'Let Ourselves Down...Can't Wait To Correct It': Sunil Chhetri Hungry For 2027 Asian Cup Qualification
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India aims to qualify for three consecutive Asian Cups for the first time. Chhetri calls it a 'bare minimum' and emphasizes taking it game by game.
Between 1960 and 2007, India qualified for only two Asian Cups. Now, as the Blue Tigers aim to make history by qualifying for three consecutive Asian Cups for the first time, Chhetri describes it as a 'bare minimum' requirement for the nation.
However, the talisman striker admits that the year-long qualification journey requires the team to take things 'game by game'.
'We should qualify for every Asian Cup; it's mandatory. But I don't want to pressure the boys and the team. Let's take one game at a time. Hong Kong is going to be very crucial, but for India, qualifying for the Asian Cup is the bare minimum. It allows us to test ourselves against the best in Asia and shows that we are improving," said Chhetri.
India was held goalless by Bangladesh on Matchday 1 of the Qualifiers in March and will face Hong Kong next in Kowloon City in June.
advetisement
Before that, Manolo Márquez's team will play Thailand in a preparatory friendly on June 4 in Pathum Thani.
'The initial feeling after the Bangladesh game was that we let ourselves and the country down," said Chhetri.
'After watching the replays, I thought we, as a team, could have done so much more. It was a huge opportunity to take the lead in the table, playing Bangladesh at home. We should have done many things better. Ending up with just a point, I think we have no one but ourselves to blame. We didn't perform as we should have, and that's why we drew the game. We've discussed it, watched the videos, and we can't wait to correct it."
Despite India not having the best start to the current campaign, Chhetri knows there is ample time to get back on track.
'All the boys look good, everyone is sharp and confident. We had some video sessions with many lessons to learn. Everything looks positive," said Chhetri.
On May 28, the Blue Tigers will travel to Thailand for additional training sessions before facing the hosts at the Thammasat Stadium on June 4.
First Published:
May 25, 2025, 16:23 IST
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