Sports

India Secures Historic 3-0 Victory Against Maldives in Shillong Friendly

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

In an impressive display of football talent, the Indian senior men’s football team triumphed over the Maldives with a convincing 3-0 scoreline during an international friendly match on Wednesday.

The game took place at the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, marking the first international encounter for senior men’s teams at the 15,000-seater venue since its refurbishment last year.

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Having hosted numerous prestigious domestic events like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League (ISL), and the I-League, the stadium saw a remarkable performance as India showcased aggressive tactics and effective teamwork throughout the match.

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In the 34th minute, defender Rahul Bheke opened the scoring by deftly heading in a beautifully placed corner from midfielder Brandon Fernandes, giving India an early 1-0 advantage and energizing the enthusiastic home crowd.

Forward Liston Colaco extended India’s lead in the 66th minute with another well-timed header, demonstrating the team’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces. Known for his speed and finishing skills, Colaco made it look easy as he found the back of the net.

Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri then added the finishing touch in the 77th minute, marking his return to the national team after a brief hiatus by netting his 95th international goal. Chhetri showcased his expertise by collecting a through ball and coolly placing it past the Maldives’ goalkeeper, finalizing the score at 3-0.

This match also represented the first victory for head coach Manolo Marquez since he took the reins of the national team. Marquez, who previously led FC Goa in the Durand Cup, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and his appreciation for Shillong’s vibrant football culture.

“It’s a proud moment to see the national team perform here. The atmosphere is electric, and the fans truly deserve this win,” Marquez stated during the post-match press conference.

He further commended the city’s football passion, recalling his positive experiences managing FC Goa during the Durand Cup last year. “I always believed this place had the potential to host an international match. The fans here are incredible, and the city boasts a rich footballing heritage,” he added.

With their spirits lifted, the Indian team is now preparing for their next challenge against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers, set for March 25 at the same stadium. This victory over the Maldives serves as a valuable morale boost ahead of the pivotal qualifier.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.