With no training session or proper rest, due to last-minute squad announcements, India enters as the underdogs in their Asian Games group game against China on Tuesday (September 19).
Finalizing their squad just last Friday, the Indian team departed for China on Sunday, providing no window for a unified training. Furthermore, visa issues will delay the arrival of defenders Konsam Chinglensana Singh and Lalchungnunga, according to the Indian contingent's chief, Bhupinder Singh Bajwa. Their absence will undoubtedly impact the team's performance in the Group A match against China.
Head coach, Igor Stimac, announced that key players, defender Sandesh Jhingan and striker Sunil Chhetri, will be rested for the opener. Chhetri's recent journey into fatherhood has limited his training sessions.
Stimac's decision aligns with the team's higher chances of success against Bangladesh (September 21) and Myanmar (September 24). Without sufficient rest or training, Stimac has had to improvise, conducting strategy sessions even during flights.
India's challenges also lie in the strength of the Chinese team, their familiarity with the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium, and India's potential first outdoor activity being the actual match.
History echoes this challenge; the 2002 Asian Games in Busan saw India lose 0-2 to China. The Indian lineup then included legends like Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh.
Stimac openly acknowledges the challenging contest ahead, further amplified by the ongoing controversies regarding team selection. However, hope remains as the top teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, alongside the four best-ranked third-placed teams.
"They have been preparing this team for a long time. Since March this year, they've played four tough and quality games against strong opponents, losing three and winning one," the Croatian said.
"So, it will be tough because they (China) have invested a lot in this team, especially because they are hosting the Asian Games," he added.
Adding to the challenges, 13 players from the initial 22 weren't released by their Indian Super League clubs. A revised 22-member team was introduced by the AIFF on Friday, which included key players like Jhingan, Chinglensana, and Lalchungnunga.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
