Kerala celebrates winning the U-20 NFC title after beating Mizoram. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

INDIAN FOOTBALL

Kerala scripts second-half comeback against Mizoram to clinch Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s NFC title

Kerala scripted a sensational comeback to clinch the Under-20 Men’s National Football Championship title after defeating Mizoram 4-2 in a thrilling final at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Ground 1 in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Sheril Shaji Thomas once again proved to be Kerala’s talisman as he scored a crucial brace, including a stoppage-time penalty, to guide his side to the title and finish as the tournament’s top-scorer with 13 goals. His goals came in the 71st and the 95th (90+5) minutes.

Ajith KR sparked the comeback with Kerala’s first goal in the 55th minute before substitute Shamil EK produced a brilliant finish to put Kerala ahead in the 83rd minute.

For Mizoram, Mesak C Lalrinngheta opened the scoring with a stunning long-range curler in the 11th minute before setting up Vanlairamnghaka for its second goal in the 34th minute in an impressive first-half display.

- Team Sportstar

CHESS

Reyaansh Venkat takes sole lead

Reyaansh Venkat emerged sole leader after beating Shreyansh Somaiya in a Mumbai FIDE Rated All India Chess Masters season four match.

Playing with the black pieces, Reyaansh (1906) handled the opening confidently and gradually equalised before entering a sharp middle game battle against Shreyansh (1973).

The game eventually transitioned into a complex rook-and-minor-piece endgame where Reyaansh showed excellent end-game technique and active piece coordination.

After maintaining consistent pressure on his opponent, Reyaansh converted his advantage to secure the victory and move to a 6/6 score.

Janhavi Soneji (1792) got the better of the in-form Dhruv Muthe (1619) to move to the joint second spot with 5.5 points.

Higher-rated Shardul Kadam Aditya (1917) continued his comeback run with a victory over Ahaan Kataruka (1686), while Gaurang Bhandari (1889) held Vihaan Ravi Rao (1725) to a draw.

A closely fought battle between Yash Kapadi (1854) and Amey Dandekar (1657) ended in a draw, while Kush Ajay Agarwal (1835) defeated Manya Balani (1653).

Former leader AGM Rajveer Pinkesh Nahar (1801) bounced back with a victory over Samarth Patkar (1624), and Mayuresh Parkar (1781) defeated AIM Aakashkumar Yadav (1602).

Pradhyumna Amit Mishra (1498) upset Om Nilesh Deorukhakar (1726), while Neev Nirav Bafna (1521) defeated Sriparameshwaran Iyer (1639).

- PTI

CRICKET

Former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel passes away

Former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel has passed away at the age of 62. He played 16 First-Class matches between 1982-83 to 1998-99.

A right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer from Daund, Daniel took 35 wickets with a career-best figures of 6/60 while scoring 106 runs.

He was also a part of the West Zone side which faced a star-studded West Indies touring side at Kolhapur in a three-day tour match.

“The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is deeply saddened by the demise of former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel. A talented fast-medium pacer, Mr. Daniel proudly represented the state in 16 First-Class matches,” the MCA said in a statement.

- PTI

Published on May 27, 2026