The Royals displayed strong camaraderie between their raiding and defensive units, particularly in the second half, which proved crucial in sealing the victory. They will look to replicate that clinical approach against a well-balanced Hisar outfit in the upcoming clash.

Star raider Milan Dahiya has been in tremendous form, earning the Raider of the Match award while scoring back-to-back Super 10s in the league. His stunning Super Raid in the previous game, where he pinned down four opponents in a single raid with his acrobatic skills, has been one of the highlights of the season so far. Providing strong support is local lad Ankit Rana, who has consistently outplayed his opponents, while Rakesh Singroha will aim to maintain his attacking and defensive prowess, offering additional raiding options that have proven difficult for opposition defences to contain. Led by captain Sandeep Narwal, Rohtak Royals will once again rely on their defensive strength, with Aaryan, Sandeep Deswal, Naveen, and Rakesh Singroha forming a formidable wall.

Head Coach Surender Nada expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming clash, saying, “The win against Faridabad was exactly what we needed. The boys responded brilliantly to our tactical adjustments, and the energy in the camp is now fully charged. We’re aware that Hisar is a balanced and competitive team, but we believe the momentum we’ve built will carry us through. It’s important we stay focused and continue improving with every match”.

Hisar Heroes, meanwhile, enter the fixture after a narrow 47–43 win over Panipat Panthers. The Heroes showed resilience in that contest, mounting a second-half comeback highlighted by a timely Super Raid from marquee raider Ashu Malik. Nitesh Kumar anchored the defence with disciplined tackling and positioning. With a balanced mix of raiding and defensive options, Hisar present a competitive challenge for the Royals in the upcoming clash.

Rohtak Royals have partnered with ixigo, John Players, Campus Activewear, Knack Pro Sports and MuscleBlaze as their official Travel, Loungewear, Footwear, Hydration and Nutrition Partners, respectively.

It’s not a blockbuster tournament game, but a single preparation match will see the senior Indian squad led by Suryakumar Yadav in action. The match is scheduled for February 4 in Mumbai, where India will face South Africa. Notably, these two teams also clashed in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, making this a rematch fans are eagerly anticipating.

Alongside the senior team, attention will also be on India ‘A’, which features young talents like Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya. India ‘A’ will play warm-up matches against the USA and Namibia. Meanwhile, Scotland has been allocated two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia. England and Australia, on the other hand, will not play separate preparation games.

The Men in Blue are currently in red-hot form. In the last three years, India has lost only one T20 match, and since then, victories have flowed steadily. In their most recent series against New Zealand, India remained undefeated, with Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah showcasing dominating performances. This form will be crucial for India to carry into the World Cup.

In total, 15 warm-up matches will be played before the T20 World Cup. These matches will serve as a form check for senior players and provide valuable experience for emerging talent.

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how India performs in these preparation matches, especially the senior team’s showdown against South Africa. Maintaining their current momentum in the warm-ups will position India as one of the top contenders for lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.

বিশ্বকাপের আগেই কোহলিকে টপকে ‘বিরাট’ নজির গড়লেন এই নাইট তারকা

In the match, Rinku scored 44 not out in the first game and 39 in the fourth match. While he couldn’t make a big score with the bat and India were bowled out for 165, his fielding contributions stood out significantly for the team.

Among his four catches, notable ones included Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, and Zakary Fooks. Rinku displayed spectacular fielding with high-flying catches, long-off dives, and jumping catches.

This record is limited to home matches. Pakistan’s Syed Ayub had taken the same number of catches in Auckland in 2024. Additionally, Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane had taken four catches in a T20I against England in 2014, but that was on foreign soil.

Although Rinku shone in the field, India lost the fourth match by 50 runs due to the lack of big batting contributions. Nevertheless, his fielding performance will be remembered by cricket fans as a remarkable moment. Rinku Singh is proving that he is not just a batsman, but his fielding on home soil is also making a new mark in Indian cricket history.

আইএসএল শুরুতেই মিডফিল্ডে শক্তি বৃদ্ধিতে এই তারকাকে নিল চেন্নাই

Bemammer, 36, arrives as a proven professional with over 300 senior career appearances, with more than 40 of those outings coming in the Indian Super League, where he has also chipped in with four goals. A former Morocco international, Bemammer earned 11 caps for his country and scored twice, underlining his pedigree at the highest level.

Upon completing his move, Bemammer said, “I am very happy to join this great team, and I hope to help the club achieve titles. I am also delighted with the return of football and am looking forward to training with the team.”

Renowned for his physical dominance, positional discipline, and game awareness, Bemammer is a classic holding midfielder who offers balance and protection in front of the backline. His experience and leadership are expected to play a key role in anchoring Chennaiyin FC’s midfield unit.

His trophy cabinet reflects his success, having won the CAF Confederation Cup, CAF Super Cup, and an African Nations Championship in 2020, along with several domestic honours. Bemammer later moved to India in 2023, representing NorthEast, and quickly adapted to the demands of Indian football. He also has a Durand Cup title to his name from his time in India.

Speaking on Bemammer’s arrival, head coach Clifford Miranda said, “Bemammer’s will help us to get solidarity & stability in the middle. His ability to hold the ball under pressure, break opponent attacks & find passes to initiate offensive transitions will add a very good dimension to our play. He brings leadership & character to our squad and has a strong personality which will help the team.”

A native of Fes, Bemammer began his professional journey with hometown club Maghreb Fes before moving on to represent Raja Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most storied and successful clubs. Much of his career was spent in domestic football, where he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable and consistent midfielders.

Bemammer will link up with his new teammates in the coming days and begin training as Chennaiyin continue building up to the new season.

 

 

 

 

 

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আইএসএল শুরুর আগেই বিরাট সুখবর দিল কেরালা

Capable of playing as a striker or on either wing, Bertomeu brings with him a strong competitive background across Europe and Asia, having featured in Spain’s domestic circuit and in leagues abroad, including stints in Hong Kong and Indonesia. Known for his direct running, sharp movement in the final third and high-intensity style of play, the Spaniard is expected to provide the Blasters with added firepower and depth in attack.

Bertomeu began his football journey in Spain and has represented clubs such as Gimnàstic de Tarragona, CF Pobla de Mafumet, CF Ascó, CF Peralada, and AE Prat, gaining valuable experience across different levels of Spanish football. In recent seasons, he has also played in Asia, featuring for Eastern FC in the Hong Kong Premier League, followed by a spell with Gresik United FC in Indonesia, where he continued to grow as a modern attacking player.

Kerala Blasters FC CEO, Abhik Chatterjee said, “We are delighted to welcome Victor to Kerala Blasters FC. He is a versatile attacking player who brings energy, experience and a strong work ethic to our squad. We believe he will be a valuable addition to the group as we continue to build a competitive team for the season ahead.”

The tie had been finely poised at 3–3 after six bouts, before Player of the Match Iryna Koliadenko produced a dramatic comeback win by fall in the seventh bout to swing momentum decisively in Haryana’s favour. UP Dominators, who finish with two wins, four points, and 23 bout wins, now sit fourth and will have to wait on the outcome of the Punjab Royals versus Delhi Dangal Warriors match to determine their semi-final fate. Tapsya Gahlawat was named Fighter of the Match for her standout performance for UP Dominators.

Haryana made a strong start through narrow, high-pressure victories in the opening two bouts. In the 76kg women’s contest, Kajal Dhochack edged past Mansi Lather in a tightly fought bout that finished 3–3, clinching the decision on last point scored after responding to an early takedown with a crucial second-period takedown and a passivity point. The momentum continued in the 57kg men’s bout, where Ankush Chandram and Rahul Deswal were locked at 4–4 before Ankush’s scoring sequence proved decisive on last point criteria, doubling Haryana’s advantage.

UP Dominators responded emphatically in the 57kg women’s bout through Tapsya Gahlawat. After an even opening exchange, Tapsya took complete control in the Power Minute, scoring two decisive takedowns in Phase 6 to pull away for a commanding 10–3 victory and reduce the deficit. The tie was then levelled in the 65kg men’s category as Vishal Kali Raman produced a spirited comeback against Tumur Ochir Tulga, capitalising on passivity calls, a successful challenge, and a decisive Power Minute takedown followed by a push-out to secure a 9–6 win.

Haryana regained the lead in the marquee 53kg women’s bout through captain Yui Susaki. The former Olympic champion capitalised on multiple turn-and-exposure sequences to race to an 8–0 lead, before Antim Panghal became the first wrestler to score points against Susaki in PWL 2026 with a late surge in the opening period. The second period unfolded as a tactical duel, but Susaki’s experience ensured she closed out an 8–3 victory, putting Haryana ahead 3–2.

UP Dominators drew level once again in the 86kg men’s bout as Mykhailov Vasyl produced a patient and well-timed performance against Ashirov Ashraf. After Ashirov led early through passivity and a takedown, Vasyl forced a passivity call before executing a decisive four-point takedown in the Power Minute to claim a 5–3 win and make it 3–3.

The turning point of the match arrived in the 62kg women’s bout. Nisha Dahiya struck first with an early takedown, but Iryna Koliadenko responded emphatically in the second period with a powerful takedown and seamless turn sequence, forcing a fall to hand Haryana a crucial 4–3 lead and swing momentum decisively in their favour.

Anirudh Gulia then ensured there was no way back for UP Dominators in the heavyweight clash. After Jaspooran Singh picked up early points through push-outs and a caution, Gulia dominated the second period with a takedown-and-turn combination and successive Power Minute takedowns to seal an authoritative 11–5 victory, confirming Haryana’s match win and top-of-the-table finish.

Haryana rounded off the night with another composed performance in the 74kg men’s bout as Parvinder defeated Abhimanyu Mandwal 8–5. Parvinder established control early with a takedown and back-to-back turn exposures, absorbed late pressure in the second period, and responded with a crucial takedown to close out the contest and cap a dominant team performance.

হঠাৎ অবসরের সিদ্ধান্ত! বিশ্বকাপের আগে এই তারকাকে নিয়ে চিন্তায় ভক্তরা

Rahul also added, “There’s no need to force yourself if your body can’t keep up. But I still have a lot to give to cricket. So, it’s not the time to say I should retire yet.”

This news has left Indian cricket fans a little anxious, especially with the 2027 World Cup approaching. There’s caution about the possibility of him retiring suddenly.

Rahul’s career stats:

Test: 67 matches, 4,053 runs

ODI: 94 matches, 3,360 runs, average 50.9

T20I: 72 matches, 2,265 runs

At just 33 years old, cricket experts believe retirement at this age is somewhat unnecessary. He still has plenty to contribute on the field. However, the player himself has made it clear, “I am not a superstar, so I will retire quietly. I want to enjoy life outside cricket and spend time with my family.”

Spanning 17 days, the League will feature a complete round-robin format across both men’s and women’s categories, ensuring each team competes against each other. This format underscores the growing competitive depth and consistency of Ice Hockey talent emerging from Ladakh.

Defending champions Kangs Sing enter Season 3 as the team to beat, having retained their men’s title last year with a dominant 5–2 victory over Changthang Shans in the final. The men’s champions remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, with captain Mushtaq Ahmed Giri earning the Best Player award in the men’s category. In the women’s category, Padma Chorol emerged as the Best Player. On the scoring front, Waseem Bilal of Humas Warriors led the men’s scoring charts with 10 goals, while Tsewang Chuskit led the women’s category with 10 goals. Reinforcing the League’s emphasis on sportsmanship, the Fair Play Awards were presented to Humas Warriors (men) and Sham Eagles (women) for their exemplary conduct on the ice.

Opening Day Fixtures

The League will begin on January 29 with Sham Wolves taking on debutants Kharu Falcons in the opening game at 9:00 AM. This will be followed by a clash between last season’s semi-finalists, Purig Warriors and Humas Warriors, at 11:00 AM.

The opening ceremony, scheduled for 12:30 PM, will mark the formal commencement of the season in the august presence of Mr. Ashish Kundra, IAS, Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh. Also, Ladakh’s popular band, Dashugs, will perform at the ceremony, setting the tone for a season that blends high-intensity competition with strong local cultural identity.

Post the ceremony, the women’s category will take centre stage as last season’s runners-up Changla Lamos face Sham Eagles, a repeat of their semi-final encounter from the REIHL Season 2. The day will also see men’s defending champions Kangs Sing begin their title defence against last season’s runners-up Changthang Shans, followed by Changla Blasters locking horns with Zanskar Chadar Tamers.

In the women’s category, Kharu Eagles, making their League debut this season, will play their first match against Humas Queens on January 31.

League Structure and Progression

From January 29 to February 11, the League stage will feature 4-5 matches per day, comprising four men’s matches and one women’s match, ensuring consistent competitive exposure for all teams. The final day of the league stage will include a full slate of decisive fixtures across both categories, setting the stage for the knockouts.

The semi-finals are scheduled for February 12, with the top four teams from each category qualifying. The first-placed team will face the fourth-placed team in Semi-final 1, followed by the second versus third clash in Semi-final 2.

The women’s final will be played on February 13 at 11:00 AM, while the men’s final is scheduled for February 14 at 11:00 AM, bringing the season to a close.

Season 2 drew over 10,000 spectators across the tournament, with more than 7,000 fans attending the finals, transforming the NDS Stadium into one of Ladakh’s most vibrant winter sporting venues. With an expanded match calendar and a full round-robin format this season, the League is expected to further deepen fan engagement and community participation.

From Training to Competition

Season 3 represents the competitive culmination of a holistic technical development programme initiated in late 2025, which focused on coach education, referee training, and grassroots scouting across Ladakh and neighbouring regions. Trained local coaches have spent the winter months working within their communities to prepare teams for structured league play, ensuring the League serves as a direct bridge between grassroots participation and organised competition.

Aligned with the Blueprint for the Development of Ice Hockey in Ladakh, the League continues to play a vital role in strengthening local sporting ecosystems, empowering youth and women, and transforming frozen rinks into shared community spaces during the long winter months. As teams from Leh, Nubra, Kargil, Zanskar, Changthang, and Kharu take to the ice, Season 3 stands as a reflection of the growing scale, professionalism, and community ownership of Ice Hockey in the Himalayas.

Beyond sport, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League continues to contribute meaningfully to community engagement, youth participation, and winter tourism in Ladakh. Matches transform frozen rinks into shared community spaces, drawing families, local supporters, and visitors, and reinforcing Ice Hockey’s deep cultural roots in the region.

Through the League, Royal Enfield continues to advance its Social Mission of empowering Himalayan communities through sport—strengthening local sporting ecosystems, building livelihoods, creating pathways for youth and women, and fostering a holistic winter sports culture across the Himalayas.

With nearly 400 career appearances, Noguera brings considerable experience and pedigree to Chennaiyin FC, having enjoyed a long and successful career across Spain, England, Azerbaijan, and India. Over the years, he has established himself as a proven performer at the highest level of the Indian game, collecting major domestic honours, including the Indian Super League, the Indian Super League Cup, and the Durand Cup.

আইএসএল শুরুর আগেই এই স্প্যানিশ তারকাকে নিয়ে সুখবর দিল চেন্নাই

Upon joining Chennaiyin FC, Noguera said, “I’m really happy and excited as I look ahead to the new season after everything that has happened. I’ve already worked with the head coach and know many of the players, which gives me a lot of confidence heading into this new chapter. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopeful for a strong season ahead. It won’t be easy, but despite all the issues the ISL has gone through, I’m confident that we’ll give our best and work hard to deliver good performances.”

Born in Madrid, Noguera progressed through the youth ranks at Getafe and local side SS Reyes, before eventually earning a move to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. After rising through the reserve ranks, he made his first-team debut during the 2010–11 season. From there, Noguera went on to enjoy spells in England and Azerbaijan, before returning to Spain in 2014, where he featured extensively across the second and third divisions.

The midfielder arrived in the Indian Super League in 2020, going on to make more than 90 appearances across five seasons for three clubs, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcoming the club’s latest signing, head coach Clifford Miranda said, “In Noguera, we are getting quality & consistency. His calmness & control in the middle will help give the team stability. He is someone who has been around for a long time and is very familiar with ISL. He has a very good rapport with the players, encouraging & pushing them.”

Noguera’s arrival follows the recent signing of Imran Khan, as Chennaiyin FC continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season. The Spaniard will link up with his new teammates in the coming days and begin training as the Marina Machans step up preparations for the campaign ahead.

Rohtak Royals will next take the mat against Faridabad Fighters on January 28, 2026 (Wednesday). The match will be broadcast LIVE on Zee Channels, DD Sports, and the Wave OTT platform.

Karnal Kings struck early, drawing first blood in the opening minute to take the lead but Rohtak Royals responded immediately to neutralise the advantage through coordinated efforts in attack and defence. The contest then settled into a tight exchange, with the scores moving neck and neck. What followed was a closely fought battle, with Karnal Kings holding a slender 8–7 lead at the seven-minute mark. Unforced errors soon crept into the Royals’ play, resulting in an early All-Out in the 10th minute as they trailed 10–15. Thereafter, Karnal Kings maintained pressure through the remainder of the first half, keeping the Royals on the back foot. However, a moment of brilliance from Royals’ Rakesh Singhroha in the final minute saw him dismiss four defenders in a single raid, reducing the deficit from seven points to just two, and the scorecard read 23–21, still in Karnal’s favor at the halftime.

Rohtak Royals came out firing after the break, inflicting an early All-Out to overturn the deficit and move into a 29–26 lead by the 24th minute. Vijay Malik led the charge with vital consecutive points, while the defence stood firm to stretch the advantage to 30–26 by the 27th minute. Karnal Kings showed grit to claw their way back and level the scores at 31–31, but a crucial Super Raid from Milan Dahiya once again swung momentum in favour of the Royals with nine minutes left. The Kings, however, had the final say, executing their second All-Out in the 36th minute to move ahead 38–36. The contest remained intense until the final whistle, with Karnal Kings holding their nerve to maintain the lead. An unforced late error proved costly for the Royals, who eventually fell short by two points as the match ended 43–41 in favour of the Kings.

Rohtak Royals have partnered with ixigo, John Players, Campus Activewear, and MuscleBlaze as their official Travel, Loungewear, Footwear, and Nutrition Partners, respectively.