Everyone wants to be at World Cup, Asian Cup first step towards dream: Sandesh Jhingan

Asian Cup, Indian National team defender Sandesh Jhingan believes India needs to be a regular in Asia's showpiece football tournament, to achieve the 'ultimate dream' of playing in the FIFA World Cup. Speaking on the eve of India's first match of their Group D third-round qualifier against Cambodia in Kolkata on Wednesday, Jhingan said, "Everyone wants to be at the World Cup, every football fan and player. To reach that level, we need to be regulars in the Asian Cup. I am not saying it is easy but it should mean without a doubt that India is always in the Asian Cup. That is the first stepping stone to going toward the ultimate dream."

India are chasing a fifth appearance in the Asian Cup finals tournament. The Blue Tigers aim to qualify for back-to-back Asian Cups for the first time ever. Previously, India have featured in the 1964, 1984, 2011, and 2019 editions. Jhingan also heaped praise on ATK Mohun Bagan club-mate Liston Colaco, who is expected to carry his red-hot form in the AFC Cup in the Asian Cup qualifiers. "The youngsters are doing really well. Especially Liston. He deserves everything that he has got now. He has a very long way ahead and I am sure he will do well, he has that hunger in him. When you start to do well, the world around comes to you but he has kept that humbleness intact and has that desire to do well. There will be many players who will come so you need to keep working, that is the one thing which I really admire about Liston," said Jhingan. "Not only Liston, Roshan (Singh) had a fantastic season, Manvir (Singh) also I have seen him grow. A lot of young players dream big and work hard. It is a long road, you have got to keep learning. Same for me as well, I am 28 and I can't say I have reached