Team India head into a tough AFC Asian Cup 2024 challenge in high spirits on the back of an eventful year that saw a rapid rise in the standards of Indian football.
India had a brilliant year in which they managed to win the Tri-Nation Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship to drive home the magnitude of improvement the team has undergone in recent times.
Igor Stimac’s men are grouped alongside heavyweights Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B of the continental trophy and will look to make it through the group stages.
India defensive stalwart Sandesh Jhingan, one of Stimac’s crucial players, shared his thoughts on the upcoming event and how the Blue Tigers respect their opponents, but do not fear any side.
“No group in the Asian Cup is easy. Of course, we’ve got Australia, and they need no introduction,” Jhigan said.
“But what we have learned in the last few years is that we must never fear any opposition,” the centre-back added.
Team India have never gone past the group stages since they finished runner-up in the 1964 edition of the tournament.
“Believe in the work you do, believe in your group, and the sky’s the limit for this batch.”
“We must stay humble, keep improving, and hopefully do something special,” the 30-year-old stopper back said.
The Indian contingent was greeted with a raucous welcome at the Doha Airport as they landed in the Middle-Eastern nation on Saturday to settle in before the start of the crucial tournament.
“We have been getting some great support at home, and we’ve had a great year, which shows how fast we are improving. Now it’s all about putting in our best effort here and seeing where we can land up,” the defender opined.
India are slated to begin their Asian Cup against Australia on the 13th of January, before taking on Uzbekistan on the 18th of the same month. The Blue Tigers will face off against Syria on January 23 in their final group B game.
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