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Deadspin | Jo Adell, Angels look to add to Mariners sluggers’ frustrations  Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images   Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is known for his power bat but put on a show for the ages with his glove in the middle game of the three-game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners.  Adell performed three home run robberies in a single game on Saturday and will look to help the Angels win the series when they close the set against the Mariners on Sunday at Anaheim, Calif.  Zach Neto hit his 10th career leadoff homer for the game’s lone run. The 1-0 victory came one night after neither team scored in the first nine innings before Seattle notched a 3-1 win in 10 innings.  But Saturday night was the “Jo Show,” where a right fielder sometimes chided for his defensive shortcomings put on one of the best outfielder performances of all time.  Adell robbed Cal Raleigh in the first inning, Josh Naylor in the eighth and J.P. Crawford in the ninth with stellar grabs as the Angels collected just their second victory in the past seven games.  “After the first one, the second one was kind of similar, I didn’t know if I was having deja vu,” Adell said. “Sometimes you have to help on the other side of the ball and I’m glad I did my part.”  The third robbery prevented Seattle from tying the game in the ninth. Crawford hit a shot off Jordan Romano that was destined to land in the right-field seats.  Instead, Adell landed in the seats as he spectacularly leaped to catch the ball and fell over the short wall. His glove emerged and he stood up in the stands and displayed he had caught the ball.  “He disappears and he comes up with his glove up,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “… This guy works as hard as anybody I’ve ever been around.”  Mariners manager Dan Wilson played 14 seasons (1992-2005) in the majors and was stunned by what he witnessed.  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen three in one ballgame before,” Wilson said. “It’s frustrating when you feel like you put a good swing on a ball like that and you drive it like our guys did and you don’t end up with anything to show for it.”   Adell’s theft on Raleigh kept last season’s American League MVP runner-up homerless through nine games. He hit 60 last season.  “You just tip the cap,” Raleigh said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it’s just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and night out. You can see something you’ve never seen before.”  The Mariners will send right-hander Luis Castillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound Sunday for his second start of the season.  Castillo, 33, tossed six shutout innings against the visiting New York Yankees last Monday. He gave up three hits and two walks and struck out seven in a game Seattle eventually won 2-1.  Castillo is 5-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Angels. He is 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA in five outings at Angel Stadium.  Adell has two homers in seven at-bats against Castillo, while Mike Trout (2-for-14, seven strikeouts) and Logan O’Hoppe (0-for-11) have struggled.  Right-hander Ryan Johnson (0-1, 16.20) will be making his second career start for Los Angeles. He was torched in his first for six runs and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings by the Cubs on Monday. Chicago won 7-2.  Johnson, 23, made one relief appearance against Seattle last season and gave up one run and three hits in one inning.  Seattle third baseman Brendan Donovan (groin) sat out Saturday. He was hurt Friday and an MRI exam came back clean.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Adell #Angels #add #Mariners #sluggers #frustrations

Deadspin | Jo Adell, Angels look to add to Mariners sluggers’ frustrations
Deadspin | Jo Adell, Angels look to add to Mariners sluggers’ frustrations  Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images   Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is known for his power bat but put on a show for the ages with his glove in the middle game of the three-game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners.  Adell performed three home run robberies in a single game on Saturday and will look to help the Angels win the series when they close the set against the Mariners on Sunday at Anaheim, Calif.  Zach Neto hit his 10th career leadoff homer for the game’s lone run. The 1-0 victory came one night after neither team scored in the first nine innings before Seattle notched a 3-1 win in 10 innings.  But Saturday night was the “Jo Show,” where a right fielder sometimes chided for his defensive shortcomings put on one of the best outfielder performances of all time.  Adell robbed Cal Raleigh in the first inning, Josh Naylor in the eighth and J.P. Crawford in the ninth with stellar grabs as the Angels collected just their second victory in the past seven games.  “After the first one, the second one was kind of similar, I didn’t know if I was having deja vu,” Adell said. “Sometimes you have to help on the other side of the ball and I’m glad I did my part.”  The third robbery prevented Seattle from tying the game in the ninth. Crawford hit a shot off Jordan Romano that was destined to land in the right-field seats.  Instead, Adell landed in the seats as he spectacularly leaped to catch the ball and fell over the short wall. His glove emerged and he stood up in the stands and displayed he had caught the ball.  “He disappears and he comes up with his glove up,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “… This guy works as hard as anybody I’ve ever been around.”  Mariners manager Dan Wilson played 14 seasons (1992-2005) in the majors and was stunned by what he witnessed.  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen three in one ballgame before,” Wilson said. “It’s frustrating when you feel like you put a good swing on a ball like that and you drive it like our guys did and you don’t end up with anything to show for it.”   Adell’s theft on Raleigh kept last season’s American League MVP runner-up homerless through nine games. He hit 60 last season.  “You just tip the cap,” Raleigh said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it’s just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and night out. You can see something you’ve never seen before.”  The Mariners will send right-hander Luis Castillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound Sunday for his second start of the season.  Castillo, 33, tossed six shutout innings against the visiting New York Yankees last Monday. He gave up three hits and two walks and struck out seven in a game Seattle eventually won 2-1.  Castillo is 5-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Angels. He is 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA in five outings at Angel Stadium.  Adell has two homers in seven at-bats against Castillo, while Mike Trout (2-for-14, seven strikeouts) and Logan O’Hoppe (0-for-11) have struggled.  Right-hander Ryan Johnson (0-1, 16.20) will be making his second career start for Los Angeles. He was torched in his first for six runs and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings by the Cubs on Monday. Chicago won 7-2.  Johnson, 23, made one relief appearance against Seattle last season and gave up one run and three hits in one inning.  Seattle third baseman Brendan Donovan (groin) sat out Saturday. He was hurt Friday and an MRI exam came back clean.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Adell #Angels #add #Mariners #sluggers #frustrationsApr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is known for his power bat but put on a show for the ages with his glove in the middle game of the three-game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners.

Adell performed three home run robberies in a single game on Saturday and will look to help the Angels win the series when they close the set against the Mariners on Sunday at Anaheim, Calif.

Zach Neto hit his 10th career leadoff homer for the game’s lone run. The 1-0 victory came one night after neither team scored in the first nine innings before Seattle notched a 3-1 win in 10 innings.

But Saturday night was the “Jo Show,” where a right fielder sometimes chided for his defensive shortcomings put on one of the best outfielder performances of all time.

Adell robbed Cal Raleigh in the first inning, Josh Naylor in the eighth and J.P. Crawford in the ninth with stellar grabs as the Angels collected just their second victory in the past seven games.

“After the first one, the second one was kind of similar, I didn’t know if I was having deja vu,” Adell said. “Sometimes you have to help on the other side of the ball and I’m glad I did my part.”

The third robbery prevented Seattle from tying the game in the ninth. Crawford hit a shot off Jordan Romano that was destined to land in the right-field seats.

Instead, Adell landed in the seats as he spectacularly leaped to catch the ball and fell over the short wall. His glove emerged and he stood up in the stands and displayed he had caught the ball.

“He disappears and he comes up with his glove up,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “… This guy works as hard as anybody I’ve ever been around.”

Mariners manager Dan Wilson played 14 seasons (1992-2005) in the majors and was stunned by what he witnessed.


“I don’t think I’ve ever seen three in one ballgame before,” Wilson said. “It’s frustrating when you feel like you put a good swing on a ball like that and you drive it like our guys did and you don’t end up with anything to show for it.”

Adell’s theft on Raleigh kept last season’s American League MVP runner-up homerless through nine games. He hit 60 last season.

“You just tip the cap,” Raleigh said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it’s just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and night out. You can see something you’ve never seen before.”

The Mariners will send right-hander Luis Castillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound Sunday for his second start of the season.

Castillo, 33, tossed six shutout innings against the visiting New York Yankees last Monday. He gave up three hits and two walks and struck out seven in a game Seattle eventually won 2-1.

Castillo is 5-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Angels. He is 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA in five outings at Angel Stadium.

Adell has two homers in seven at-bats against Castillo, while Mike Trout (2-for-14, seven strikeouts) and Logan O’Hoppe (0-for-11) have struggled.

Right-hander Ryan Johnson (0-1, 16.20) will be making his second career start for Los Angeles. He was torched in his first for six runs and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings by the Cubs on Monday. Chicago won 7-2.

Johnson, 23, made one relief appearance against Seattle last season and gave up one run and three hits in one inning.

Seattle third baseman Brendan Donovan (groin) sat out Saturday. He was hurt Friday and an MRI exam came back clean.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Adell #Angels #add #Mariners #sluggers #frustrations

Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is known for his power bat but put on a show for the ages with his glove in the middle game of the three-game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners.

Adell performed three home run robberies in a single game on Saturday and will look to help the Angels win the series when they close the set against the Mariners on Sunday at Anaheim, Calif.

Zach Neto hit his 10th career leadoff homer for the game’s lone run. The 1-0 victory came one night after neither team scored in the first nine innings before Seattle notched a 3-1 win in 10 innings.

But Saturday night was the “Jo Show,” where a right fielder sometimes chided for his defensive shortcomings put on one of the best outfielder performances of all time.

Adell robbed Cal Raleigh in the first inning, Josh Naylor in the eighth and J.P. Crawford in the ninth with stellar grabs as the Angels collected just their second victory in the past seven games.

“After the first one, the second one was kind of similar, I didn’t know if I was having deja vu,” Adell said. “Sometimes you have to help on the other side of the ball and I’m glad I did my part.”

The third robbery prevented Seattle from tying the game in the ninth. Crawford hit a shot off Jordan Romano that was destined to land in the right-field seats.

Instead, Adell landed in the seats as he spectacularly leaped to catch the ball and fell over the short wall. His glove emerged and he stood up in the stands and displayed he had caught the ball.

“He disappears and he comes up with his glove up,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “… This guy works as hard as anybody I’ve ever been around.”

Mariners manager Dan Wilson played 14 seasons (1992-2005) in the majors and was stunned by what he witnessed.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen three in one ballgame before,” Wilson said. “It’s frustrating when you feel like you put a good swing on a ball like that and you drive it like our guys did and you don’t end up with anything to show for it.”

Adell’s theft on Raleigh kept last season’s American League MVP runner-up homerless through nine games. He hit 60 last season.

“You just tip the cap,” Raleigh said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it’s just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and night out. You can see something you’ve never seen before.”

The Mariners will send right-hander Luis Castillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound Sunday for his second start of the season.

Castillo, 33, tossed six shutout innings against the visiting New York Yankees last Monday. He gave up three hits and two walks and struck out seven in a game Seattle eventually won 2-1.

Castillo is 5-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Angels. He is 1-2 with a 4.97 ERA in five outings at Angel Stadium.

Adell has two homers in seven at-bats against Castillo, while Mike Trout (2-for-14, seven strikeouts) and Logan O’Hoppe (0-for-11) have struggled.

Right-hander Ryan Johnson (0-1, 16.20) will be making his second career start for Los Angeles. He was torched in his first for six runs and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings by the Cubs on Monday. Chicago won 7-2.

Johnson, 23, made one relief appearance against Seattle last season and gave up one run and three hits in one inning.

Seattle third baseman Brendan Donovan (groin) sat out Saturday. He was hurt Friday and an MRI exam came back clean.

–Field Level Media

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Praggnanandhaa vs Caruana Highlights: FIDE Chess Candidates 2026 Round 7 recap <div id="content-body-70826538" itemprop="articleBody"><p>India’s R. Praggnanandhaa drew with USA’s Fabiano Caruana in the seventh round of the Open section at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus on Sunday.</p><p>In the previous round, Praggnanandhaa had drawn with USA’s Hikaru Nakamura.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Praggnanandhaa vs Caruana Highlights</h4><h4 class="sub_head">Where to watch Candidates 2026 live?</h4><p>Candidates 2026 will be streamed LIVE on FIDE’s YouTube channel.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #Praggnanandhaa #Caruana #Highlights #FIDE #Chess #Candidates #recap

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IFL 2025-26: Aizawl FC holds Sreenidi Deccan to 1-1 draw <div id="content-body-70827535" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Aizawl FC held Sreenidi Deccan FC to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 clash at the Deccan Arena on Sunday.</p><p>While Colombian forward David Castañeda Munoz gave the host the lead in the first half, an own goal by defender Jagdeep Singh restored parity late in the second period.</p><p>The result saw the Deccan Warriors move up to second in the table with 12 points from seven matches, behind Diamond Harbour FC, which has a game in hand.</p><p>Aizawl, meanwhile, remains fifth with nine points from the same number of games.</p><p>Sreenidi dominated proceedings from kick-off and created early opportunities through a series of free kicks in dangerous areas. Munoz fired one wide, while Romawia struck the crossbar with another, offering a glimpse of what was to follow.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/sporting-club-delhi-kerala-blasters-score-results-isl-2025-26-scd-v-kbfc-highlights-goals-standings-football-news/article70826988.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ISL 2025-26: Aimen scores against former club as Sporting Club Delhi beats Kerala Blasters</a></b></p><p>The breakthrough arrived just before the half-hour mark. A long ball from Hardik Bhatt found Munoz in space at the edge of the box. The Colombian controlled superbly with his back to the goal before turning and firing a right-footed effort past Lalhruai at the near post.</p><p>Paulo Cezar, who impressed with his physical presence and attacking intent before being forced off through injury, came close to doubling the lead in stoppage time, but his close-range header drifted wide. Despite dominating possession, Sreenidi went into the break with only a slender advantage.</p><p>Fanai was the first to make a move in the second half, introducing Hriata from the bench in place of Vincent around the 65th minute.</p><p>Sreenidi’s intense pressing disrupted Aizawl’s short passing rhythm, forcing the visitor to adopt a more direct approach. Uzbek defender Timur Talipov delivered several long balls into the box, and the equaliser eventually came from one such situation.</p><p>Captain Rempuia swung in a cross from the right flank, and Jagdeep Singh, attempting to clear, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net over goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh.</p><p>The goal came late in the contest, and despite seven minutes of added time, Sreenidi was unable to find a winner. Both sides ultimately shared the spoils, with Aizawl producing a resilient second-half performance to earn a deserved point.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #IFL #Aizawl #holds #Sreenidi #Deccan #draw

The first game of NFL preseason had no right to be that good. The Panthers and Cardinals gave us a Hall of Fame classic on Thursday night that came down to the final play, with rookie quarterback Haynes King rushing for a touchdown as time expired to give Carolina the win. Not only was the level of play much higher than anyone expected, but there was plenty of drama along the way.

Whenever there’s a national game like there are overreactions, especially in preseason. Let’s dive into what we’re all reacting to after Panthers-Cardinals.

No. 1: Haynes King is coming for Bryce Youngs job

There is no question Haynes King was a standout performer on Thursday night at QB, with the rookie showing poise in the pocket, an ability to move the chains, and scoring three touchdowns for the Panthers, including the game-winner.

King is third on the QB depth chart in Carolina behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett — and he could very well push Pickett for the backup job, but the idea he’ll supplant the starter is ridiculous. No matter how great that performance was, the rookie had been struggling in training camp up to this point, particularly with his decision making. So while it’s tempting to glean too much info from preseaon, we also need to pump the brakes on getting too hyped over watching King succeed against the Cardinals depth defenders.

If Carolina is able to land a long-term backup in King it will still be a massive win for them.

No. 2: Carson Beck is a superstar in the making

We had a standout performance from Carson Beck, with the rookie really showing off both the velocity of his arm in tight windows and some touch in small spaces where needed. It led to a lot of people getting so blown away with the performance that things got a little carried away, annointing Beck as a star in the making, a draft steal, and the reason the Cardinals won’t be picking a QB in 2027.

Let’s chill out on taking it this far. Beck had a really good game, but the Panthers defense was a mess in the secondary. Carolina started their deep-depth players and guys on the back-end of the roster, with the defense not even being called by coordinator Ejiro Evero. Beck still needed to make the throws, but the bulk of his yards came on busted coverage and throwing into giant gaping windows.

We’ll need to see that same level performance against a real defense before we can even begin the discussion in earnest.

No. 3: The Panthers pass defense is in trouble

This dovetails off the discussion of Carson Beck, because, as mentioned, there were a ton of mitigating factors here. Not only did Carolina start their extreme depth, but they didnt have their defensive coordinator use any situational playcalling. Instead they more or less sat in their base shell and allowed the defense to pick them apart.

Not that you ever want your team getting destroyed in the passing game, but it’s too early to panic.

No. 4: Getting too carried away with two receivers

On each side of the ball we had a receiver who turned heads and got people a little too excited, a little too quickly. Arizona’s Jalen Brooks and Carolina’s Ja’Seem Reed coninuted their good training camp reports with solid games, but people are getting a little carried away with both at this point.

Brooks is a former 7th rounder who struggled to hold a back-end roster spot with the Cowboys, and Reed is a UDFA. That doesn’t mean they won’t have success, but the talk after the game was whether or not these guys could become top-four rotation receivers.

If they make the 53 it will be a major achievement for either. That’s still the expectation here, and should be how we think about these players.

#overreactions #PanthersCardinals #Hall #Fame #banger">4 overreactions from the Panthers-Cardinals Hall of Fame banger  The first game of NFL preseason had no right to be that good. The Panthers and Cardinals gave us a Hall of Fame classic on Thursday night that came down to the final play, with rookie quarterback Haynes King rushing for a touchdown as time expired to give Carolina the win. Not only was the level of play much higher than anyone expected, but there was plenty of drama along the way.Whenever there’s a national game like there are overreactions, especially in preseason. Let’s dive into what we’re all reacting to after Panthers-Cardinals.No. 1: Haynes King is coming for Bryce Youngs jobThere is no question Haynes King was a standout performer on Thursday night at QB, with the rookie showing poise in the pocket, an ability to move the chains, and scoring three touchdowns for the Panthers, including the game-winner.King is third on the QB depth chart in Carolina behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett — and he could very well push Pickett for the backup job, but the idea he’ll supplant the starter is ridiculous. No matter how great that performance was, the rookie had been struggling in training camp up to this point, particularly with his decision making. So while it’s tempting to glean too much info from preseaon, we also need to pump the brakes on getting too hyped over watching King succeed against the Cardinals depth defenders.If Carolina is able to land a long-term backup in King it will still be a massive win for them.No. 2: Carson Beck is a superstar in the makingWe had a standout performance from Carson Beck, with the rookie really showing off both the velocity of his arm in tight windows and some touch in small spaces where needed. It led to a lot of people getting so blown away with the performance that things got a little carried away, annointing Beck as a star in the making, a draft steal, and the reason the Cardinals won’t be picking a QB in 2027.Let’s chill out on taking it this far. Beck had a really good game, but the Panthers defense was a mess in the secondary. Carolina started their deep-depth players and guys on the back-end of the roster, with the defense not even being called by coordinator Ejiro Evero. Beck still needed to make the throws, but the bulk of his yards came on busted coverage and throwing into giant gaping windows.We’ll need to see that same level performance against a real defense before we can even begin the discussion in earnest.No. 3: The Panthers pass defense is in troubleThis dovetails off the discussion of Carson Beck, because, as mentioned, there were a ton of mitigating factors here. Not only did Carolina start their extreme depth, but they didnt have their defensive coordinator use any situational playcalling. Instead they more or less sat in their base shell and allowed the defense to pick them apart.Not that you ever want your team getting destroyed in the passing game, but it’s too early to panic.No. 4: Getting too carried away with two receiversOn each side of the ball we had a receiver who turned heads and got people a little too excited, a little too quickly. Arizona’s Jalen Brooks and Carolina’s Ja’Seem Reed coninuted their good training camp reports with solid games, but people are getting a little carried away with both at this point.Brooks is a former 7th rounder who struggled to hold a back-end roster spot with the Cowboys, and Reed is a UDFA. That doesn’t mean they won’t have success, but the talk after the game was whether or not these guys could become top-four rotation receivers.If they make the 53 it will be a major achievement for either. That’s still the expectation here, and should be how we think about these players.  #overreactions #PanthersCardinals #Hall #Fame #banger

Ranjit Bajaj has decided against taking up the India Under-15 men’s national team manager’s role alongside head coach Bibiano Fernandes for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan in October, Minerva Academy founder-director announced on his Instagram handle.

Bajaj’s reason is that the he and Bibiano have different footballing philosophies and putting them together would not be in the team’s best interest.

Bajaj, who was approved as the team manager by the AIFF Executive Committee following the appointment of Fernandes as head coach, said he was deeply unhappy with the decision and believed the team could suffer if its key personnel were not aligned in their approach.

“People are congratulating me but I am not happy. I am very unhappy. This is the worst thing they could have done,” Bajaj said in a post on his Instagram handle.

Explaining the rationale behind his decision, Bajaj said the AIFF had appointed him and Fernandes together despite their contrasting styles and visions, though he made it clear that his decision was not a personal issue with the head coach.

“You people (AIFF) appointed me and Bibiano (Fernandes) together. I don’t have any problems with Bibiano but I have a problem because of different playing styles and different visions,” he said.

Bajaj said the difference was fundamental, with his preferred approach built around an aggressive, attacking game while Fernandes’ methods were more defensive.

“From low block defensive style to high press attacking style, getting into opposition territory and smashing them are completely different styles. It’s not about me or Bibiano. If two people are not on same page, then team suffers,” he said.

The Minerva founder also questioned the circumstances of his appointment, saying the federation had turned to him despite their differences because of his team’s success and the process behind it.

“Also you called me because you didn’t have an option. It is not as if there are world famous coaches at your disposal. So you summoned your biggest critic, biggest hater and maybe because my team (Minerva) wins,” Bajaj said.

He also suggested that Fernandes should have been given charge of the U-15 side earlier if the AIFF had intended to make him the head coach, while urging supporters to back the former India youth coach.

“Even if you guys wanted to give Bibiano the charge, you should have given it one year back. Okay, if you given him now, I request fans, we should support Bibiano,” Bajaj said.

The AIFF Executive Committee, on the recommendation of its Technical Committee, had approved Fernandes’ appointment as head coach, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in October.

Bajaj had earlier volunteered on social media to take charge of the team, but had made it conditional on being allowed to appoint his own coaching staff.

The inaugural tournament will feature all 211 FIFA member associations, including India. It will be played in an 8-a-side format on smaller customised pitches, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves. Each team can register 14 players, including up to two goalkeepers.

(With PTI inputs)

Published on Aug 07, 2026

#Ranjit #Bajaj #reject #role #India #manager #U15 #FIFA #World #Cup #Festival">Why did Ranjit Bajaj reject role as India manager for U-15 FIFA World Cup and Festival?  Ranjit Bajaj has decided against taking up the India Under-15 men’s national team manager’s role alongside head coach Bibiano Fernandes for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan in October, Minerva Academy founder-director announced on his        Instagram handle.Bajaj’s reason is that the he and Bibiano have different footballing philosophies and putting them together would not be in the team’s best interest.Bajaj, who was approved as the team manager by the AIFF Executive Committee following the appointment of Fernandes as head coach, said he was deeply unhappy with the decision and believed the team could suffer if its key personnel were not aligned in their approach.“People are congratulating me but I am not happy. I am very unhappy. This is the worst thing they could have done,” Bajaj said in a post on his        Instagram handle.Explaining the rationale behind his decision, Bajaj said the AIFF had appointed him and Fernandes together despite their contrasting styles and visions, though he made it clear that his decision was not a personal issue with the head coach.“You people (AIFF) appointed me and Bibiano (Fernandes) together. I don’t have any problems with Bibiano but I have a problem because of different playing styles and different visions,” he said.Bajaj said the difference was fundamental, with his preferred approach built around an aggressive, attacking game while Fernandes’ methods were more defensive.“From low block defensive style to high press attacking style, getting into opposition territory and smashing them are completely different styles. It’s not about me or Bibiano. If two people are not on same page, then team suffers,” he said.The Minerva founder also questioned the circumstances of his appointment, saying the federation had turned to him despite their differences because of his team’s success and the process behind it.“Also you called me because you didn’t have an option. It is not as if there are world famous coaches at your disposal. So you summoned your biggest critic, biggest hater and maybe because my team (Minerva) wins,” Bajaj said.He also suggested that Fernandes should have been given charge of the U-15 side earlier if the AIFF had intended to make him the head coach, while urging supporters to back the former India youth coach.“Even if you guys wanted to give Bibiano the charge, you should have given it one year back. Okay, if you given him now, I request fans, we should support Bibiano,” Bajaj said.The AIFF Executive Committee, on the recommendation of its Technical Committee, had approved Fernandes’ appointment as head coach, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in October.Bajaj had earlier volunteered on social media to take charge of the team, but had made it conditional on being allowed to appoint his own coaching staff.The inaugural tournament will feature all 211 FIFA member associations, including India. It will be played in an 8-a-side format on smaller customised pitches, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves. Each team can register 14 players, including up to two goalkeepers.(With PTI inputs)Published on Aug 07, 2026  #Ranjit #Bajaj #reject #role #India #manager #U15 #FIFA #World #Cup #Festival

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