In a move aimed at strengthening the Indian national football team's performance in the upcoming Asian Games, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has called upon the ten franchises of the Indian Super League (ISL) to release their players selected for the prestigious continental competition. The AIFF has emphasized the importance of keeping the "national interest in mind" while making this crucial decision.
ISL Players in the Spotlight
The 22-member Indian men's squad, headed to Hangzhou, China, for the Asian Games, boasts a significant representation from various ISL teams. Bengaluru FC leads the way with six players, while Mumbai City FC contributes three. FC Goa, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Odisha FC, and Kerala Blasters each have two players in the squad. Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC, and Hyderabad have one player each in the national team, highlighting the ISL's prominent role in shaping Indian football talent.
Clash of Schedules
A potential clash of schedules has raised concerns among ISL clubs, as the Indian Super League is set to commence on September 21, just one day before the Asian Games kick off on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. This scheduling conflict has prompted the AIFF to reach out to the ISL clubs in a bid to secure the release of players for the national team.
AIFF Appeals to Clubs' Patriotism
AIFF's secretary-general, Shaji Prabhakaran, acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding the Asian Games, which fall outside the FIFA international match window. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the ten ISL clubs, Prabhakaran highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to "make India proud" and urged the clubs to consider releasing their players, keeping the national interest at the forefront.
Special Exemption for the Asian Games
The sports ministry has made a special exemption to allow both the men's and women's national teams to participate in the Asian Games, marking their return to the continental stage after an absence of nine years. This decision underscores the government's commitment to promoting football in India and achieving excellence on the international stage.
Hopeful for Club Cooperation
Prabhakaran expressed optimism that the ISL clubs would willingly release their players, ensuring a full-strength national team at the Asian Games. He emphasized that such a gesture would be celebrated by citizens across the nation and take Indian football to new heights.
A Collaborative Effort for Indian Football
Concluding his appeal, Prabhakaran urged the ISL clubs to stand in solidarity with the country and facilitate the participation of their players in the Asian Games. He emphasized the vital role they play in shaping the future of football in India and encouraged their support in taking the sport to greater heights.
India's Asian Games Challenge
The Indian men's national team, currently ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings, faces a tough challenge in Group A at the Asian Games. Host nation China leads the group at 80th place, with Myanmar (160) and Bangladesh (189) completing the lineup. With the potential inclusion of ISL talent, Indian football fans are eagerly anticipating their team's performance on the continental stage.
Share
Tweet
