Promising midfielder Korou Singh was on Tuesday named India captain for the upcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The proficient 16-year-old has grow to be an influential participant on the pitch within the current previous. After scoring a purpose every within the SAFF U-17 Championship and the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the winger went on to placed on a positive present within the staff’s coaching matches in Spain and Germany, in opposition to the junior groups of among the high golf equipment on this planet, like Atletico de Madrid, Real Madrid, VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg, and extra.

Overall, he scored three targets and made 5 assists within the 10 apply matches in Europe earlier than reaching Thailand, the place he scored one and assisted one other in two coaching video games in opposition to native sides.

“Being the captain of India in a tournament like the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is a big responsibility, and we believe that Korou is quite capable of carrying out such leadership responsibilities,” India head coach Bibiano Fernandes stated whereas asserting Korou because the captain of the staff.

The India U-17s are at the moment coaching on the Khao Yai Sports Complex in Thailand, and can journey to Bangkok on June 14 earlier than the beginning of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, the place they’re set to play Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Group D.

For Fernandes, it was a matter of discovering the most effective suited participant, who couldn’t solely lead the staff on the pitch, however off it as nicely.

“It’s been a process through this year and a half with this team. Peka (Vanlalpeka Guite) was the captain last year in SAFF and the AFC qualifiers,” stated Fernandes.

“Then some new boys came in, and we tried to rotate the captain’s armband to as many boys as possible to see who takes up the leadership role in a good manner.

“It was additionally a matter of giving it to somebody who the whole staff loves and respects, and somebody who can lead the remainder of the boys each on and off the pitch. After assessing all of the gamers in all areas, we had a gathering with the staff officers and determined Korou was finest suited,” he said.

“Being a captain signifies that one has to take accountability for the whole staff, encourage them on all events, and lead them by troublesome occasions. In my books, a captain has to guide by instance,” said Fernandes.

Excited to lead India, Korou said: “It’s an absolute honour for me to be named captain in such a prestigious match just like the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. I by no means thought I’d ever be given such accountability, however I really feel grateful that the coaches have seen the potential in me to guide this staff.”

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