India under-23 squad for Tajikistan announced

The Blue Colts have been training at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata since June 1 and departed for Tajikistan on Monday afternoon.

Hyderabad: The India Under-23 men’s team head coach Naushad Moosa, on Monday, announced a 23-member squad for the friendly matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic.

The Blue Colts have been training at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata since June 1 and departed for Tajikistan on Monday afternoon.

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As part of their preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in September, India will face Tajikistan on June 18 before squaring off against Kyrgyz Republic on June 21. Both matches, kicking off at 20:30 IST, will take place at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, about 25 kilometres from Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe.

“After these friendlies, we will get more understanding of our players and what else we need to work on. The opponents are of a pretty good level, I believe. It’s important to play against such teams when you’re preparing for the Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, where we will face Qatar and Bahrain,” Moosa said.

India U23’s 23-member squad for June friendlies in Tajikistan:

Goalkeepers: Mohd Arbaz, Priyansh Dubey, Sahil.

Defenders: Bikash Yumnam, Dippendu Biswas, A.P. Muhammed Saheef, Nikhil Barla, Pramveer, Subham Bhattacharya, Tekcham Abhishek Singh.

Midfielders: Ayush Chhetri, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan, Vinith Venkatesh.

Forwards: Joseph Sunny, Mohammed Sanan K, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thingujam Korou Singh.

Head Coach: Naushad Moosa

Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes

Goalkeeper Coach: Dipankar Choudhary

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar

 

India U23’s Match Schedule:

 

June 18: Tajikistan vs India (20:30 IST)

June 21: India vs Kyrgyz Republic (20:30 IST)

Venue: Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor, Tajikistan