Tag: Sports

Sports

Goa in Commanding Position Against Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Clash

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa took a decisive step toward victory in their Ranji Trophy Group B match against Madhya Pradesh at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground in Porvorim. After establishing a vital 97-run first-innings lead, Goa’s bowlers, led by V. Koushik, maintained firm control over proceedings. Madhya Pradesh, resuming their innings at 181 for 7, could add only six more runs before being bowled out for 187 in reply to Goa’s 284. Koushik was the standout performer with a five-wicket haul for just 34 runs in 19 overs, including six maidens. Arjun Tendulkar and Lalit Yadav also made important contributions with two wickets each.

In their second innings, Goa batted confidently to post 230 runs in 65.4 overs, setting Madhya Pradesh a challenging target of 328. Abhinav Tejarana led the scoring with a composed 69, while Lalit Yadav made 42 and Rajshekhar Harikant added 40. Captain Snehal Kauthankar contributed a steady 23. The crucial 78-run partnership between Abhinav and Lalit for the fourth wicket provided the backbone of Goa’s innings. For Madhya Pradesh, Kumar Kartikeya bowled tirelessly, finishing with figures of 5 for 81, supported by Md Arshad Khan with three wickets and Saransh Jain with two.

At the close of the third day, Madhya Pradesh had reached 21 for 1 in 10 overs, still needing 307 runs for victory on the final day. Goa, with nine wickets to claim, are within touching distance of a memorable triumph.

In a notable first for the Goa team, Rajshekhar Harikant became the state’s first concussion substitute in Ranji Trophy history, replacing Samar Dubhashi, who was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Kuldeep Sen. The incident underscored the growing emphasis on player safety in domestic cricket and highlighted Goa’s adaptability in a competitive contest.

Goa’s balanced performance across departments has put them in pole position to seal a vital win and strengthen their standing in the Ranji Trophy Group B table.

Sports

Mandar Rao Dessai Calls on AIFF to Act: “India Needs Its Football Back”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Former India international and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai has urged football authorities to take immediate action to end the growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the Goan footballer described the situation as an “existential crisis” for Indian football and appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to act swiftly and bring clarity to the future of the league.

Mandar, who has represented India and played for clubs including FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in the start of the ISL season. His message resonated with players and fans alike, as he called for transparency and urgency from those responsible for managing the sport.

In his post, Mandar wrote that professional footballers across the ISL are united in their plea to resume competitive football in the country. “We want to play, and now,” he said, expressing the collective desperation of players who have been waiting for months to return to the field. He added that the lack of communication and direction from the authorities had left players, clubs, and supporters in the dark.

Mandar’s statement followed a turbulent period for Indian football, with the AIFF’s tender process for broadcast, sponsorship, and digital rights ending without success. The failed process, which was meant to ensure the league’s long-term stability, has instead intensified uncertainty and speculation about the ISL’s immediate future.

With no official start date or clarity from the federation, frustration continues to mount among players, clubs, and fans. Many believe that the ISL, once heralded as a new era for Indian football, now faces its toughest test yet.

Mandar’s words reflect a deep sense of passion and urgency, calling for the authorities to act in good faith and restore confidence in Indian football. As he put it, “We’ve been in a dark tunnel for too long — we could do with a little light.”

The call for action from senior players like Mandar Rao Dessai highlights a growing movement within the Indian football community — one that demands accountability, clarity, and the revival of the sport that millions across the country love.

Sports

Goa Tightens Control Over Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Group B Encounter

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa continued their impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Madhya Pradesh, tightening their grip on the game at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground in Porvorim. After posting 284 in their first innings, Goa’s bowlers struck early and often to leave Madhya Pradesh in deep trouble at 181 for 7 at stumps on the second day.

Resuming from their overnight score of 256 for 8, Goa added valuable runs through Deeparaj Gaonkar, who converted his unbeaten 30 into a composed half-century, scoring 51 before being dismissed. His steady innings helped Goa push their total to 284 before being bowled out. For Madhya Pradesh, off-spinner Saransh Jain was the standout performer with figures of 4 for 78, while left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya supported with 3 for 88. Aryan Pandey, Kuldeep Sen, and captain Shubham Sharma chipped in with a wicket each.

Madhya Pradesh’s reply got off to a disastrous start as Goa’s pace attack, spearheaded by Arjun Tendulkar and Koushik, wreaked havoc. Arjun dismissed Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri early, while Koushik removed Harsh Gawali and Harpreet Bhatia in quick succession to leave MP reeling at 38 for 4. The situation worsened when captain Shubham Sharma fell for 16, again to Koushik, reducing the visitors to a precarious 56 for 5.

Rishabh Chouhan and Saransh Jain offered brief resistance with a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket, followed by a 43-run partnership between Jain and Aryan Pandey, which prevented complete collapse. However, Goa’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Koushik finishing as the standout performer, claiming 3 for 33. Arjun Tendulkar backed him effectively with 2 for 34, while Lalit Yadav contributed with 2 for 22.

At stumps on Day 2, Madhya Pradesh trailed Goa’s total by 103 runs with just three wickets in hand. The home side is now poised to claim a crucial first-innings lead as the match heads into the third day, continuing their impressive run in this Ranji Trophy season.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Says Retirement Is “Soon,” Reflects on Legacy, Family, and Manchester United

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that his retirement from professional football is approaching, acknowledging that leaving the game he has devoted his life to will be one of the most emotional moments of his career. Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward said he has been mentally preparing for this stage since his mid-to-late twenties, but admitted that nothing will ever replace the excitement of scoring a goal.

“Soon,” Ronaldo said when asked about when he plans to retire. “I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult. But I have prepared my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I will be capable to support that pressure. Nothing compares to the adrenaline you have scoring a goal in football. But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”

Ronaldo’s illustrious career has been defined by record-breaking achievements, including being football’s all-time leading goalscorer with 952 goals for club and country combined. Despite already cementing his place among the greatest players of all time, the Portuguese star has publicly stated that he aims to reach 1,000 career goals before calling time on his career.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also reflected on life beyond football, saying he wants to focus on his family and raising his children. He emphasized that he has long been planning for this transition, ensuring he’s ready to embrace a new chapter once he finally steps off the pitch.

Ronaldo also spoke about his continued emotional connection with Manchester United, the club where he rose to global fame. “I’m sad because the club is one of the most important in the world and one that I still have in my heart,” he said. “They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future because the potential of the club is amazing. They are not on a good path. And it’s not only about the coach and players… miracles are impossible.”

His comments highlight both nostalgia and concern for the club that helped shape his early career. Despite his current focus on Al Nassr and Saudi Arabian football, Ronaldo’s heart clearly remains tied to Manchester.

As he nears the end of his playing days, Cristiano Ronaldo’s reflections paint the portrait of a man who has conquered every level of football yet continues to pursue excellence. Whether or not he reaches his goal of 1,000 career goals, his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game is already secure — and his next chapter, devoted to family and life beyond football, is about to begin.

Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.