Tag: SportsNews

Sports

Goa Tightens Grip on Uttar Pradesh, Nears Victory in Cooch Behar Trophy Clash

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa asserted firm control over Uttar Pradesh on the second day of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite U-19 four-day match at the GCA Ground in Sanguem, positioning themselves strongly for an outright victory. After bowling out Uttar Pradesh for a modest 125 in the first innings, Goa responded with an impressive 289 in 102.5 overs, securing a commanding 164-run lead. Sai Rajesh Naik played a crucial role with a composed 65 off 138 balls, while captain Yash Kasvankar added a valuable 61. Their efforts were supported by significant contributions from Aditya Kota with 48, Shantanu Nevagi with 28, Dishank Misquin with 25 and Chigurupati Venkata with 28, helping Goa build a solid advantage. Uttar Pradesh found some resistance through bowlers Ayan Akram and Yash Panwar, who claimed three wickets each, but it wasn’t enough to halt Goa’s momentum.

Facing a massive deficit, Uttar Pradesh faltered early in their second innings. Chigurupati Venkata struck twice, dismissing Shantanu Singh and later Anmol Nusran for 12, while skipper Yash Kasvankar added to the pressure by sending back Bhavya Sharma with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort. With Uttar Pradesh struggling at 54 for 3 in 22 overs at stumps and still trailing by 110 runs, Goa holds complete control of the match. The hosts now appear firmly on course to wrap up an emphatic victory on Day 3, having dominated with both bat and ball and maintaining relentless pressure throughout the contest.

Sports

Sunil Chhetri Confirms End of His India Career, Hints at Full Retirement After ISL Season 🇮🇳

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Writted by Allycaral Sports Desk

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has officially announced that his journey with the Indian national team has come to an end. The 42-year-old striker, who briefly returned earlier this year for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, has confirmed that this was his final stint representing the country.

Chhetri, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest-ever footballers, initially retired from international football in June last year but was persuaded by then-head coach Manolo Marquez to return for the qualifiers. Unfortunately, India’s campaign ended in disappointment as they failed to qualify for the tournament, leading Chhetri to confirm that his international career has now officially concluded.

“It was easy telling Khalid sir (current head coach) about my decision. When I joined the national team, my only goal was to help as much as possible in the qualifiers. Once it was clear we couldn’t qualify, I was happy to tell the coach and he understood,” Chhetri shared.

Speaking to The Times of India, Chhetri revealed that he might also hang up his boots from professional football altogether, depending on Bengaluru FC’s performance in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

“If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear national club colours and play in international competitions again. At 42, it’s not easy. I want to score 15 goals this season and retire,” he said.

Chhetri’s return earlier this year was inspired by his strong ISL performance under Marquez, where he netted 14 goals, the second-highest tally of the season. However, his international comeback didn’t go as planned — managing just one goal in six appearances.

With 95 international goals, Chhetri retires as India’s all-time top scorer and one of the most respected figures in Asian football. His legacy extends far beyond the pitch — inspiring countless young players to dream bigger for Indian football.

As he prepares for what could be his final ISL season, fans across the country are ready to celebrate every moment of the legend’s farewell journey.

Sports

Diana Pundole to Make History as the First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari Internationally

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian motorsport is set to witness a historic moment as Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, becomes the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally. Beginning November 2025, she will take part in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, driving the powerful Ferrari 296 Challenge — a track-only, high-performance machine from the legendary Italian marque.

The championship will run from November 2025 to April 2026, featuring races across some of the most iconic Formula One circuits in the Middle East — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s truly an incredible honour,” said Pundole. “Being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion for racing.”

Pundole began her racing journey in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program, where she quickly stood out for her competitive spirit and multiple podium finishes. Since then, she has continued to make her mark in Indian motorsport, earning respect for her discipline and technical skill behind the wheel.

Now, her participation in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East represents a major milestone for Indian women in racing — and a proud moment for the country’s growing motorsport community.

With her signature blend of determination and talent, Diana Pundole is not only racing a Ferrari — she’s racing into history.

Sports

Sujeet Kalkal Wins Gold for India at U23 Wrestling World Championships

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s Sujeet Kalkal captured gold at the U23 World Wrestling Championships, dominating the men’s freestyle 65kg final with a commanding 10-0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov.

The title bout lasted just four minutes and 54 seconds before the referee declared Sujeet the winner by superiority — an emphatic finish that showcased his technical mastery and confidence on the mat.

Kalkal’s road to gold was equally impressive. He began his campaign with back-to-back wins by technical superiority, defeating Moldova’s Fiodor Ceavdari (12-2) and Poland’s Dominik Jakub (11-0). In the quarterfinal, Sujeet was briefly tested by Bashir Magomedov but rallied to win 4-2. In the semifinal, he displayed resilience and precision to edge past Japan’s Yuto Nishiuchi 3-2, sealing victory with a stunning two-point throw in the final moments.

This marks Sujeet’s most significant international triumph so far. The young wrestler has already earned two U23 Asian titles (2022 and 2025) and a U20 Asian Championship gold (2022). At the previous U23 Worlds, he had settled for bronze — making this year’s gold a story of growth, redemption, and perseverance.

India’s 65kg weight class has long been a showcase of wrestling excellence, having produced global stars like Bajrang Punia, who won Olympic and multiple World Championship medals in the same category. Sujeet’s latest achievement reinforces India’s continued strength and legacy in the sport.

As Sujeet stood victorious, the Indian flag was raised once more at the global stage — a proud reminder of India’s wrestling tradition, discipline, and determination to excel.

Sports

Sprint Legend Usain Bolt to Visit India for Exhibition Football Game in Mumbai on October 1

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Mumbai is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime sporting spectacle as sprint legend Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth, will visit India to take part in a special exhibition football game on October 1, 2025.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist, who holds world records in the 100m and 200m sprints, has long expressed his love for football. A lifelong fan of Manchester United, Bolt has previously played in charity football matches across the globe. This time, Indian fans will get the chance to witness his speed and charisma live on the football field.

The exhibition game, to be held in Mumbai, is expected to attract a star-studded lineup of celebrities, athletes, and footballers. Organizers say the event will be more than just a match — it will be a celebration of sports, uniting fans of athletics and football under one roof.

Bolt’s visit is also seen as a boost to India’s growing sports culture, inspiring young athletes and highlighting the importance of multi-sport engagement.

Stay tuned for more updates on team line-ups and ticketing details.