The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is optimistic about sending its top team to the Asian Games, with their influential captain Sunil Chhetri leading the way. However, their participation in the prestigious tournament depends on receiving approval from the sports ministry. The development comes after the talks of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey apparently convinced the Union Ministry of a positive signal.
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According to a source close to the development, skipper Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jihingan had Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are also set to accompany the team. However, the green signal from the Government is yet due.
“The current national team has seven U-23 first team players and since three over-age players are allowed, skipper Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and defender Sandesh Jhingan are all set to go for the Asian Games if the team gets permission,” a source privy to the development told PTI.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the decision’s reconsideration, AIFF has accumulated a roster of under 23 players and forwarded it to the respective clubs. The plan is to develop a new pool of athletes under the age of 23, who, if the government permits, might compete in the Asian Games. They would also be used in Thailand’s King’s Cup and AFC under-23 Asian Cup qualifications.
The Indian U23 Probable list is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Vishal Yadav, Sachin Suresh, Hrithik Tiwark, Prabshukan Gill, Niraj Kumar, Arsh Shaik.
Defenders: Narendra Gahlot, Hormipam Ruivah, Thoiba Singh, Bikash Yumnam, Sumit Rathi, Sanjeev Stalin, Halen Nongtdu, Muhammed Shaheef, Lalrinliana Hnmate, Akash Mishra, Abhishek Singh, Soyal Joshy, Ryan Menezes, Pagoumang Singson, Robin Yadav.
Midfielders: Ayush Chhetri, Jeakson Singh, Jiteshwor Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Jitendra Singh, Brison Fernandes, Givson Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Muhammed Nemil, Maheson Singh, Amarjit Singh, Damait Lyndoh, Sajal Bag.
Wingers: Sourav K, Vikram Pratap Singh, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Parthib Gogoi, Abdul Rabeeh, Rohit Danu, Nihal Sudesh, Ninthoi Meetei, Seilenthang Lotjem, Thoi Singh, Ridge Dmello.
Forwards: Gurkirat Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Sivasakthi Narayanan, Suhail Bhat, Irfan Yadwad.
Coach Igor Stimac urges PM Narendra Modi to allow Blue Tigers’ Asian Games…
Large-scale online protests against India’s exclusion from the tournament broke out, with supporters calling for a rethink of the choice. Igor Stimac, the head coach, also pleaded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow India to participate.
President Kalyan Chaubey, a member of the BJP in power, has taken control of the situation, nevertheless. There has been no official confirmation of Chaubey’s alleged intensive meeting with the Union Ministry, which is believed to have given the go-ahead.
It is obviously discouraging that the Indian national team’s participation might be denied, especially in light of the recent gains the squad has achieved. For Indian football, seeing such a squandered chance would undoubtedly be disappointing.
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