"I am also building Team Karnataka": CM DK Shivakumar attends public screening of FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Bengaluru, July 20
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended the public screening organised at the NGV Indoor Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.
Congress MLA NA Haris is also present at the venue to watch the match along with football enthusiasts.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Shivakumar said sports help build team spirit, adding that he is working to build "Team Karnataka."
"When you have been attracted to sports, you have a sporty spirit. I am also building Team Karnataka. It includes my officers, cadres, ministers and all my colleagues..." the CM said.
Meanwhile, Argentina suffered a defensive setback in the first half of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain after centre-back Lisandro Martinez was forced off with an apparent thigh injury on Sunday (Local Time).
The Manchester United defender, who has been a mainstay in Lionel Scaloni's defence throughout the tournament, signalled towards his thigh before covering his face with his shirt as he left the field in the 44th minute. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, 38, replaced him, according to ESPN.
Martinez entered the final as Argentina's leader in clearances with 34 and ranked second in defensive interventions with 63 during the tournament. Before his substitution, he was level with Gonzalo Montiel for the highest number of defensive interventions in the final, with five.
Otamendi, who featured in Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup final against France, was called upon to shore up the defence, according to ESPN.
The match remained goalless at halftime at MetLife Stadium. During the break, Scaloni made another change, introducing Leandro Paredes in place of Nico Gonzalez, who was making his first start of the tournament.
Earlier, Lionel Messi also became the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, adding another record to his illustrious resume.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm from the US but currently in Bengaluru for work. Never thought I'd see an Indian CM at a FIFA screening! This is so cool. Argentina vs Spain – what a final. But seriously, that Martinez injury was heartbreaking. Hope Otamendi can step up.
While I appreciate the gesture, is attending a football screening really a priority when Bengaluru has such terrible traffic and potholes? 🤔 Would rather see the CM doing groundwork than posing at events. But yes, sports unity is nice in theory.
Finally some recognition for football in Karnataka! We've produced talents like Sunil Chhetri from here. "Team Karnataka" is a nice slogan, but we need actual investment in sports infrastructure, coaching, and academies. Actions speak louder than words!
From across the globe, this is heartwarming to see a political leader embracing football culture. The Messi record at 39 is insane! But that Martinez injury... Argentina's defence was so solid. Hope Paredes and Otamendi can hold the line.
As a Karnataka resident, I appreciate the CM connecting with youth through sports. But we need real solutions – like more public spaces for screenings and better facilities for local clubs. The "Team Karnataka" idea should include everyone, not just politicians.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.