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Ganguly hopeful of ‘Messi Magic’ at World Cup
Kolkata, June 8 (IANS) Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, a huge football buff, on Friday hoped the FIFA World Cup this time will witness Lionel Messi’s Argentina lift the trophy even though he admitted to be a Brazil supporter.
Messi, 30, is yet to win a major trophy for his country after missing out in the final of the 2014 edition in Brazil. Argentina lost 0-1 to Germany in the summit clash.
In the Copa America too, Messi failed in the final hurdle twice in back-to-back years forcing the FC Barcelona star to retire from international duty, a decision he later reversed.
“I will look forward to Messi. He’s yet to win a World Cup. It’s going to be a big World Cup for him,” said Ganguly, who has plans to visit Russia for the summit clash.
He further picked Brazil, Argentina and Germany as the teams to watch out for in Russia 2018.
“Brazil is my favourite team but I am a fan of Messi,” he conceded with a smile.
Coming to cricket, Ganguly wished Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun, luck after the latter was selected for the India Under-19 side which will be touring Sri Lanka next month.
“Lot of best wishes to him. I have never seen him playing. I hope he does well,” he said at the Eden Gardens.
Ganguly further said India led by Virat Kohli are favourites to win in England.
“I’m very hopeful that India will win in England. The way they have played the ODI series in South Africa, if they are able to hold back the momentum they will absolutely win,” he said.
India will play three T20Is, three ODIs and five Tests in the tour of England beginning July 3.
England recently suffered a nine-wicket loss to Pakistan at the Lord’s Test before levelling the series 1-1 at Headingley.
“India are a far better side than Pakistan. India will have the chances of winning the series,” Ganguly said.
On captain Kohli bagging the BCCI’s best cricketer award for two seasons, Ganguly said, “He’s nearing 30 and has another six-seven years… He just has to keep playing and don’t worry about anything.”
To honour former president Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI has rechristened four awards in remembrance of the late administrator.
“It’s a great news. The proposal was put foward during the BCCI working committee meeting two years ago. We are very happy because he deserves every bit,” Ganguly added.
–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.