Iran Striker Sardar Retires From Team at 23 After Online Insults
Moscow, June 28 : Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has announced his retirement from international football at the age of just 23 citing his mother's health as the main reason.
Azmoun was Iran's top scorer in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with 11 goals in 14 matches. But the player who has been dubbed the 'Iranian Messi' failed to score as Iran were knocked out of the group stage with a win, a defeat and a draw in their three Group B games, reports Xinhua news agency.
Iran managed to score just two goals (an own goal and a penalty) in the process. His lack of goals saw him become the target of disgruntled fans, which Azmoun says upset his mother so much it affected her health.
"Playing in my national team has been a great honour for me and I will be proud of myself to the end of my days," he said on social media, adding that "unfortunately... I have come to the decision to say goodbye to my national team."
"This is one of the most painful and significant life decisions for a youth of 23, who faced great hardships to get here," added Azmoun.
The striker plays his club football for Russia side Rubin Kazan, although it is thought he has offers to play next season either in England or Spain.
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
