The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken a significant step in nurturing young talents by shortlisting 50 probables for the Under-23 National Team.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) is excited to send its top team to the Asian Games. Consequently, they want their dynamic captain Sunil Chhetri as its leader. However, their participation in the prestigious event is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Sports. The development comes after talks with AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey apparently sent a positive signal to the government’s stance.
AIFF collected the names of players under the age of 23 and sent them to the clubs. Hence, the plan aims to create a new group of athletes under the age of 23. They can compete in the Asian Games if the government allows it. They will also be used in the Thailand King’s Cup and AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The decision to focus on reserve team talents comes as part of the AIFF’s broader strategy. It is to bolster the youth development system in India. By scouting talent from reserve teams, the federation aims to tap into the potential of players who may not have had the opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage before.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jihingan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are also set to accompany the team. Nevertheless, the green signal from the Government is yet outstanding.
The Indian U23 Probable list is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Vishal Yadav, Hrithik Tiwark, Prabshukan Gill, Niraj Kumar, Arsh Shaik.
Defenders: Narendra Gahlot, Hormipam Ruivah, Pagoumang Singson, Robin Yadav, Thoiba Singh, Bikash Yumnam, Sumit Rathi, Sanjeev Stalin, Halen Nongtdu, Muhammed Shaheef, Lalrinliana Hnmate, Akash Mishra, Abhishek Singh, Soyal Joshy, Ryan Menezes.
Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Jitendra Singh, Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, Jeakson Singh, Jiteshwor Singh, Givson Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Muhammed Nemil, Maheson Singh, Amarjit Singh, Damait Lyndoh, Sajal Bag.
Wingers: Sourav K, Abdul Rabeeh, Rohit Danu, Nihal Sudesh, Ninthoi Meetei, Vikram Pratap Singh, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Parthib Gogoi, Seilenthang Lotjem, Thoi Singh, Ridge Dmello.
Forwards: Sivasakthi Narayanan, Suhail Bhat, Gurkirat Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Irfan Yadwad.
Among the chosen players, several players have already demonstrated their potential in regional and state-level competitions. Some have even represented their respective clubs at the senior level. While showing early promise that caught the attention of the AIFF selectors.
Football enthusiasts and fans across the nation eagerly await the unveiling of the final squad for the Under-23 National Team.
