India fail to qualify for 2027 AFC Asian Cup after 1-2 loss to Singapore
Margao (PTI): India failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after going down 1-2 to Singapore who rallied to humble the hosts with a brace from Korea-born attacking mid-fielder Song Ui-young in the third round qualification match here on Tuesday.
Lallianzuala Chhangte's 14th minute strike was cancelled out by Song's equalizer in the 44th minute, and then he struck what proved to be the winner, in the 58th minute as India were left to rue many missed chances.
The two teams were locked 1-1 at the half-time break at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, having played a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg in Singapore on October 9.
In the day's other Group C match, Hong Kong and Bangladesh shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw in Hong Kong, a result that did not help India's cause who entered the game with two points from three matches.
India were the dominant team in the first half and enjoyed long spells of possession, and it was appropriate that the Blue Tigers scored the opening goal in front of a lively home crowd.
Chhangte received the ball some distance away from the edge of the box and unleashed a screamer with his left foot that beat the Singapore goalkeeper on its way to the back of the net.
However, Song had other ideas as he struck twice in ether side of the break to dash Indian hopes.
Just before the interval, Singapore struck back against the run of play courtesy Song, who found space inside the Indian box and kept his composure to level the score at 1–1, the equaliser leaving the Indian players distraught for they were the ones dictating play for most parts of the first half.
On resumption, the visitors looked much sharper and more confident thanks to that equaliser, and they were rewarded when Song capitalised on India's defensive lapse to slot the ball home from close range and put his side ahead 2–1.
Desperate for an equaliser, India head coach Khalid Jamil made plenty of substitutions hoping to inject some pace and urgency, bringing Rahim Ali and Udanta Singh in place of Liston Colaco and Sunil Chhetri. But all these changes did not work as India ended on the wrong side of the result.
Brandon Fernandes missed out on a great chance to restore parity for India on the 90th minute after excellent work from Udanta Singh and Rahul Bheke. He hit the ball wide with his weaker foot with the goal at his mercy.
Only the group winner will qualify for the Asian Cup and Hong Kong and Singapore currently lead the table with eight points each.
Coming into the game with just two points from three matches, India needed nothing less than a win to stay in contention for the top spot in the group.
India also missed couple of chances in the first half, during a period of play when they were dominating the contest.
Jamil attributed the defeat, and rightly so, to "lack of concentration" on part of the India players, who have endured another disappointing campaign.
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K'taka govt, Taiwan's Allegiance Group sign MoU to establish industrial technology innovation park
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka government on Friday signed an MoU with Allegiance International Co Ltd of Taiwan to establish an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP) in the state, with a proposed investment of around Rs 1,000 crore.
The MoU was signed by Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, Director, Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Lawrence Chen, VP, Allegiance Group in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Electronics, IT & BT Priyank Kharge, and senior officials.
The project will be undertaken by the Allegiance Group with a proposed investment of around Rs 1,000 crore, leading to the creation of about 800 direct jobs via the companies setting up operations in ITIP over a period of 5 years, the IT&BT Minister's office said in a statement.
The ITIP will serve as a dedicated hub for Taiwanese companies in electronics and semiconductors, fostering advanced manufacturing, R&D, and innovation. This collaboration aims to strengthen Karnataka's position as India's leading destination for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and accelerate the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem in the state.
Key highlights of the MoU include establishment of a world-class industrial park to house Taiwanese firms in electronics and semiconductor sectors; development of a robust supply chain ecosystem for components, PCBs, and chip design; creation of high-value jobs and skill development programmes in collaboration with academic institutions; and promotion of technology transfer and global best practices to enhance India's competitiveness in electronics manufacturing.
CM Siddaramaiah said this partnership marks a significant step towards realising Karnataka's vision of becoming a global hub for electronics and semiconductor innovation.
"The ITIP will attract cutting-edge technology and investments, creating opportunities for our youth and strengthening India's position in the global value chain," he said.
Minister Priyank Kharge said Karnataka has led India's technology revolution and continues to dominate in innovation, deep-tech talent, and semiconductor design.
"This partnership will accelerate our efforts to build a robust electronics and semiconductor ecosystem. We are committed to creating a level playing field and ensuring that Karnataka remains the preferred destination for global investors in advanced technologies," he said.
Lawrence Chen said, "We are excited to collaborate with Karnataka, a state known for its technology leadership. The ITIP will be a catalyst for Taiwanese companies to expand in India and contribute to the growth of the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem."
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