Thomas Cherian Leads India in Crucial AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Defender Thomas Cherian will captain India as they aim to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup for the first time. The team faces Mongolia in their Group G opener, having prepared for three months. Coach Ranjan Chaudhuri stresses the importance of the first match and maintaining focus.

Defender Thomas Cherian will lead India in their bid to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup for the first time, facing Mongolia in their Group G opener on Wednesday.

India reached Vientiane on Monday evening, and after a night's rest, coach Ranjan Chaudhuri announced Cherian as captain during a squad meeting.

The top teams from each group, along with the five best second-placed teams from ten groups, will qualify for the tournament proper.

'We have a great responsibility from our nation, and we've prepared well for it. The mindset of the boys is extremely good, and we just have to do our job with a positive mindset,' said the young Indian defender.

Coach Chaudhuri emphasized that the team has been preparing for three months and is ready for real action.

'We've been preparing well for the last three months, and the boys are ready for the challenge,' said Chaudhuri. 'Our aim is to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup for the first time, which will set a great precedent for our boys.'

'Not only will it be a good experience for them all, but it will also put India on the Asian stage at this age group level,' he added.

'The first match of any tournament is crucial, and we must ensure that we get three points from it. That would set the tone for us,' said Chaudhuri. 'Mongolia is a very good side, and we have to be at our best, but we will try to maintain our focus and remain positive.' Mongolia, arriving in Laos a few days before India, is working on acclimatising to play on natural turf.

Mongolia head coach Anar Batchuluun said, 'We thought the weather conditions would be the biggest factor for us, but we have been pleasantly surprised by it. The only thing we have to adjust to is the natural turf, as all the turfs back home are artificial.'

'India is a very strong team, but we will try our best. We have done our research on all the teams, and we will play accordingly,' he added.

India's next challengers will be Iran on September 27 and hosts Laos on September 29 at the Lao National Stadium KM16, with a 2.30pm IST kick-off.

(With inputs from agencies.)