India returns to Beach Soccer Asian Cup after 18 years

India will face a tough challenge, beginning their campaign against hosts Thailand on March 20, before locking horns with Kuwait on March 22 and Lebanon on March 24 in Group A matches

PATTAYA (THAILAND): Indian beach soccer national team arrived to mark its long-awaited return to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup after 18 years.

India will face a tough challenge, beginning their campaign against hosts Thailand on March 20, before locking horns with Kuwait on March 22 and Lebanon on March 24 in Group A matches.

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The top two teams in the group will qualify for the quarter-finals. With high spirits and a point to prove, the Indian squad is ready to leave their footprints on the sand.

Head coach Mohd Faizal Bin So’od exuded confidence as he assessed the team’s unique position in the tournament.

“Having not participated in this competition for nearly two decades, we hold an element of surprise. We’ve analysed our opponents, but they have little to no data on us. That unpredictability could work in our favour,” the Malaysian remarked.

In a moment of pride and inspiration, Coach Faizal also announced the captain of the team – Rohith Y. The captain, a fisherman’s son from Kerala, has lived and breathed beach soccer since childhood. Growing up on the sands, his natural flair for the game and leadership qualities made him the perfect choice to lead India’s charge.

“We are ready,” said Rohith with determination. “We’ve put in the hard work, and every player here is eager to prove themselves. Playing against the host nation is never easy, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge we are looking for. When the going gets tough, we rise.”

“With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals, India knows that the road ahead is tough. But with grit, passion, and a hunger to succeed, the team arrived in Thailand with one goal – to announce their return to beach soccer’s grand stage,” he added.