‘India’s Youngsters Ready for Battle’: Eager for AFC Asian Cup Action
The Indian men’s soccer team boasts a youthful squad, averaging 26.6 years old, with only five players having fewer than ten international caps. Several emerging talents have been introduced over the past years and competed against various opponents to earn a spot in the top 26 for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. Those who’ve had fewer chances in the senior team previously now have an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Rahul KP, a well-known figure, particularly in Kerala, has enthralled fans since his junior national team days. Despite having four international caps, he’s about to partake in his first major international tournament. He expressed pride in being part of the team, likening the experience to an army going to war, especially cherishing the support from his parents. Rahul, developed through the AIFF Elite Academy, has been a part of various junior international football levels, including representing India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 and the Asian Games last year.
Forward Vikram Partap Singh, previously on the fringes of the senior team, has finally made the cut for a major tournament. His selection for the Asian Cup is a source of pride for him and his family. With aspirations for his debut and first international goal at the tournament, Vikram, known for his scoring prowess, is eager to learn from the best.
Vikram values observing and learning from Sunil Chhetri during training, especially when it comes to finishing techniques and movements inside the box. His experience as a key player in the India U-16 side that reached the quarter-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship in 2018 has provided him with insights into the required level for international soccer, which he still finds beneficial.
Both Rahul and Vikram highlight their learnings and experiences at various levels of junior international football as instrumental in shaping their current abilities and understanding of the game.
