From the electrifying victory of the Indian cricket team in the recent T20 series to the rising star power of young badminton sensations, India's sporting landscape is ablaze with action! This week alone saw record-breaking performances in the Pro Kabaddi League, showcasing the nation's unwavering passion for indigenous sports. The upcoming Asian Games are generating immense anticipation, with athletes across disciplines sharpening their skills and aiming for glory on the international stage. We delve into the crucial role of sports sponsorships in nurturing talent and boosting India's sporting infrastructure. Furthermore, debates rage on about the future of cricket's dominance in India's sporting ecosystem, with other sports like hockey and football vying for increased attention and investment. Stay updated on all the latest scores, match analyses, and exclusive interviews with your favorite athletes. Explore the dynamic world of Indian sports—from the bustling stadiums to the quiet dedication of rising stars—right here. Discover the stories that shape the nation’s sporting spirit and witness the unfolding drama of the sporting year.
Shillong, July 18: Shillong Lajong FC have officially announced the appointment of Birendra Thapa as their new head coach, replacing Spanish tactician José Carlos Rodríguez Hevia, who parted ways with the club last month on mutual terms. The announcement was made via the club's official social media handles on Friday. Fondly known as Coach Biru, Thapa is no stranger to the Lajong family. A true veteran of the club, he has been associated with Shillong Lajong for close to two decades -- first as a player and then in various coaching capacities. His playing career with Lajong spanned from 2001 to 2009, during which he was a key figure in the squad that etched history by qualifying for the 2009-10 I-League season. Following his retirement as a player, Thapa seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role, serving as Team Manager and Assistant Coach from 2009 to 2019. His coaching journey then took him to Mohammedan SC and Sreenidi Deccan, where he served as Assistant Coach between 2020 and 2024 before making his return to Shillong Lajong in the previous season as Assistant Coach during their I-League campaign. Lajong also announced the appointment of George Vannie Lyngdoh Nongrang as the club's new Assistant Coach. A former youth player for the club from 2013 to 2017, George returned in 2024 to be part of the coaching staff, further strengthening the club's homegrown ethos. Speaking exclusively to The Shillong Times, an elated Thapa expressed both humility and optimism upon taking charge. "Honoured and humbled to be appointed as head coach. I'm thrilled and excited to take on this new challenge. Grateful to the club for the trust and support. I'm looking forward to working with the team, developing our players and achieving great things together. We are going to work hard, play smart and make our fans proud." Thapa also emphasised the strength and potential of the current squad, which predominantly comprises local talents. "We have a very young squad of mostly local players and they are doing very well. For the last 3-4 years, I've been working with them and I'm very happy with their performance, hard work, and dedication. I believe we can achieve great things." Looking ahead to the Durand Cup and the upcoming I-League season, Thapa said the team's approach will remain consistent -- focused, determined, and ambitious. "Regarding Durand, we are going to give our best and results will follow. For the I-League, we will go with the same approach and try to be in the best position in the table." The appointment of Birendra Thapa signals not just a change in leadership, but a return to the club's roots -- anchored in local pride, resilience, and a deep commitment to nurturing footballing talent from Meghalaya and the Northeast.
Shillong, July 7: Football fever is set to grip Shillong once again as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium gears up to host Group E matches of the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup. Local favourites Shillong Lajong FC will kick off their campaign on July 26 against the Foreign Services Team, marking the city's return as a key venue in India's oldest football tournament. Adding further excitement to the local calendar, Shillong will witness a high-voltage derby clash between city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC on July 29 -- a match expected to draw massive local support ...Read More >
Kolkata, Aug 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) I-League side Shillong Lajong FC will kick off the knockout quarterfinals stage of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament with a clash against Indian Navy FT at the Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Shillong on Saturday (August 16). As per the draw unveiled by the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC), the eagerly awaited quarterfinal fixtures of the 134th Durand Cup will be played across four cities on August 16 and 17. A few hours after Shillong Lajong battle it out with the Indian Navy, another side from the Northeast and a first-time quarterfinalists, ...Read More >
Jamshedpur, September 28: Jamshedpur Football Club has extended the contract of defender Sarthak Golui for the season 2025-26 season. He had featured for the Men of Steel in the Durand Cup earlier this season. The 27-year-old versatile defender from Kolkata, capable of playing both as a centre-back and right-back, brings valuable experience to the squad. A product of the AIFF Elite Academy, Sarthak has previously represented Mohun Bagan, Pune City, Mumbai City FC, East Bengal, and Chennaiyin FC, before turning out for Inter Kashi in the I-League last season. Sarthak made an immediate impact ...Read More >
Hyderabad, April 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a goalless draw in a top-of-the-table clash as both sides settled for a point in a closely contested encounter of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The two teams came into the match level on points, and the contest lived up to expectations with a tactical battle where both defences held firm and goalkeepers stood out with crucial saves. Sreenidi Deccan FC moved to the top of the table with 11 points, while Shillong Lajong sit just behind them, level on ...Read More >
Fatorda (Goa), April 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Goals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble, and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo Sports Club register their first win of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Tuesday. Shillong Lajong enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC's first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa's side rema ...Read More >
IMAGE: Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu and Princeton Rebello scored the goals for the winners as they secured all three points. Photograph: Super Cup/Instagram Three first half goals handed Punjab FC a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Group C opener of the Super Cup in Bambolim, Goa, on Monday. Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu and Princeton Rebello scored the goals for the winners as they secured all three points. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis opted for a midfield ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 20 (ANI): The 134th Durand Cup, beginning July 23rd, 2025, has 10 matches lined up across the five host cities of Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal, in what promises to be an exciting week one of footballing action, particularly with popular home favourites looking to wrest an early advantage with strong starts. Top Indian Super League (ISL) teams Emami East Bengal FC (16-time former winners) and Jamshedpur FC (former ISL League Winners Shield winners) kick-off one after another on the first two match days, while at least three local derbi ...Read More >
Imphal (Manipur) [India], August 1 (ANI): Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) earned a crucial 2-1 win over I-League side Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) in a closely contested Group F encounter of the 134th Durand Cup, here at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday, to earn the first victory in the competition since 2021. Goals from Vijay Marandi (6) and Sreyas V G (70) ensured full points for the Sailors, while Franck William Sessegnon 64th-minute strike proved to be a consolation for the Snow Leopards, as per a Durand Cup press release. Head coach Raman Rai Indian Navy side lined up in a traditiona ...Read More >
Imphal (Manipur) [India], August 1 (ANI): Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) earned a crucial 2-1 win over I-League side Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) in a closely contested Group F encounter of the 134th Durand Cup, here at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday, to earn the first victory in the competition since 2021. Goals from Vijay Marandi (6') and Sreyas V G (70') ensured full points for the Sailors, while Franck William Sessegnon's 64th-minute strike proved to be a consolation for the Snow Leopards, as per a Durand Cup press release. Also Read | DPL 2025 Points Table Updated With Net Run Rat ...Read More >
Jaipur: Rajasthan United Football Club capped off their final home game in spectacular fashion, edging past Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in a dramatic and high-intensity Indian Football League clash at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium here on Tuesday.Just when it seemed the match would end in a stalemate, Pangambam Naoba Meitei emerged as the hero, scoring a decisive goal deep into stoppage time (90+ minutes). With the match heading towards a goalless draw, Rajasthan United FC finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near po ...Read More >
Shillong, July 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday unveiled the Durand Cup Trophies and flagged off the Trophy Convoy for the 134th edition of this historic tournament. The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President's Cup which the winners keep permanently, will be taken on a roadshow, covering Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura, later in the day. Shillong Lajong FC, Ryntih Sports Club and the Meghalaya Police Football Team are three teams from Meg ...Read More >
Tura, July 12: The iconic Durand Cup trophy arrived in Tura on Friday as part of the ongoing roadshow for the 134th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. The event, organised by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, aimed to celebrate the tournament's rich legacy and boost excitement ahead of the matches. The roadshow commenced from the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre and passed through key areas of the town including Nazing Bazar, Araimile, Tetengkol, Hawakhana, the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, before culminati ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The first week of 134th IndianOil Durand Cup promises to be an exciting one with 10 matches slotted across five host cities Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal from July 23. This was shared by the organising committee of Saturday. Top Indian Super League (ISL) teams Emami East Bengal FC (16-time former winners) and Jamshedpur FC (former ISL League Winners Shield winners) kick-off one after another on the first two match days, while at least three local derbies, featuring other top local contenders like Mohammedan Sporting (former champions), Shillong Lajong FC and Ner ...Read More >
The 134th Durand Cup Organising Committee announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpu at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) of the 134th Durand Cup has officially announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpur, starting with a full-capacity opening match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. All 22,500 seats will be made available through complimentary passes, ensuring an inclusive and festive start to Asia's oldest football tournament. Thi ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
Kokrajhar (Assam) [India], August 4 (ANI): Punjab FC began their 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMSFC), here at the SAI Stadium. In a closely contested Group D tie, KAMSFC stunned the ISL side with a 69th-minute goal from Joseph Olaleye, before Pramveer (73) and Konsam Sanathoi Singh (90+2) turned the game around in the final quarter of the match and gave the Shers a winning start to their campaign, as per a press release from Durand Cup. The Shers head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, fielded a youthful side in a 4-2-3-1 set ...Read More >
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey believes it is a matter of pride that an Indian becomes a coach for India's national team, reflecting on Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach for the Indian Senior Men's National Team. AIFF earlier this month confirmed the signing of Khalid Jamil for a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team. Jamil took charge of the national team on a full-time basis ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals, which are set to be held on August 16 and 17. ...Read More >
Imphal, Aug 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) earned a crucial 2-1 win over I-League side Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) in a closely-contested Group F encounter of the 134th Durand Cup to earn the first victory in the competition since 2021 at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium here on Friday. Goals from Vijay Marandi (6') and Sreyas V.G. (70') ensured full points for the Sailors, while Franck William Sessegnon's 64th-minute strike proved to be a consolation for the Snow Leopards. Head coach Raman Rai's Indian Navy side lined up in a traditional 4-3-3 format, with Bhaskar Roy captaini ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. Also Read | Highest Test Match Aggregates for Batter, From Shubman Gill to Wiaan Mulder; Check Full List. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two b ...Read More >
Kolkata: For the first time, in its vernacular language outreach, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army has started using regional languages, including Bengali, Assamese and Manipuri, on social media handle during its posts on Durand Cup 2025. "Indian Army has started sharing information in vernacular languages in Bengali, Assamese and Manipuri, apart from English and Hindi. It is aimed to connect and reach out to more number of people, especially the non-English speaking people, who are conversant in vernacular languages, so that the information has better reach," CPRO Himanshu Tiwari told ...Read More >
The last edition earned them their first silverware. And the 134th edition of Durand Cup will see them take their first step towards title defence when NorthEast United FC face off against Malaysian Armed Forces FT to kick off their season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Saturday.While the Malaysian Armed Forces will be their first opponents, NEUFC will also be facing their other Group E rivals in two Shillong clubs in Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC in their next matches. ...Read More >
There was no dearth of support from the stands as home side Bodoland FC curved out a 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC -- another club from the Assam hinterland -- in their Durand Cup clash at SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Thursday.Having failed to make it out of the group stage in their debut season last year, Bodoland began their campaign at the 134th edition of the tournament with a win and three points that took them to the second spot on the Group D table, with the same points and ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Apr 1 (PTI) Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a goalless draw in a top of the table clash of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena here Wednesday. The two teams came into the match level on points, and the contest lived up to expectations with a tactical battle where both defences held firm and goalkeepers stood out with crucial saves. Sreenidi Deccan FC moved to the top of the table with 11 points, while Shillong Lajong sit just behind them, ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 17 (ANI): The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year tournament will increase three times to ₹3 Crore. The announcement was made during the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata as the City of Joy geared up to host Asia oldest football tournament. Along with the winners and runners up, teams reaching the semi-finals and quarterfinals along with three individual awards will also receive a share of the prize pool, as per a release from Durand Cup. The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showca ...Read More >
Kolkata: The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year's tournament will increase three times to Rs 3 crore. This year IndianOil Durand cup, oldest in Asia, will kick off on July 23 and will be played in five states-Assam, Meghalaya, Shillong, Bengal and Jharkhand. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the grand finale on August 23. Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee, said, "I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has sign ...Read More >
Jaipur, Jul 19 (PTI) A gang, allegedly involved in the adulteration of coal imported from the US, was busted by the Rajasthan Police, leading to the arrest of an individual, a senior official said on Saturday. The gang was adulterating high-quality coal (petcoke) imported from the US, cheating cement and steel factories out of crores of rupees through this illegal operation, Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Dinesh MN said. A team from the Crime Investigation Branch had been gathering intelligence about the theft of petcoke for some time. They were told by informants about several ...Read More >
Lucknow: Umar Ansari, the younger son of gangster-turned-politician late Mukhtar Ansari, was arrested by Ghazipur police from Darul Shafa area of Lucknow late Sunday night.The arrest was made following the registration of a criminal case against him for forgery in Ghazipur. He was taken into custody and transported to Ghazipur for further proceedings.Umar Ansari was booked for allegedly attempting to fraudulently reclaim a property that had been confiscated under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The property was earlier seized under Section 14(1) of the ...Read More >
Shillong, Aug 19 (PTI) Redeem Tlang's first half goal was enough for defending champions NorthEast United to beat Shillong Lajong 1-0 and book their place in the final of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament here on Tuesday. Tlang's 36th minute goal made all the difference as Shillong Lajong lost their second straight semifinal match of the tournament against the same opponents. NorthEast United had beaten Shillong Lajong 3-0 at the same venue in the semifinal in 2024. The first half saw Shillong Lajong restrict NorthEast United from playing their free flowing attacking game, keeping Aja ...Read More >
Panaji: Not many Goan players have tasted success outside the state, but Trijoy Dias is confident he can make his mark at Gokulam Kerala FC.Trijoy was a lively presence on the wings for Churchill Brothers FC, scoring six times in 20 appearances in a season marred by controversies for the I-League title last season.Although the Goan side ended up runnersup to Inter Kashi FC after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) verdict, Trijoy had a fruitful season.So why move to Gokulam Kerala?"Churchill ...Read More >