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From the time Sir Dorabji <keyword id="19904884" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata" source="keywords">Tata</keyword> sponsored a handful of Indian athletes to the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, Tata group has been a constant in India's sporting landscape and the conglomerate's involvement only grew under <keyword id="19981455" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ratan-tata" source="keywords">Ratan Tata</keyword>, who considered sport a "way of life". The chairman emeritus of Tata Sons died here at the age of 86 on Wednesday after being admitted to a hospital on Monday for "age and related medical conditions". His death triggered an avalanche of tributes from eminent personalities from all walks of life and sports was no different. From being the title sponsor of the glitzy Indian Premier League of cricket to supporting lesser-followed sports like archery to owning a football team in the Indian Super League to sponsoring a high-profile chess tournament, the Tata group has been deeply involved with the country's sporting ecosystem. Most of this involvement grew during Ratan Tata's tenure. "He always believed in 'sports is the way of life' and we are happy to carry forward the legacy. We have been the torchbearer of sports with 19 sporting verticals from football, hockey, archery to horse riding, boxing, karate, racket sports. You name it, we have it," an official involved with the JRD Tata Sports Academy, which was inaugurated in 1991 in Jamshedpur, told PTI. The growth in Tata Group's sporting involvement under Ratan Tata was the continuation of a legacy. After all, Sir Dorabji Tata, who played cricket, tennis and football, was the first President of the Indian Olympic Association (1924). This was after he had financed the Olympic appearance of four track-and-field athletes and two wrestlers at the Antwerp Games, helping organise their trials in Pune as well. Tata Steel Chess, which is also called the 'Wimbledon of chess', is a marquee event on global chess calendar, held at <keyword id="20385206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wijk-aan-zee" source="keywords">Wijk Aan Zee</keyword>, the Netherlands. It wasn't always known that. It was Corus Chess Tournament for the longest time before Tata Steel took over the title sponsor company, thereby claiming the rights of this event from 2007 onwards. Five-time world champion and Indian chess legend <keyword id="20221790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="viswanathan-anand" source="keywords">Viswanathan Anand</keyword> was among the first sports icons to pay tributes to the late industrialist, saying that he "touched all our lives". "It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to a giant of industry and philanthropy. We received our Padma Vibhushan together, and I was truly touched by his humility and genteel nature," Anand wrote on X. "The chess fraternity owes much to the traditions that are so closely associated with the Tata Group. @tatasteelchess in Holland is an event that made us chess players particularly proud, especially when the Tatas took over Corus, and later starting a new tradition with @tschessindia," he added. "The chess world and I offer our deepest condolences to @RNTata2000, a human being who touched all our lives and always stood for the good of society. Rest in peace," Anand continued. Tata Foootball Academy started back in 1987 under <keyword id="23494114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="russi-mody" source="keywords">Russi Mody</keyword>, the then chairman of Tata Steel, who had the backing of Ratan Tata for the project. The academy has been supplying national level footballers since early '90s with its some of its noted alumni being current All India Football Federation head and former goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey, Rennedy Singh, Dipendu Biswas and Kiran Khongsai. "TFA has played a pioneering role in Indian football by focusing on nurturing young talent and contributing significantly to the development of football in the country," the official associated with JRD sports complex said. "He (Ratan Tata) was there at the launch of Jamshedpur FC in the ISL in 2017. he interacted with the players and coaches, took photos with them. They also presented him with a signed jersey. He was very happy to see the team coming up and playing in the top tier ISL," he recalled. The enigmatic businessman was there to launch the hockey academy in Jamshedpur in 2019. "...perhaps for the last time he was here," the official said. Hockey India said Ratan Tata will be remembered as a "shining gem". "Your vision and endless contribution to our nation will never be forgotten. Your legacy will forever live with us till eternity. Hockey India pays tribute to one of Modern India's Pioneers - Ratan Naval Tata," it added. The legendary <keyword id="19919207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sachin-tendulkar" source="keywords">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword> said Ratan Tata's legacy will continue through his foundations. "In his life, and demise, Mr Ratan Tata has moved the nation. I was fortunate to spend time with him, but millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today. Such is his impact," <keyword id="20012835" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tendulkar" source="keywords">Tendulkar</keyword> wrote. The Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur has been the training ground for ace Indian archers Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das for several years. Given Tata Group's involvement in India's Olympic movement, it was hardly a surprise to see an outpouring of tributes from some of country's top athletes. "I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I'll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti," posted India's track-and-field Olympic gold-winner, Neeraj Chopra. India's first-ever Olympics medal winner in badminton, <keyword id="20204318" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saina-nehwal" source="keywords">Saina Nehwal</keyword> described him as a great man. "Ratan Tata sir aapki legacy hamesha humare saath rahegi. RIP (sic). (A great man and true visionary. Tata sir your legacy will always remain with us," she said. One of India's greatest spin bowlers and former captain Anil Kumble said, "Mr. Ratan Tata's contribution extends far beyond business. His legacy of giving back to society will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace." "An institution who embodied Excellence, Vision and Humility. A Philanthropist par excellence. A massive loss to society. Condolences to the entire Tata family. God bless his soul #RatanTata," wrote former India player and coach <keyword id="19958622" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ravi-shastri" source="keywords">Ravi Shastri</keyword>.

The Tata effect on Indian sports: Ratan Tata's demise mourned by India stalwarts

New Delhi, Mar 11 () Indian football team captain and star striker <keyword id="99507" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunil-Chhetri">Sunil Chhetri</keyword> on Thursday said he has tested positive for COVID-19, a development that is set to rule him out of the international friendly against Oman on March 25 in Dubai. He is also likely to miss the March 29 friendly against United Arab Emirates at the same venue. The Bengaluru FC star forward took to social media to post the update and said that he is feeling fine. "In a not-so-happy update, I've tested positive for COVID-19. In better news, I feel fine as I continue my recovery from the virus and should be back on a football pitch soon," <keyword id="268788" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhetri">Chhetri</keyword> wrote on his Twitter handle. "No better time to keep reminding everyone to continue taking all the safety precautions always." The 36-year-old was competing in the <keyword id="1910227" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Super-League">Indian Super League</keyword> (ISL) till last month in Goa in a bio-secure bubble. His campaign got over after Bengaluru FC failed to make the semifinals. The team's last game was on February 25, which Chhetri played and also scored a goal. Bengaluru FC were placed seventh on the table at the end of the league stage. The former champions logged 22 points after winning five matches, drawing seven and losing eight games. Chhetri, the second highest goal scorer in international football among active players, scored eight times in the 20 ISL games this season. As part of the preparation for the two matches against Oman and UAE, the national team is scheduled to assemble for a preparatory camp in Dubai from March 15. India last played an international match in November 2019, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan (in Tajikistan) and Oman (in Muscat). Already out of contention for the second round of World Cup qualifiers, India are scheduled to play two home matches against Asian Champions Qatar and Afghanistan, and an away game against Bangladesh. AH PM PM

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri tests positive for COVID 19

<ul><li><keyword id="6377547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adidas" source="Orion">adidas</keyword> has roped in <keyword id="1407499" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sandesh-jhingan" source="Orion">Sandesh Jhingan</keyword>, Indian Men’s Football Vice captain who will work closely with the brand in engaging and inspiring the youth to take the game to the next level.</li><li>In India, Sandesh joins the likes of <keyword id="13937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rohit-sharma" source="Orion">Rohit Sharma</keyword>, Mirabai Chanu, <keyword id="4624311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lovlina-borgohain" source="Orion">Lovlina Borgohain</keyword>, Manpreet Singh, <keyword id="1406187" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="simranjit-kaur" source="Orion">Simranjit Kaur</keyword>, Nikhat Zareen, Jeremy Lalrinnunga.</li></ul>Sportswear brand adidas has roped in Sandesh Jhingan, Indian Men’s Football Vice captain who will work closely with the brand in engaging and inspiring the youth to take the game to the next level. A recipient of AIFF’s ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ in 2014, Sandesh was named ‘Men’s Player of the Year’ in 2020-2021. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Awards in 2020 for his outstanding achievement in football. An ardent fan of Manchester United, Sandesh will now join the brand’s elite pool of athletes which includes the likes of <keyword id="704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lionel-messi" source="Orion">Lionel Messi</keyword>, <keyword id="4722585" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mo-salah" source="Orion">Mo Salah</keyword>, <keyword id="849887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paul-pogba" source="Orion">Paul Pogba</keyword>, <keyword id="2819664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paulo-dybala" source="Orion">Paulo Dybala</keyword> to name a few. adidas also partners with some of the leading football clubs in the world including Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, which define the brand’s commitment to football. In India, Sandesh joins the likes of Rohit Sharma, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Manpreet Singh, Simranjit Kaur, Nikhat Zareen, Jeremy Lalrinnunga who wear and sport the 3-Stripes with pride at The Arena, adidas head office in Gurgaon. This signing further strengthens adidas’ year long association with football while also diversifying its rich athlete roaster. Speaking about the partnership, <keyword id="168719" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunil-gupta" source="Orion">Sunil Gupta</keyword>, Senior Director, Brand adidas, India, said, "Sandesh is a role model for many young footballers and a perfect combination of passion and talent. With this partnership we aim to inspire the youth and work towards a common goal of building football from the grassroot level in India. We are thrilled to have Sandesh join the adidas family.” Excited about his relationship with adidas, Sandesh Jhingan said, “My journey with football has been very enriching, and I aspire to make it a far bigger sport in India than it is today. I am thrilled to be a part of the adidas family, and I feel this association will take me closer to my dream of seeing India develop greater passion for football and gain a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I feel adidas gets my passion and love for football like no other, given its long-standing relationship with the sport.”

adidas signs an endorsement contract with  Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan to inspire young football players

<ul><li><keyword id="99507" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunil-Chhetri">Sunil Chhetri</keyword> recently opened his home to a web series for <keyword id="106317" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asian-Paints">Asian Paints</keyword>.</li><li>Chhetri holds the coveted record of being the world’s second highest goal scorer. </li><li>From a home office that displays his awards, to his sports bike that is parked right in the hallway, and an open-island kitchen, here’s a peek into his home. </li></ul>Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri opened his home for a web series by Asian Paints’ called– Where The Heart Is. Chhetri holds the coveted record of being the world’s second highest goal scorer. 
	
	<div type="Slideshow" msid="71313692" hostid="261" title="In Pics: Inside Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri’s Bengaluru home" firstImageMsid="71313693" slideCount="5"></div>

In Pics: Inside Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri’s Bengaluru home

It was in the early <a href="https://www.the-aiff.com/article/indian-football-down-the-years-looking-back-at-the-glorious-moments">1950s </a>that newly free India went up against Iran on the <keyword id="64" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="football" source="Orion">football</keyword> court in the inaugural Asian Games and bagged its first gold medal. Later, the country participated in the Olympics and other Asian Games, and also formed a team for women in 1980, grabbing many shiny medals along the way. <div type="image" title="India in action at the 1956 Olympics - AIFF" msid="93647037" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;India in action at the 1956 Olympics - AIFF &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> For the first time ever in football’s history, India has been suspended by the International Federation of Association Football (<keyword id="57149" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="fifa" source="Orion">FIFA</keyword>). <keyword id="57299" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="All-India-Football-Federation" source="Orion">All India Football Federation</keyword> (<keyword id="50985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AIFF" source="Orion">AIFF</keyword>) has also been stripped of its right to host the 2022 junior Women's World Cup. The Under-17 Women’s World Cup was scheduled to be held across Odisha, Goa and Maharashtra in October this year. Many first-time participants, who have been training for years, are now feeling uncertain about their future. <div type="image" title="Under-17 Women’s World Cup team" msid="93647050" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Under-17 Women&amp;#8217;s World Cup team&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The ban could still be lifted if a few conditions are met but what led to AIFF’s suspension? Why has FIFA suspended AIFF? The governing body of world football announced the suspension citing the "undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes”. The suspension is effective from August 14, 2022 until further notice, according to a letter from Fatma Samoura, Secretary General, FIFA. This will affect India’s international participation. The troubles began when former AIFF president Praful Patel who was also a FIFA council member, refused to resign from his post as the head of football in the country after his tenure of three years ended in December 2020. Patel is also a member of the Nationalist Congress Party. <div type="image" title="Praful Patel&amp;#39;s tenure ended in December 2020" msid="93647079" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Praful Patel&amp;#39;s tenure ended in December 2020&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> FIFA’s rules state that its member federations must be free from legal and political interference. FIFA’s Article 19 also states that each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties. A member association’s bodies shall be either elected or appointed in that association. A member association’s statutes shall provide for a democratic procedure that guarantees the complete independence of the election or appointment. <div type="image" title="Timeline of what led to AIFF’s ban" msid="93647104" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt; Timeline of what led to AIFF&amp;#8217;s ban &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> After Patel’s resistance to resigning, AIFF did not hold fresh elections. The matter then went to the Supreme Court, which announced the immediate resignation of Patel and formed a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the AIFF and govern the sport. It appointed Justice (retired) Anil R Dave, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr S.Y. Quraishi and former India captain Bhaskar Ganguly to the CoA. <div type="image" title="Supreme Court formed a three-member Committee of Administrators" msid="93647115" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Supreme Court formed a three-member Committee of Administrators&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> FIFA directed CoA to get new elections underway, finalise the constitution and present it to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). India is not the only country India is not the first country to be suspended by FIFA. In 2021, Pakistan Football Federation was banned temporarily due to the same violations. The ban was lifted last month. Zimbabwe, Kenya, Chad, Benin, Kuwait, Nigeria and Iraq have also been at the receiving end of FIFA’s wrath. How will it affect India? Both male and female players won’t be able to participate in international tournaments till the ban is lifted, which includes the 2023 Asian Cup. In June, India’s football team captain Sunil Chhetri said a ban would be “catastrophic” for the country and him. “No matter what is happening on that front, I hope it is under control and the country does not get a ban. Because, that will be catastrophic, not just for the whole country but for me, because I’m 37. I’m playing my last games. You never know when there’s a last game for you,” said Chhetri. Indian professional football club based in Calicut, Gokulam Kerala, has already found itself stranded in Uzbekistan after the FIFA suspension. The team was scheduled to play at the AFC Women's Club Championship. On August 18, SC asked the centre to take a proactive role and ensure that India is able to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in October. The men’s team is also scheduled to play Singapore and Vietnam in September and India’s participation in SAFF Women's Championship next month also looks uncertain. The suspension has not only dampened the morale of players who have been training for years, but it has also disappointed fans who were looking forward to watching the tournament live. The sport is watched by more than 23 million people, says a recent report by Ormax Media. Will the suspension be lifted? The suspension will be lifted once the AIFF administration regains full control of their daily affairs, which means no CoA. FIFA has also told India to form an independent electoral committee. Till then, as far as Indian footballers are concerned, it’s a wait-and-watch game. Here's a small video <div type="image" title="Why has FIFA banned All India Football Federation?" msid="93647172" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Why has FIFA banned All India Football Federation?&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

Simply put: Why has FIFA banned India and how will it impact India’s football industry?

New Delhi, In wake of the crisis caused by Covid 19 pandemic, <keyword id="57299" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="All-India-Football-Federation">All India Football Federation</keyword> has pledged to contribute Rs 25 lakh to the PM CARES Fund. All India Football Federation President <keyword id="6355497" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="praful-patel">Praful Patel</keyword> said: "The love, care and support from countrymen has provided us motivation all throughout. Hence, now is the time to pay back our country in whatever manner we can. The decision to donate Rs 25 lakh is unanimous. We need to stand together and help each other hoping to overcome the crisis." The AIFF has also directed all employees to work from home from March 14 itself, and all footballing activities under AIFF aegis has also been suspended till further notice. Indian football team captain <keyword id="99507" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunil-Chhetri">Sunil Chhetri</keyword> had said in a tweet on Tuesday that the members of the team have come together and "put on table a sum that has been sent to the PM-Cares Fund" to help in the fight against <keyword id="1754604" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword>. Chhetri added that the reason why he is mentioning this on Twitter is so others who have the capacity to make donations are inspired to do so. "We've always received more than we can give. Which is why in this time of need, all of us national team players have come together and put on the table a sum that has been sent to the PM-Cares Fund to help India's fight with the pandemic," said Chhetri in a series of tweets. "It's been heartening to see everyone -- cutting across caps, goals, age and experience -- give, and give with a smile. When word got out, even some who have long stopped pulling on an India shirt, turned up and asked to be counted. That's what a team is all about. "The ONLY reason we're talking about this here is so that it can gently prod those who have been fortunate enough to get, to give back. We're in this together." --IANS bbh/

All India Football Federation pledges to donates ₹25 lakh to PM CARES Fund

<ul><li>Virat Kohli is the first Indian celebrity to hit 50 million on Instagram. </li><li>Kohli’s net worth is $25 million, according to Forbes. </li><li>Kohli also retained the most valuable celebrity brand in India for the third time in Duff &amp; Phelps' report.</li></ul><keyword id="1523" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Cricket">Indian cricket</keyword> team captain Virat Kohli became the first-ever Indian to hit 50 million followers on Instagram. Kohli known for record-breaking cricketing triumphs amassed a huge social media following beating Bollywood and political figures. Kohli had replaced the ‘captain cool’ MS Dhoni to lead the Indian cricket team, in 2014. Dhoni still has a huge fan base but his Instagram followers are at 20 million followers. Apart from popular cricketers, Kohli also popular actors like Priyanka Chopra 49.9 million by a few thousands. <keyword id="598" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deepika-Padukone">Deepika Padukone</keyword> has 44 million followers and Kohli’s wife and top actress Anushka Sharma has 32.6 million. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Virat Kohli" msid="74186493" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;India&amp;#39;s cricket captain Virat Kohli stands for a photograph during the India launch of the Audi Q8 car in Mumbai, India, Wednesday , Jan. 15, 2020.Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

























 But in the world of sports though, Kolhi might have a long way to go. Portugal’s footballer Cristiano Ronaldo— the guy with the four ‘Golden European Shoes,’ has an Insta fan base of 200 million. This is the highest of any athlete on the social media platform. Brand value and the rise to fame The millions of fans he has social media has swelled his own value along with his brand value. Due to the strong connection he has gained with millennials earned him top billing on Duff &amp; Phelps celebrity brands list. His brand value is pegged at $237.5 million in 2019 - leaving actor Akshay Kumar far behind at $104.5 million. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Virat Kohli" msid="74186481" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;India&amp;#39;s captain Virat Kohli gestures during the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

























 His net worth is $25 million in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/athletes/#367b14b655ae">Forbes</a>.Apart from his swagger and looks, Kohli became one of the few cricketers who is compared to <keyword id="6354267" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="sachin-tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword>. Kohli has a world record of being the fastest batsman to gain 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. The aggressive batsman rose to fame when he captained India’s victorious Under-19 World Cup side in 2008 in Malaysia. He was immediately propelled into the lucrative Twenty20 tournament and since then has been the part of the IPL team <keyword id="6354506" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers-Bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</keyword>. Kohli, later on, became the team captain in 2012 and has retained the position since then. Last year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni and became the most successful Indian Test captain. Going by the way he is winning matches and fans, he might surpass a lot more in leading India.

Virat Kohli hits a sixer on Instagram, becomes the first Indian to hit 50M followers

New Delhi, Apr 26 () Will the fans rush back? Will training abroad be as hassle-free as it used to be? What about contact sports where social distancing can't really be practised? In a nutshell, will sports and watching sports ever be the same again in a world scarred by the COVID-19 pandemic? Seeking answers to these questions, sports team reached out to some of India's biggest sportspersons -- current and former -- who gazed into the crystal ball and predicted the future of sports once the action resumes. The responses were a mix of trepidation and optimism. Here's a peek into their thoughts: SACHIN TENDULKAR (One of India's greatest cricketers): No doubt the world is going through the biggest challenge in our lifetime. I think players will be wary for some time when it comes to using saliva (to shine the ball). It will play on their minds. High fives and hugging your teammates will be avoided for some time. This is what I would like to believe. They will be conscious to begin with and may maintain social distancing. ABHINAV BINDRA (India's first and only individual Olympic gold-medallist): Sport is a tool that unites people and brings joy to thousands of participants and viewers across the world. While aspects of heightened safety protocols will be integrated for the foreseeable future, the want and attraction of sport will not diminish. As the general populous has become more conscious of their health and their physical well-being, avenues to use sport to improve fitness will grow. The post-COVID-19 world could be a blessing in disguise for India. There may not be so much foreign exposure and this may allow India to build proper sporting infrastructure. BAJRANG PUNIA (World silver-medallist wrestler): Wrestling is a contact sport. When wrestling will resume, there is no way you can avoid physical contact. But I don't think there would be any hesitation. I don't see any change happening. The only thing that can happen is that the sport will become more intense. All athletes will return after a long time. They are not used to such long breaks. All of us are analysing our weaknesses and strengths, so when tournaments will resume, the competition will be intense. M C MARY KOM (Six-time world champion and an Olympic bronze-medallist): We are all hoping and praying desperately for things to go back to normal but can they ever? Of course not. This virus is an enemy that no one even understands completely. Sports will change. Mine is a contact sport and I am personally worried how we are going to deal with it. For the time being, I don't see any sparring happening in training at least, I would be totally against it. I believe training itself will become very individualistic. As for the fans, they will come back to watch, I don't see a problem there. But yes, the standard of hygiene at tournaments will go up to another level. I believe once a vaccine is developed, things can go back to how they were before but until then, travelling will be less frequent, training will not exactly be a team thing and tournaments, I don't know how they will resume. VIJENDER SINGH (India's first and so far the only male boxer to win an Olympic medal): I don't think it would be all that easy to bring back the fans, it shouldn't be because I believe people should be wary but India is an unpredictable country, kuch bhi ho sakta hai yahan (anything is possible here). People have been at home for so long, they might just head to the stadium at the first opportunity. Logic demands that they become more cautious. Athletes will be more cautious certainly, training abroad won't be all that easy, less tournaments will happen and whenever they happen, I am not sure what the participation would be like. BHAICHUNG BHUTIA (Former India football captain): In today's age, when television and digital platforms have become so important part of our lives, I don't think the lack of spectators in stadiums will have much of a bearing as far as business is concerned. I see the TV and digital gaining from this. Sports events will gradually come back to what they were before. They can be held behind closed doors for now. Till the time a vaccine is out, I don't think they can have people inside as it involves a lot of risks. B SAI PRANEETH (First Indian male badminton player to win a world bronze medal in 36 years): We have to travel a lot and I think everybody will be scared to travel to countries like China, Korea and even the European countries even if the international calender resumes. The fear of contracting the virus will always be there at the back of your mind, even when you are eating in any restaurant or even playing. I don't know how even playing would be possible considering the fact that during a match the shuttle is touched by the players and by the service judge. Also while playing, you change your shirt which is soaked with sweat, so I believe only after we have vaccination, play can start but even then, you will see people wearing masks and trying to avoid crowded places to be safe. MAHESH BHUPATHI (Multiple-time Grand Slam winning former tennis player): Sport won't change. Things will be normal once COVID-19 goes away. JEJE LALPEKHLUA (Top Indian footballer): It will take a bit of time to get back to normal but once things are normal, we would not be scared to take part. While travelling and moving between flights, hotels, and cities we just need to be more careful and take care of ourselves and others. SARDAR SINGH (Former men's hockey team captain): From the point of view of Olympic preparations, the plus point is the team will get more time to prepare for Olympics but the negative is it will have revisit it plans. Once sports resume, social distancing is going to be the new norm and it remains to be seen how it is implemented in contact sports like boxing, wrestling or for that matter hockey and football where close tackles and body contacts are common. KHS/AH/AT/PDS/ATK/SSC/PM PM

Sports in times of COVID-19: Top Indian stars foresee new normal once pandemic mayhem ends

<ul><li><keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> sported an <keyword id="7727463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="army-insignia">army insignia</keyword> on his gloves during the India vs South Africa match.</li><li>The International <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cricket">Cricket</keyword> Council had then directed Dhoni to stop wearing the gloves which resulted in a huge uproar by Indian fans on social media. </li><li>The BCCI, though, has backed Dhoni’s decision to wear the gloves.</li></ul>Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni’s wicket keeping gloves have stirred a huge debate. Dhoni, who holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, decided to pay tribute to the army by wearing an insignia on his gloves during the India vs South Africa match. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has told the Board of Control for Cricket in India to have the insignia removed from Dhoni’s gloves. “It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed,” Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Strategic Communications told <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/world-cup-2019-icc-army-insignia-dhoni-gloves-5768753/">PTI.</a> Dhoni, on his gloves, was wearing the regimental dagger insignia of the Para Special Forces. The ICC’s decision to remove the gloves has become a point of argument on Indian social media. Indian fans who had first praised the cricketer for showing his love for the Indian army at the international sports platform, then went on to support him and protested against the ICC’s decision. However, some have spoken up about respecting the rules of the game. Indian footballer Baichung Bhutia too has <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/sports/ditch-the-army-insignia-glove-and-respect-the-sport-baichung-bhutias-advice-to-ms-dhoni-2175709.html">reportedly</a> said that Dhoni should remove the gloves to respect the rules and regulations. The BCCI though has reached out to support Dhoni and will reportedly appeal to the ICC to let the cricketer keep the gloves for the World Cup matches. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-men-in-blue-turns-orange-in-world-cup-2019-heres-how-the-cricket-jersey-has-changed-from-1985-to-2018/articleshow/69660311.cms">India’s ‘men in blue’ turns orange in World Cup 2019, Here’s how the cricket jersey has changed from 1985 to 2015</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/south-africa-rejected-the-offer-of-ab-de-villiers-to-play-in-the-world-cup/articleshow/69675423.cms">ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa reportedly turned down the offer of AB de Villiers to play in the World Cup</a>

Here’s why everyone is talking about Indian cricketer MS Dhoni’s gloves

<keyword id="29441" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhaichung-Bhutia">Bhaichung Bhutia</keyword>, former Indian national team captain, has been inducted to the Asian Footaball Confederation’s (<keyword id="85214" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="AFC">AFC</keyword>’s) Hall of Fame, a letter from Dato Alex Soosay, Dato Alex Soosay, general secretary of AFC, wrote in a letter to the All India Football Federation (<keyword id="50985" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="AIFF">AIFF</keyword>) on Wednesday. 
 
“The AFC is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in Philippines on November 30 this year where a joint event will take place to celebrate the Anniversary as well as reward Asia’s finest at the AFC Annual Awards. It is my pleasure to announce that India’s legendary Player Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has been selected to be honoured as an inductee to the AFC”s Hall of Fame,” Soosay wrote in the letter. 
 
Besides Bhaichung, nine other legendary players from Asia would also be honoured. The awards are being instituted for the first time and Bhaichung is the lone Indian in the glittering list. 
 
The Sikkim-born striker thanked AFC for selecting him into the Hall of Fame. “It’s a great honour for me. I need to thank AFC for finding me competent enough. I also need to thank All India Football Federation for their continuous support.” 
 
According to Bhaichung, this won’t have ever been possible without the support of all his teammates, guidance of his coaches and clubs he has represented. “A special thanks for all my fans for standing beside me. This Award more for you than mine,” he said. 
 
AIFF president Praful Patel and general secretary Kushal Das congratulated Bhaichung. 
 
“Bhaichung has been the flag bearer of Indian Football in over 100 International matches. My heartiest congratulations to him! Post retirement, he has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of the sport in the Country,” Praful Patel, president of AIFF, said his congratulatory message. 
 
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das asserted, “It’s a huge honour for Indian Football. Being an inductee into AFC’s Hall of Fame is recognition of all his hard work and commitment. We at AIFF are very proud of his achievements and look forward for his involvement as we move ahead.” 
 
Image: Wikipedia

Bhaichung Bhutia Inducted To AFC’s Hall of Fame

Indian cricket captain <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> has become the only Indian to feature in the <keyword id="6373044" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Forbes">Forbes</keyword> list of world's 100 highest paid athletes in the latest. Not only this, he is also the only cricketer to get featured in this list. The list has been topped by Portugese footballer <keyword id="18001" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cristiano-Ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</keyword> (32), while <keyword id="6360637" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kohli">Kohli</keyword> (28) has been ranked 89th on the list. The Indian skipper received $22 million, including $3 million from salary and winnings and the remaining from endorsements. Forbes described the cricketer as the "Indian cricket phenom," adding that he has "for good reason" already started drawing comparisons with all-time great <keyword id="6354267" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sachin-Tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword>. Ronaldo, on the other hand, received a total pay of $93 million, followed by American basketball star <keyword id="112378" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="LeBron-James">LeBron James</keyword>, with his $86.2 million earnings. Other players in the top five were Argentine footballer <keyword id="704" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi">Lionel Messi</keyword> with $80 million, tennis star <keyword id="93" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Roger-Federer">Roger Federer</keyword> with $64 million and American basketball player <keyword id="146874" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kevin-Durant">Kevin Durant</keyword> with $60.6 million. However, this year, the list is a boys' club more than ever, with tennis star <keyword id="45035" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Serena-Williams">Serena Williams</keyword> being the only woman in the list, grabbing the 51st spot with $27 million.

Virat Kohli only Indian to feature in Forbes list of highest paid athletes

India captain<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ISL-auction-Sunil-Chhetri-and-Eugeneson-Lyngdoh-are-now-millionaires/articleshow/48019365.cms"> Sunil Chhetri </a>led <keyword id="6360414" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengaluru-FC">Bengaluru FC</keyword> to a historic<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=AFC+cup&amp;sortorder=effectivedate"> AFC Cup </a>final by scripting an inspiring 3-1 win over defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim with his stunning double strike on Wednesday. 
 <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword> made it to the final by virtue of superior aggregate goal difference of 4-2. The first leg in Malaysia ended in a 1-1 draw. 
 
This is a historic day for Indian football as no club from the country has ever made it to the summit clash of the prestigious second-tier continental tournament. 
 
After the Malaysian team went ahead with Shafiq Rahim's 11th minute goal, Chhetri struck the equaliser in the 41st minute and put the side ahead in the 67th minute. Bengaluru's win was sealed when Spanish defender Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez found the back of the net in the 75th minute. 
 
In front of a packed stadium, the hosts, who trailed 0-1 till the 41st minute, saw their skipper rising to the occasion as he nodded home a Eugenson Lyngdoh flag kick. Chhetri evaded the defence and timed his jump to perfection to bring the 'Blues' back in the match. 
 The significance of this achievement could be gauged by the fact that only two Indian football clubs - <keyword id="57671" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dempo-Sports-Club">Dempo Sports Club</keyword> of Goa and Kolkata giants East Bengal - had made it to the semi-finals of the tournament since its inception.

Bengaluru FC creates history by becoming the first Indian club to reach AFC Cup final

Some of the big companies in India are keen on buying a team in the Indian Premier League (<keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword>) after the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> banned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and <keyword id="13802" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Royals">Rajasthan Royals</keyword> (RR) on Tuesday from participating in the game. 

	This move provides room for the induction of two more teams in the next edition of IPL, reported ToI.
 

	The IPL is the richest of the world's Twenty20 cricket leagues.
 The expected list of names are: Gautam Adani, <keyword id="2742230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Adani-Group-chairman">Adani group chairman</keyword>, <keyword id="52673" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="harsh-goenka">Harsh Goenka</keyword>, RPG group chairman, Sajjan Jindal, chairman JSW, <keyword id="7025" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Venugopal-Dhoot">Venugopal Dhoot</keyword>, Videocon group chairman, besides others such as Prasad Potluri of South-based PVP Ventures and the Munjals of Hero group. Confirming the development Harsh Goenka told ToI, that honour was restored to the gentleman's game with corruption getting clean bowled by the apex court’s verdict. "The league remains an interesting investment opportunity. If <keyword id="6354756" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="BCCI">BCCI</keyword> auctions a franchise, I will consider it only if the valuations are considerable." 

	Moreover, the valuations of the IPL teams have come down considerably due to a series of corruption. According to experts, the new teams are likely to be bought for less than $100 million.
 Venugopal Dhoot, one of the key sponsors of Mukesh Ambani-owned <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword>, is also keen on buying a team. "We will definitely look at bidding for an IPL franchise as and when BCCI calls for bid. We spend crores in branding exercise and owning an IPL team would be a great idea," he said. 

	The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might want to revive the Pune and Kochi teams. However, launching a new team for Ahmedabad may not be ruled out, according to sources. 
 

	In that case Gautam Adani may be a key contender to buy the Ahmedabad team as the billionaire businessman had once dreamt of owning an IPL team for his home state. 
 "The idea of having an Ahmedabad team would be great as it would draw lots of interest from corporates for being the home state of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>," said an industry leader. 

	Sajjan Jindal is another top contender to own an IPL team. "Cricket is the number one sport in our country so there is an idea to acquire a team... an IPL team. But, I cannot comment which team would it be," Jindal, JSW group chairman said earlier this month.
 He did not confirm or deny if he wanted to buy <keyword id="12643" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers">Royal Challengers</keyword> Bangalore (RCB), owned by liquor baron <keyword id="14678" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Vijay-Mallya">Vijay Mallya</keyword>. 

	JSW Sports, a JSW Group owned firm, is the owner of Bengaluru FC, one of the I-league teams led by Indian football team's captain Sunil Chhetri.
 Potluri Vara Prasad might again try his luck this time after he failed to buy <keyword id="1336250" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Deccan-Charger">Deccan Charger</keyword> in 2012, industry sources said. 
	 
	(Image: Reuters)

You Searched For "Indian football captain" and got 14 results

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