In anticipation of the forthcoming Asian Games 2023, slated to commence on September 19th in Hangzhou, China, the Indian football contingent has been unveiled. A total of 17 players have secured coveted positions within the squad. It is worth noting that the initial roster for the Asian Games was announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
However, complications arose when it became apparent that players currently engaged in the Indian Super League would not be released for the national team’s cause. Consequently, the AIFF has now unveiled a fresh roster, one that extends an opportunity to the younger talents.
Leading the charge for the Indian football team is none other than the formidable Sunil Chhetri. Speculation had been rife that Sunil would participate in the Indian Super League, yet fate had different plans. Sunil Chhetri has chosen to don the national colors and represent the nation on the football field.
His track record for the Indian squad is nothing short of exceptional. With a remarkable tally of 92 goals in 142 international matches, Sunil Chhetri currently stands as the fourth-highest goal scorer worldwide.
The President of the All India Football Federation, Kalyan Chaubey, acknowledged the frenetic pace at which the Indian national team is operating. Numerous initiatives are concurrently unfolding on both the domestic and international fronts.
The senior national men’s team has successfully navigated a series of matches and is now gearing up for the impending Asian Games. Subsequently, their schedule includes the Merdeka Cup, World Cup Qualifiers, and the AFC Asian Cup.
In this regard, commendation was extended to the Indian Super League and FSDL Club for permitting the national team to rest its current roster in preparation for the Asian Games.
Meet the Indian Football Team for Asian Games 2023
The Asian Games 2023-bound Indian football squad, comprised of 17 talented individuals, stands as follows:
Sunil Chhetri (Captain)
Gurmeet Singh
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem
Rohit Danu
Gurkeerat Singh
Aniket Jadhav
Sumit Rathi
Narendra Gehlot
Amarjit Singh Kiam
Samuel James
Rahul KP
Abdul Rabih Anjukandan
Ayush Dev Chhetri
Bryce Miranda
Azfar Noorani
Rahim Ali
Vince Barreto
In preparation for the Asian Games, these exceptional athletes have been chosen to represent India on the football pitch, showcasing their prowess and dedication on the international stage.