Shaji Prabhakaran Appointed New Coach for U-23 Qualifiers
In an exciting development for Indian football, Igor Stimac, the head coach of the national senior side, will guide the Indian team in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also announced the appointment of a new coach for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Let’s delve into the details of this strategic move and its implications for Indian football.
Igor Stimac to Lead Indian Team in Asian Games: After missing out on the 2018 edition, India is set to make a comeback in the continental multi-sport extravaganza, the Asian Games, scheduled from September 23 to October 8. While a new coach will be in charge of the Indian team for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September, Igor Stimac will take the reins as the head coach during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. It is important to note that football in the Asian Games is restricted to U-23 players, with the provision of including three senior players in the squad.
Focus on Senior Team’s Preparation: As the Asian Games concludes, Igor Stimac will shift his focus to the senior team’s preparation for the Asian Cup, slated for the following year. The senior Indian team, consisting of several talented players under the age of 23, will also participate in the Asian Games, presenting an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their skills on a continental platform. Also Read : Neeraj Chopra Withdraws from Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, Missing Second Event Due to Muscle Strain
New Coach for U-23 Qualifiers
Simultaneously, the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place from September 6 to 12 in Dalian, where the Indian U-23 team will compete against Maldives, UAE, and hosts China. Since Igor Stimac will be occupied with the Kings Cup in Thailand (September 7-10), a new U-23 team coach will be appointed to lead the squad during these crucial qualifiers. This coach will also assist Stimac during the Asian Games.
Increased Funding for AIFF:
The All India Football Federation has received a significant boost in budgetary allocation from the government, nearly doubling the funds compared to the previous year. Although the national team’s budget remains modest, the AIFF aims to provide more international matches and opportunities for the players, especially in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year.
AIFF’s Focus on National Teams
Emphasizing the importance of national teams, AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran stated that the organization will not compromise on budgetary allocations for the national team’s activities. With a strategic approach involving collaborations and innovative cost-sharing models, the AIFF intends to create a busy schedule for the national team, with up to 18 to 20 games per season—an unprecedented feat in AIFF history.
Promising Prospects for Indian Football
Shaji Prabhakaran also highlighted the AIFF’s strong focus on the national U-17 team, currently competing in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Thailand. The team has received extensive exposure through international tournaments and exposure tours to countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Uzbekistan, Spain, and Germany. The AIFF is optimistic about the team’s performance and aims to secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, to be held in November, by finishing among the top four teams in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
