Asian dream needs to become a reality: Praful Patel
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Indian National Team’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE, All India Football Federation President Mr. Praful Patel termed India’s fourth participation in the AFC Asian Cup as a “precursor to India’s goal to achieve a berth in the FIFA World Cup by 2026.”
“The Asian dream needs to be achieved by 2026 as there will be 8 teams from Asia in the FIFA World Cup,”Mr. Patel said at a press conference after the snazzy kit launch of the Blue Tigers in the Capital on Wednesday (December 19, 2018).
“You just always cannot live a dream and we have to make the Asian dream a reality. And with the formthe national team is in, and if Sunil Chhetri and everybody can pull their feet together, we can make it a reality,” he added.
The Indian National Team had earlier participated in the AFC Asian Cup in 1964, 1984 and 2011 editions of the AFC Asian Cup.
“We should always go for the maximum and we should try to win the tournament, let alone get out of the group stages,” Mr. Patel stated. “We are mentally and physically prepared. We wish the team all the very best and they have the full support of the AIFF.”
“The whole nation should support the national team and should fully get behind them. It is imperative that the nation roots for them and as the tournament is in UAE, I hope we will get a lot of support there.”
India’s top goal scorer in International Football Sunil Chhetri who has been instrumental for India thus far in his career lauded praise on his teammates.
“The reasons that we have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 is because players like Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandh, Anirudh Thapa, Jeje and Udanta Singh and all others. It is because of these players that I go on the pitch without any pressure. They do all the hard work while I just tap the ball in,” he mentioned to the applause of all.
India has been draw in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 along with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain. The Blue Tigers play their first match against Thailand on January 06, followed by hosts UAE on January 10, and Bahrain on January 14, 2019.
“The Asian Cup is a massive tournament for India and everyone involved in the sport,” said Head Coach Stephen Constantine sitting beside. “We have three games from January 6-14 and I am focusing on them. We will take one game at a time and we have scouted Thailand intensively to the point that we have watched them 3-4 times for analysis,” he informed.
“We look forward to make India proud”, Constantine added.
Meanwhile, Chhetri stated that “India will be looking to get no less than 3 points against Thailand.”
“I was involved in the mock draw that happened for the Asian Cup and I was wondering what team we could draw. I knew whichever team that we drew, it would be difficult for us. But now, we are ready to face anyone. We are well prepared and looking forward to the challenge,” Chhetri pronounced.
Comparing India’s current preparation to the one in 2011, Chhetri added: “In 2011, we were together for 6 months. But this time of the year, all the boys that have been selected are playing constantly in the Hero Indian Super League and the Hero I-League. Now we just have to come together as a single unit and give it our best shot when we get to UAE.”
“I try my best to motivate the team like players like Rennedy Singh, Abhishek Yadav, Surkumar and Bhaichung Bhutia did in 2011. I believe that actions speak louder than words and we have come to a time where one player pushes the other to excel,” he quipped.
A 28-member squad leaves Indian shores for preparation in Abu Dhabi tomorrow (December 20, 2018) with the 23-member list all slated to be announced on December 26. In their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE, India play an International friendly against Oman on December 27, 2018.
Head Coach Stephen Constantine admitted the team has “enough time to acclimatize.”
“We have tried our best to prepare in the best possible fashion. “We wanted to play big teams and strong teams like we did against China, Jordan. We next play Oman on December 27. We have got the right amount of competition to build us and are ready.”
Meanwhile, Nishu Kumar and Jerry Lalrinzuala have been released from the ongoing Camp in Delhi.
by Aiff media
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Secure’s MFA Premier League Runner-Up with Aimar Adam’s Second-Half Brace
Aimar Adam’s Second-Half Brace Secures MH Oranje FC’s Runner-Up Spot in MFA Premier League 2023-24. In a closely contested match in the MFA Premier League, Millat FC and MH Oranje…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…