The Indian football team are gearing up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023, set to kick off in the second week of January 2024. Arriving in Doha on December 30, 2023, the Blue Tigers received an enthusiastic welcome in Qatar as they prepared for their fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament.
Upon landing in Doha, chants of "India! India!" filled the air at the Qatar airport, embracing the arrival of Sunil Chhetri and his teammates for the AFC Asian Cup. Led by Chhetri, the team was greeted by a vibrant display of blue jerseys and thunderous cheers from supporters. The energy was palpable as fans flooded the airport, showcasing their passion with drums, flags, and banners. Appreciative of the fans' love, Captain Sunil Chhetri graciously acknowledged their spirited reception, symbolising the growing prominence of Indian football.
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 social media account posted a video displaying a massive crowd of fans assembling at the airport to cheer on the Blue Tigers.
Coach Igor Stimac had previously unveiled India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup, where they've been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria.
Anticipating robust backing from Indian fans in Qatar, Stimac expressed, “I’m looking forward to seeing our Indian fans in Doha. They came in massive numbers to support the Indian team during the qualifiers, and that was one of the reasons why we had two great performances against Qatar here. So, I’m well aware that there will be massive support for our boys. Hopefully, we can pay them back and celebrate some good results.”
The Asian Cup platform presents a formidable challenge for the Blue Tigers, facing off against some of Asia's top footballing nations, each with distinct strengths and aspirations. Yet, the unwavering encouragement from their supporters would stand as a constant source of motivation, spurring them to fight with relentless determination and leave an indelible impression on the tournament.