17-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju has created history after becoming the youngest World Chess Championship Challenger winner in the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Toronto. He is the first teenager in history to win this tournament. He stood first with a score of 9/14 and is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the Candidates. 

Also Read: Indian Athletes Qualified for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo: In Detail

The situation became dramatic in the final round of the game, when three players Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Hikaru Nakamura needed to win to stay in the game. Whereas Gukesh Dommaraju, as the solo leader, only needed a draw against world number three Nakamura. Along with this, the game between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also had to be a draw for the result of the match. Luck and his hard work favored him and both these situations were in his favor. With Gukesh's victory, he was awarded a cash prize of 88,500 euros (approximately Rs 78.5 lakh). 

In a field that included two of the top three players in the world and a two-time World Championship challenger, Gukesh was not given many chances in his first Candidates appearance. Over the past three weeks, the teenager has overcome the odds by playing brilliant chess, staying cool under pressure, and displaying maturity and calmness far beyond his years. Gukesh Dommaraju's next competition will be against Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion.

Also Read: 15-year-old Yan Ziyi sets new javelin women's World Junior Record after throwing 64.28m

Let's take a look at the other matches

On the other hand, Praggnanandhaa defeated Nijat Abasov while Vidit Gujrathi agreed to a draw against Alireza after barely five minutes at the board. In the women’s section, Vaishali Rameshbabu defeated Kateryna Lagno for her fifth win in a row after four successive losses. Humpy Koneru defeated Lei Tingjie. In the women’s Candidates event, Tan Zhongyi was crowned the winner, meaning she will take on compatriot Ju Wenjun in the Women’s World Championship.

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The Spanish League, or Laliga, is the second most-viewed football league in the world. It is regarded as one of the top five elite European leagues and has legendary clubs. Many football legends played in this league but only a few of them managed to play for a long duration and hold the record of most matches in Laliga. Here is the list of the top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga.

Top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga history:

11. Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 520 Matches

One of the greatest players to ever grace this sport, Lionel Messi ranks 11th in the most matches in Laliga history's list with 520 appearances.

The Argentine forward came to Spain at a very young age and played for FC Barcelona since he was a teenager. The Catalan talisman also holds the record for the most goals in Laliga, with 474 strikes.

Read Also: Lionel Messi Stats: Goals in every calendar year by Messi

10. Antoine Griezmann | FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid | 520 Matches

Antoine Griezmann has now played 520 matches in Laliga, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga history.

The French international has been a pivotal player for both Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, including his short spell in FC Barcelona. Although a player like this has never been crowned with a Laliga title, his dedication to the game has made him one of the greatest players in the league.

Read Also: Most Goals in a La Liga season - Lionel Messi leads the list

9. Manolo Sanchis | Real Madrid CF | 523 Matches

Manolo Sanchis was a Centre-back and represented Real Madrid in 523 matches, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga. The legendary defender won the league a total of eight times and also has two Spanish Cups in his cabinet.

8. Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid CF, Sevilla | 536 Matches

Sergio Ramos has made 536 appearances in Laliga, making him the eighth player in this list of the most matches in Laliga history.

The legendary Spanish Centre-back represented Sevilla and then Real Madrid in the competition multiple times. The former Spaniard won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Read Also: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League goals

7. Paco Buyo | Real Madrid, Sevilla, RCD Mallorca, RCD Coruna | 542 Matches

Paco Buyo is one of only two goalkeepers on the list who has played the most matches in Laliga history. He made 542 appearances in Laliga, turning out mostly for Real Madrid. Buyo has a special place in the club's history and won the league title six times with Real Madrid.

6. Eusebio | Real Valladolid, Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid | 543 Matches

Eusebio is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders, and he played his career's most matches in Laliga. The Spanish midfielder played 543 matches in Laliga, representing four clubs. Eusebio is a FC Barcelona legend, having won four titles with them. He retired from his professional career in 2002 and has since become a manager.

5. Loren Juarros | Real Sociedad, Real Burgos, Athletic Bilbao | 546 Matches

Loren Juarros is a former Spanish footballer and is known for his longevity in Laliga, having played 546 matches in the competition. Primarily a defender, he spent most of his career at Real Sociedad becoming a club legend.

His impressive appearance tally places him among the players with the most matches in Laliga. After retiring, Lorren transitioned into a sporting director role, contributing to Real Sociedad's player recruitment and development plan.

4. Raul | Real Madrid CF | 550 Matches

Raul was one of the most lethal strikers the sport has ever seen. A club legend for Real Madrid, he made over 550 matches and cemented his in the most matches in Laliga history list.

The Spaniard scored 228 goals as well during that time. He won six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Currently, he is the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.

3. Raul Garcia | Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, CA Osasuna | 609 Matches

Raul Garcia has carved his place in football history by becoming one of the players with the most matches in Laliga, totaling an incredible 609 appearances.

The Spanish midfielder is known for his versatility and leadership. He played for CA Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao, leaving a lasting impact at each club. His longevity and consistency made him a key figure in Spanish football.

2. Andoni Zubizarreta | Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo Alaves, FC Barcelona | 622 Matches

Andoni Zubizarreta made 622 appearances and is the player with the second-most matches in Laliga. The Goalkeeper extensively for Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Deportivo Alaves, and FC Barcelona.

He won the league a total of six times, four with FC Barcelona and two with Athletic Bilbao. Zubizarreta retired from the sport in 1998. 

1. Joaquin | Real Betis, Malaga CF, and Valencia | 622 Matches

Joaquin holds the record for the most matches in Laliga, with 622 appearances throughout his career. The Spanish winger, known for his time at Real Betis, Valencia, and Malaga CF, surpassed the previous record of 622 matches held by Andoni Zubizarreta.

The Premier League has seen some of the greatest figures who have led their respective teams to ultimate glory, wearing the captain's armband. These players have been monumental in shaping the clubs' history or writing the golden chapters the clubs have enjoyed over the years, in the past or now. 

The captain's armband carries a significant value and thus it deserves the players who lead the core from the front as a true leader. This list includes some of those footballers who have not only captained their sides to innumerable glories but also set examples for the upcoming generations. 

Sportz Point ranks these five footballers based on collected achievements and the long-standing impact they have created on their respective clubs as well. 

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Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains

5. Vincent Kompany – Man City

Vincent Kompany cemented his legend at Manchester City when he captained the club to their inaugural Premier League title in the 2011/2012 season.

The Belgian center-back was among the limited number of players who stayed at City following the takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, having signed for the club prior to the takeover being completed. During his time at City, Kompany led the team to four Premier League titles, with his last championship win being in the 2018/2019 season.

10 - Since Vincent Kompany's first season with the club, @ManCity have won more domestic trophies than any other side in England (4 Premier League titles, 4 League Cups, 2 FA Cups). Era. pic.twitter.com/DOGcPOYFyy

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 19, 2019

His exceptional leadership and defensive abilities made him a true icon of the club. This is reflected in his impressive Premier League record, consisting of 265 appearances, 18 goals, 8 assists, and 94 clean sheets.

4. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool

Steven Gerrard is practically synonymous with Liverpool. Despite not winning any Premier League title as a captain, the 'Captain Fantastic' Gerrard solidified the spirit of the club by leading by example through his remarkable talent, determination, and commendable attitude.

He famously inspired Liverpool to a comeback victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final with a heroic performance, cementing his place in Anfield folklore as one of the greatest captains in the history of the club.

540 Games
120 Goals
92 Assists

Steven Gerrard is the latest player to be inducted into the @premierleague’s Hall of Fame.

LEGEND 👏 pic.twitter.com/NDYZrRX3yZ

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 20, 2021

Gerrard's record in the Premier League is impressive as well, with 504 games, 120 goals, and 92 assists, and this further cements his place as a Liverpool legend.

3. Patrick Vieira – Arsenal

Patrick Vieira was a very crucial part of the Arsenal team during all three of their Premier League victories. He served as club captain for the triumphs in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons. The latter season featured the famous Arsenal Invincibles, who completed the entire league campaign without losing a single match.

Patrick Vieira arrived at Arsenal in 1996, the same time Arsene Wenger did. Next season, they won the double.

He captained Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side. His final kick in Arsenal colors won the FA Cup.

He returns today as Crystal Palace manager and as an Arsenal legend 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dFCCLKjVUW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 18, 2021

Vieira is considered one of the best footballers in his position and is also one of the most successful and respected captains of the Premier League. 

2. John Terry – Chelsea

John Terry is one of the all-time greats in the history of the Premier League. Appointed Chelsea captain by Jose Mourinho in 2004, Terry took the Blues to their maiden Premier League crown in the same year.

🔹 5x Premier League winner
🔹 5x FA Cup winner
🔹 3x League Cup winner
🔹 Champions League winner
🔹 Europa League winner

24 years ago today, John Terry began his legendary Chelsea career 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TYwvs34Qaz

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 28, 2022

During his 12 years as Chelsea captain, Terry had a very successful career winning five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League, and the 2012 Champions League. In the Premier League, he played 492 times and scored 41 league goals, becoming the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history till date.

1. Roy Keane – Manchester United

Roy Keane is widely regarded as the Premier League's all-time greatest captain. Joined with intense drive and masterful leadership, Keane led Manchester United to four Premier League titles and the legendary treble of 1999. His unstoppable courage, tireless work ethic, and leadership through example made him an all-time Manchester United icon.

Roy Keane is the most decorated Irish player in Premier League history, winning seven league titles with Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/cybzycAhcs

— The Extreme Football Enthusiast (@ExtremeFootbal4) March 13, 2025

Keane's Premier League career further reinforces his legacy. He played 366 games, scored 39 goals, and won 220 matches, suffering just 61 losses during his time. Keane's incredible story goes beyond the Premier League years, however, and shows how his legacy has lasted for a long time.

Keane's stay at the Old Trafford, however, came to a sudden end following a falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2005.

Multiple boundaries in a single over, 200-plus totals and edge-of-the-seat chases are often witnessed in IPL, and most of the entertainment the league is famous for comes through the courtesy of the batsmen. The majority of people prefer electric striking, to say, a maiden over or low run-totals.

However, some batsmen consistently perform well and win matches, while others are one-hit wonders who shine in a couple of games every season. The number of sixes and fours doesn’t define how explosive a player is; his strike rate does.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

Let's take a look at the batsmen with the best strike rate in IPL with a minimum of 1000 runs.

Best Strike Rate in IPL 

1. Nicholas Pooran | 161.9

Nicholas Pooran is leading the list of players with the best strike rate in IPL - 161.9 with 1601 runs.

Pooran began his IPL career with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2019, where he played for three seasons. In 2022, Pooran joined Sunrisers Hyderabad. By 2023, he moved to the Lucknow Super Giants, quickly establishing himself as a crucial player. As of November 2024, he is one of the five players retained by the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2025 IPL mini-auction.

In the 2024 IPL season, Pooran delivered a standout performance, scoring 499 runs in 14 games with an impressive average of 62.38 and a striking rate of 178.21, which included three half-centuries.

2. Andre Russell | 162

The second name in this list is a very expected one who has actually redefined power-hitting in T20. Andre Russell who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders has an incredible strike rate of 162 with 1084 runs. Russell has many times won games for KKR on his own in very difficult situations.

After spending two seasons with the Delhi-based franchise, he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders. He helped KKR win the title in his first season. 

Overall Russell played 127 matches in the cash-rich league so far in which he has aggregated 2484 runs at an incredible strike rate of 174.92. He has eleven half-centuries with a high score of 88 not out in the IPL.

3. Suryakumar Yadav | 157.7

The list includes another an Indian player, Suryakumar Yadav who scored 2050 runs in IPL at an impressive strike rate of 157.7.

Surya had his IPL debut in 2011 for MI. He played just one game for Mumbai Indians in 2012. He got his breakthrough in KKR. 2018 saw him return to MI, where he made massive strides in his IPL career. He has been an integral part of the team since and has been retained in the 2025 Mini Auction.

Overall in 150 matches, Suryakumar Yadav scored 3594 runs. In the IPL, Suryakumar Yadav's highest score is 103. Surya has a strike rate of 145.3 and an average of 32.1.

In 2023, he had his greatest IPL season, where he was appointed as the vice-captain of MI along with scoring 605 runs with a strike rate of 181.14 in 16 innings.

4. Shimron Hetmyer | 156

West Indies' middle-order batter Shimron Hetmyer is the fourth name on this list. The left-handed batter has struck 1153 runs with a deadly strike rate of 156.

Hetmyer played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2019. The Delhi Capitals (DC) acquired him in the 2020 season. He played there for two seasons before the Rajasthan Royals signed him in the IPL 2022 mega auction. He will continue to play for the Royals in the upcoming edition. He is the only overseas player to be retained amongst the six retentions of the Royals.

Overall Hetmyer has scored 1243 runs in 72 matches at an average of 31.07 and a strike rate of 153.07. He has smashed 76 boundaries and 82 sixes. His best season came in IPL 2022 when he helped the Rajasthan Royals reach the finals. He had scored 314 runs in 15 innings at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 153.92.

Also Read: Most runs in IPL since 2018

5. Dinesh Karthik | 155.9 

Dinesh Karthik comes in at fifth place in this list scoring 1188 runs with an impressive strike rate of 155.9.

Dinesh Karthik’s IPL career has been full of highs and lows, with the veteran batting for around six teams as a middle-order batter. 

After the highs of the 2022 season which earned him a national call-up after three years and a return to India’s T20I squad for the ICC World T20 in 2022 after twelve long years, Dinesh Karthik’s form went down as the wicket-keeper batter has a poor season, managing only 140 runs in 13 matches.

Overall Karthik has scored 4842 runs in 257 matches at an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.36. He has smashed 466 boundaries and 161 sixes. 

The Indian national football team will take the field against Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly match on 19 March 2025, scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Before the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying campaigns begin next week, India and the Maldives will face each other to prepare for their respective matches in the third qualifying round.

The teams will meet for the first time after October 2021, when India defeated Maldives 3-1 in the 2021 SAFF Championship group stage. Currently, India is ranked 126th in the FIFA International Men's Ranking, whereas Maldives is positioned 162nd.

Last time out against Maldives 🔙🇲🇻
🏆 SAFF Championship 2021

⚽️⚽️ @chetrisunil11
⚽️ @manvir_singh07

5️⃣ days to go for #INDMDV 🇮🇳🆚🇲🇻 in Shillong!
🎫 Tickets coming soon on https://t.co/m3nmyLyj2h 🔜#BlueTigers #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/xCcjcEgCHP

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 14, 2025

From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about India vs Maldives FIFA International Friendly match in the March 2025 FIFA int'l window.

Match Details

Match: India vs Maldives

Date: 19 March 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, (Polo Ground), Shillong

Broadcasting and Streaming Details  

Indian football fans can watch the India vs Maldives friendly match streamed live on Star Sports Network. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar App and the JioHotstar website.  

Head-to-head stats

Matches played: 21

India Wins: 15

Malaysia wins: 4

Draws: 2

Team News

India

It has been almost 18 months since India last experienced a victory in an international fixture, which came against Kuwait, beating them 1-0 away from home in the second round of World Cup Qualifiers.

India is yet to win a match under Igor Stimac's successor Manolo Marquez since his appointment in July 2024. India suffered a goalless draw against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup 2024, which was also the Spaniard's debut game in charge; and the Blue Tigers lost their second match by 0-3 against Syria.

During the international break in October, India was held to a 1-1 against Vietnam in a friendly, and again, shared the spoils against Malaysia in a 1-1 stalemate in November 2024.

Matchday minus 2️⃣🐯🇮🇳#BlueTigers #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tD2Kcnz2Xe

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 17, 2025

However, the Indian team will commence their journey in the Qualifiers to reach the third consecutive Asian Cup next week as they will face Bangladesh on March 25. Manolo will also leave his position at FC Goa at the end of the season to focus solely on the national side.

Manolo Márquez names the India squad for March FIFA Window 🇮🇳

🗣️ Márquez: "The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National… pic.twitter.com/TlwShiL7hb

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025

Indian legend Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to play for India again, but star forward Lallianzuala Chhagte has been sidelined due to an injury. Defender Asish Rai has been ruled out as well and will be replaced by Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who got his maiden national call-up.

Last 5 matches: L D L D D

Maldives

Maldives has only played two friendlies in the last 18 months, both against Bangladesh in November 2024. The Red Snappers won the first one 1-0 but faced a 1-2 defeat in the following match.

However, after the controversial departure of former head coach Francesco Moriero in 2023, Ali Suzain was appointed as the new head coach, which marks his second spell at the helm. 

Suzain has picked up a relatively younger squad for the clash against India, which will help them to analyze the team better before they start their Asian Cup qualifying campaign in the next week as well. Maldives will face Philippines on 25 March to begin their quest to reach Asian Cup 2027.

Maldives has no current news of any concerning injury, as they will have their full squad fit and available for the encounter against India.

Last 5 matches: L D L W L

Predicted Line-ups

India

Vishal Kaith (GK); Naorem Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia; Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad; Sunil Chhetri

Maldives

Hussain Shareef (GK); Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz; Irfan, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim; Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir