Month: May 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray hit out at the Maharashtra government on Monday accusing them of not maintaining the drainage system in Mumbai, which had resulted in severe waterlooging at several places after heavy rains.

“We are seeing absolute absence of governance in Maharashtra today. Mumbai has collapsed in the rains, and it’s only May. Last week, it was Andheri Subway and Saki Naka that was flooded. Today, it is South and Central Mumbai facing the brunt of the BMC being controlled by bjp and corrupt mind,” Thackeray said in a post on X.

We are seeing absolute absence of governance in Maharashtra today.

Mumbai has collapsed in the rains, and it’s only May.

Last week, it was Andheri Subway and Saki Naka that was flooded.

Today, it is South and Central Mumbai facing the brunt of the BMC being controlled by bjp…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 26, 2025

“Hind Mata and Gandhi Market (traditional flood spots) were made flood free by our govt in 2022. Today, due to the apathy of the government, it flooded. The Metro Station in Worli, inaugurated 2 weeks ago, saw a wall collapse, waterlogging, and sewage line water enter the station. A newly made road has caved in near Kemps Corner,” his post added.

He also demanded that the state government launch a fair probe into the “incompetence” and also compensate people who faced waterlogging in their shops and homes.

Thackeray had also visited Mumbai’s Worli station, which he claimed had been flooded after the rains.

“This is not even the first rain in Mumbai; it also rained in the first week of May. You will remember what happened in Sakinaki. Last week, there was a little rain. Andheri subway, too, was completely filled. For the past two months, we have consistently said that the drain cleaning is not done properly. We have consistently said that the municipal corporation has not held the meetings during the monsoon,” the UBT leader told reporters outside Worli station.

Taking a dig at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said that Mumbaikars’ money is being stolen as no civic work is being done.

“Where are the people who call themselves as Infra man, visionary, where are they? They laid down the green carpet, but the drains disappeared. Today, Mumbaikars’ hard-earned money is being taken away. The station was inaugurated just two weeks ago, and now they are not letting us in, it is like an emergency,” Thackeray said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited BMC’s disaster management department to assess the situation. He confirmed that while some water had entered the Worli station, the work of draining it would be finished soon.

He further hit out at the previous UBT-led government, claiming they had kept the metro closed while now lakhs of people are benefiting from it.

“I have talked with Ashwini Bhide (Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Corporation), she said that water had come in from the entrance, the work will be done quickly. But I ask, the people who had kept the metro closed, if we had not opened it, then how would the lakhs of people benefit from it? They (UBT-led govt) had said to close it down, but after our government came in we started it all, lakhs of people are travelling in it now,” Dy CM Eknath Shinde said

He further assured that people facing problems due to rains will be resolved, underlining that both the state government and BMC are responsible for it.

“Where ever people are facing difficulty due to rains, the responsibility is both of the state government and the Corporation. But these people, what did they do in the last 25 years? Did they make a concrete road?,” Shinde said.

The IMD has issued orange to red alerts for Mumbai and its suburban areas to warn residents of ongoing weather risks.

The city experienced heavy rain on Monday, with scenes from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) capturing the city’s monsoon onset.

In the western suburbs, Supari Tank and Nariyalwadi Santacruz received the highest rainfall at 25 mm, followed by Khar Danda Pali Hill with 24 mm. HE Ward Office logged 18 mm, HW Ward Office 16 mm, while Vile Parle and Andheri Fire Stations recorded 15 mm and 14 mm, respectively. Chakal Municipal School and Malvani Fire Station measured 14 mm and 12 mm, with Versova Pumping Station at 11 mm. (ANI)

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will not participate in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, scheduled to be held in Russia’s capital, Moscow, from May 27 to 29, according to sources.

Sources said that NSA Ajit Doval was scheduled to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues to be held in Moscow, Russia, on 27-29 May 2025.

“He is, however, unable to participate in the meeting due to indisposition with a seasonal flu,” they said.

They added that NSA Doval looks forward to bilateral engagement with Russia on strategic and security matters at an early date.

Last week, sources had said Ajit Doval was expected to visit Russia this week.

During his visit to St Petersburg last year for the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting, Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and exchanged a handshake.

In a statement released on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India had said that during his meeting with NSA Doval, President Putin praised the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and emphasised the crucial role of security issues in bilateral relations.

“During the conversation, Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area,” the statement said.

During the visit, Doval also had a bilateral meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg.

In the statement released on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India called New Delhi one of Moscow’s like-minded partners in the world. During the meeting, attention was particularly paid to the multi-level trust-based political dialogue between Russia and India.

“New Delhi is one of Moscow’s main like-minded partners in the world arena, whose friendship has confidently stood the test of time. Our countries are jointly grappling with the challenges of the 21st century, — underscored Sergey Shoigu. At the meeting, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed,” the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement shared on Telegram.

“Particular attention was paid to the multi-level trust-based political dialogue between Russia and India, built on regular contacts between the leaders. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council separately noted the significance of the bilateral summit held in July,” it added. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday laid the foundation stone for Swasti Niwas, a residential facility for cancer patients and their families at the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur.

Addressing the gathering, Shah highlighted the Modi government’s achievements in healthcare.

“Seven AIIMS were built from independence until 2014, and now 23 AIIMS have been approved. Congresspeople can say anything; this is their culture, and when I speak, they feel very bad. But today, I have come to tell them one thing. In 2013-14, the health budget of the last Congress government of Sardar Manmohan Singh was Rs 37,000 crore, and in 2025-26, Modi ji increased the health budget to Rs 1,35,000 crore and passed it in the Parliament,” he said.

Shah further paid tribute to Abaji Thatte, who was named after the institute, for his humility and dedication.

“I spent three days with Abaji Thatte–a man of immense sacrifice and dedication. Yet, despite his greatness, there was not even a trace of arrogance in his demeanour. Such humility and selflessness truly defined Abaji Thatte. It is in his name that this cancer institute is being run, and I believe it carries his spirit of service. I’m confident that this institution will receive the blessings of the people and the support of many dedicated individuals,” he said.

The Union Home Minister highlighted India’s high burden of oral and cervical cancer, noting significant progress in cancer treatment accessibility over the past 15 years.

“India sadly has the highest percentage of oral cancer cases in the world. One person dies every eight minutes in India due to cervical cancer. Not long ago, cancer was considered nearly incurable. But in the last fifteen years, several excellent cancer institutes have been established nationwide, making treatment more accessible and effective,” he said.

He praised the institute’s strategic location, which serves poor and middle-class families in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.

“I want to especially commend the choice of location for this institute–right in the heart of some of the poorest regions spanning Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. During my visit today, I met several patients, most of whom belonged to the middle class, lower middle class, and poor families. This means that now, people can get long-term treatment for a serious illness like cancer by travelling just a short distance from their homes. That is a true service to the nation,” he added.

Later, Shah will inaugurate a full-length statue and premises beautification work of former Chief Minister Late Vasantrao Naik in Anand Nagar, Nanded. This will be followed by the BJP Shankhnad grand public rally at Nava Mondha Ground, Nanded and the inauguration of the BJP Nanded city office in Shivajinagar, Nanded, this evening.

These events highlight developmental initiatives, public engagement, and homage to regional leaders. (ANI)

India on Monday reported a total of 1,009 active COVID-19 cases in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. As per the Health Ministry, India’s COVID-19 update showed a total of 1009 active cases, with 752 new cases recently confirmed.

According to the government data, Kerala currently tops the chart with the highest number of active cases at 430.

Other states with notable case counts include Maharashtra (209), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), and Karnataka (47).

Earlier, a 21-year-old Covid-19 patient who was undergoing treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane after testing positive died, Thane Municipal Corporation said.

The 21-year-old from Mumbra was admitted for treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane on May 22, 2025.

On Saturday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the matter regarding COVID-19 cases reported across multiple states, mainly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc., according to official sources.

It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care. However, the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely, the official sources said.

According to the Union Health Ministry, most of the COVID case reported were mild and require no hospitalisation. The country continues to monitor respiratory illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.

The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. While COVID-19 is now considered another type of viral infection, basic precautions such as hand hygiene, masks in crowded areas and avoiding unnecessary gatherings are still encouraged. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that he has “gone absolutely crazy” and is needlessly killing people in Ukraine, including civilians.

In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Trump said, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”

pic.twitter.com/qjmxgOb4Mt

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 26, 2025

Criticising the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump said Putin is “needlessly killing a lot of people,” and emphasised that it’s not limited to soldiers.

“Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever,” he said.

The US President reiterated his long-held view that Putin wants “ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it,” and warned that such ambitions could lead to “the downfall of Russia.”

Trump also directed criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he is doing his country “no favours by talking the way he does.”

According to Trump, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”

Calling the war avoidable, Trump stated, “This is a War that would never have started if I were President.”

He framed the ongoing conflict as one driven by “Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s’,” distancing himself from responsibility for the crisis.

Trump concluded by saying he is only trying to “help to put out the big and ugly fires” that, according to him, “have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.”

The remarks come amid continued international concern over escalating violence in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the war.

Earlier, on May 24, Zelenskyy reported a Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv targeting civilians and causing widespread damage and casualties.

Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy said, “Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts — wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, cars, businesses have been damaged. Sadly, there are injuries.”

The post added, “It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine — 250 strike drones, the absolute majority of them Iranian “Shaheds,” and 14 ballistic missiles. The Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, Dnipro regions suffered damages. All strikes targeted civilians. There are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones.”

Zelenskyy further emphasised that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed ceasefires and called for sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and its allies. (ANI)

Prime Minister of Guyana, Mark Anthony Phillips, reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between India and Guyana. With 40 per cent of Guyana’s population of Indian origin, the Prime Minister highlighted the historical ties, which span over 150 years.

He also emphasised Guyana’s stance against terrorism and advocated for the peaceful existence of all nations.

After meeting the all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Prime Minister of Guyana Brig Mark Anthony Phillips told ANI, ” There is a very good relationship between India and Guyana. 40% of the population of Guyana is of Indian origin. We have a relationship that is over 150 years old between India and Guyana. This visit symbolises the strength of the relationship between the two countries.”

He further said, “Guyana condemns any act of terrorism. We feel that every nation and people have the right to exist peacefully in their own country. We believe in observance of the rule of law.”

Phillips also emphasised the importance of people-to-people contact in strengthening bilateral ties and welcomed investments from India.

“We welcome investments from companies in India. The cooperation has grown over the years and it will continue to grow. What is important is people-to-people contact. We welcome the visit by Parliamentarians from India,” he told ANI.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, offered support to India in the fight against terrorism. The Vice President underscored the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorist activities and also appreciated the visit of the Indian delegation to Guyana.

While speaking to ANI, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said, “It was an excellent visit. I assured the delegation that Guyana stands unequivocally with India. We are against terrorism and we believe that all those who perpetrate terrorist activities must be brought to justice. We are happy that the delegation came from India to Guyana”.

The all-party delegation led by Shashi Tharoor met the Vice-President of Guyana after their arrival earlier on Sunday (local time). The all-party delegation comprises Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar K Lata (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena) and Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

The members of the Indian community and the Indian diaspora in Guyana welcomed the all-party delegation with a resounding applause and enthusiasm. Hailing India’s response against acts of terror perpetuated by Pakistan, the members of the Indian community expressed their heartfelt support.

The all-party delegation aims to brief international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)

Marathon Man Anupam Kher has completed forty-one years in Indian cinema. The actor made his big-screen debut on May 25, 1984, with Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh, where he portrayed a 65-year-old grieving father at the young age of 28.

Kher, on Sunday evening, took to his Instagram account to share a video reminiscing about his journey in the film industry.

In the video, Kher can be seen candidly discussing his beginnings, his struggles, and the lasting impact of Saaransh.

“Today is the 25th of May, 2025. Forty-one years ago, i.e., 25th of May, 1984, my first film, Saaransh, debuted. It’s been 41 years since I started making films. I wanted to speak to you, to tell you about my journey of 41 years,” he says at the start of the video.

“I came to Mumbai on 3rd June, 1981, after my drama school, the National School of Drama. Then I was in Lucknow, teaching. Then I searched for work for 3 years, and then Mr. Bhatt gave me Saaransh,” Kher shared.

“And it’s been 41 years–palak jhapakte guzar gaye. Forty-one years of Saaransh. What a beautiful journey it has been. What a thankful journey. There have been ups and downs in my journey, but it’s been very good. I have made at least 544 or 545 films. And today I was thinking, what has changed in my life in these 41 years?,” he added.

Take a look

Released in 1984, Saaransh revolved around the emotional story of an elderly couple trying to cope with the death of their son in Mumbai. Anupam Kher played BV Pradhan, while Rohini Hattangadi portrayed his wife. The film also featured Soni Razdan, Madan Jain, Nilu Phule, and Suhas Bhalekar. It remains one of Indian cinema’s most powerful and respected dramas.

Meanwhile, Kher will next be seen in his directorial Tanvi The Great. With this, the actor has returned to the director’s chair after over two decades. The movie also had its screening recently at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last week and received a warm response from the international audience. (ANI)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a difficult outing on Sunday as they failed to chase down a mammoth target of 279 set by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, crashing to a 110-run defeat. The loss ended KKR’s season on a disappointing note, placing them eighth in the table with five wins, seven losses, and one no result. SRH, meanwhile, climbed to sixth with six wins, seven losses, and one no result.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack was led by a trio of effective performers, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, and Harsh Dubey, all of whom picked up three wickets each to dismantle KKR’s batting line-up.

KKR began their chase with an energetic 37-run opening stand between Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, with Narine doing the bulk of the scoring. The West Indian all-rounder smashed 31 off just 16 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes, before being cleaned up by Unadkat.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane showed glimpses of elegance but was dismissed for 15 by Unadkat, while de Kock struggled for fluency, managing just 9 off 13 balls before falling to Eshan Malinga. Rinku Singh mirrored de Kock’s score and was removed by impact player Harsh Dubey. Andre Russell was out for a golden duck on the very next ball, also falling to Dubey, leaving KKR reeling at 70/5.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi tried to stabilize the innings but was out for 14 off 18, with Malinga picking up the wicket. KKR brought up their 100 in 13.3 overs, but the game had already slipped away.

Ramandeep Singh added 13 before becoming another victim of Dubey, while Manish Pandey’s 37 provided some late resistance before Unadkat returned to pick up his third wicket. Vaibhav Arora was run out after a casual approach, and Harshit Rana’s 34 off 21 was the final bit of fight before Malinga dismissed him to wrap up the innings at 168 in 18.4 overs.

Unadkat ended with figures of 3/24, Malinga with 3/31, and Dubey with 3/34, as SRH’s disciplined bowling ensured KKR never looked in control.

The result underlined KKR’s inconsistency this season, with their final match summing up a campaign that lacked cohesion, execution, and intent, especially in crucial moments.

Earlier, a hundred from Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Heinrich Klaasen and an fifty from Travis Head powered SRH to 278/3 in 20 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 68th match of the Indian Premier League.

This is the third-highest total by any team in IPL history. Klaasen also registered the fastest hundred of the ongoing IPL in 37 balls.

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head opened the innings for SRH. The duo counterattacked the KKR bowlers as they stormed past 50 runs in the 4th over. Abhishek Sharma 10 (8), Travis Head 38 (16).

SRH finished their power-play on 79-0, in the following over the veteran spinner Sunil Narine removed Sharma for 32 (16), studed with four fours and two sixes, Heinrich Klaasen joined Head in the middle.

Hyderabad crossed the 100 runs mark in the 8th over, Head in the same over crossed his third fifty in the season. SRH stormed past 150 in the 11th over.

Klaasen completed his fifty in just 17 balls, hitting KKR bowlers all around the park. After 12 overs, SRH were 174/1.

Head was removed by Narine for 76(40) including six fours and six sixes. Ishan Kishan joined Klaasen in the middle. Narine now has the most wickets in T20 for a team (210).

Klaasen smashed two sixes off Narine in the 15th over, taking the score past the 200-run mark.

The duo of Klassen and Kishan brought up their 50-run stand in just 21 balls. SRH completed 250 runs in the 18th over.

Sunil Narine (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, and Vaibhav Arora took a wicket.

Brief score: Sunrisers Hyderabad 278/3 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 105*, Travis Head 76; Sunil Narine 2/42) vs. Kolkata Knight Riders 168 in 20 overs (Manish Pandey 37, Harshit Rana 34; Jaydev Unadkat 3/24) (ANI)

Amid the Harvard University and Trump administration row, US President Donald Trump mentioned areas of concern he holds with the University on Sunday (local time).

While speaking to media, Trump said, “Part of the problem with Harvard is that there are about 31 per cent of foreigners coming to Harvard. We give them billions of dollars, which is ridiculous. We do grants, which we’re probably not going to be doing much grants anymore to Harvard. But they are 31 per cent, but they refuse to tell us who the people are. We want to know who the people.”

In his remarks, he noted that the density of foreign students enrolled at Harvard University is high due to which Americans who want to study at the institution are not able to do so.

He said, “Now, a lot of the foreign students we wouldn’t have a problem with, but it shouldn’t be 31 percent. It’s too much because we have Americans that want to go there and to other places, and they can’t go there because you have 31 percent foreign. Now, no foreign government contributes money to Harvard, we do. So why are they doing so many?”

Listing down the second concern with Harvard University, Trump said, “Number two- we want a list of those foreign students, and we’ll find out whether or not they’re okay. Many will be okay, I assume. And I assume with Harvard, many will be bad.”

The third concern mentioned by the US President was the issue of anti-semitism.

He noted, “Then the other thing is they’re very anti-Semitic. Everybody knows they’re anti-Semitic. And that’s got to stop immediately.”

Harvard and the Trump administration have been engaged in a conflict for months as the administration demands the university make changes to the programming of the institution, hiring and administration to remove on-campus antisemitism and remove what it termed “racist ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ practices.” The administration has targeted foreign students and employees, whom it believes were part of the contentious campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

According to CNN, a federal judge had temporarily halted the Trump administration’s ban on Friday, after Harvard University filed a suit in federal court.

As per CNN, Harvard argued revocation of its certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program was “clear retaliation” for its refusal of the government’s ideologically rooted policy demands.

On Saturday, speaking about his administration’s decision to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students, Trump had said, “Billions of dollars have been paid to Harvard. How ridiculous is that?… And they have USD 52 billion as an endowment… Harvard’s going to have to change its ways.”

On Thursday, the White House said, “Enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right.” It accused Harvard leadership of turning “their once-great institution into a hot-bed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators.” (ANI)

Sunil Chhetri is the only Indian player to record an appearance in three AFC Asian Cups, according to a release from AIFF.

The path to reach Asia’s showpiece event is always a gruelling one. From scoring that unforgettable hat-trick way back at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup final, which led India to the 2011 Asian Cup, to now battling for qualification for the 2027 edition in Saudi Arabia, Chhetri’s longevity in the national team is unmatched.

Between 1960 and 2007, India had only qualified for two Asian Cups. And now, as the Blue Tigers aim to script history by making it to three successive Asian Cups for the first time, Chhetri tags it as a ‘bare minimum’ requirement for the nation. But it’s a year-long journey of qualification and the boys must take things ‘game by game’.

“We should qualify for every Asian Cup, and it’s mandatory. But I don’t want to put pressure on the boys and the team. Let’s take one game at a time. Hong Kong, of course, is going to be very crucial. But yes, for India, it’s a bare minimum to qualify for the Asian Cup, so that we can test ourselves with the best in Asia and keep proving that we are improving,” said Chhetri.

India were held goalless by Bangladesh on Matchday 1 of the Qualifiers in March, and will next face Hong Kong in Kowloon City on June 10. Before that, Manolo Marquez’s men will play Thailand in a preparatory friendly on June 4 in Pathum Thani.

“The initial feeling after the Bangladesh game was that we let ourselves down, let the country down,” said Chhetri. “And after I saw the replays, I thought we, as a team, could have done so much more. It was a huge opportunity to take the lead in the table, playing Bangladesh at home. We should have done so many things better. Ending up with just a point, I think we players have no one else but ourselves to blame. We didn’t turn up the way we should have. And that is the reason why we drew the game. We’ve talked about it, we’ve seen the videos, and we can’t wait to rectify it.”

No one knows the hustle of the Asian Cup qualifiers better than the 40-year-old. After all, he has been the talisman in the previous three qualifying campaigns.

The hat-trick against Tajikistan at the Ambedkar Stadium in 2008 ended India’s 27-year wait for an Asian Cup appearance. The last-minute winner against Myanmar and that sensational strike against the Kyrgyz Republic in 2017 eased India’s path to the 2019 tournament.

Another Chhetri moment came in the 2022 qualifiers, when he scored a stunning free-kick against Afghanistan at the Salt Lake Stadium. Not to mention the brace against Cambodia.

And so, despite India not making the best of starts to the current campaign, Chhetri knows that the road is a long one and there’s a healthy amount of time available to put things on track. The work for the June FIFA window began in Kolkata on May 19, and with five full training sessions under the belt, everything is going as per plan so far.

“The first five days have been more about the physical aspect of the game. As the coach mentioned, many players have come in at different physical stages. To bring everyone on the same page for the first few days was quite intense.

“All the boys look good, everyone looks sharp and confident. We also had some video sessions where we had a lot of learning to take on board. Everything looks good,” said Chhetri.

On May 28, the Blue Tigers will travel to Thailand, where they will have a few more training sessions before squaring off against the hosts at the Thammasat Stadium on June 4. The squad will subsequently depart for Hong Kong for their first away match of the qualifiers. Apart from the physical and technical preparation, the most important and simple need is to ‘turn up,’ according to Chhetri.

“The coach has got a bit of time to formulate a plan. We players have to make sure that we take everything on board and be in sync as to what the plan is, and go and try and execute it to the best of our ability. But more importantly, the mistake we made against Bangladesh was that we didn’t turn up. And all the preparation, the technical aspect put aside, you have to go and show up. You just have to go and give whatever you have.

“We saw some clips of Hong Kong. We will watch more of them. But I think, right now in the stage that we are, we are thinking more about ourselves and slowly we’ll progress into what the opponent is and how they play,” Chhetri said.(ANI)