The Indian football team will play a crucial international friendly match against the Maldives today, March 19th, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Sports News: The Indian football team will play a crucial international friendly match against the Maldives today, March 19th, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The biggest highlight of this match will be the return of Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri from retirement. Chhetri, who bid farewell to international football last June, has recently decided to don the India jersey again.
Chhetri's Return Heightens Excitement
40-year-old Sunil Chhetri, with his outstanding performance in the Indian Super League (ISL), proved that he is still fully capable of playing high-level football. Playing for Bengaluru FC, he scored 12 goals and provided 2 assists in the league stage, placing him among the tournament's top scorers. This performance led coach Marquez to include him in the national team.
Coach Marquez clarified that Chhetri is fully fit and his return will be beneficial to the team. He stated, "If a player can contribute to the team's victory, age doesn't matter. Sunil's fitness and experience are invaluable to the team."
First International Match in Shillong
The Indian team is particularly excited about this match, as it will be the first time an international football match will be played in Shillong. Enthusiasm among fans in this football-loving region is at its peak. Indian defender Mehtab Singh also expressed his happiness about playing in Shillong, stating, "North-East India is a bhold of football lovers, and playing here is always a special experience."
This match is not just a friendly for India; it's also part of the preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25th. The team will aim to identify its weaknesses and strategize for a victory against Bangladesh in this match.
India vs. Maldives Match Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
Match Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
Match Time: March 19th, 7:00 PM
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Online Streaming: JioCinema and Hotstar app
India's Team
Amarinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith, Ashish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hingthengmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Ashik Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brisson Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalenmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Chaudhary, Irfan Yedwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Manvir Singh.
