Akhil Rawat
AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: When India took on Indonesia within the first spherical of the 1951 Asian Games in Delhi, maybe no person realised it might be the beginning of a really particular relationship between Indian soccer and the continental video games. Two golds and one bronze medal later, India gear as much as play their 57th match on the Asian Games, the primary in 9 years, towards hosts China within the opening fixture at Hangzhou 2022 on the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 17:00 IST.

While six groups participated within the inaugural video games within the Indian capital, Hangzhou can have 21 members battling for the rostrum. India are additionally joined by Bangladesh and Myanmar in Group A, with the highest two sides and 4 greatest third-placed groups progressing to the spherical of 16. If the star of the present in 1951 was Sahu Mewalal, who netted in every of India’s three wins for the gold, the highlight shall be on Sunil Chhetri this time, as he turns into solely the third Indian to captain the staff in two Asian Games (2014 and 2022). Sailen Manna (1951 and 1954) and Bhaichung Bhutia (2002 and 2006) are the opposite two.

The likes of Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan, who have been a part of the Incheon 2014 squad, know precisely how totally different of a deal Asian Games soccer is. You’re not simply representing the nationwide soccer staff, you are representing your complete India’s sporting fraternity. The expertise of residing within the Asian Games village, with greater than 600 fellow Indian athletes throughout 34 sports activities, is one thing unmatchable, which the opposite 20 Indian soccer staff gamers will expertise for the primary time.

Legendary ahead Inder Singh, who scored within the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok, says, “I performed home soccer with distinction for almost 25 years, however I nonetheless cherish each second of my worldwide profession. I strongly consider that nothing provides a footballer better pleasure than taking part in for the nation; the blue jersey is one memento that each sportsperson needs to show proudly in his or her front room.

“In my career, I always felt that playing in the Asian Games was one of the biggest achievements of my life. Tomorrow, when the Indian team plays their first match against China PR, I will sit in front of the TV to savour every moment of the proceedings,” Inder excitedly provides.

Jo Paul Ancheri had the proud honour of donning the India blue at two Asian Games – Bangkok 1998 and Busan 2002. The striker says, “I am hoping that in these Asian Games, the Indian team will come up with some surprises. It is simply because all the players will be motivated and determined to prove their mettle for the National Team. As a former footballer who played both domestic and international football for a long time, I know the difference. I always thought that playing for the country was like being a part of history. During my career, I always remained a top club footballer for the entire season, but those two weeks in between with the National Team gave me the greatest pleasure.”

AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran mentioned, “Asian Games has an emotional connection with fans across India and, thus, in our four-year strategic plan for the next Asian Games, we have already factored in how we are going to prepare a team to be there. With long-term planning, we can be best prepared for the Asian Games.”

Facing the hosts within the first recreation is all the time a fantastic problem. Matches in Group A will come thick and quick, with clashes towards neighbours Bangladesh (September 21) and Myanmar (September 24) subsequent in line. Time is not precisely India’s good friend in the mean time, but when there’s somebody who can get the very best out of the staff in demanding conditions like these, it is head coach Igor Stimac.

“There is no reason to waste time now. We need to focus on what can be done in the next two days until the kick-off to do everything possible within our power to open the tournament with a good fight. And very importantly, we need to prepare the wide picture of the tournament because we have three games. I am going to ask the players to play to the best of their abilities, and I will try to help them achieve that,” mentioned Stimac.

Sharing his ideas on the Chinese staff, the Croatian mentioned, “They have been getting ready this staff for a very long time. Since March this yr, they’ve performed 4 robust and good-quality video games towards sturdy opponents, shedding three and profitable one. Mostly they like a 4-4-2 system, which could change to a 3-4-3 often. They have three senior gamers who’re actually vital to them. So, it is going to be robust as a result of they’ve invested quite a bit on this staff, particularly as a result of they’re internet hosting the Asian Games.

“No tournament is a formality for me, neither the players. There is a possibility to qualify from the group, but to do that, some luck needs to be on our side also, and the goal is for the boys to give their best performances of their lives,” Stimac added.

Indian Men’s Team’s Group A fixtures on the nineteenth Asian Games:

September 19: China vs India (17:00 IST)
September 21: India vs Bangladesh (13:30 IST)
September 24: Myanmar vs India (17:00 IST)

Watch all matches stay on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.