The Indian Men’s Senior National Team touched down in the Maldives on Monday for the upcoming SAFF Championship, which will commence from October 1 onwards.

The 23-member squad, along with support staff, traveled from Bengaluru. Meanwhile, head coach Igor Stimac has joined the squad directly in the Maldives. India begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 4.

The first training session for the boys is scheduled to take place on September 29, 2021.

Head Coach Igor Stimac expressed confidence and expects the team to win the tournament.

Captain Sunil Chhetri lauded the organizing committee for putting in an “extraordinary effort”.

Midfielder Brandon Fernandes expressed that “there will be some tough matches in the next two weeks.”

“Since my childhood I have heard so many anecdotes about the SAFF Championship. Hence, it’s a different feeling for me to be in the squad for this edition. We understand that the next two weeks will be extremely tough and there will be some very close matches. The entire squad is up to the challenge,” he maintained.

The squad will abide by the COVID 19 protocols and will be inside the bio secured bubble all throughout the tournament.

October 4: Bangladesh vs India (IST 4.30 pm)

October 7: India vs Sri Lanka (IST 4.30 pm)

October 10: Nepal vs India (IST 8.30 pm)

October 13: India vs Maldives (IST 8.30 pm)

Goalkeepers: Dheeraj Singh, Vishal Kaith, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Mandar Rao Dessai, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Seriton Fernandes.

Midfielders: Udanta Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Lalengmawia, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jeakson Singh, Glan Martins, Suresh Singh, Liston Colaco, Yasir Mohammad.

Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary

Also read: Madhya Pradesh is all set to host 1st Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy National Championship 2021