Football

The Indian senior men's football team, under the guidance of head coach Manolo Marquez, has announced a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA International Friendly against Malaysia. The match will be held on November 18 at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.The Blue Tigers, as the Indian team is known, will assemble in Hyderabad on November 11 for a training camp. Their last friendly match was against Vietnam in October, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Farukh Choudhary scored the lone goal for India in that match.India has been struggling for form in recent times, failing to win in their last 11 matches. Their last victory came against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on November 16, 2023.Coach Marquez has named three experienced goalkeepers in the squad: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Vishal Kaith. Defenders Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, and Rahul Bheke have been included to strengthen the backline.Midfielders Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and Jithin MS have also been named in the squad. Lallianzuala Chhangte will lead the attack force against Malaysia.The Blue Tigers will be hoping to end their winless streak and secure a victory in the upcoming match. They will face a Malaysia team that is ranked 148th in the FIFA World Rankings, while India is ranked 106th.

India Faces Crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Asian Champions QatarThe Indian football team, led by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, faces a daunting task as they take on Asian champions Qatar in a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday, June 11. The match, to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, is a make-or-break encounter for India's hopes of reaching the third round of the qualifiers.India has never progressed beyond the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, but a victory against Qatar could change the course of history. The Blue Tigers have shown resilience and determination throughout the campaign, but they will need to perform at their best to overcome the formidable challenge posed by the hosts.Qatar, ranked 51st in the FIFA World Rankings, is a formidable opponent. They are the reigning Asian champions and have a wealth of experience in international football. India, ranked 106th, will need to play with discipline and execute their game plan flawlessly to have any chance of securing a positive result.The match will be a test of character for the Indian team. They will need to show mental strength and determination to overcome the pressure of playing away from home against a superior opponent. The absence of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri, who retired from international football earlier this year, will be a significant blow, but the team will need to find a way to compensate for his loss.India's hopes rest on the shoulders of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has been in excellent form throughout the qualifiers. The defense, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Adil Khan, will need to be solid and organized to keep the Qatari attack at bay. The midfield, anchored by Anirudh Thapa and Brandon Fernandes, will need to control the tempo of the game and create chances for the forwards.The match will be a historic occasion for Indian football. A victory would not only secure a place in the third round of the qualifiers but also boost the confidence of the team and the nation. The Blue Tigers will need the support of every Indian fan as they embark on this crucial mission.

As Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri prepares to bid farewell to international football, he reflects on his illustrious career and the profound impact the sport has had on his life.Chhetri, who has graced the Indian jersey for 150 matches, scoring an astonishing 94 goals, is set to make his final appearance for the Blue Tigers on June 6 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. The match holds immense significance as a victory would propel India closer to a historic first-ever appearance in Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and automatic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.In the twilight of his international career, Chhetri expresses a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he has received from his teammates and the football fraternity. "I'm filled with gratitude that I could play 150 matches for the country," he says.Reflecting on his journey, Chhetri acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices he has made along the way. "There have been ups and downs, but I've always tried to give my best," he says. "I've had to make sacrifices, but it's all been worth it."Chhetri's unwavering determination and passion for the game have earned him immense respect and admiration. Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian football team, believes that Chhetri has become a legend while still playing. "He's a true leader and an inspiration to all," Stimac says.As Chhetri prepares for his final international match, he is filled with a mix of emotions. "There's a bit of sadness, but also a lot of excitement," he says. "I'm looking forward to giving it my all and making it a memorable occasion."Chhetri's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He has been a role model for aspiring footballers and has played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport in India. His unwavering commitment to the national team has inspired a generation of players and fans alike.As the curtain falls on Chhetri's international career, he leaves behind an indelible mark on Indian football. His contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.

India vs Afghanistan: Blue Tigers Aim for Historic Victory in World Cup QualifierIndia will face Afghanistan in a crucial Group A match of the second round of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 26. The match, which will also serve as the second round of the Asian Football Confederation Championship Qualifier, will be played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.This match holds immense significance for India, as captain Sunil Chhetri is set to make his 150th international appearance. Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer, will become only the second Indian player to reach this milestone.India's qualification hopes received a setback after their 1-1 draw in the away leg against Afghanistan last week. The Blue Tigers currently sit second in the group with four points from three games, one point ahead of Kuwait.To advance to the third round, India must secure a positive result against Afghanistan. A win would put them in a strong position, while a draw would keep their hopes alive. However, a loss would virtually eliminate India from contention.India have never reached the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers, and this match represents a historic opportunity for them to make history. The Blue Tigers have shown resilience and determination in recent matches, and they will be eager to put in a strong performance in front of their home crowd.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their impressive performance in the first leg. They currently sit third in the group with three points from three games and will be confident of causing an upset in Guwahati.The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. India will be relying on the experience of Chhetri and the support of their home crowd, while Afghanistan will be looking to exploit India's defensive vulnerabilities.