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Francis, Rafi renew Chennaiyin FC contracts

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Chennai, April 11 (IANS) Two of the vital cogs in Chennaiyin FCs title-winning wheel, Francisco Fernandes and Mohammed Rafi have renewed their contracts with the Indian Super League (ISL) southern franchise by one year each, it was announced on Wednesday.

Head Coach John Gregory stressed on the importance of retaining two experienced players. “Keeping the core of our side intact from last season is of paramount importance,” he said in a statement.

Francisco, 32, was picked by Chennaiyin in last season’s Player Draft despite undergoing an ankle surgery. The nippy winger from South Goa repaid the faith shown in him by proving to be a versatile and ever-present force in what was a campaign to remember.

He notched 17 appearances and scored one goal last season, but more importantly was efficient in whatever position he was deployed in.

“I can’t thank the coaching staff and club management enough for trusting in me. It is an incredible feeling as a player to have that kind of backing. I hope I was able to show my gratitude with my performances last season. I’m glad I was part of our incredible title success. Next season will be a bigger challenge for us and I’m glad to continue my journey here,” a grateful Francisco said on continuing with Chennaiyin for one more year.

Having reached three of the four ISL finals so far (previously with ATK & Kerala Blasters), Mohammed Rafi is another experienced figure in the Chennaiyin ranks. He contributed vastly to Chennaiyin’s second ISL triumph with both of his two goals last season coming from headers after he’d come off the bench.

His second, an 89th minute equalizer against Jamshedpur FC, helped the side avoid defeat and secure a vital point in the race to the playoffs. His work ethic and fitness was top-notch all season, making him a super-sub in his own right. With bags of experience and proven attacking prowess, Rafi is an invaluable presence in the Chennaiyin dressing room.

“I am very happy to continue with Chennaiyin FC for one more year. The fight and resolve shown by us last season to win the title was amazing. We believed in ourselves throughout and I am happy to have contributed to the success. We need to work hard and be stronger next season,” said the 35-year-old Rafi.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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