Everyone understands the significance of qualifying for the Asian Cup, says India midfielder Anirudh Thapa

The Indian team are all set to kick start their Asian Cup qualifiers campaign against Cambodia as they take the field at the Salt Lake Stadium after a space of three years. The last time they took the field in Kolkata was back in 2019 when they faced Bangladesh and the match ended up in a 1-1 draw. So returning to Kolkata and taking the field in front of the passionate crowd excites the players and the head coach Igor Stimac.

“Playing in front of fans is such an inspiration. We did have some fans who were allowed in a match in editions of the Leagues, but that was restricted. I understand it’s going to be crazy and super fun at the VYBK simply because Kolkata is the hub of Indian Football. Come out and support us,” Anirudh Thapa said speaking about the matches being hosted in Kolkata.

The years in between were rocked by the pandemic and there was a major period when sporting activities were stopped and when it resumed it was without fans on the stands. So Bengaluru FC winger Ashique Kuruniyan feels that it is not that the fans only missed their favourite players but vice versa. “The pandemic cost us live sporting action in front of the fans. Not just the fans suffered, but the players have also been missing the roar from the stands. It’s time to hold hands, and walk the path together. I urge all to come to the stadium, and cheer for us,” Kuruniyan shared.

India will start their campaign against Cambodia in the Asian Cup qualifiers followed by matches against Afghanistan on 11th June and lastly against Hong Kong on 14th June. It is a group where India is expected to do well and the rest remains on the players and the head coach as recent performances in friendlies have not been anything special.

There is a lot of pressure on the players and also on Stimac. Although it is a very young squad, midfielder Anirudh Thapa has shared that the team is ready to give their all as they understand the magnitude of these three matches.  “Everyone understands the significance of qualifying to the Asian Cup. We need to be at the top level of the Asian platform in every edition. That’s the message that we are growing as a footballing nation,” Thapa concluded.