Indian sports wrap, October 9: UK Prime Minister hails Premier League’s programme in India
FOOTBALL
Keir Starmer hails Premier League’s programme in India
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has lauded the Premier League’s long-term commitment to supporting grassroots football in India through a Community Coach Development Programme in Mumbai.
The three-day programme was central to the league’s week-long fan and community engagement initiatives in India—its first major milestone since the opening of its Mumbai office earlier this year.
Delivered in partnership with the British Council, the three-day programme was led by coaches from the Premier League, Brentford and Newcastle United, who provided expert training to 30 community coaches, helping expand access to football across India.
The activity culminated in a showcase event at the Cooperage Football Ground in Mumbai.
The community coaches put the skills they have learned into practice with 80 children from the Oscar Foundation, highlighting how the programme empowers local leaders to inspire the next generation through football.
Among the special guests in attendance were UK PM Starmer and Premier League legend Michael Owen, who interacted with the coaches and the young players.
Starmer said: “I’m hugely proud of our national sport—it brings communities together and changes lives. That’s why the Premier League’s training programme in India is so impressive—not only is it one of our most successful exports, but it’s training the game’s future coaches, inspiring young people, and showing the world what British sport can do.”
-PTI
CRICKET
Mumbai Cricket Association elections to be held on November 12
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced November 12 as the date for elections of its office bearers, apex council members as well as governing council of the T20 Mumbai League.
Last year, MCA had to hold elections for the post of president following the demise of Amol Kale, and he was succeeded by Ajinkya Naik, who had defeated Sanjay Nail for the coveted post.
With Naik taking charge as the president, Abhay Hadap had won the election for the secretary’s post.
“The Apex Council has appointed Mr. J S Saharia, former Chief Secretary & former State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra, as the Electoral Officer to conduct the elections,” the MCA said in a statement.
-PTI
MOTORSPORT
India’s Dean Mascarenhas to make international debut in French Gravel Rally
Indian rally driver Dean Mascarenhas is set to make his international debut in the French Gravel Rally Championship from October 10 to 12.
Mascarenhas of TSI Racing will be driving a Peugeot 208 GT Line in the FRC4 group’s Rally4 class.
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, with about 150 km of timed competitive stages on gravel roads around Millau.
Mascarenhas recently won the Coimbatore round of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). His move to European rallying came through a partnership between TSI Racing, Sidvin Energy Engineering, and MRF Tyres.
Mascarenhas will compete in car number 66 against 125 other drivers. The event will run over two days across the Aveyron region, with liaison and special stages covering rural and forest sections near Millau.
-PTI
Published on Oct 09, 2025