India v Uruguay friendly at VYBK in Kolkata halted in first half after lightning strikes

India and Uruguay’s FIFA international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, was suspended in the first half after lightning was detected near the stadium. The match was stopped with the score level at 1-1 following goals from Darwin Nunez and Anirudh Thapa.

The fixture began under poor conditions, with dark skies over the VYBK even before kick-off, and the weather deteriorated as play continued. Uzbek match officials elected to temporarily halt the clash after lightning strikes were recorded. The stoppage followed an opening period of action in which both sides had early chances and a penalty was awarded. Further updates were promised as the situation developed.

Uruguay took the lead in the 11th minute from the spot after a defensive incident in India’s box. Pramveer Singh’s rash tackle on Federico Vinas led to the penalty, and Darwin Nunez converted from the spot, sending Gurpreet Singh Sandhu the wrong way.

The lead lasted just 11 minutes before India drew level. Ryan Williams fired a shot from outside the box that was spilled by Thiago Cardozo, and Anirudh Thapa was on hand to poke the rebound into the back of the net.

Match officials applied FIFA’s weather protocol when lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, which mandates a 30-minute suspension while players, fans and match officials seek shelter. Under those rules, if no further lightning is detected during the 30-minute window the match can resume, but any subsequent lightning strike resets the counter.

The friendly was stopped with the score tied at 1-1 in the first half due to the lightning strikes near the VYBK in Kolkata. Further updates will follow.