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India men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri, veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan, and primary goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, have been selected in the 22-member Indian men's football team for the forthcoming Asian Games.
Stimac to lead team in Hangzhou Games
The Indian football squad will compete in Hangzhou, China, the host city for the Games. They will be under the strategic guidance of national senior team head coach, Igor Stimac.
AIFF fields first team for Asian Games
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is fielding its premier team for the Asian Games. Led by Chhetri and coached by Igor Stimac, the team's participation has been approved by the Asian Games organizers and the Olympic Council of Asia.
Overcoming participation hurdles
The participation of the Indian men's and women's football teams in the Hangzhou Games was initially uncertain. The criteria set by the sports ministry required teams to be ranked within the top-8 in the continent. After an appeal by the AIFF and intervention sought by head coach Igor Stimac, the criteria were revised and both teams received clearance for participation.
India's position in Group A and tournament layout
In the tournament, the Indian men's team will share Group A with China PR, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In total, 23 teams distributed among six groups will compete for glory.
India return to Asian Games after nine-year hiatus
The Indian football team, twice victors of the Asian Games, are making their comeback to the football event at the continental games after a nine-year break.
Player eligibility rules for delayed edition of Asian Games
Typically an Under-23 event, this year's Asian Games will allow players aged 24 to compete due to a one-year delay. The cut-off birth date is set at January 1, 1999. However, three players aged above 24 can participate in the games as well.
India squad: Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem.
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Roshan Singh, Asish Rai.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia Ralte, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Rahul KP, Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Forwards: Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Aniket Jadhav, Vikram Partap Singh, Rohit Danu.
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