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  • Sunil Chhetri Announces End of International Career, Will Continue Playing for Professional Football

    Sunil Chhetri Announces End of International Career, Will Continue Playing for Professional Football

    A remarkable era of Indian football has come to an end. One of the nation’s greatest footballers, Sunil Chhetri, has officially announced his retirement from international football. However, he will continue to play for Bengaluru FC this season and remain active in domestic competitions for a little longer.

    ক্লাব ফুটবল নিয়ে ‘বিরাট’ ঘোষণার পর অবসর নিলেন সুনীল

     

    Chhetri himself stated, “My journey with the national team is over. But my association with Bengaluru FC continues. If I can perform well this season, I may also bring my professional football career to a close.”

    Earlier this year, Chhetri made a surprising return to the Indian national team for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With India failing to qualify, he has decided that his international career is officially over.

    “I had returned only to help the team qualify. There was no other reason. If qualification hadn’t been possible, I probably wouldn’t have come back. Now that it’s clear, I have informed the coach and he understands,” Chhetri said.

    After Khalid Jamil took over as head coach, Chhetri communicated his decision. His form with Bengaluru FC—14 goals in the Indian Super League (ISL)—was a major factor behind his recall to the national side. However, during his comeback, he managed just one goal in six matches, ending his international career with 95 goals.

    The 42-year-old legend reflected, “I have no regrets. Not qualifying for the Asian Cup is disappointing, but I have always given my best.” He added, “This season, I aim to score 15 goals and then retire. I want my final years in football to be dignified.”

    Sunil Chhetri is not only a national icon but also one of Asia’s brightest football stars. His retirement marks an emotional moment for Indian football fans, who will now cherish the memories of his extraordinary career while enjoying his remaining season with Bengaluru FC.

  • Super Cup 2025 : Punjab FC Thrilling Victory Over Bengaluru FC Makes Fan Meet in Delhi

    Super Cup 2025 : Punjab FC Thrilling Victory Over Bengaluru FC Makes Fan Meet in Delhi

    Punjab FC gave its supporters the perfect gift on Wednesday night, a thrilling victory that secured a spot in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semifinals on Wednesday. The win came on the same evening as the club’s first-ever fan meet in Delhi.

    সুপার কাপের সেমিফাইনাল নিশ্চিতের পর সেলিব্রেশনে এই দলের সমর্থকরা

     

    Held at Social Saket, the event attracted over 100 passionate fans, along with journalists and social media influencers, who came together to watch the live screening of the crucial group stage clash against Bengaluru FC.

    The atmosphere was electric, featuring live hip hop performances, football freestyle acts, interactive games, and a football quiz, creating a carnival-like vibe. The celebration reached its peak when Punjab FC edged past Bengaluru FC in a dramatic penalty shootout. Fans erupted in jubilation, turning the event into a night of pure joy, unity, and pride.

    Following the match, coach Panagiotis Dilmperis highlighted the club’s growth:
    “I’m super excited. Day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, the club is developing and achieving higher goals. And we are doing it while nurturing young Indian players. I believe we are a team that deserves to show the way Indian football should progress.”

    The successful fan meet marked a milestone for Punjab FC, strengthening its bond with supporters beyond the pitch. The evening not only showcased the growing passion for football in the region but also reflected the strong sense of community building around the club’s inspiring journey.

    With a semifinal spot secured and an unforgettable night shared with fans, Punjab FC’s debut fan meet was nothing short of a super success, both on and off the field.

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by Punjab FC (@rgpunjabfc)

  • Footballer who plays for an Argentine club will now represent Indian Football Team!

    Footballer who plays for an Argentine club will now represent Indian Football Team!

    A new chapter is about to begin in Indian Football Team. Ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Bangladesh, the Indian national team has called up two overseas-based players of Indian origin to join the training camp. They are Indian passport holder defender Avneet Bharti and Indian-origin forward Ryan Williams. The All India Football Federation (AIFF)’s decision is being described by many as a “historic move.”

    আর্জেন্টিনায় খেলা এই ফুটবলার খেলবেন ভারতের জার্সিতে! সঙ্গে বেঙ্গালুরুর ১

     

    On November 18, India will face Bangladesh in Dhaka. After losing to Singapore at home, India’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals are virtually over, especially without Sunil Chhetri. However, for this formality fixture, the federation wants to try out fresh talent and explore new possibilities. The national team camp begins in Bengaluru on Thursday, and both these “foreign” Indians are expected to join.

    AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said, “Both Avneet and Williams will get a chance to prove themselves in the camp. If they meet the coach’s expectations, they could be included in the squad for the Dhaka match.”

    Avneet Bharti, 26, currently plays for Bolivian top-division club Academia del Balompié Boliviano, on loan from Czech National League club FK Varnsdorf. He has also played for Sol de Mayo in Argentina. A centre-back by position, Avneet was born in Nepal, but because his father was a diplomat, he spent his childhood in several countries. During the 2019–20 season, he featured briefly for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, though most of his career has been abroad.

    On the other hand, Ryan Williams, 31, was born in Perth, Australia, to an Anglo-Indian family — his mother is of Indian descent from Mumbai, and his father is from Kent, England. Recently, Williams obtained an Indian passport and currently plays as a forward for Bengaluru FC. He had earlier expressed his desire to represent India.

    AIFF president Chaubey added, “In Williams’ case, we had to go through a long process. I must thank Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his ministry — without their help, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

    According to federation sources, Avneet is ready to join the camp immediately, while Williams is awaiting final clearance. The inclusion of these two players could open a new horizon for Indian football. Their overseas experience and exposure could bring the strength and tactical awareness the Indian team needs to succeed on the international stage.

  • Rajasthan United, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru, Mohammedan Sporting Begin Super Cup Campaigns

    Rajasthan United, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru, Mohammedan Sporting Begin Super Cup Campaigns

    The AIFF Super Cup 2025 continues in Goa on Thursday, October 30, with action from Groups D and C. Rajasthan United FC face Kerala Blasters FC, while Bengaluru FC meet Mohammedan Sporting.

    The Rajasthan United vs Kerala Blasters clash kicks off at 16:30 IST at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel. Later, Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan Sporting at 19:30 IST at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, with live coverage on Star Sports Khel and streaming on JioHotstar.

    Rajasthan United Eye Upset Against Kerala Blasters

    Rajasthan United, led once again by head coach Vikrant Sharma, open their campaign against Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters. Sharma, who guided the club to I-League promotion in 2021–22, is optimistic about causing an upset.

    “Kerala Blasters are an experienced ISL team, but once we step on the pitch, it’s 11 versus 11,” said Sharma. “Upsets have happened before — there’s no reason we can’t make it happen again, maybe even go a step further.”

    Goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri echoed his coach’s belief:
    “This is a big opportunity for every player to perform on a big stage. We’re fully motivated, focused, and ready to execute our plan.”

    Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters head coach David Català said his side is ready after a month of preparation.
    “The first matches are never easy, but we’ve been training well and want to start strong,” said Català. “Rajasthan are tough to break down — they press high and defend compactly, so we’ll need to stay sharp and play with the right attitude.”

    Midfielder Adrián Luna stressed the importance of a strong start:
    “It’s a short tournament, so getting three points in the first game is crucial. We’ll try to play attacking, vertical football while adapting to the conditions.”

    India vs Australia : Record-Breaking Innings from SKY Despite Rain Disruption

    Bengaluru FC Face Mohammedan Sporting Test

    In the evening fixture, former champions Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan Sporting at Fatorda. The fixture brings back memories of last season, when Mohammedan were one of the few teams to beat Bengaluru at home.

    Head coach Gerard Zaragoza said his side will take a more direct approach this time.
    “We want to play faster football — move the ball forward quickly and attack with fewer passes,” said Zaragoza. “Last season we were solid defensively, but needed more creativity and better finishing. That’s been our main focus in pre-season.”

    Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu added:
    “It feels great to be back in competitive action. We’ve trained well and are focused on finding our rhythm quickly. The goal is to stay fit and improve with every game.”

    Mohammedan Sporting, coached by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, are relishing the challenge.
    “Bengaluru are a strong and experienced side, but these are the matches you look forward to,” said Wadoo. “We’ll play our football, work hard, and stay disciplined. Results can vary, but performance and effort matter most.”

    Defender Sajad Hussain Parray said the team is ready for the challenge:
    “We’re a young, energetic squad and eager to prove ourselves. Facing a team like Bengaluru is a big test, but also a great opportunity.”