Is Qualifying for the Asia Cup the 'Bare Minimum' for India, According to Chhetri?
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Synopsis
Sunil Chhetri, India's football captain, emphasizes that qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup is essential for the national team. With a storied history in the tournament, he aims for India to achieve this milestone once again. The Blue Tigers face a challenging journey ahead as they prepare to battle for a spot in the 2027 edition.
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Chhetri is a key player for India in the Asian Cup.
- Qualifying is seen as a minimum requirement by the team.
- India aims to make history with three consecutive qualifications.
- The team emphasizes a game-by-game approach.
- Upcoming matches against Hong Kong and Thailand are crucial.
Kolkata, May 25 (NationPress) Sunil Chhetri stands out as the sole Indian athlete to have participated in three AFC Asian Cups. The journey to the prestigious Asian tournament is always a challenging one. From his memorable hat-trick in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup final that propelled India into the 2011 Asian Cup, to currently striving for qualification for the 2027 edition set in Saudi Arabia, Chhetri's dedication to the national team is unparalleled.
As the Blue Tigers set their sights on making history by qualifying for three consecutive Asian Cups for the first time, Chhetri describes this achievement as a minimum expectation for the nation. However, the qualification process spans a year, and he emphasizes the need to approach it 'game by game'.
"We must qualify for each Asian Cup, and it is essential. Nevertheless, I don't aim to burden the team with pressure. It's important to focus on one match at a time. The upcoming game against Hong Kong is crucial. Yet, for India, qualifying for the Asian Cup is a bare minimum, allowing us to challenge ourselves against Asia's elite and showcase our progress," Chhetri stated.
India had a goalless draw against Bangladesh on Matchday 1 of the qualifiers in March and is set to confront Hong Kong in Kowloon City on June 10. Prior to that, Manolo Márquez's squad will face Thailand in a friendly on June 4 in Pathum Thani.
"After the Bangladesh match, I felt we disappointed ourselves and our country. Upon reviewing the footage, it was evident that we could have performed better as a team. We missed a significant chance to lead the table while playing Bangladesh at home.
"There were numerous aspects we could have improved. Ending with just a point means we, the players, must take full responsibility. We didn't show up as we should have, which led to the draw. We have discussed this, reviewed the videos, and are eager to make amends," he added.
Point of View
It's evident that Sunil Chhetri's leadership and perspective on qualification for the AFC Asian Cup reflect the aspirations of the entire nation. His call for a focused approach highlights the commitment needed for the national team's success. Supporting our players in this endeavor is crucial as they aim to compete against Asia's finest.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup?
Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup is crucial as it allows teams to compete at a high level against the best in Asia, showcasing their skills and progress.
Who is Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil Chhetri is a renowned Indian footballer and the captain of the national team, known for his remarkable contributions, including appearances in three AFC Asian Cups.
When will India play against Hong Kong?
India will face Hong Kong in Kowloon City on June 10 as part of their qualification campaign for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
What was India's performance in the last qualifier against Bangladesh?
India drew goalless against Bangladesh on Matchday 1 of the qualifiers, which Chhetri described as a missed opportunity.
What are the upcoming matches for the Indian team?
Prior to facing Hong Kong, India will play Thailand in a friendly match on June 4 in Pathum Thani.
