Parikrma Champions League: Sports Workshops

After successfully hosting the first two editions of football tournament, the Parikrma Champions League was mainly about the players on the field. This time the Parikrama Foundation is organizing four sports-related workshops - Sports Management, Sports Commentary, Sports Entertainment, and Sports Journalism.

The primary aim of the workshops is to invite students to explore different career options in sport and then gain some practical experience during the tournament. The workshop will be followed by an apprenticeship modeled practical exercise during the tournament itself. For example, Charu Sharma will give a talk on sports commentary and the children would then be given a chance to sit in the commentary box of the stadium! 

This workshop is ideal for those still passionate about sports but not necessarily on the starting 11, the journey with sports shouldn't end when they graduate. Also, since there are new careers emerging in the world of sport, the students should be privy to exploring these professions. 

The workshops will be held on 31 August and 1 September at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

• Sports Management: Saturday, August 31 - 2pm - 3pm
• Sports Journalism: Saturday, August 31 - 3pm - 4pm
• Sports Commentary: Sunday, September 1 - 2pm - 3pm
• Sports Entertainment: Sunday, September 1 - 3pm - 4pm

The workshops are free of charge. To register please contact Dhruv : 9591907596. 

Check out the coverage and pictures of the last edition on Parikrma Champions League from here and here.

Federation Cup in January, Bengaluru FC in Group B along with East Bengal, Sporting, and Rangdajied

India's premier cup competition - 38th edition of Federation Cup will kick-off simultaneously in Cochin and Manjeri on January 14, 2014. 

Sixteen Teams have been divided into four Groups with the Group winners making it to the Semifinals.

Owing to the withdrawal of Langsning FC from the Tournament and also the 2nd Division League, the Emergency Committee of the AIFF has decided that Eagles FC from Kerala replace the former in Group A of the Federation Cup.

The decision was taken based on the fact that Eagles FC has fulfilled the Licensing criteria as required; and also to add a local flavour which will significantly improve spectator interest and visibility of the Tournament. 

While Group A and Group C would play their Group League Matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cochin; the Group League Matches of Group B and Group D would be played at the MDS Complex, Manjeri. 

Group and Knockout 

• Group A: Churchill Brothers, United SC, Pune FC, Eagles FC 
• Group B: Sporting Clube de Goa, East Bengal, Bengaluru FC, Rangdajied United 
• Group C: Salgaocar, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC, Shillong Lajong
• Group D: Dempo SC, Mohammedan Sporting, Bhawanipore, United Sikkim FC
• 1st Semifinal: Winner Group A Vs Winner Group C
• 2nd Semifinal: Winner Group B Vs Winner Group D
• January 25, 2014 - Final: Winner 1st Semifinal Vs 2nd Semifinal 

Group B - Fixture 

• January 15, 2014: Bengaluru FC 5 (Beikhokhei–5', 40', Sunil Chhetri–33', Robin Singh–66', 90'+3')) Vs Sporting Clube de Goa 3 (Boima Karpeh–74', Beevan Mello–89', Victorino–90'+1')
• January 15, 2014: Kingfisher East Bengal 1 (James Moga-56') Vs Rangdajied United 1 (Kim Sing Yong–20')
• January 18, 2014: Rangdajied United 1 (Tamba-81) Vs Bengaluru FC 1 (Thoi Singh-7')
• January 18, 2014: Sporting Clube de Goa 2 (Victorino-17', Sueka-59') Vs Kingfisher East Bengal 1 (Beevan-85')
• January 21, 2014: Bengaluru FC Vs Kingfisher East Bengal 
• January 21, 2014: Sporting Clube de Goa Vs Rangdajied United 

AIFF to discontinue Pailan Arrows

All India Football Federation's (AIFF) developmental side, Pailan Arrows is soon going to be history. 

The governing body today decided to discontinue Pailan Arrows owing to Pailan group’s financial and infrastructural distress, resulted in failing contractual payments to AIFF and players salary for couple of months. Also, the speculation of IMG-R taking over the youth team looks remote.

This can be termed as a one of the biggest setback of Indian football in recent times. What would be more appalling are the young Pailan players, who will now be looking for I-League clubs. 

GCSStars spoke to Pailan's only Bangalore connection, junior India international, Shankar. He too is perplexed and troubled with the recent development. Shankar has not received salary regularly. 

Shankar was all set to join Bengaluru FC, until AIFF took the decision to continue Pailan Arrows last month Shankar was contracted by AIFF till 2014 season - http://www.gcsstars.com/2013/07/shankar-in-spot-of-bother.html.

C Division clubs to hold trials

Interested to sign-up for a C division team - Excelsior? 
Contact here +91.8147746263, get your, pics and register yourself. All this has to be done by August 30. The club would like to prefer players coming from the following areas - Jayanagar, BTM Layout, and JP Nagar.

A new C division football club formed by RS Group has registered with BDFA will conduct selection trials from August 28 to 30 at ITI football ground, KR Puram. 
Contact:  +91.9449049992 +91.9845003861 *

* Source: TOI, Bangalore

Final 20-member squad for 2013 SAFF Championship named

Coach Wim Koevermans named his squad of 20 for the forthcoming SAFF Championship, team leaves for Kathmandu on Tuesday, August 27. 
India is grouped in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Group B consists of Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. 
The Bangalore connection will be in the form of Bengaluru FC's striker duo Sunil Chettri and Robin Singh. 

Squad

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Karanjit Singh, Sandip Nandy

Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Arnab Mondal, Gouramangi Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Sandesh Jhingan, Mohanraj Nalappan

Midfielders: Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain, Arata Izumi, Lenny Rodriguez, Alwyn George, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Francis Fernandes

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Dawson Fernandes, Jeje Lalpekhlua


Fixture

• September 1, 2013, 6:30 pm: India Vs Pakistan
• September 3, 2013, 3:30 pm: India Vs Bangladesh
• September 5, 2013, 3:30 pm: India Vs Nepal

Semifinals

• September 8, 2013, 6:30 pm: 
• September 9, 2013, 6:30 pm: 

Final

• September 11, 2013, 6:30 pm:

[PICTURES] India Vs Bengaluru FC

John Johnson: No one in vicinity...

Johny scoring the first goal

Johny serves another deft pass from the midfield 

Lal's free-kick made no impact on the score line

Speedy Singh Thoi

Another attack in first half, Malemn looks for Beikho 

Get off yo, we're not in same team 

Vishal up for a strong tackle

Sandesh checks Rooney

Wim has many reasons to look worried

National team ends camp, continues to display a lacklustre performance

What could have been an exciting match between the Indian national team and an I-League team, ended in some off-the-field drama and very average performance.

National team started with Subrata Paul on goal and Sandesh Jhingan and Arnab Mondal on central defense, they looked tentative from the beginning. Bengaluru FC started with all four foreigners, John Johnson and Curtis Osano in defense, Johnny Menyongar in central midfield, and Sean Rooney in striking position. 

Diminutive Thoi Singh from Bengaluru FC was the most impressive in first half, his penetrating run in the attacking third kept the Indian defenders busy. A brilliant thru pass from one of such run almost gave Bengaluru FC their first goal, Asian import Sean Rooney's shot was cleared off the line by Sandesh Jinghan. 

After continuously pressurizing Indian defense, the goal finally came in the 32nd minute when Siam Hanghal was brought down by Sandesh inside the box, Liberian medio Menyongar made no mistake in converting the penalty to a goal. (1-0). 

Bengaluru FC pretty much dominated the first half whereas the National team had a below average game. India showed some urgency only after the lemon break, with striker Jeje Lalpekhlua playing a patient game and making some good moves. India equalized from a brilliant right-footed goal by substitute Lenny Rodrigues in 49th minute 1-1. 

Later, the starting lineup players of both the teams were replaced as the coach decided to test the reserve strength, but their efforts yielded no result. 

Johnny Menyongar scores from a penalty

Public banned from watching India practice match

The practice match (http://www.gcsstars.com/2013/08/national-team-to-play-against-bengaluru.html) between the senior Indian team and Bengaluru FC is going to be a closed door match - yes, you heard that right! 

No public as well and media will be allowed to enter the during the match time. The match is scheduled at Sunday, August 25, 4 pm, Bangalore Football Stadium. 

This decision, taken by the team management has been communicated to the state and district football association (KSFA and BDFA). To ensure proper functioning, the authorities might seek help from the cops, perhaps to drive away people who will turn up for the match. 

What's extremely baffling is that with no cricket happening in the Garden City, this was an ideal time for football to get a good coverage, which would have brought good publicity to the SAFF Cup bound team. However, this doesn't seem to be the case. 

When we see other SAFF teams like Afghanistan and Maldives playing competitive matches, we're content with a 10-day camp, that too on a turf, on which the game will not be played in the SAFF championship. 

Bengaluru FC completes foreigner slot, sign Sean Rooney

The newly formed Jindal-owned club from the Garden City has signed Rooney - Sean Rooney from Blacktown City FC, Australia. With this signing, Bengaluru FC completes their share of foreigners including an Asian quota player. The other foreigners include John Johnson, Curtis Osano and John Menyongar. Rooney plays as a striker and has signed Bengaluru FC on a one-year deal.

Rooney is no stranger to the I-League having played a season for Goan side Salgaocar before moving back to Australia with Blacktown. "I'm delighted to be back in India and it seems that this club is doing everything right, so it’s good to be part of it. I did speak to a few people before signing and they all had good things to say about Bengaluru FC. Along with helping the team produce a good brand of football, the aim is obviously going to be winning trophies with them," said the 24-year-old who arrived in the city late on Friday. The Australian had a successful last season with Blacktown, scoring 14 goals for the club.

Rooney’s former stints include one with Newcastle Jets in the A-League – Australia’s top tier football league and he has also had three appearances for the national under-20 team. 

"We have been tracking Sean’s performances with Blacktown and he has had a fantastic season to say the least. What he also brings with him is experience in the I-League and it’s just the combination we are looking for," said Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports.

"Sean has been in form, scoring 14 goals last season. If we are going to be a successful side, we're going to need goal scorers. We have a good strike force in Sunil, Robin, Karan, Malemnganba and Beikho but we like to have competition for places and Sean's signing assists that. He looks in good shape and is a player who takes care of himself on and off the field," said coach Ashley Westwood on the club’s new signing.

Profile

• Name: Sean Rooney 
• Position: Striker Age: 24 years 
• Nationality: Australian 
• Clubs: Blacktown City Demons, Newcastle Jets, Deltras, Salgaocar 

U-16 Airtel Rising Stars - Karnataka fixture

Bangalore

Played at the Bangalore Football Stadium and conducted by Bangalore District Football Association 

September 7, 2013 

• 10 am: Parikrma Vs Veda Vignana Maha Peeta  
• 11 am: Govt. Sports School, Vidyanagar Vs Boys Sports Coy, ASC

September 6, 2013 

• 10 am: Govt Sports School, Vidyanagar (loosing Semifinalist Bangalore leg) 4 (Shravan Kumar-9', 29', Mohd Juned-32', Magesh S-35') Vs Kanachur Public School, Mangalore 0
• 11 am: Parikrma 2 (loosing Semifinalist Bangalore leg) (Chiranjeevi-35', 44') Vs MahaBodhi School, Mysore 1 (Mangal Madhu-32') 
• (Final Bangalore Leg) 3.30 pm: Veda Vignana Maha Sabha 1 (Tranhok-8') Vs Boy’s Spors Coy, ASC 4 (Niraj Singh-6', 20', 28', Samananda Singh-50'+3')
  

September 3, 2013 - Semi Final 

• 10 am: Government Sports School, Vidyanagar 0 [1] (tie-breaker - Magesh) Vs Veda Vignana Maha Sabha 0 [4] (tie-breaker - Thranghok, Kamshon, Azad, Ribhalang) 
• 11 am: Parikrma 0 Vs Boy’s Spors Coy, ASC 2 (Boinao Singh-24', Samananda Singh-52')

September 2, 2013 - Quarter-Final 

• 10 am: Government Sports School, Vidyanagar 1 (Solomon-19') Vs Vidyashilp Academy 0 
• 11 am: Veda Vignana Maha Sabha, Kanakapura Road 5 (Kyremein-7', Thranghok-21', Ribhalong-36', Wanpynshngain-46', Bashilang-48') Vs Army Public School, Kamaraj Road 0 
• 12.15 pm, Parikrma, Sahakaranagar 4 Vs DPS (South) 1 (Amarjit-12', Fayaz-17', Sanjay-30', 38' Prahalad-49')
• 1 pm: Boy’s Sports Coy, ASC 3 (Pranav Subba-3' Niraj Singh-35',  Samananda Singh-49') Vs DPS (North) 1 ( Pranav Satish-8')

September 1, 2013 

• [Pre-QF] DPS (North) 4 (Pranv Satish-11', 28', Charan Rangantahan-32', Sai Krishna Raman-35') Vs St. Aloysius High School, Cox Town 1 (Praveen R-16')

August 31, 2013 

• [Pre-QF] Army Public School, Kamaraj Rd 5 (Arjun Raj Gopal-4', Jaidev-8', Shivan-20', Sudeir-30', Ashok-48') Vs National Centre for Excellency 0
• [Pre-QF] Parikrma 2 (Amarjit-19', Fiaz-21') Vs Presidency Church 1 ( Baithung GH-11')
• [Pre-QF] St.Thomas English School 0 Vs DPS (South) 1 (Saifuddin-15')
• [Pre-QF] Lake Mount Fort 1 (Balaji T-32') Vs Boys Sports Coy, ASC 6 (Samananda-11',15', 20', Niraj-25', Goutham-29',  Prabin-35') 

August 30, 2013 

• Lake Montfort 2 (Vignesh-28', Suraj-35') Vs Government High School, Cox Town 1 (Vinod-2')
• RNS Vidya Niketan 0 Vs Boys Sports Coy, ASC 3 (Niraj-3', Rajesh-8', Samananad-14')
• Presidency School, RT Nagar 0 Vs DPS (North) 2 (Hakshit-11', Steve Antony-18')
• Jindal, Tumkur Road 0 Vs St. Aloysius High School, Cox Town 5 (Shimreyo-4', 8', 35', Nandakumar-11', Shasidaran-39')
• [Pre-QF] Govt Sports School, Vidyanagar 2 (Magesh-10', S Kumar-12') Vs Greenwood International 0 
• [Pre-QF] Vidyashilp Academy 1 (Vishart-7') Vs Baldwins High School, Hosur Rd. 0   
• [Pre-QF] Veda Vignana Maha Sabha 2 (Kamshon Khngmalai-5', Synsharlang-24') Vs BGS International, Kumbalgud 0  

August 29, 2013 

• BGS International School 3 (Rupal Chamka-30', Manav CJ-33', Rishab Deep Singh-38') Vs Acahraya Pathashala 1 (Abiram-8') 
• Army Public School, Kamaraj Rd 2 (Jaidev J-8', Sivam Jaiswal-33') Vs DPS (East) 0 
• National Centre for Excellency 2 (Chidroop-6', 24') Vs St. Francis High School, Hongasandra 0
• Parikrma Centre for Learning 3 (Amarjith-9', Appu-34', Sanjay-36') Vs Maria Niketan 0 
• Presidency Church 3 (Solomon-14', Wilson-19') Vs Sri Kumaran Children Home 0
• Cadambi Vidyaniketan 0 Vs St. Thomas English School 2 (Prasad-14', Arvind-30')
•  DPS South 2 (Kiran Kumar-4', Krishnakant-38') Vs PSBB LL Academy 1 (Arjun Anand-30')

August 28, 2013 

• Sudarshan Vidhya Mandir 0 Vs Jindal High School, Tumkur Road 4 (Hardik-3', 8', Umesh-10', 28')
• Purna Smruthi, Shampura 0 Vs St. Aloysius High School, Cox Town 4 (Rakesh-7', 31', Praveen-15', Shimreiyo-24')
• Government Sports Hostel, Vidhyanagar 2 (Magesh-1', 28') Vs Inventure Academy 1 (Mahashi Kishore-16')
• GreenWood International School 7 (Siddarth-12', 30', Karan-18', Varun-20', 23', Rishabh-35', Josh-38') Vs Deens Academy, Whitefield 0
• Devaraj Urs International School, Kodikehalli 0 Vs Vidhyashilp Academy 8 (Nishant-2', 12', 45', Prajay-7', 31', 35', 40', Aneesh-17')
• Baldwn High School, Hosur Road 7 (Moinuddin-3', 13', 33', Tinku-38', 41', Sachit-43', 45') Vs Santhi Children School 0 
• St. Joseph Indian Middle School, Grant Rd 0 Vs Veda Vignana Maha Sabha 5 (Kyuramein-8', 25', Thranghok Khongsni-31', Kamshan Khongmalai-34', Rahev-36') 

August 27, 2013

• PSBB Learning Leadership Academy W/O Presidency, Bilekahalli (did not turn up) 
• Lake Montfort School 11 (Thomas-6', Thirumeeesh-8',19',35', Sanjo-12',24',28', Arokiya-16', 29', Joel-17',Vignesh-32') Vs Auden Institute of Education 0 
• Oxford Senior Secondary School 1 [2] (Rishab -14, tie-breaker-Waseem, Tejas) Vs Government High School, Cox Town 1 [3] (Sunil-6' tie-breaker-Pradeep, Satish, Kiran) 
• RNS Vidyaniketan W/O Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidyalaya (did not turn up) 
• Boys Sports Coy, ASC 5 (Waniraj Singh-3', Rajak Ahmed-8', Prabin Subba-10', Goutham Singh-17', Samandad Singh-34') Vs Cathedral High School 0 
• School Vivekananda 1 (Shadab-34') Vs Presidency, R.T.Nagar 3 (Paras S-12', Waeez Ahmed-24', Vishal B-32')
• DPS (North) 4 (Sai Krishna Raman-4', 27', Pranav Satish-9',16') Vs Benhur High School 0 

August 26, 2013

• 9 am: Sri Chaitanya Tech School 0 Vs Presidency Church School 2 (Santhosh-5', Samuel-14')
• 10 am: Sri Kumaran Children Home 4 (Prithvi-4',13', Madav-19', Rishik-27') Vs HAL Pubic School 0 
• 11 am: S Cadambi Vidya Kendra W/O St. Anthony’s High School (did not turn up)
• 12 pm: St.Thomas English School 1 (Suresh-8')Vs Army Pubic School, JC Nagar 0 
• 1 pm: DPS (South) W/O Pristine Public School (did not turn up) 
• 2 pm: Parikrma Centre for Learning 6 (Chiranjiv-4', Amarjith-11', 15', Fiaz-25',27', Sanjay-29') Vs St.Francis High School, Koramangala 0

August 25, 2013

• 9 am: DPS (East) 7 (Gavin-2', 9',15', Akshay-17', Rishikesh Magh-27', 29', Aditya Singh-39') Vs Cecilia English School 0 
• 10 am: National Centre for Excellency 2 (Kamaran-30', 35') Vs Living Hope Education Trust 0 
• 11 am: SSM English School, Chennammankere 0 Vs St. Francis High School, Hongsandra 1 (Tejas Jayan-5')
• 1 pm: Sri Vani Education Centre, Magadi Road 0 Vs Maria Niketan Institute, De’costa Layout-1 (Dhanashekar-15') 

August 24, 2013

• 9 am: East West 0 Vs Shanti Children 5 (Sandeep-8',10',30', Luke-18', Karthick-19')
• 10 am: Bishop Sargent High School 0 Vs Veda Vignan Maha Sabha 6 (Wanpowlang-7',9',35',  Azad-10', Kyramen-14',45') 
• 11 am: BGS International, Kumbalgud W/O SSM Vidya Niketan (Did not turn up) 
• 12 pm: Sri Vani Education Centre, Rajajinagar 0 Vs Acahrya Padashala Public School 1 (Subash Chandra-50'+1')
• 1 pm: Army Public School, Kamaraja Road 2 (Sudir-13', Jaidev-28') Vs Akash International School, Yelhanka 0

August 23, 2013

• 9 am: Kensri High School, Mariappanapalya 0 Vs Inventure Academy 3 (Abhay Rao-4', Rahul Nath-8', Pranav-19') 
• 10 am: Bangalore International Acdademy, Jayanagar 0 Vs GreenWood International, Sarjapur Rd. 10 (Kiran-4', Karun N-9', Sidharth N-11',  Vanan N-12', 31', Rishabh A-13',  Josh M-23', 24', 34', Pranav C-28')
• 11 am: Deens Academy, Whitefield W/O Indus International School, Sarjapur Rd. (did not turn up)
  12 pm: Vidyashilp Academy 7 (Nishant-3', 4', 13', 23',  Yaseen-12', 17', Prajayt Shand-18') Vs Venkat International Public School, Rajajinagar 0
• 1 pm: PSBB Learning Leadership Academy 0 Vs Baldwin High School, Hosur Road 2 (Moin-6', Bilal-9') 

Mangalore

Played at Nehru Maidan and conducted by Dakshina Kannada District Football Association, Mangalore 

22th August, 2013

• Yenepoya School 1 Vs Bhagavati High School 0,
• Barathi English Medium School 4 Vs Govt High School, Kasbah Bengere 1 (penalty shootout)
• St Alosiyus, College 3 Vs Badriya High School 1 (penalty shootout)
• Joyland 5 Vs Padav High School 6 (penalty shootout)
• Kanachur Public School 1 Vs DPS MRPL School 0
• St. Joseph High School 2 Vs Bearys Public Scool 0

20th August, 2013

• Badriya High School 5 Vs Hazarath, Ullal 4 (penalty shootout)
• St Joseph 1 Vs Lourdes School 0
• Kerala Samajam 1 Vs Uchil 0
• DPS MRPL School 1 Vs Manipal High School 0
• Kanachur Public School 2 Vs Govt High School, uchil 0
• Padav High School 1 Vs St. Sebastian 0
• Milagres 4 Vs Rosario High School 3 (penalty shootout)
• Bearys Public Scool 2 Vs Joyland, Kolya 1 (penalty shootout)

National team to play against Bengaluru FC

If unofficial source is to be believed, the Nepal-bound Indian National team for SAFF Championship is going to play a practice match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday, August 25, 4 pm at the Bangalore Football Stadium. 

National camp has been held in the Garden City since last Saturday, August 17, after getting thrashed in the hands of Tajikistan. This camp has been in all wrong news right from the beginning, firstly, Md. Rafique and Karma Tsewang were sent home owing to passport issue, later Denzil Franco sustained injury and returned home. Also, players are preparing in artificial turf while the championship will be played on the natural turf of Dasarath Rangasala Stadium, Kathmandu. 

Before SAFF Championship, this match is perhaps the only chance for Kovermans to set the combination right for the team. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC too would be keen to play this friendly, they are yet to play a game till date. 

[Pictures] Senior India National SAFF Cup camp

Airtel Rising Stars postponed indefinitely

Call it an over-dependence of one ground or paucity of quality decent grounds, the annual U-16 Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) Bangalore leg, which was slated for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 20, has been postponed. 

As many as 58 teams were participating in this inter school event, accordingly the ground was reserved for this event, from August 20 thru September 5. However, the schedule is clashing with JSW Sports, who using the same ground for the senior team as well as for setting up their academy. 

BDFA has postponed this event for now, they are going to meet the KSFA committee members tomorrow afternoon to find out a solution. 

There is no entry fee for this tournament and unlike last year, this year’s ARS will be played in a different format (inter-school), which will include players from Mangalore and Mysore. 

Watch out for this space for the new schedule!

Winners of ARS 2012

Ex-India international Jayaraj passes away

Former India international, state captain, stylish left wing player Jayaraj M passed away due to heart attack on Wednesday, August 14 at 10.50 pm.  Jayaraj was admitted at Mallya Hospital, he left his aged mother, wife, and a daughter and son. 

Jayaraj started his football career in 1096 with MGR, a C Division club. Later he moved to 515 Army Banse Workshop where he played till 1970. Jayaraj joined HAL in 1971 and played there for almost a decade. 

In the late 70 and early 80 he played for the Indian National team in several tournaments including Merdeka Cup. Meanwhile, Jayaraj played for his State and was a part of the Santosh Trophy winning team.  

KSFA, BDFA, and HAL veterans condoled on the death of Jayaraj. 

Senior men’s national camp starts tomorrow

Senior men’s national team is set to start a 10-day camp at the Garden City from tomorrow. Task cut out for coach Wim Koevermans post Tajikistan friendly debacle, as he gets few days’ time with his team work on the areas of improvement. 

The camp will conclude on August 26 and team India will kick start their SAFF Cup campaign from September 1 at Katmandu, Nepal. 

It was exactly a year ago, under the newly appointed coach Wim, the team prepared for the Nehru Cup at same venue. That time, owing to incessant rain, the venue was shifted from Noida to Bangalore. The team later went ahead retained Nehru Cup. 

Read the Bangalore report from here - http://www.gcsstars.com/2012/08/nehru-cup-2012-koevermans-has-task-cut.html. 

[PICTURES] Team India in Tajikistan

Monday, August 12, 2013 

No compromising with core exercises

No compromising with core exercises

Indian Stars are an instant hit with local kids!

Indian Stars are an instant hit with local kids!

Sunday, August 11, 2013 

Seniors have made me comfortable: Dawson Fernandes

Injuries are just so frustrating: Arnab Mondal

Saturday, August 10, 2013  - Team India’s first practice session in Khujand. 

 (From left) Arata Izumi, Lalrindika Ralte, Clifford Miranda and Denzil Franco in the  practice session

National Coach Wim Koevermans instructs his boys during the Team's first practice session in Khujand

BDFA to conduct trials for Airtel Rising Stars 2013

Indian telecom giant Airtel has entrusted BDFA to conduct trials for the Bangalore leg of Airtel Rising Stars Football Championship 2013. 

In the last edition, a total of 52 players were shortlisted from 16 cities. The final round was played at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
Read the full report here - http://www.gcsstars.com/2012/09/manchester-united-bound-boys-for.html  

There is no entry fee for this tournament and the children from the Bangalore schools are eligible to participate. 

Also, this edition of Airtel Rising Stars is being played at the other cities of Karnataka - Mysore and Mangalore. The selected players from these cities will join the Bangalore players for the qualification stage. 

Details

• Age: 16 - date of birth on or after July 1, 1997
• Last date of receiving entry: August 8, 2013
• Date: August 20, 2013 onwards
• Venue: Bangalore Football Stadium, Ashok Nagar

Contacts 

• Telephone:  080-25506591, +91.8197096461, or +91. 9916681397
• Email: bdfafootball@gmail.com or chikkufootball@gmail.com

National football team kit - 2013-14

And, if you want to grab one for Rs.3,295, here's the link - http://www.myntra.com/Tshirts/Nike/Nike-Men-Sapphire-Blue-AIFF-Jersey/158911/buy 

South United to conduct football trials on Friday, August 2

Putting thrust on local talents, South United, runners up of previous edition of BDFA Super Division league is conducting an open trials tomorrow. 

Speaking to GCSStars.com, chief coach Raman Vijayan said that the selected players will be nurtured by his team, the exceptional talents will be tried in the coming edition of BDFA Super Division league. 

Details 

• Age group: Under-19 - born after January 1, 1994
• Date: August 2, 2013
• Time: 7 am to 10.30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
• Venue: ITI Ground, Dooravani Nagar, Bangalore
• Contact: +91.9845439347