Blue Tigresses to make historic Kolkata debut against Russia

AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: The Indian women's national team will play their first-ever international matches in Kolkata, taking on Russia in two friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8 and 11, 2026, during the FIFA Women's International Match Window.

The fixtures will be India's first international matches since they were crowned champions of the SAFF Women's Championship for a record-extending sixth time in June 2026. The October window will provide 69th-ranked India with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong European opposition. Russia are ranked 27th in the world.

It will also mark India's first appearance in West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship, which was held in Siliguri and saw the Blue Tigresses lift the title. That remains the only previous occasion on which the Indian women's national team has played in the state.

The Russian women's national team last travelled to India in 1994 for the eight-nation Jayalalitha Cup in Chennai. India were eliminated in the group stage, while Russia, who were placed in a different group, went on to finish runners-up.

The October fixtures will be the third and fourth meetings between India and Russia. Their previous two encounters both came in international friendly tournaments in neutral venues. India suffered a 0-8 defeat to Russia at the Turkish Women's Cup in 2021, before losing 0-2 at the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 in the UAE.

Indian women's national team head coach Crispin Chettri said, “Playing against quality opposition is always valuable for the development of the team. We have already faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, where we lost 2-0, so these matches will give us another opportunity to test ourselves against a strong side.

“While results are important, we also have to look at these games with a long-term vision. It is important to give opportunities to upcoming players, expose them to high-level opposition and continue developing a squad that can perform at the international level in the future.

The Blue Tigresses have been training in Kolkata since September 18. Chettri will finalise and name the squad closer to the matches.

“Having Kolkata host these matches will also be a huge opportunity for the players. They will not only get to play against a quality team like Russia, but, hopefully, in front of a good crowd as well. Experiencing the expectations and atmosphere that come with playing in front of fans is also part of their development. These are the habits and experiences we need to build if we want to compete at a higher international level.”

PC - AIFF

Ryan Williams scores, India battle to draw against Panama

India 1 (Ryan Williams 41’)
drew with
Panama 1 (Omar Valencia 68’)

AIFF Media Team

BENGALURU: The final whistle sparked clenched fists, warm embraces and celebrations among the Indian players. The scoreboard recorded a 1-1 draw, and after going toe-to-toe with World Cup side Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, September 25, 2026, it felt like a big punch above the weight.

Ryan Williams gave India the lead in the 41st minute before half-time substitute Omar Valencia equalised for Panama in the 68th minute. Yet, the scoreline told only part of the story.

Facing opponents ranked 94 places above them and fresh from playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Blue Tigers did much more than survive. They were arguably the better team for long periods and came within 22 minutes of an extraordinary victory, making this unquestionably a special night for Indian football.

This was the first senior meeting between the Blue Tigers and Los Canaleros, and India’s 14th encounter with CONCACAF opposition. Panama became the eighth nation from the confederation to face the Blue Tigers.

Panama controlled possession early, and the visitors circulated the ball in front of the defensive shape but struggled to find spaces through it.

India offered the greater threat once they began breaking forward. Anwar Ali released Ashique Kuruniyan in the eighth minute, and the winger found Akash Mishra on the left. Mishra’s cut-back reached Williams in the centre, but he could not get his shot away.

Williams’ influence continued to grow. He delivered a corner in the 15th minute that Panama goalkeeper Marcos de León Reyes punched clear before Bijoy Varghese could connect. Three minutes later, Williams drove a shot narrowly wide for India’s first clear attempt.

The hosts pressed with increasing confidence. Kuruniyan shot into the side-netting in the 26th minute after Williams had kept an attack alive despite being fouled. At the other end, Joseph Jones tried his luck from distance, while Ali and Mishra produced important interventions as Panama attempted to stretch India’s defence.

India’s bravery was rewarded four minutes before the interval. Mishra received the ball back from Varghese following a throw-in and sent a long pass behind Panama’s defensive line. Williams timed his run perfectly, controlled the ball between Jones and Victor Griffith, and stayed composed with only Reyes to beat, finishing past the goalkeeper to trigger an explosion of noise inside the stadium.

Panama responded with three changes at half-time, introducing Azarias Londoño, Amir Murillo and Valencia. India dropped into their defensive structure as the visitors increased the tempo and repeatedly looked for long passes into the penalty area.

India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu held Giovany Herbert’s effort in the 50th minute, but Panama finally broke through in the 68th minute. Valencia struck from outside the box, sending a dipping effort beyond Sandhu and into the top-right corner.

Valencia threatened again three minutes later, but Vikram Partap Singh tracked back to intervene. Panama struck the woodwork from the resulting corner before Sandhu denied Carlos Harvey from distance. Ali and Varghese also produced vital blocks as the visitors applied sustained pressure.

Jamil turned to his bench during the closing stages. Anirudh Thapa’s introduction marked his return to international football, two years after his previous India appearance in September 2024. India still fashioned one last opening in stoppage time when Sahal Abdul Samad released Manvir Singh, but the forward, making his 50th national team appearance, was crowded out before he could shoot cleanly.

India nevertheless held firm, and the celebrations at full-time showed what the result meant. A team that arrived hoping to compete with World Cup opposition left believing it could have won, gaining valuable belief before facing Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata.

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK, C); Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra (Pramveer 90’); Vikram Partap Singh (Edmund Lalrindika 73’), Lalengmawia Ralte, Ricky Shabong (Anirudh Thapa 73’), Ashique Kuruniyan (Jay Gupta 85’); Ryan Williams (Sahal Abdul Samad 73’), Manvir Singh.

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Style Baazar Brings Global Football to Kolkata as Principal Partner

Press Release

 India to face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time champions Uruguay on October 6 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium

Kolkata, 25th September 2026: Baazar Style Retail Limited (Style Baazar), one of Eastern India’s leading value fashion retail chains, has come on board as the Principal Partn
er for India’s landmark international football fixtures against Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata.

The Indian men’s national team will face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3, 2026, followed by two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay on October 6, 2026, with both matches scheduled at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata.

The fixtures will bring two of the world’s most celebrated footballing nations to a city where the sport has been deeply embedded in its cultural identity for generations.

The India–Brazil encounter, in particular, is expected to be a landmark sporting occasion, bringing one of world football’s most iconic teams face-to-face with India on home soil. For Style Baazar, the association reflects the brand’s growing engagement with platforms that connect with youth, culture, aspiration and shared experiences.

Mr. Shreyans Surana, Chairman & Managing Director, Baazar Style Retail Limited, said-“Football has always been an emotion in Kolkata, and welcoming Brazil to the city is a special moment for every football lover. We are delighted that Style Baazar can be part of this landmark occasion. With Uruguay also taking on India in another marquee fixture, Kolkata is set to experience international football at the highest level. At Style Baazar, we believe strong brands are built around the passions, aspirations and experiences that bring people together. This association is our celebration of Kolkata, of football, and of a new Bharat that is confident, vibrant and increasingly global.”

For Kolkata, the arrival of Brazil and Uruguay carries special significance. The city has one of India’s deepest and most enduring football cultures, and the two fixtures are expected to bring together generations of fans while showcasing India’s growing engagement with global sport.

The partnership also reflects Style Baazar’s evolving presence at the intersection of fashion, culture, youth and experiences. As a brand rooted in Bharat, Style Baazar continues to associate with platforms that reflect the aspirations and cultural energy of a new generation of Indian consumers.

As Kolkata prepares to welcome Brazil and Uruguay, Style Baazar looks forward to being part of a sporting experience that is expected to resonate with football fans across the country.

PC - Internet

India begin demanding run of international friendlies against Panama

AIFF Media Team

BENGALURU: Three years after lifting the SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Indian men's national team return to familiar territory on Friday, September 25, 2026, to begin a demanding run of international friendlies with a first-ever meeting against Panama. The match will kick off at 19:30 IST and will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV and Sony Aath.

The Central American side are the first of three teams from the 2026 FIFA World Cup that India will face, with Brazil and Uruguay to follow in Kolkata on October 3 and 6, respectively. Panama may be the lowest-ranked of the three, but at 44th in the FIFA rankings, they remain 94 places above India and present an immediate test for Khalid Jamil’s side.

Panama will become the eighth CONCACAF nation to face India. The Blue Tigers’ previous 14 matches against teams from the confederation have produced two wins, two draws and 10 defeats.

India will be eager to arrest a four-match winless run. Following defeats against Jamaica and Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup in London, the Blue Tigers lost 1-3 to Tajikistan before playing a 1-1 draw in the second friendly. Their last victory, a 2-1 win against Hong Kong on March 31, came on the last matchday of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The challenge is considerable, but Jamil wants his players to embrace the opportunity rather than be overawed by the visitors’ ranking and World Cup pedigree.

“It is our pleasure to play with a team of their calibre. They have a quality coach and good players, so we are looking forward to playing with them,” the India head coach said at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

While India will need to remain compact against a technically and physically strong opponent, Jamil made it clear that his team cannot afford to spend the entire evening defending. “We are playing against a strong team. But at the same time, you cannot defend every time. So, we will mix defence and attack. We will react according to the situation,” he said.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, returning to Bengaluru surroundings, views the fixture as both a challenge and a reference point for the team. “I think for us as players, this is a good opportunity to play against a team that has just come from the World Cup. They played really well in the World Cup, so it is going to be a very good test for us,” Sandhu said.

India were unbeaten in five matches at the Kanteerava during the 2023 SAFF Championship, scoring eight goals and conceding two before overcoming Lebanon and Kuwait in successive penalty shootouts to lift the trophy. Those memories should provide encouragement, although Panama represent a significant step up.

Panama made their World Cup debut at Russia 2018 before returning to the global stage in 2026. Thomas Christiansen’s team qualified unbeaten, winning seven and drawing three of their 10 matches while scoring 19 goals. In the finals, they lost to Ghana, Croatia and England, failing to score but conceding only four times in a tough group.

Despite the inclusion of several younger players in the squad to face India, Christiansen accepted Panama’s position as favourites. “Well, in Panama there's a big expectation that we will win. But it doesn't matter if it's India or Argentina or Brazil. We have to win all our games. But we know that we should be the favourite on paper. We have to admit that,” he said.

Midfielder Carlos Harvey, meanwhile, is looking to make his first visit to India a memorable one. “Well, the truth is that it's a very beautiful experience, because it's the first time I've come here. I'm trying to enjoy it in the best way possible, and now it's time to play a good game, a serious game, committed to our country, and try to achieve a good result,” Harvey said.

For India, the assignment is about more than measuring the 94-place ranking gap. It is an opportunity to test a new-look group against a World Cup side, rediscover momentum and set the tone before even sterner examinations against Brazil and Uruguay. 

PC-AIFF

On the pitch, it's 11 against 11, says Anirudh Thapa

AIFF Media Release

NEW DELHI: When India take on Panama, Brazil and Uruguay during the September-October FIFA international window, the matches will carry special significance for midfielder Anirudh Thapa.

The 28-year-old is set to return to the national team after a two-year absence. Thapa last represented the Blue Tigers against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup in September 2024. Now back in the squad, he could mark his return during one of the most significant international windows in Indian football history.

India will face Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 25 before taking on five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time champions Uruguay on October 6 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

“As everyone knows, both Brazil and Uruguay are world champions. They have world-class players and have won the World Cup. For me as a player, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against them in India, in front of our home fans,” Thapa said.

“I am really excited and motivated to represent my country, test myself and see how good we are as a team. We can also gain a lot of experience from playing against them,” the midfielder added.

The prospect of facing three teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has understandably generated excitement within the Indian camp. However, Thapa believes the players must set aside the occasion once they step onto the pitch.

“When we sit together and talk about these matches, it is exciting. It gives you goosebumps when you think about playing against these countries, especially at home. But once we enter the pitch, it is 11 against 11. We need to give our best and play our best football,” he said.

As a central midfielder, Thapa will have an important role in helping India withstand the pressure and quality of their opponents. The midfielder stressed that composure, discipline and compactness would be crucial, particularly against teams capable of exploiting the smallest errors.

“We need to be motivated, but we also need to be disciplined. As a team, we must remain composed and compact and keep fighting until the 90th minute because these teams will push us,” the 28-year-old asserted. “If we can make fewer mistakes, that will be something positive we can carry forward. Communication between the midfield and defence will be massive because of their quality, how they play in small spaces and how quickly they can move the ball.”

Thapa believes India must concentrate on their own organisation and collective performance.

“Both teams have quality and everything you expect from great footballing nations. For us, it will be important to remain disciplined, play as a unit and fight for the badge. We will be playing at home, in front of our supporters, and we must give our very best.

“What we do during those 90 minutes will be crucial, but what we learn after the matches will also be important. We do not get many opportunities to play teams like these, particularly on our home ground,” he added.

Calling upon the supporters to stand behind the Blue Tigers, Thapa concluded, “Teams of this calibre are coming to India to play against India. It's a rare opportunity for the fans. Please come, support us as you have always done, and we will try to give our best for the nation.”

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ to be played at home of Inter Miami CF

 FIFA Media Release

• Mexico’s Club América Femenil and Spanish FC Barcelona Femení have already qualified
• Intercontinental women’s club champions to be crowned in January
• Last-four showdowns, including bronze final and trophy decider to be contested in Miami

A quartet of the leading women’s clubs on the planet are set to convene in the US city of Miami for the decisive stage of next year’s edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™.

The last-four encounters, including the bronze final and the tournament decider will be hosted at Nu Stadium, and will determine the winners of the second instalment of the competition following Arsenal Women FC’s triumph in last year’s inaugural iteration.

Miami is no stranger to hosting FIFA’s global events, having provided the backdrop for eight matches at the maiden FIFA Club World Cup™ last year and seven games at the FIFA World Cup™ held this past June and July. The Magic City is now gearing up to welcome women’s football fans from across the globe to Inter Miami CF’s new home, which was opened this past April.

“The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup was created with a clear ambition: to give the best clubs in the world the chance to compete on the global stage every year. Following an incredible first edition that featured an unforgettable final in London, we’re now bringing the world’s top clubs to Miami,” said Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer.

“The excitement surrounding this competition is already growing, and Miami provides a perfect setting to showcase the quality and global appeal of women’s club football. I can’t wait to see who rises to the occasion and lifts this beautiful trophy.”

Before the action gets under way in Miami, the competition will kick off with the Round 1 tie between the AFC titlists and their OFC counterparts. The winners of that showdown will advance to Round 2, where they will pit their wits against the CAF champions. Further details on these two rounds are provided in the “Road to glory” section below.

The competition will then head stateside to Miami, where the Round 2 victors will face the Concacaf champions in the semi-finals. In the other last-four bout, the UEFA title holders will go head to head with the CONMEBOL conquerors.

Fans will be treated to a mouth-watering double-header on Sunday, 31 January, when the bronze final is set to take place ahead of the trophy decider. The match schedule will be released in due course.

“Our vision is to build on the momentum we have created in South Florida and establish Miami and Nu Stadium as one of the world’s great stages for sports and entertainment,” said Iñigo Aznar, Chief Revenue Officer, Inter Miami CF and Nu Stadium.

“Hosting the final phase of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ is another important step in that journey, bringing the champions of the world’s leading confederations and some of the best women’s footballers on the planet to our new home. We look forward to welcoming fans from Miami and around the world for an unforgettable celebration of the game.”

Road to glory

The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together the six reigning continental champions in a competition that determines the best women’s club team in the world.

Before the final phase in Miami, rounds 1 and 2 will be contested next month and in December respectively. In the tournament curtain-raiser, AFC Women’s Champions League holders Naegohyang Women’s FC will meet Auckland United FC, who tasted glory in the OFC Women’s Champions League earlier this year.

The side that prevail in that contest will square off against the CAF Women’s Champions League winners in Round 2. Whoever comes out on top in that encounter will progress to the final stage in Miami, where they will battle for intercontinental glory with Concacaf titlists Club América Femenil, UEFA Women’s Champions League holders FC Barcelona Femení and the CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina winners.

Approved by the FIFA Council in May 2024, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup is held in years when the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™ is not scheduled. The competition reflects FIFA’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for women’s club football and increasing the visibility of the next generation of female players all over the globe.

কাশীনাথ ভট্টাচার্য / রঙমশালের কিশোরভারতীতে লালহলুদ ইতিহাস

 

 

ইন্টার কাশী ১ (আলফ্রেদ ১৫)

ইস্টবেঙ্গল ২ (এজেজারি ৫০, রশিদ ৭৩)

 

অপেক্ষা মোটেও মধুর নয়!

লিভারপুলকে জিজ্ঞেস করুন। ৩০ বছর লেগেছিল! ১৯৮৯-৯০ মরসুমের পর আবার ইংল্যান্ডের জাতীয় লিগ জিততে, ২০১৯-২০ মরসুমে। প্রথম বিভাগীয় লিগ ইংলিশ প্রিমিয়ার লিগে পরিবর্তিত হয়ে যাওয়ার ২৮তম সংস্করণে এসে প্রথম ট্রফি। পরতে পরতে কত পদস্খলনের স্টিভেন জেরার্ড ইতিহাস!

ইস্টবেঙ্গলকেও জিজ্ঞেস করতে পারেন। লাল লিভারপুলে জেরার্ড থাকলে লালহলুদে মেহতাব হোসেন ছিলেন, পা পিছলে যাওয়ার এমন বহু ইতিহাসের সাক্ষী। তাই ২২ বছর লেগে গেল ভারতের জাতীয় লিগ আবার জিততে। তবে, আইএসএল-এ খেলতে শুরু করার পর ষষ্ঠ সংস্করণে এল খেতাব। আগের পাঁচবারের পারফরমেন্স? জানতে চাহিয়া লজ্জা দিবেন না প্লিজ! ২০২০-২১ থেকে শুরু করে ৯, ১১, এবং ৯-এর হ্যাটট্রিকের পর, ষষ্ঠ প্রচেষ্টায় চ্যাম্পিয়ন। আর ভারতের সেরা লিগে ২০০৪-এর পর, যে-কারণে সংবাদমাধ্যমে বাইশ বছরের উল্লেখ চলছিল রোজ। ফিরে আসছিলেন সুভাষ ভৌমিক, বারবার।

তবেই তো, অপেক্ষা মধুর না হলেও অপেক্ষার মধুরেণ সমাপয়েৎ হয়! আর তখন, বাইশ বছর পর দেশের লিগজয়ের দিনের কি আর ম্যাচ রিপোর্ট হয়? উল্টে মানসপটে ভেসে ওঠেন প্রভসুখন গিল। দিন তিনেক আগে যিনি এমি মার্তিনেজ হয়ে শেষ মুহূর্তে বাঁ-পা ছড়িয়ে জেমি ম্যাকলারেনের শট আটকে বাঁচিয়ে রেখেছিলেন লিগজয়ের স্বপ্ন। ১৩ ম্যাচের লিগে সবথেকে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ‘সেভ’, রূপকথা হয়ে যা ছড়িয়ে যাবে প্রজন্ম থেকে প্রজন্মে। ‘লাস্ট ল্যাপ’, প্রতিযোগিতার ‘বিজনেস এন্ড’ – এই ইংরেজি শব্দগুলো এখন বেশ প্রচলিত ইপিএল-এর ঢালাও প্রচারের কল্যাণে। সঙ্গে জুড়ে নিন আমাদের বাংলার কথাও - শেষ ভাল যার, সব ভাল তার। ইস্টবেঙ্গলের এবার শেষের মতো সবই ভাল!

তা-ও তো পিছিয়ে পড়তে হয়েছিল ১৫ মিনিটেই। সুনীল গাঙ্গুলি মেনে ‘ভয়ঙ্কর সুন্দর’ গোলে। নিজেদের রক্ষণ থেকে স্পেনীয় দাভিদ উমানেস মুনিওস-এর উঁচু করে তোলা বল ভেসে এসেছিল ইস্টবেঙ্গল রক্ষণে। আনোয়ার আলি তখন নেটওয়ার্ক সীমানার বাইরে। আরও এক স্পেনীয় আলফ্রেদ প্লানাস মোয়া সেই বল মাটিতে পড়তে দিলেন না।মাথার ওপর দিয়ে আসা বলেই দুর্দান্ত শটে গিলকে পরাস্ত করে চুপ করিয়ে দিলেন কিশোরভারতীর গ্যালারি।

সেই গ্যালারি জাগল দ্বিতীয়ার্ধের শুরুতে যখন ইউসেফ এজেজারি বিপক্ষের বাঙালি গোলরক্ষক শুভম দাসের পায়ের ফাঁক দিয়ে বল নিতে গিয়ে শুভমের পায়ে লাগিয়েও বলচা ফেরত পেলেন নিজের পায়ে এবং সমতা ফিরিয়ে প্রতিযোগিতার সর্বোচ্চ গোলের (১১) রেকর্ডে নিজের নাম লিখিয়ে ফেললেন। বাইপাসে খানিক দূরের যুবভারতীতে তখনও সানজিভ গোয়েনকার সুপার জায়েন্ট গোলের মালা পরানোর স্বপ্নে বুঁদ থাকলেও বাস্তবে গোল পায়নি যেমন, খায়ওনি।

৬২ মিনিটে যুবভারতীতে যখন আঁধার নেমেছিল দিল্লির কাছে গোল খেয়ে তার মিনিট দশেক পর কিশোরভারতীতে বাড়তি আলো মহম্মদ রশিদের গোলে। ইংল্যান্ডের তীব্র বর্ণবিদ্বেষী সংবাদমাধ্যম যেমন নামে ‘মহম্মদ’ এবং বিখ্যাত হলেই তাঁদের ‘মো ফারা’ বা ‘মো সালা’ বানিয়ে দেয়, মনেপ্রাণে ইংরেজ হতে-চাওয়া বাঙালিও এখন থেকে তাঁকে ‘মো রশিদ’ বলতে শুরু করতেই পারে। সালা যেভাবে লিভারপুলকে খেতাব জেতাতে ছিলেন মুখ্য ভূমিকায়, রশিদও তো তেমনই। মাঝমাঠে ভারসা দিলেন মরসুম জুড়ে, শেষ ম্যাচে জয় এল তাঁরই পা থেকে, বিপিন সিংয়ের দুরন্ত অ্যাসিস্ট-এ। সেই গোলের আগে কোচ অস্কার ব্রুজোন তুলে নিয়েছিলেন এজেজারিকে। ক্ষুব্ধ হয়ে প্রতিক্রিয়াও দেখাচ্ছিলেন এজেজারি। কিন্তু রশিদের গোলের পর মাঠে ঢুকে জড়িয়ে ধরে অভিনন্দন জানিয়ে বেঞ্চে ফিরে যেভাবে কেঁদে ফেললেন, আবারও বোঝা গেল টিমগেমের সার্থকতা। সতীর্থর গোল যদি কাঁদিয়ে না দেয়, টিমগেম কেন!

তারপর আবারও অপেক্ষার পালা। বাকি ২৭ মিনিট। সংযুক্ত সময়ের পাঁচ মিনিট আরও। যুবভারতীতে ৮৯ মিনিটে সমতা ফিরিয়েছেন মনবীর সিং। আট মিনিট যুক্ত হয়েছে নব্বইয়ের পর। আট মিনিটে কি আরও ছ’গোল হতে পারে, সম্ভব? আর্জেন্তিনার গুনে গুনে ছ’গোল দেওয়া পেরুকে, আটাত্তরে, মনে আছে তো! কিন্তু সে তো আগেভাগে জেনেশুনে ম্যাচ খেলতে নামা, যার বছর আটেক পর থেকে ফিফা নিয়ম করে দিয়েছিল, লিগে শেষ ম্যাচগুলো একই সময় হবে। বিশেষ করে যখন প্রতিযোগিতার ফলাফল নির্ধারিত হতে পারে। তাই একই সঙ্গে যুবভারতী-কিশোরভারতীর পাশাপাশি গুয়াহাটিতে পাঞ্জাব-মুম্বই এবং টাটানগরে জামশেদপুর-ওডিশাও চলছিল, একই সঙ্গে, একই সময়ে।

৯০ মিনিটে ছ’গোল হয়নি যখন, আট মিনিটেও হবে না বুঝে গিয়েছিল হাজার আটেক দর্শকের কিশোরভারতী ততক্ষণে। চাপা টেনশন শুধু, বড় ম্যাচে পাঁচ মিনিটও ব্যবধান ধরে রাখতে না-পারার স্মৃতি। বুক দুরুদুরু।

রেফারির শেষ বাঁশির পর মাঠদখলের গল্পটাই থেকে গেল। গ্যালারি ভেসে যায় মশালের আলোয়। রঙমশালটা একলা জ্বালে না কেউ। সেই যে লিভারপুলের গানটা আছে না, ‘ইউ’ল নেভার ওয়াক অ্যালোন’, অ্যানফিল্ডে যা জাতীয় সঙ্গীত পর্যায়ে, আজকের পর কিশোরভারতীতেও লালহলুদ সমর্থকরা কাগজের মশাল জ্বালাতে জ্বালাতে, কবীর সুমন গেয়েই যেতেন ‘রঙমশালটা একলা জ্বেলো না, আমার বুকেও জ্বালো’!

ছবি – এআইএফএফ, আইএসএল