozo

Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to India has been postponed, according to an official announcement by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The world champions were expected to play a friendly match against Australia in Kochi, Kerala, on November 17. However, the AFA confirmed that the fixture has been postponed due to delays in FIFA permissions and logistical challenges in Kerala’s preparations. Instead, the Argentine team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, will travel to Spain for training before heading to Luanda to play their only friendly match against Angola on November 14. Following the match, the squad will return to Europe for further training sessions until November 18, coinciding with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Anto Augustine, the event sponsor working alongside the Kerala Sports Ministry, shared on Facebook that the match had to be postponed after discussions with the AFA, citing procedural delays and scheduling constraints. Reports from Argentine media suggest that Kerala’s lack of readiness to host the team within the set timeline was also a key reason behind the decision. The match is now expected to be rescheduled for March 2026.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman revealed that Messi was even willing to visit the state independently, but the government insisted on hosting the full national squad together. The postponement has sparked political debate in Kerala, with Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan criticizing the state government for using Messi’s planned arrival for political mileage, stating that they should now take responsibility for his absence.

Lionel Messi’s last and only visit to India came in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina won 1-0. The excitement around his potential Kerala visit had generated immense anticipation among fans, and despite the postponement, football enthusiasts remain hopeful that Messi and the Argentine team will finally play on Indian soil in 2026.

Sports

4th Vedanta Youth Cup Kicks Off in Goa with Top U-16 Talent from Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

The 4th edition of the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup officially kicked off on 21st October 2025 in Goa, welcoming elite youth football teams from across India. Organised by the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), the tournament represents a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing young footballing talent at the grassroots level.

This year’s edition features eight high-performing teams: AIFF Talent Academy, Cortalim Villagers, Bengaluru FC, Dempo SC, Muthoot FA, Sesa FA, FC Goa, and Belgaum United Football Academy. These teams will compete across three venues — SFA’s Sirsaim Campus, Vagator Ground, and FC Goa Guirim Ground — as they battle it out for the prestigious title.

The tournament follows a pool format with two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals, set for 27th October at SFA Sirsaim, with the grand finale scheduled for 29th October at Duler Ground. Defending champions Muthoot Football Academy are back in the fray and are expected to present a strong challenge.

The opening day saw thrilling action as AIFF Talent Academy dominated Dempo SC with a commanding 4-1 win. Bengaluru FC launched their campaign with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Cortalim Villagers. In another close match, Sesa FA edged past Belgaum United 2-1. The result of the Muthoot FA vs FC Goa clash was pending at the time of publication.

As Indian football continues to demand more robust player pipelines and structured developmental competitions, the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup serves as a vital cog in this larger ecosystem. Supported by the Goa Football Association (GFA) and Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), the tournament aligns with key priorities such as grassroots scouting, community participation, and long-term fan engagement.

The cup also holds special significance for Sesa Football Academy, which has been investing in local talent since 1999. Leena Verenkar, Head of SCDF & CSR at Sesa Goa, emphasized that the tournament reflects the academy’s commitment to developing players from Goa’s rural and mining belts. “SFA has since 1999 been focussing on nurturing homegrown talent from the rural and mining belts of Goa. It has been a vessel for developing and nurturing the rich legacy of Goan and National football.”

Technical Director of SFA, Gavin Araujo, highlighted the tournament’s value as a high-stakes developmental opportunity for young players. “It’s a superb platform that provides the right impetus to the young footballers and gives them the much-needed edge in terms of honing skills and sharpening key attributes including mental robustness.”

The tournament also marks another successful step for SFA as a dependable organiser of national-level competitions. After hosting I-League 3 and IWL 2 matches, the academy continues to grow as a hub of football excellence, helping pave the way for India’s next generation of players. The Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup is not just a competition — it’s a launchpad for dreams.