Al Nassr drawn with FC Goa in AFC Champions League-2; Ronaldo’s chance of playing in India looks slim
The football fanatics might be excited with the news that Al Nassr have been drawn with India’s FC Goa and two other teams from Iraq (Alzawra’a) and Tajikistan (FC Istiklol), in Group D of the AFC Champions League-2 on Friday. The draw means Cristiano Ronaldo might be seen in action against FC Goa in their away match in India. But realistically, the chances of Ronaldo’s participation in his team’s away match are slim due to the player’s contract. The contract has a clause that restricts his travelling for away fixtures in the tournament. Still, FC Goa has a chance to watch Ronaldo playing against them in the team’s home match in Riyadh. For FC Goa, the clash against Al Nassr is set to be among the most high-profile games in the club’s history since it was founded in 2014. Another Indian club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has been drawn in Group C of the same tournament alongside Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein (Jordan), and Ahal FC (Turkmenistan). FC Goa defeated Oman’s Al Seeb to secure a berth in the AFC Champions League Two. The side fended off a late fight from the Oman side to win 2-1 in the tie. Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio were the goal scorers for FC Goa. Mohun Bagan SG had already booked their spot in the tournament after winning the 2024/25 ISL Shield. Last year, Al Nassr participated in the AFC Champions League Elite, where Ronaldo played in three away matches but skipped two, while missing another due to an injury. He played against Esteghlal FC, Al-Gharafa, and Yokohama FM in away games; notably, he skipped the round-of-16 away leg.
India’s Abhinav Bindra selected among IOC’s nine mental health ambassadors
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has appointed nine Olympians as mental health ambassadors worldwide to support the mental health of athletes. India’s Abhinav Bindra, who won the country’s first gold medal in 2008, is among the members selected. “The IOC believes that mental health is just as important as physical health, and no athlete should face challenges alone,” the statement read from the IOC. That’s why, as part of the IOC Mental Health Action Plan, we’ve brought together a group of Olympians from around the world to lead the way in creating a more open and supportive sporting environment.” The IOC also said the Ambassadors appointed will break the stigma of mental health. “The IOC Mental Health Ambassadors are using their voices and experiences to break down stigma, encourage honest conversations, and champion mental well-being in sport,” the statement quoted. Each Ambassador serves as a trusted advocate, helping to share evidence-based messages, offer valuable feedback on IOC mental health initiatives, and inspire open and honest conversations, within sport and beyond.” “Whether through social media, one-on-one conversations, or IOC educational programmes, they’re here to inspire and support the athlete community, and ensure that mental health remains a vital part of the high-performance environment. With athletes leading the conversation, we’re working together to build a culture where mental health matters, and where every athlete feels safe, supported, and heard,” the statement concluded.
Bhutan Archery Premier League gears up, with people getting as excited like IPL!
India’s enthusiastic initiation into the Archery Premier League is still yet to take shape. But a neighbouring country, which has been running an Archery league for a few years, has reached a height where people are becoming fanatic, spending money as the fans spend time and money to watch IPL and ISL matches! It is Bhutan, the beautiful hilly nation known for its high happiness meter, that has been running the Druk Premier League for some time now. Archery, or khuru, as it is called, is nowadays attracting a large crowd at the Changlimethang Archery Stadium. Fans reckon ‘archery is in our blood’, and throng the competition each season. Even the fans have been responding to an appeal that was campaigned on its official Facebook page, urging fans to part with more than 50 Nu (1 Ngultrum = 1 Rupee) when being regaled by the exciting competition. The Druk social media account said, ‘It’s time to start paying more than 50 Nu to watch Archery matches. Many people still expect everything to be free. What they fail to see is the entertainment and excitement this sport brings. The resistance to pay even 50 Nu to watch the game reflects the overall attitude towards sport in Bhutan.’ Like in India, those who ask for free passes to cricket games are looked down on; in Bhutan, those not willing to pay to enjoy archery are being told off. The hill nation, with beautiful vistas, serene nature trails, lovely people, and exquisite cuisine, is known as the happiest place on earth, mostly because they don’t poke noses in others’ business and lead content lives. Sports are smaller in scale, but passionately practiced and followed. Archery, however, enjoys a deeper connection and offers wholesome entertainment at the National Stadium. However, buoyed by the craziness of the archery-fanatics, Druk Premier League organizers feel that more improvement for the development of the game is needed. But they seem to have gained the momentum. Their post says, ‘Look at how IPL became popular. People pay to watch, and in return, players perform because they are paid professionals.’
