What Sport Has Taught Me: Lessons in Resilience, Leadership and Life

The post What Sport Has Taught Me: Lessons in Resilience, Leadership and Life appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

Indian football is entering an unfamiliar phase. India are preparing for a level of competition they rarely experience in their football calendar, with Panama, Brazil and Uruguay all set to line up as high-profile, world-class opponents. forestarrow.help

But for head coach Khalid Jamil, these fixtures are not just about famous teams. The matches are part of a larger plan to develop the next generation of Indian footballers. He speaks to Boria Majumdar, RevSportz editor-in-chief, about the marquee match-ups and the road ahead for Indian football.

Boria: A lot of people are asking why India decided to play these friendlies instead of the ASEAN Cup. What do you think of playing Brazil, Uruguay and Panama?

Khalid Jamil: These games are very important for the players. I think whatever decision has been taken is very good for them because we want them to improve. The harder the opposition, the better the learning. Brazil are in the top 10 teams in the world, Uruguay are a World Cup team and Panama are also a very good team. These are good games for our players.

Boria: You’ve referred to this as a team for the future. Is that also the logic in choosing the squad?

Khalid: Yes, certainly. This is a team of the future. We have selected the best players we have available. It is a message to all too that they have to be ready. It’s not that I’m going to carry on with the same group of players. I will select whoever I deem appropriate.

Boria: Some players didn’t play in the Durand Cup. Are you going to test their fitness throughout the camp?

Khalid: Yes. The first two days are very important to check their fitness and see how they are doing. If somebody is not fit, we do that substitution quickly. If you’re not fit, you won’t be there.

Boria: What’s your preparation for these three big matches?

Khalid: Yes, we will play matches. We could start with some local clubs and then play Panama. It is good we are playing this game before Brazil. We have less time, so we have to use it wisely.

Boria: You’re almost a year in the job now. How would you rate your first year as India coach?

Khalid: Indian football was not in good shape when I took over. We couldn’t qualify for the next round and couldn’t get the desired result against Afghanistan as well. Whatever decisions we have taken now, it is based on what we feel is needed for Indian football. If we think there’s a need for something, we’ll do it.

We need new players, especially mentally strong players for these games. Confidence is important, but fitness is important as well. We need all of your support. No negativity in the air. All for India.

Boria: How do you motivate Indian players when they are playing against teams like Brazil, considering the huge gap in rankings?

Khalid: In football, anything is possible. The importance of the 12th man, the crowd. They can do wonders if they help the players and make them confident. The players that we picked are motivated. We have to motivate them all the time. As long as you are happy and confident in your mind, you will do well.

Boria: Are you pleased with the young talent coming through in Indian football?

Khalid: Yes, everybody is fine. They are very good players and they work hard. The players in India are very hard-working. The main thing is everybody has to be happy in his mind. We can’t put too much pressure on them. I’ve told the players to keep their confidence and do their best.

Don’t think negatively and don’t speak negatively. You have to support each other. For these matches, we need everyone’s support because this can be a very good thing for Indian football.

(Transcribed by Somnath Roy.)

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The post “This is a team for the future”: Khalid Jamil on India’s Brazil, Uruguay and Panama challenge appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

Brazilian football great Cafu graced Pillai University with his presence, inspiring students through various discussions. He looked forward to the Brazil-India friendly match scheduled for Kolkata, recognizing Brazil's lengthy wait since their last World Cup win. Cafu also elaborated on the changing dynamics of full-backs in today’s game, and when asked, he chose Ronaldo Nazario over Lionel Messi in a theoretical matchup.

Ipswich [UK], September 5 (ANI): Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory under manager Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in the opening nine minutes.

Liverpool, who had drawn 2-2 against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their opening two league matches, made a strong start and took control of the game early.

Isak opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Cody Gakpo played a well-timed pass into his path. The Swedish forward made no mistake, firing a powerful finish past Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Liverpool doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Gakpo again turned provider, finding Isak with a clever pass, before the forward calmly finished past Scherpen.

Isak appeared to have completed a first-half hat-trick when he tapped in Florian Wirtz’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Ipswich gradually improved as the match progressed but struggled to create clear chances against Liverpool. Scherpen made several saves to prevent the visitors from extending their lead, including three stops from long-range efforts by Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool came close to a third early in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister’s header was saved by Scherpen. Ipswich also threatened through Julio Enciso, whose curling effort forced Alisson into action.

Liverpool handed former Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola his Premier League debut in the 64th minute when he replaced Victor Munoz.

The visitors managed the closing stages comfortably to secure all three points.

The win moved Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League table with five points, while Ipswich remained 13th with three points. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Chandigarh [India], September 5 (ANI): Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday flagged off an Anti-Drug and Wellness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake and appealed to people to join the fight against drug abuse, saying collective efforts are needed to build a drug-free India.

Addressing reporters, Kataria said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India can be achieved with public participation and awareness.

“The Prime Minister envisions a drug-free India. Having visited Chandigarh, a region belonging to the Gurus and a land of brave people, I know that fighting against any form of evil is inherent to their nature," he said.

The Governor highlighted Punjab’s contribution to the nation’s defence and security, saying the state has made significant sacrifices since the pre-independence era.

He expressed concern over the flow of illegal drugs into the region and said such activities often require support from people within the system.

“I believe that from the pre-independence era to the present day, Punjab has made the highest number of sacrifices for the defence and security of the nation’s borders. Unfortunately, for several years now, there has been a massive influx of contraband from the Pakistani side; such deployment of illicit goods only occurs when someone from within our own region facilitates it for the sake of trade," he said.

“It reflects a weakness in our country that people have turned the drug trade, which ruins the future of the next generation, into a means of making money," Kataria said, urging people to reconsider involvement in such activities.

The event also saw the felicitation of sportspersons who brought laurels to Chandigarh and the country.

Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships 2026 silver medallist Gurseerat Kaur said she felt proud after being recognised by the Governor and thanked her coaches and the Chandigarh administration for their support.

“It feels amazing; I feel very proud of myself. Considering the hard work our coaches put in, it’s an out-of-this-world feeling. It feels great that he (the governor) is recognising our talent and that we are receiving such support. I wouldn’t say we faced excessive difficulties because our coaches are incredibly supportive, and the Chandigarh administration provides us with all the necessary amenities," she told ANI.

Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2026 gold medallist Yashkirat Kaur Hayer highlighted the importance of consistency in sports and urged athletes to stay away from drugs and doping.

“It feels wonderful. For athletes and sportspersons from Chandigarh, being felicitated by the Governor is a proud moment. I started fencing in 2012, so it has been over ten years now. The journey has its ups and downs, but maintaining consistency is crucial," she told ANI.

“I am going to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, scheduled from September 19th to October 4th, and represent India. The goal is to perform well there and win a medal. One should stay away from drugs, such medications, and doping. While taking them might improve performance in the short term, they have severe side effects in the long run. Moreover, it sets a very wrong example for aspiring sportspeople, athletes, and the children watching us," she said.

Indian pistol shooter Sainyam Vij, who won silver in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026, also supported the anti-drug campaign and encouraged people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“Obviously, it feels great after the win. This ‘Nasha-mukt’ (Drug-free) initiative is excellent; I would urge everyone to pay attention to it and adopt it. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to join this campaign," she told ANI.

Judoka Angel Yadav, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the Asian Junior Championships Individuals 2026, told ANI, “I have been doing Judo for the last 7-8 years. It started with state-level competitions… then it moved to state-level and eventually to the international level. It has been quite a journey, climbing the ladder step by step. Winning a medal at the Asian Championship was a great feeling, and being honoured separately made it even better…"

The walkathon was organised to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote wellness among citizens. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)