Youngsters happy to be part of new golden era of Indian football

“I am still young and I really look forward to being a part of Indian football’s golden era now. I am really happy about how we have been approaching the matches,” the 25-year-old said. India defeated Cambodia and Afghanistan before thrashing Hong Kong 4-0 on their road to Asian Cup, where India will now aim to take the next step of progressing out of the group stage.

Apart from captain Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh, Ishan Pandita and Anwar Ali scored for India against Hong Kong on Tuesday. Defender Anwar, who resumed his football career in August last year after a two-year break owing to a heart condition, got his maiden goal for the senior national team, in only his sixth appearance. “I am very happy scoring my first goal for the country.

It was a team game and the credit goes to everyone involved,” said 21-year-old Anwar, who was part of India’s 2017 U-17 World Cup squad. The Asian Cup is scheduled for 2023 and Sahal felt the upcoming extended domestic season in Indian football will serve as a cornerstone in preparation for the showpiece continental event. “As players, we all need game time.

The longer the season is, the better a player gets. That gets you into the rhythm for football,” Sahal commented. The 2022-23 season onwards, the Indian football calendar is set to be expanded to nine months, starting off with Durand Cup in August with Indian Super League and I-League beginning in October and culminating with Super Cup in May 2023.