The 49th edition of the King’s Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia, is set to kick off on September 7, 2023 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. India, who finished third in the previous edition in 2019, has announced its 23-member squad for the prestigious event.
India’s head coach, Igor Stimac, has selected a mix of experienced and young players for the tournament. The squad features some familiar names like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Brandon Fernandes, and Manvir Singh, who have been regulars in the national team. It also includes some promising talents like Asish Rai, Mehtab Singh, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and Rahul KP, who have impressed in the domestic leagues and age-group competitions.
India will face a tough challenge in the semifinal against Iraq, who are ranked 29 places above them in the FIFA rankings. Iraq has a strong squad with players who play in top leagues across Europe and Asia. India will have to play with discipline and determination to overcome the Iraqi challenge and reach the final for the first time since 1977.
The other semifinal will see hosts Thailand take on Lebanon, who are ranked one place above India. Thailand has a home advantage and a passionate fan base, while Lebanon has a balanced team with players who have experience playing on different continents. Both teams will be eager to make it to the final and lift the trophy that has eluded them so far. The final and the third-place play-off will be played on September 10 at the same venue.
The King’s Cup is a prestigious tournament that has been held since 1968 and has seen participation from teams like Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, and Japan. India will hope to make history by winning the tournament for the first time and adding a new chapter to its football legacy.
Here is the full India squad for the King’s Cup 2023:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Rohit Kumar, Ashique Kuruniyan, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Rahul KP.
Head coach: Igor Stimac.
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