News / Author / Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata and has been a sport journalist for over three decades. He writes mainly on football.

Articles by Dhiman Sarkar

Agony for Atletico, relief for Real Madrid in Champions League

Champions win 4-2 in tie-breaker to extend winning run in Champions League against their Madrid rivals

Real Madrid's players celebrate after beating Atletico Madrid on penalties on Wednesday. (AFP)

Football

Updated on Mar 13, 2025 09:45 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: In win over Liverpool, redemption for PSG trio

Dembélé, Donnarumma and Mendes headline a collective effort that knocks Liverpool out of Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain's players celebrate their win over Liverpool in Champions League. (AFP)

Football

Published on Mar 12, 2025 08:42 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Sunil Chhetri best Indian striker now: Manolo Marquez

Need to win Asian Cup qualifiers, says India head coach explaining why he got the 40-year-old to come out of international retirement

India's captain Sunil Chhetri greets his fans at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia qualifier match against Kuwait. (AFP)

Football

Published on Mar 09, 2025 07:17 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL: Mohun Bagan down Goa 2-0 in feisty tie to finish league with a flourish

Boris Singh’s own-goal and Stewart’s late strike help Bagan take league shield by a record eight points

Mohun Bagan Super Giants players being given guard of honour by FC Goa players. (ISL)

Football

Updated on Mar 08, 2025 11:09 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Kick Off: “I'm still here”

In this week's issue, Dhiman discusses how the shelf life of our football stars is ever increasing.

Sunil Chhetri is back for India.(Shailendra Bhojak/PTI)

Football

Published on Mar 07, 2025 10:48 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: A good night in Europe for goalkeepers

Alisson and Szczesny help Liverpool and Barcelona pull off 1-0 wins in Champions League round of 16 first leg

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson (C) dives to punch the ball during their Champions League match against PSG. (AFP)

Football

Published on Mar 06, 2025 07:17 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

East Bengal lose 0-1 to Arkadag at home

Kolkata: East Bengal struggles in AFC Challenge League quarter-final, trailing 1-0 to FC Arkadag, facing tough odds in the return leg on March 12.

Yazgylych Gurbanov of FC Arkadag scores in the 1-0 win over East Bengal in the AFC Challenge League first leg tie at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. ) (Samir Jana/HT)

Football

Updated on Mar 05, 2025 09:57 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Arsenal’s magnificent seven

Arteta’s men set a Champions League record on way to a 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the last 16 stage

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored two goals in their record 7-1 away victory against PSV Eindhoven in their last 16 first leg clash on Tuesday night. (AFP)

Football

Published on Mar 05, 2025 06:09 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

AFC Challenge League: East Bengal’s chance to repair season

After disappointing run in ISL, they meet Turkmenistan’s Arkadag in the first leg of the quarter-final at home on Wednesday

East Bengal FC captain, Saul Crespo and head coach Oscar Bruzon with FK Arkadag captain Altymyrat Annadurdyyew and head coach Dovletmyrat Annayev on the eve of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final in Kolkata.(ANI)

Football

Updated on Mar 04, 2025 09:59 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

How Ralte brings confidence and control to Bagan’s midfield

Used as No. 6, Lalengmawia Ralte’s numbers justify the big ticket, long-term investment by the ISL leaders Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan’s midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte in action. (AIFF)

Football

Published on Feb 22, 2025 06:40 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Mbappe ‘perfect’ on Real’s super night

Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick against Manchester City showcased his speed and skill, leading Real Madrid to a convincing 3-1 victory in the Champions League.

Real Madrid's forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the opening goal against Manchester City. (AFP)

Football

Updated on Feb 20, 2025 08:38 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Why Mohun Bagan have been such a force in ISL11

Team that is fifth in possession stats and has not had the most attempts on goal have a hand on the league shield

Players of Kerala Blasters FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant vie for the ball. (PTI)

Football

Published on Feb 18, 2025 10:13 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

PGTI boss Kapil Dev bats for LIV Golf

Kolkata: Kapil Dev, PGTI president, highlights increased prize money and tournaments while avoiding comments on Jasprit Bumrah and the Champions Trophy.

Former cricketer Kapil Dev felicitates golfer Yuvraj Sandhu for winning the TATA Steel Players Championship in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI)

Other Sports

Published on Feb 15, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: In Real win, a lesson in survival for City

Manchester City led 2-1 but faltered late, losing 3-2 to Real Madrid, highlighting City's fragility and Real's attacking resilience in the Champions League.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior (L) fights for the ball with Manchester City's Rico Lewis during their Champions League match. (AFP)

Football

Updated on Feb 12, 2025 07:12 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL: Chennaiyin FC win 3-0, send East Bengal to worst home defeat

East Bengal's struggles continue in ISL, suffering a 0-3 home defeat to Chennaiyin FC, marking their heaviest loss this season.

Connor Jon Shields of Chennaiyin FC celebrates a goal against East Bengal FC in Kolkata on Saturday. (ISL)

Football

Updated on Feb 09, 2025 01:54 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL: Jamil stokes Jamshedpur FC’s hunger

Like at Aizawl FC and then NorthEast United, the Indian coach has forged a squad of cast-offs and transformed young players into a fighting unit

Khalid Jamil during Jamshedpur FC’s match against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League. (ISL)

Football

Updated on Feb 13, 2025 01:10 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Mohun Bagan beat Punjab FC 3-0, go closer to retaining ISL league shield

A brace from Jamie Maclaren, a goal from Colaco and a Stewart masterclass helps leaders break Punjab

Jamie Maclaren (29) of Mohun Bagan Super Giant celebrates after scoring a goal against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League at the Salt Lake stadium on Wednesday. (AIFF)

Football

Updated on Feb 05, 2025 10:27 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL11: How set-pieces have helped Mohun Bagan dominate

Mohun Bagan Super Giant leads ISL with 19 goals from set-pieces, equaling FC Goa's record. Subhasish Bose tops scoring among defenders with 6 goals.

Mohun Bagan Super Giants’ Subhasish Bose (15) scores against Mohammedan Sporting Club during the ongoing ISL. (PTI)

Football

Updated on Feb 04, 2025 06:43 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Mohammedan Sporting’s head coach quits, investor claims he will stay

Former Russia international Chernyshov resigned on Wednesday saying he had not been paid for three months

Mohammedan Sporting Club (in black) players in action against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League in Kolkata in November, 2024. (PTI)

Football

Updated on Jan 29, 2025 11:19 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Brilliant Colaco volley fetches toppers Mohun Bagan win

Kolkata: Liston Colaco's stunning goal secures Mohun Bagan's 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC, putting them atop the ISL with 40 points.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Liston Colaco (second from left) and Subhasish Bose try to deny Bengaluru FC’s Nikhil Poojary at Salt Lake stadium on Monday. (ISL)

Football

Updated on Jan 27, 2025 10:24 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

No confidence motion likely against AIFF prez Chaubey

Kolkata: Over 20 state associations plan a no-confidence motion against AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, citing poor performance and management issues.

Football

Updated on Jan 25, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Young Barcola headlines PSG reboot

PSG rallied to defeat Manchester City 3-2, exposing City's defensive frailties, while Barcola shone in a crucial Champions League clash.

Bradley Barcola scored one goal and set up another for France teammate Ousmane Dembélé against Manchester City on Wednesday. (REUTERS)

Football

Updated on Jan 23, 2025 11:09 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Alvarez stings in Atletico’s comeback win

Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez scored twice, leading to a 2-1 comeback win against Leverkusen, securing a Champions League last-16 spot.

In 31 matches for Atletico Madrid, Julain Alvarez has 16 goals, including five in seven Champions League matches. (AFP)

Football

Updated on Jan 22, 2025 08:43 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Rishabh Pant’s leadership given fresh vote of confidence

The India stumper was unveiled as LSG skipper with the franchise confident of the IPL team soaring under him

Cricket

Updated on Jan 21, 2025 05:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Bruno Fernandes, the player United are wobbly without

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's current captain, shows leadership despite challenges, earning trust and contributing significantly this season.

In Sunday’s FA Cup match against Arsenal, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was booked for dissent. (Reuters)

Football

Updated on Jan 13, 2025 09:07 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL: Bagan win derby, open eight-point lead

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat East Bengal 1-0, maintaining their unbeaten ISL record and extending their lead at the top to eight points.

Players of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC in action on Saturday. (Adimazes/ISL)

Football

Updated on Jan 12, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

How far are Indian leagues from adopting tech?

Could take up to 18 months to implement it, says Trevor Kettle federation’s chief refereeing officer

Trevor Kettle (right) with former AIFF secretary-general Shaji Prabhakaran (left) and federation president Kalyan Chaubey on his appointment in 2022. (AIFF)

Football

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 05:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Premier League: Santo gets Forest out of the woods

From surviving the drop to being in contention for a Champions League match, it has been some journey under the Portugese head coach

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (REUTERS)

Football

Updated on Jan 01, 2025 09:18 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Lost in transition, the Manchester United story

Kolkata: Manchester United faces crisis after a 0-2 home defeat to Newcastle, with coach Ruben Amorim hinting at relegation fears amid poor performance.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim Amorim, now has five defeats in his first eight league matches (Reuters)

Football

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 08:12 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Relentless march of the Slot machine

Premier League leaders Liverpool have been unbeaten away from home at Christmas for the first time since 1987-88 and the second time in over 100 years

Striker Mohamed Salah, who is in terrific form, scored two goals and provided two assists in Liverpool’s commanding 6-3 win against Tottenham Hotspur (AFP)

Football

Updated on Dec 25, 2024 09:49 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

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Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata and has been a sport journalist for over three decades. He writes mainly on football.

Champions win 4-2 in tie-breaker to extend winning run in Champions League against their Madrid rivals

Dembélé, Donnarumma and Mendes headline a collective effort that knocks Liverpool out of Champions League

Need to win Asian Cup qualifiers, says India head coach explaining why he got the 40-year-old to come out of international retirement

Boris Singh’s own-goal and Stewart’s late strike help Bagan take league shield by a record eight points

In this week's issue, Dhiman discusses how the shelf life of our football stars is ever increasing.

Alisson and Szczesny help Liverpool and Barcelona pull off 1-0 wins in Champions League round of 16 first leg

Kolkata: East Bengal struggles in AFC Challenge League quarter-final, trailing 1-0 to FC Arkadag, facing tough odds in the return leg on March 12.

Arteta’s men set a Champions League record on way to a 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the last 16 stage

After disappointing run in ISL, they meet Turkmenistan’s Arkadag in the first leg of the quarter-final at home on Wednesday

Used as No. 6, Lalengmawia Ralte’s numbers justify the big ticket, long-term investment by the ISL leaders Mohun Bagan

Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick against Manchester City showcased his speed and skill, leading Real Madrid to a convincing 3-1 victory in the Champions League.

Team that is fifth in possession stats and has not had the most attempts on goal have a hand on the league shield

Kolkata: Kapil Dev, PGTI president, highlights increased prize money and tournaments while avoiding comments on Jasprit Bumrah and the Champions Trophy.

Manchester City led 2-1 but faltered late, losing 3-2 to Real Madrid, highlighting City's fragility and Real's attacking resilience in the Champions League.

East Bengal's struggles continue in ISL, suffering a 0-3 home defeat to Chennaiyin FC, marking their heaviest loss this season.

Like at Aizawl FC and then NorthEast United, the Indian coach has forged a squad of cast-offs and transformed young players into a fighting unit

A brace from Jamie Maclaren, a goal from Colaco and a Stewart masterclass helps leaders break Punjab

Mohun Bagan Super Giant leads ISL with 19 goals from set-pieces, equaling FC Goa's record. Subhasish Bose tops scoring among defenders with 6 goals.

Former Russia international Chernyshov resigned on Wednesday saying he had not been paid for three months

Kolkata: Liston Colaco's stunning goal secures Mohun Bagan's 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC, putting them atop the ISL with 40 points.

Kolkata: Over 20 state associations plan a no-confidence motion against AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, citing poor performance and management issues.

PSG rallied to defeat Manchester City 3-2, exposing City's defensive frailties, while Barcola shone in a crucial Champions League clash.

Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez scored twice, leading to a 2-1 comeback win against Leverkusen, securing a Champions League last-16 spot.

The India stumper was unveiled as LSG skipper with the franchise confident of the IPL team soaring under him

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's current captain, shows leadership despite challenges, earning trust and contributing significantly this season.

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat East Bengal 1-0, maintaining their unbeaten ISL record and extending their lead at the top to eight points.

Could take up to 18 months to implement it, says Trevor Kettle federation’s chief refereeing officer

From surviving the drop to being in contention for a Champions League match, it has been some journey under the Portugese head coach

Kolkata: Manchester United faces crisis after a 0-2 home defeat to Newcastle, with coach Ruben Amorim hinting at relegation fears amid poor performance.

Premier League leaders Liverpool have been unbeaten away from home at Christmas for the first time since 1987-88 and the second time in over 100 years

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