Indian Sports Report, May 27: Kerala beats Mizoram to win Men’s U-20 National Championship

INDIAN FOOTBALL

Kerala scripts second-half comeback against Mizoram to clinch Swami Vivekananda Men’s U-20 NFC title

Kerala made a sensational comeback to clinch the Under-20 Men’s National Championship title after beating Mizoram 4-2 in a thrilling final at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Ground 1 in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Sheril Shaji Thomas once again proved to be Kerala’s talisman as he scored a crucial brace, including an injury-time penalty, to guide his side to the title and finish as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals. His goals came in the 71st and 95th (90+5) minutes.

Ajith KR sparked the comeback with Kerala’s first goal in the 55th minute before substitute Shamil EK produced a brilliant finish to put Kerala ahead in the 83rd minute.

For Mizoram, Mesak C Lalrinngheta opened the scoring with a stunning long-range curler in the 11th minute before Vanlairamnghaka set up his second goal in the 34th minute in an impressive first-half performance.

– Team Sportstar

TO PLAY CHESS

Reyaansh Venkat takes sole charge

Reyaansh Venkat became the sole leader after defeating Shreyansh Somaiya in a season four match at Mumbai FIDE Rated All India Chess Masters.

Playing with the black pieces, Reyaansh (1906) handled the opening confidently and gradually equalized before mounting a sharp midgame battle against Shreyansh (1973).

The game eventually evolved into a complex rook-and-minor endgame in which Reyaansh demonstrated excellent endgame technique and active piece coordination.

After putting constant pressure on his opponent, Reyaansh converted his advantage to secure the win and move to a 6/6 scoreline.

Janhavi Soneji (1792) got the better of the in-form Dhruv Muthe (1619) and moved to shared second place with 5.5 points.

The higher-rated Shardul Kadam Aditya (1917) continued his comeback run with a win over Ahaan Kataruka (1686), while Gaurang Bhandari (1889) held Vihaan Ravi Rao (1725) to a draw.

A hard-fought battle between Yash Kapadi (1854) and Amey Dandekar (1657) ended in a draw, while Kush Ajay Agarwal (1835) defeated Manya Balani (1653).

Former leader AGM Rajveer Pinkesh Nahar (1801) bounced back with a win over Samarth Patkar (1624), and Mayuresh Parkar (1781) defeated AIM Aakashkumar Yadav (1602).

Pradhyumna Amit Mishra (1498) upset Om Nilesh Deorukhakar (1726), while Neev Nirav Bafna (1521) defeated Sriparameshwaran Iyer (1639).

– PTI

CRICKET

Former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel has passed away

Former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel has passed away at the age of 62. He played 16 first-class matches between 1982-83 and 1998-99.

Daniel, a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer from Daund, took 35 wickets with a career-best figure of 6/60 while scoring 106 runs.

He was also part of the West Zone squad, which faced a star-studded West Indies touring side during a three-day tour match in Kolhapur.

«The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is deeply saddened by the demise of former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel. A talented fast-medium pacer, Mr. Daniel proudly represented the state in 16 first-class matches,» the MCA said in a statement.

– PTI

Published on May 27, 2026