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I-League: Gokulam look for first win at home against Lajong (Preview)
Kozhikode, Nov 10 (IANS) Gokulam Kerala FC will be searching for the first win of their current I-League campaign when they take on Shillong Lajong at the EMS Corporation Stadium here on Sunday.
Both teams have played three times so far with Gokulam on two and Shillong on three points respectively.
While Shillong won their opening game at home in an impressive display against Aizawl, they were humbled by East Bengal and the Indian Arrows thereafter.
What will worry coach Alison Kharsyntiew more, is the way his side travelled to hot and humid Cuttack to go down to the Arrows, with similar weather expected in India’s southernmost state.
Bino George, the Gokulam coach, on the other hand, will be more positive given their display in the last game against Chennai City FC.
Although Gokulam went down at home to Chennai, it was a thrilling five-goal affair, where both teams competed on an even keel and at a high tempo.
Gokulam have scored in every game they have played so far and coach Bino has used his forward line pretty smartly with the likes of Baoringdao Bodo, V.P. Suhair and Grenadian Antonio German all finding themselves on the scoresheet.
S. Rajesh has been a revelation, mostly coming on as a substitute and catalysing the attack and the talented Arjun Jayaraj has also turned in good performances and also has a goal to his credit.
Shibinraj in goal has been solid and so has the defence. However, Bino revealed in the pre-match chat that Ugandan midfielder Mudde Musa, who has been far less effective this year, will not be available on Sunday and will be replaced by Rasheed, who according to him “is an experienced player and has scored goals last season.”
“Shillong is a young side and we respect them. We will work hard on our mistakes and try to rectify them. We will check their game plan and accordingly work on ours,” Bino added.
Shillong has gone in with a home grown all Indian side of youngsters this year led by captain and midfield general Samuel Lalmuanpuia.
However, the likes of winger Naorem Mahesh Singh and midfielder Samuel Lyngdoh have not been able to produce the kind of performance they did in the opener against Aizawl and will have to pull their socks up if Shillong is to take anything away from Sunday’s game.
“We are ready to face Gokulam, but we need to work harder on our weaknesses. In our last two games against East Bengal and Arrows, we lacked in finishing. Our main motto for tomorrow will be to be more focused, perform well and score more goals,” Alison said.
“The weather won’t be an issue if we concentrate on our game.”
Rakesh Pradhan, Shillong’s left wing-back has been their most consistent performer so far, with telling overlaps and crosses from the left flank is a regular feature, but he will need more support. Chalieu, in goal, will also have to tighten up a bit more, as do young defenders Aibanbha and Novin Gurung who have been patchy.
–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
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.