India Set to Make Their Mark at AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup
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Synopsis
The Indian beach soccer team has arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, to compete in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup after an 18-year absence. With a strong lineup and determined captain Rohith Y, India aims to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- India's return to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup after 18 years.
- Group A matches against Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
- Head coach Mohd Faizal Bin So'od emphasizes unpredictability as an advantage.
- Rohith Y, a fisherman’s son, leads the team as captain.
- Team's goal is to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Pattaya, March 17 (NationPress) The Indian beach soccer national team has landed in Pattaya, Thailand, on Monday, heralding their much-anticipated return to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup after an 18-year hiatus.
Placed in Group A, India faces a formidable challenge, starting their journey against the host nation, Thailand, on Thursday, followed by matches against Kuwait on March 22 and Lebanon on March 24. With a strong sense of purpose and determination, the Indian squad is prepared to leave their mark on the sand.
The team departed from Gujarat on March 16, reaching Delhi by evening. After a short wait at the airport, they boarded a flight to Bangkok, followed by a road trip to Pattaya, where the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 is scheduled to take place. As they enjoyed the views of Bangkok’s skyline and the endless green landscapes, the excitement for the upcoming challenge intensified.
Head coach Mohd Faizal Bin So'od radiated confidence while evaluating the team’s unique standing in the tournament. “Having not competed in this event for nearly two decades, we possess an element of surprise. We’ve studied our opponents, but they have minimal information on us. That unpredictability could play to our advantage,” the Malaysian coach noted.
In a moment of pride and motivation, coach Faizal announced that Rohith Y would lead the team as captain. The captain, hailing from a fishing family in Kerala, has been immersed in beach soccer since his youth. His innate talent for the sport and leadership skills made him the ideal choice to spearhead India’s efforts.
“We are ready,” declared Rohith with conviction. “We’ve dedicated ourselves to hard work, and each player is eager to showcase their abilities. Competing against the host nation is challenging, but that’s precisely the type of contest we are seeking. When faced with adversity, we rise to the occasion.
With only the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarterfinals, India recognizes the challenges that lie ahead. However, fueled by determination, enthusiasm, and a desire to succeed, the team has arrived in Thailand with one objective - to announce their return to the grand stage of beach soccer.
