Indian Sports Report, October 9: British Prime Minister welcomes Premier League schedule in India

FOOTBALL

Keir Starmer welcomes India’s Premier League schedule

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised the Premier League’s long-term commitment to supporting grassroots football in India through a Community Coach Development Program in Mumbai.

The three-day program was central to the league’s week-long fan and community engagement initiatives in India – the first major milestone since opening its Mumbai office earlier this year.

Delivered in partnership with the British Council, the three-day program was led by coaches from the Premier League, Brentford and Newcastle United, who provided expert training to 30 community coaches, increasing access to football across India.

The activity culminated in a showcase event at the Cooperage Football Ground in Mumbai.

The community coaches will put the skills they have learned into practice with 80 children from the Oscar Foundation, highlighting how the program empowers local leaders to inspire the next generation through football.

Special guests included British Prime Minister Starmer and Premier League legend Michael Owen, who interacted with the coaches and young players.

Starmer said: “I am immensely proud of our national sport – it brings communities together and changes lives. That is why the Premier League training program in India is so impressive – not only is it one of our most successful exports, but it is also training the game’s future coaches, inspiring young people and showing the world what British sport can do.”

-PTI

CRICKET

The Mumbai Cricket Association elections will be held on November 12

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced November 12 as the date for the elections of its office bearers, top councilors and the governing council of the T20 Mumbai League.

Last year, MCA had to hold elections for the post of president after the death of Amol Kale, and he was succeeded by Ajinkya Naik, who had defeated Sanjay Nail for the coveted post.

With Naik taking over as president, Abhay Hadap had won the elections for the post of secretary.

“The Apex Council has appointed Mr JS Saharia, former Chief Secretary and former State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra, as Election Officer to conduct the elections,” the MCA said in a statement.

-PTI

MOTOR SPORTS

Indian Dean Mascaren has made his international debut in the French Gravel Rally

Indian rally driver Dean Mascarenhas will make his international debut in the French Gravel Rally Championship from October 10 to 12.

TSI Racing’s Mascarenhas will drive a Peugeot 208 GT Line in the Rally4 class of the FRC4 group.

The Mangaluru driver will be the only Indian in the field, with experienced Brazilian co-driver Gabriel Morales.

Started in 1984, the Rallye Terre des Cardabelles is a round of the French Gravel Rally Championship, featuring approximately 150 km of timed competition stages on dirt roads around Millau.

Mascarenhas recently won the Coimbatore round of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). His move to European rallying came about through a collaboration between TSI Racing, Sidvin Energy Engineering and MRF Tires.

Mascarenhas will compete in car number 66 against 125 other drivers. The event will last two days in the Aveyron region, with connecting and special stages covering rural and forest areas near Millau.

-PTI

Published on October 9, 2025