কাশীনাথ ভট্টাচার্য /‌ মনীষা–‌কোমল হবেন কেউ, আগামী ৩ অক্টোবর?

মনীষা কল্যাণ, সিনিয়র ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে ভারতের প্রথম গোল করেছিলেন

ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে ভারত ফুটবল বিশ্বকাপেও খেলেছে‍‌!‌

না, কোনও ভুল নেই এই বাক্যে। সত্যিই খেলেছিল ভারত, ফিফা বিশ্বকাপে ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে। সিনিয়র বিশ্বকাপ নয়, পুরুষদের বা ছেলেদেরও নয় — অনূর্ধ্ব ১৭ মেয়েদের বিশ্বকাপে। সেই খেলা হয়েছিল ভুবনেশ্বরে, ২০২২ সালের ১৭ অক্টোবর। সুইডিশ কোচ টমাস ডেনারবি ছিলেন ভারতের কিশোরীদের দায়িত্বে। গ্রুপ লিগে শেষ ম্যাচে ০–‌৫ হেরেছিল ভারত।

ফিফা বিশ্বকাপে প্রথমবার ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে খেলছে ভারত, সেই ম্যাচে হাজির থাকার সুযোগ হাতছাড়া করতেমন চায়নি। তাই পৌঁছে গিয়েছিলাম ভুবনেশ্বরে। তখন লিখতাম শিলচরের দৈনিক প্রান্তজ্যোতি কাগজে। থাকল সেই ম্যাচ–‌রিপোর্ট, প্রমাণ হিসাবে।

সেই ম্যাচ–‌রিপোর্ট

২০১৭ অনূর্ধ্ব ১৭ ছেলেদের ফিফা বিশ্বকাপেও ভারত ও ব্রাজিল ছিল। কিন্তু আয়োজক ভারত ছিল এ গ্রুপে, ব্রাজিল গ্রুপ ডি–‌তে। একই গ্রুপে না–‌থাকায় মুখোমুখি হয়নি।

সিনিয়র ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধেও খেলে ইতিহাস লিখেছিলেন মনীষা কল্যাণ। ২০২১ সালের ২৬ ফেব্রুয়ারি, ব্রাজিলের মানাউসে। চারদেশীয় আন্তর্জাতিক মহিলাদের প্রতিযোগিতার প্রথম ম্যাচে আরেনা দো আমাজোনিয়ায় ব্রাজিলের সিনিয়র মহিলা দল সে দিন ৬–‌১ উড়িয়ে দিয়েছিল ভারতকে। কিন্তু ইতিহাসে নাম লিখে ফেলেছিলেন পঞ্জাবের মেয়ে মনীষা, ৮ মিনিটে গোল করে ১–‌১ সমতা ফিরিয়ে। এখনও সেই গোলের ভিডিও পাওয়া যায়। বাঁদিক দিয়ে ঢুকে এসে দুরন্ত শটে গোল। তখন তিনি ১৯, এখন ২৪। দেশের সীমানা পেরিয়ে উয়েফা চ্যাম্পিয়নস লিগে খেলেছেন, গ্রিস দেশে এইকে আথেন্স ক্লাবের হয়ে এখন খেলেন মনীষা। সিনিয়র ফুটবলে ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে ভারতের একমাত্র গোলের নজির যাঁর পায়ে।

মনীষার সেই গোলের ভিডিও দেখতে পারেন এই লিঙ্কে —

যে কোনও স্তরের ফুটবলে ব্রাজিলের বিরুদ্ধে ভারতের প্রথম দেখা অবশ্য ২০১৬ সালের ১৩ অক্টোবর। অনূর্ধ্ব ১৭ ব্রিকস প্রতিযোগিতায়, গোয়ার বাম্বোলিমে অ্যাথলেটিক স্টেডিয়ামে। ভারতীয় অনূর্ধ্ব ১৭ ছেলের দল সেই দিনও হেরেছিল যথারীতি। কিন্তু ইতিহাস হয়ে গিয়েছিলেন কোমল থাটাল, ১–‌১ করে। বাইচুং ভুটিয়ার সিকিমের কোমলও বাঁদিক দিয়ে ঢুকে এসেই দুরন্ত শটে হার মানিয়েছিলেন ব্রাজিলের গোলরক্ষককে। শেষে হার ১–‌৩ এবং মনে রাখার মতো তথ্য, ব্রাজিলের তিন নম্বর গোল পেনাল্টি থেকে যা করেছিলেন বিনিসিউস জুনিয়র। অল ইন্ডিয়া ফুটবল ফেডারেশনের ওয়েবসাইটে সেই ম্যাচ রিপোর্ট পড়ে নিতে পারেন এখানে ক্লিক করে — 

https://www.the-aiff.com/article/spirited-india-taste-defeat-against-brazil

২০১৬-এর অক্টোবরে সেই প্রথম দেখার দশ বছর হতে চলেছে। আগামী ৩ অক্টোবর কলকাতার যুবভারতীতে আবার ভারত ‌বনাম ব্রাজিল। এবার সিনিয়র স্তরে এবং প্রীতি ম্যাচে। তবুও কলকাতার ব্রাজিলপ্রেমীরা অধীর আগ্রহে অপেক্ষায়। ১৯৭৭ সালে পেলে কলকাতায় এসেছিলেন কসমসের হয়ে মোহনবাগানের বিরুদ্ধে খেলতে। মনে করিয়ে দিয়ে ব্রাজিলের ফুটবল ফেডারেশন ফেসবুকে পোস্ট করেছে চারটি ছবি দিয়ে, দেখে নিতে পারেন এখানে - 

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1668407624635947&id=100044001765106&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3isCYbYdpWVEgaRV&checkpoint_src=any#

শুধু, দশ বছরে ‘‌ভারতের নেইমার’‌ কোমল থাটালকে এখন আর ভারতেরই কোনও ক্লাব সই করায় না, আর বিনিসিউস সিনিয়র বিশ্বকাপে খেলেন ব্রাজিলের হয়ে, নাম লিখে ফেলেছেন বর্তমান বিশ্বের সেরা ফুটবলারদের তালিকায়, রেয়াল মাদ্রিদে নিয়মিত খেলতে খেলতে‌!

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‘‌ভারতের নেইমার’‌ কোমল থাটাল

Nandini, Sibani eye senior debut against Russia

AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: At 19, goalkeeper Nandini and forward Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are aspiring to experience senior national team football for the first time. With the Blue Tigresses set to face 27th-ranked Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8 and 11, the two youngsters are currently part of the training camp that started at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence on September 18.

While the possibility of a debut adds to their excitement, both are currently focused on making the most of their time in camp and learning as much as they can from the seniors.

For goalkeeper Nandini, the call-up was a particularly special moment after having previously debuted for India at U17 level in 2023. She was also part of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup squad earlier this year.

“When I received the call-up to the senior national team, I was extremely happy. The first people I told were my coach and my parents, and they were very happy too,” Nandini told the-aiff.com.

The Chandigarh custodian looks up to the India men’s team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and hopes to continue learning from him.

“Everything in the camp is going well, and I’m getting to learn a lot from the senior players. I also personally look up to Gurpreet bhaiya as an inspiration. I have learned so much from him, and I want to continue learning from him,” she said.

The camp has given Nandini a closer look at the togetherness within the senior setup.

“At this camp, I’m also learning how the senior and junior players move forward together and help one another. It is a very good opportunity for me to learn and hopefully represent the country at the senior level,” she added.

Sibani, meanwhile, has followed a similar route through the youth national teams. The Manipur winger was first called up to the U17 team in 2023, before progressing to the U19 setup in 2024 and the U20 team in 2025. She scored a brace in the U20 Asian Cup match against Chinese Taipei in April, helping the Young Tigresses end their 22-year wait to bag a win in the competition.

Although she did feature in an international friendly against Maldives in 2025, with India featuring a mix of U20 and senior players, this current call-up felt like a more memorable moment. “When I got the news, I told my parents, and they were so happy and proud,” said Sibani.

Having heard about India's all-time top-scorer Bala Devi Ngangom during her school days, she has always drawn inspiration from her.

“Bala Devi is my inspiration. When I was in school, I heard her name and read about her in the newspaper. That inspired me to play football,” she said.

The winger also found the players to be warm and welcoming since joining the camp.

“When I joined the camp, the seniors were very caring towards us, and that made me feel included. They are also very disciplined, and that is one of the things I have learned from them,” said Sibani.

As India prepare to face Russia twice, both players are now hoping to don the India colours in Kolkata.

“We are all looking forward to the matches against Russia. It will be a great opportunity for us all, and I’m excited about the possibility of making my senior debut and playing in the India colours. Everyone is so nice, and I really like the football culture in Kolkata. So, I hope people come and cheer for us,” Sibani said.

“We hope everyone will come and support us during the matches,” added Nandini.

PC - AIFF

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.

PC - AIFF

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.”