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Spain’s Asensio defends goalkeeper David de Gea from growing criticism
Krasnodar (Russia), June 26 (IANS) Spain attacking midfielder Marco Asensio shielded his team’s first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea from critics Tuesday, saying there was little more Manchester United’s normally safe pair of hands could have done to save the goals he conceded against Morocco in its final group game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
De Gea has not impressed Spain’s sporting media in the campaign in Russia so far, having failed to save five in six shots against him, reports Efe
However, Real Madrid’s Asensio downplayed any talk of a sombre atmosphere in the dressing room regarding the man between the posts, who let in two against the North African side in the final Group B encounter on Monday evening, which ended in a draw.
“He seems relaxed to me,” Asensio told a press conference in Krasnodar, the team’s base in Russia. “There wasn’t much more he could do with those goals,” the 22-year-old said.
Sports newspaper Marca said that Spain’s squad and De Gea in particular had appeared to suffer from a lack of concentration so far during the World Cup.
“It’s normal that so much is demanded from Spain’s goalkeeper, but he is more than prepared, with great drive and I am sure that we will see the level he has displayed during the season here at the World Cup,” he continued.
Asensio himself has been strongly linked with a potential move to one of Man U’s biggest rivals, Liverpool, a transfer that has been rumoured to be worth around 180 million euros ($209 million).
He declined to discuss that rumour at the press conference, instead insisting he was focused on the World Cup.
Spain only just managed a draw against Morocco, securing the winning spot in their group which means La Roja look to take on Russia in the last-16.
–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.