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Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior. #NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

Why the NBA Must Fix Its Draft System to Stop Tanking | Deadspin.com

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.

Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

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Bam Adebayo scored 83 points during the Miami’s Heat’s 150-129 triumph over the Washington Wizards on March 10. Two nights later Miami coach Erik Spoelstra used part of a press conference to defend the team’s decision to keep Adebayo on the court late in the fourth quarter against the Wizards, long after the outcome had been decided.

Some of Spoelstra’s comments unwittingly shined a light on a much bigger problem than Adebayo piling up points, however: Tanking.

“These are tricky games when you’re facing teams like that,” he said. “Teams that have nothing to lose and don’t play to win. … They’re not playing for anything. Their organization is trying to lose.”

Welcome to today’s NBA, where losing has become a strategic decision. The more a team loses, the better its chances are of selecting the league’s next superstar in the NBA Draft Lottery. And we’re not talking about a few teams at the bottom of the league standings tanking either. It’s much worse than that.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, the 2025-26 regular season was the first time in NBA history that at least eight of the league’s teams lost two-thirds of their games.There’s evidence to suggest many of those teams sacrificed victories to enhance their position in the lottery.

Tanking, coupled with load management, has created a public relations problem for the NBA, and something much worse: an integrity problem.

Attending an NBA game can be like going to a steak house, only to see no steak on the menu. Many superstars don’t play, and many teams don’t try. Fans often don’t get what they came for.

Load management is a problem NBA commissioner Adam Silver can tackle on another day. Right now dealing with the “tanking” issue is at the top of his to-do list.

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said at the league’s board of governors meeting last month. “Full stop.”

Suggestions have poured in regarding how to “fix” tanking. A few plans the NBA is reportedly considering were leaked by the media. Most of them will give you a popsicle headache.

One good solution was put forth by former NBA player Charles Barkley, who proposed that the league shouldn’t allow teams that finish below the .500 mark to raise ticket prices. That’s something we can all get behind. He also suggested that each team in the lottery should have an equal chance of obtaining the top overall pick, instead of rewarding the worst teams with a higher probability of drafting first overall.

How about we take it a step further and eliminate the lottery and all the dizziness that comes with it. If almost half of the teams in the NBA have a chance to land the top pick then each of those teams has an incentive to tank.

Admittedly, some tanking would remain, since adding a top draft pick can change the fortunes of a NBA franchise more than it would help a struggling team in the NFL or MLB. That’s why you see very little tanking – relatively speaking – in those sports, both of which allow teams to draft in reverse order of their regular season record.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it would be a significant step in the right direction.

If there’s a better idea out there we haven’t heard it. At least this way the NBA wouldn’t be rewarding bad behavior.

Source link
#NBA #Fix #Draft #System #Stop #Tanking #Deadspin.com

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IFL 2025-26: Chanmari thrashes Namdhari to keep top-six hopes alive <div id="content-body-70875272" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Chanmari FC completed a dominant performance with a 4-1 win against Namdhari FC, to keep its hopes alive for a top six spot in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.</p><p>Chanmari took the lead in the fourth minute through Pepe, who was making his first start of the season, and then doubled its advantage in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga scored the third in the 58th minute before Adersh Mattummal pulled one back three minutes later. Lalthangliana added the fourth for the visitor to seal the match.</p><p>Chanmari FC has moved temporarily to fifth in the table with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, and will rely on the results of other matches to confirm its place in the top six. Meanwhile, Namdhari, in ninth place with seven points, has confirmed their place in the relegation zone.</p><p>Chanmari stunned Namdhari with an early breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel launched a simple long ball from defence into space, picking out the run of Pepe. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball well, and calmly slotted it through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.</p><p>The Brazilian was once again at the heart of the action moments later and could have doubled Chanmari’s lead. Jota made a fine run down the left, but his cross initially failed to find a teammate inside the box. The ball was recycled by Lalthangliana, who delivered a low cross into the path of Pepe, but his effort curled just over the crossbar.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/cfc-vs-scd-score-results-chennaiyin-v-sporting-club-delhi-isl-2025-26-goals-farukh-choudhary-indian-football/article70874164.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season</a></b></p><p>Chanmari looked lively whenever they went forward, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana troubling the opposition defence with their pace. The latter missed a good opportunity midway through the half, heading over the bar after Marlon Rangel’s initial effort had been saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.</p><p>Namdhari, on the other hand, relied on long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Chanmari’s defence. Najib Ibrahim came close with one such attempt, and around the half-hour mark, Manvir Singh, who has already scored twice from the centre circle this season, tried another audacious effort from midfield, which sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia scrambling in goal.</p><p>The visitor controlled the midfield, with Namdhari showing little urgency to win back possession as Chanmari carried its one-goal lead into the break.</p><p>The visitor doubled its advantage in the fourth minute of the restart. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, and his attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper’s head, struck the post, and nestled in the back of the net.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/odisha-vs-mohammedan-score-result-isl-2025-26-goals-standings-points-table-football-news/article70875146.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw</a></b></p><p>The side from Aizawl then scored its third goal with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga played a well-timed pass into the path of Lalruatsanga, who had made a clever run behind the defence. The striker, from an acute angle, beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful side-footed finish.</p><p>Moments later, the home side could have halved the deficit after Seilenthang Lotjem missed from point blank range after being setup by a low cross by Bhupinder Singh.</p><p>Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled a goal back through a long-range effort from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder controlled the ball between two defenders and, with a precise low shot, found the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.</p><p>Chanmari put the match to bed nine minutes from time with another well-taken goal, this time by substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch and struck a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.</p><p>Chanmari saw off the remainder of the match with ease, confirming Namdhari’s position in the relegation zone and keeping its hopes alive for a place in the top six of the table.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IFL #Chanmari #thrashes #Namdhari #topsix #hopes #alive

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There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.

You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.

Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”

She was 11 then.

And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.

“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”

RELATED | Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh

It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”

But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”

That certainly helped.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali">Candidates 2026: Discussions with Anand and Pragg helped me, says triumphant Vaishali There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”She was 11 then.And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”RELATED | Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach RameshIt was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”That certainly helped.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali

Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh

It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”

But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”

That certainly helped.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali">Candidates 2026: Discussions with Anand and Pragg helped me, says triumphant Vaishali

There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.

You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.

Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”

She was 11 then.

And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.

“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”

RELATED | Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh

It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”

But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”

That certainly helped.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali
Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS. ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month. Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season. The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN. Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report. A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN. Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shiftSep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.


The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift">Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS. ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month. Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season. The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN. Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report. A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN. Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

From a team that was wondering where the next point would come from, Kerala Blasters has come a long way.

On Tuesday night, it was just two minutes away from beating NorthEast United. In the previous game, it actually defeated a strong Bengaluru FC in an away fixture.

So it should be in a confident frame of mind that Blasters will take the field for Saturday’s ISL fixture against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The visitors, of course, offer a tough challenge: with 15 points, they are placed near the top of the table and are among the title contenders of this truncated season. And the hosts are on the other side of the table, facing the threat of relegation.

READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

The coach, Ashley Westwood, is not concerned, though. This is only the fourth match since he took over from David Catala. 

“We have four points from three games, and it is not bad,” Westwood said. “It should have been a bit better, if I am being honest, but there is no panic; we are preparing for the next game. We will try and get some points. Of course, we are going to try and win, which we always do.”

He conceded it would not be easy. “We are against a very tough side, Jamshedpur, who has another very experienced coach (Owen Coyle), who knows what to do, who knows how to play football in India,” said Westwood. “So we need to prepare well, we need to make sure we are all going in with our 100% best.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Upbeat #Kerala #Blasters #faces #Jamshedpur #test">ISL 2025-26: Upbeat Kerala Blasters faces Jamshedpur test From a team that was wondering where the next point would come from, Kerala Blasters has come a long way.On Tuesday night, it was just two minutes away from beating NorthEast United. In the previous game, it actually defeated a strong Bengaluru FC in an away fixture.So it should be in a confident frame of mind that Blasters will take the field for Saturday’s ISL fixture against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The visitors, of course, offer a tough challenge: with 15 points, they are placed near the top of the table and are among the title contenders of this truncated season. And the hosts are on the other side of the table, facing the threat of relegation.READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonThe coach, Ashley Westwood, is not concerned, though. This is only the fourth match since he took over from David Catala. “We have four points from three games, and it is not bad,” Westwood said. “It should have been a bit better, if I am being honest, but there is no panic; we are preparing for the next game. We will try and get some points. Of course, we are going to try and win, which we always do.”He conceded it would not be easy. “We are against a very tough side, Jamshedpur, who has another very experienced coach (Owen Coyle), who knows what to do, who knows how to play football in India,” said Westwood. “So we need to prepare well, we need to make sure we are all going in with our 100% best.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #ISL #Upbeat #Kerala #Blasters #faces #Jamshedpur #test

Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

The coach, Ashley Westwood, is not concerned, though. This is only the fourth match since he took over from David Catala. 

“We have four points from three games, and it is not bad,” Westwood said. “It should have been a bit better, if I am being honest, but there is no panic; we are preparing for the next game. We will try and get some points. Of course, we are going to try and win, which we always do.”

He conceded it would not be easy. “We are against a very tough side, Jamshedpur, who has another very experienced coach (Owen Coyle), who knows what to do, who knows how to play football in India,” said Westwood. “So we need to prepare well, we need to make sure we are all going in with our 100% best.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Upbeat #Kerala #Blasters #faces #Jamshedpur #test">ISL 2025-26: Upbeat Kerala Blasters faces Jamshedpur test

From a team that was wondering where the next point would come from, Kerala Blasters has come a long way.

On Tuesday night, it was just two minutes away from beating NorthEast United. In the previous game, it actually defeated a strong Bengaluru FC in an away fixture.

So it should be in a confident frame of mind that Blasters will take the field for Saturday’s ISL fixture against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The visitors, of course, offer a tough challenge: with 15 points, they are placed near the top of the table and are among the title contenders of this truncated season. And the hosts are on the other side of the table, facing the threat of relegation.

READ | Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

The coach, Ashley Westwood, is not concerned, though. This is only the fourth match since he took over from David Catala. 

“We have four points from three games, and it is not bad,” Westwood said. “It should have been a bit better, if I am being honest, but there is no panic; we are preparing for the next game. We will try and get some points. Of course, we are going to try and win, which we always do.”

He conceded it would not be easy. “We are against a very tough side, Jamshedpur, who has another very experienced coach (Owen Coyle), who knows what to do, who knows how to play football in India,” said Westwood. “So we need to prepare well, we need to make sure we are all going in with our 100% best.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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