Igor Stimac - players.bio

Indian Football Team Gets Exemption From Ministry, Will Participate In Asian Games

The Indian men's football team has got an exemption from the Sports Ministry and will be participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, starting September 23. The national football team, which didn't get permission to participate during the Jakarta Games in 2018, is currently ranked 18th in Asia and the sports ministry's rule states that in team sport, only those in top-eight will get the nod. However, an exemption has been made and sports minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday tweeted that both the men's and women's national football teams will be taking part in the continental showpiece event.

"It's Important We Play Asian Games": Sunil Chhetri Tells NDTV In Exclusive Interview

A true sporting ambassador, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has made millions of countrymen a reason to believe that there's a future for the 'Beautiful Game' in our on nation. Even at the age of 39, Chhetri remains as fit and firing as ever. In fact, many believe that he is still India's finest footballer. But, at such an age, even Chhetri knows that he can't continue going forever. While the subject of 'retirement' does cross his mind, Chhetri is more 'hopeful' than scared about the day he has to call time on his career. Having been central to India's triumphs at the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship recently, Chhetri also highlighted how important it is for him and the Indian football team to play at the forthcoming Asian Games.

AIFF Set To Send Sunil Chhetri-led Senior Team For Asian Games If Ministry Gives Clearance

The AIFF is bullish on sending its first team to Asian Games led by its talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri if it is able to get the green light from the sports ministry for participation is the continental showpiece starting September 23 in Hangzhou. The national football team, which didn't get permission to participate during the Jakarta Games in 2018, is currently ranked 18th in Asia and the sports ministry's rule states that in team sport, only those in top-eight will get the nod.

Denied Asian Games Participation, India Football Coach Writes To PM Modi

With the Indian football team set to miss out on the Asian Games participation for the second season in a row, head coach Igor Stimac has decided to make an emotional plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Stimac penned an emotional letter, urging the Indian government to allow the Sunil Chhetri-led side to participate in the continental event. It was earlier reported that the team is unlikely to be sent for Asian Games participation as its current ranking is not among the top 8 sides in Asia.

Indian Football Team Set To Miss Asian Games Again. Here's Why

The Indian football team is likely to miss the Asian Games for the second time in a row as it does not meet the Sports Ministry's criteria of being ranked among the top-8 sides in the continent. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had earlier planned that the national senior team head coach Igor Stimac would take an Under-23 side to the September 23 to October 8 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China after the Kings Cup in Thailand (September 7-10).

"Really Hope We Get It": Sunil Chhetri Backs Igor Stimac's Plans Ahead Of Asian Cup

Indian captain Sunil Chhetri on Sunday backed head coach Igor Stimac's demand for a four-week camp before the Asian Cup early next year, saying the team needs to have enough preparation time to face the best sides in the continent. The 38-year-old Chhetri, who will be playing his last Asian Cup in Doha (January 12 to February 10), also pitched for at least one international friendly match against a top-seven ranked country in Asia such as Iran, Japan or Saudi Arabia before the continental showpiece. "We are going to face Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in the Asian Cup (group matches), that is why Stimac (as well as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu) have spoken about long camps. We need it, and I really hope we get it," Chhetri said in a virtual media interaction.

"We In India Not Living In Real World": Coach Igor Stimac Fires Shots

The Indian football team is on a roll, having won the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship, but the head coach Igor Stimac is still unhappy. The Croatian coach, who saw some of his players produce their best football in recent competitions, isn't pleased with the way the team has grown. In an interview, Stimac made a rather blunt remark, saying football in India is still not living in the real world, and some serious steps are required to be taken in order to make the team compete globally.

Watch: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's Stunning Penalty Save That Sealed India's 9th SAFF Championship Title

India lifted a record ninth SAFF Championship title on Tuesday after overcoming Kuwait in the penalty shootout at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru. There was a sense of panic in the Indian dugout after Kuwait had taken the lead through Shabaib Al Khaldi. However, the hosts finally equalised after Ashique Kuruniyan picked out Sunil Chhetri, who combined with Sahal Abdul Samad, to set up Lallianzuala Chhangte for an easy tap-in. The scoreline remained intact as the match went to extra-time, followed by penalties.

Contacts

Igor Stimac Sport News

Indian Football Team Gets Exemption From Ministry, Will Participate In Asian Games

"It's Important We Play Asian Games": Sunil Chhetri Tells NDTV In Exclusive Interview

AIFF Set To Send Sunil Chhetri-led Senior Team For Asian Games If Ministry Gives Clearance

Denied Asian Games Participation, India Football Coach Writes To PM Modi

Indian Football Team Set To Miss Asian Games Again. Here's Why

"Really Hope We Get It": Sunil Chhetri Backs Igor Stimac's Plans Ahead Of Asian Cup

"We In India Not Living In Real World": Coach Igor Stimac Fires Shots

Watch: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's Stunning Penalty Save That Sealed India's 9th SAFF Championship Title