Manipur team stung by the defeat to Meghalaya in their previous game, ran rampant against a hapless Bengal side at the Kalinga Stadium in the evening kick-off. The loss means Bengal are now knocked out of the competition, with two games yet to play.
Manipur's architect in chief was Subash Singh, who rolled back the year in a scintillating performance right from the start. Singh had a part to play in each of Manipur's goals, his pass sending Naoba Meitei into space on the right in the first half, from which the youngster finished brilliantly, shooting into the far corner, from an acute angle. For Bengal, the pain soon got worse.
Having conceded a needless freekick at the top of the box, Bengal saw the effort tipped on to the crossbar by Raja Barman, only for it to loop back straight into Subash's path a yard from goal. He gratefully headed it in, sparking a melee inside the goal itself.
Bengal came out with a bit more energy in the second half, utilising their wings, and doing damage from crosses from both sides. Within nine minutes of the restart they had their reward, Souvik Kar heading it in to halve the deficit. A period of Bengal pressure followed, Manipur happy to play on the counter, with Subash constantly pulling the strings to set up chances for his younger teammates. None of them could finish.
With the game edging towards a close finish, came disaster again, Biswajit Hembrom volleying a cross from the right into the top corner of his own goal to give Manipur breathing space. The defender had been under just the mildest of pressure by Subash, enough to put him off.
In injury time came the coup de grace, Naocha Singh and Subash playing a brilliant touch and go and the former finishing perfectly from inside the box to give Manipur a well deserved victory.
Being 'Delhi da Munda' means having a stress-free approach, says Kohli ahead of 300th ODI
As India are set to face New Zealand in Dubai to determine who tops Group A in the Champions Trophy, India star batter Virat Kohli opened up about his Delhi roots and said his prototype 'Delhi da munda' denotes a stress-free approach towards things.
Women's Pro League: India beat World No. 1 Netherlands 2-1 in shootout, Hockey India announces cash prize
Following the incredible upset victory, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh to each Indian player and Rs 50,000 to each member of the support staff in addition to their existing policy of rewarding Rs 50,000 for every victory.
India don't need to be complacent, should focus on big matches ahead: BCCI Secy
After India's thumping six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia lauded the team for their effort and advised them to not be complacent and focus on the big matches ahead.
Big games equal big names: Ponting lauds Kohli's masterclass against Pakistan in CT
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has lauded India star batter Virat Kohli’s ability to step up in crucial moments after the right-hander steered India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy with a rollicking unbeaten ton.
India beat Bangladesh for 2-0 lead in Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind
India continued their winning streak, securing a 43-run victory over Bangladesh in the second game of the five-match Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind 2025 here on Monday.
Champions Trophy: Indian team management will be extremely happy with near-perfect execution, says Paranjape
Jatin Paranjape, the former India cricketer and national selector, stated that the current team management will be thrilled with the near-flawless execution by the Rohit Sharma-led side in registering a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
NRAI announces 35-member Indian Shooting team for year’s first two ISSF World Cups
Olympic Games double-bronze medallist Manu Bhaker is the only one selected for two individual events by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the year's first two World Cups which will kick-start the international shooting sports season for 2025.
Mumbai Open: Indian duo of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Riya Bhatia enter QF
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare and Rutuja Bhosale all enter the quarter final stage of the Mumbai Open 2025 after what was a fruitful day for India’s doubles charge.