India football team captain, Sunil Chhetri, emphasized the importance of achieving supremacy at the continental level as a realistic aspiration for making it to the FIFA World Cup.
“The day you’re gonna see us play Australia, Japan, or South Korea three times a year or UAE, Iran, then the answer will be self-evident for everyone to see,” Chhetri told Sportstar. He emphasized the need for India to keep qualifying for the Asian Cup, aiming to be among the top 10 teams in Asia.
“The realistic target is to come first 10 in Asia and stay there. We all know that the next World Cup will have 7-8 teams from Asia. So, if we come in the top 10 and stay there, the (World Cup) dream is more reachable,” Chhetri added
Chhetri acknowledged the support from fans, especially during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign, where India started with a 0-2 loss to Australia. Despite the loss, Chhetri expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, stating, “It felt like we were playing at home. So, I think that is something we’re really proud of and grateful for.”
Reflecting on the future of Indian football, Chhetri stressed on the importance of expanding the player pool and tapping into every talent. He outlined the dream of identifying talent at the right age, providing necessary support, and acknowledging the achievements collectively. At 39, Chhetri, likely playing his last Asian Cup, highlighted the need for continuous improvement and collaboration among stakeholders, including the government, players, coaches, and the Indian Super League (ISL).
Despite challenges, Chhetri recognized the progress in Indian football over the last five to ten years, with consecutive Asian Cup qualifications and victories in the Tri-Nations Series, Intercontinental Cup, and SAFF Championship in 2023. Looking ahead,
Chhetri emphasized the need to work hard, keep improving, and aspire to become favourites in international competitions. India’s upcoming matches in the AFC Asian Cup include fixtures against Uzbekistan and Syria, with Chhetri expressing determination to continue working towards better performances.
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