'Hope Your Preparations Are Going Well': Neeraj Chopra Sends His Wishes to Indian Team for AFC Asian Cup 2023

Ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has extended his best wishes to the Indian football team ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign.

Sunil Chhetri and Co. have been pooled in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. India, currently 102nd in the FIFA rankings, are the lowest-ranked side in their group.

Despite going into the continental tournament as the underdogs, India will look to showcase their A-game and return with a positive result.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Check Full Schedule, Venues, Timings And More

Neeraj has expressed his faith in the Blue Tigers.

In a video shared by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on their official X account, the Olympic gold medalist hailed the Indian team for their hard work and determination.

“Hello everyone, from my side, I wish all the best to the Indian football team for the AFC Asian Cup. I hope your preparations are going very well and I request all Indians to support their team because they have worked very hard and will do very well,” Neeraj said.

The video has drawn reactions from the official accounts of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as well.

One fan commented, “This support is priceless. Let’s echo his sentiments and cheer for our team as they embark on their Asian Cup journey.”

Touched by the words from Neeraj, another fan said, “Golden wishes from a true champion. Let’s make India proud.”

https://twitter.com/AKritika2/status/1745336177379754199

This will mark India’s fifth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup, the second-oldest tournament in football history after the Copa America. India made their debut in the continental showpiece back in 1964, which is also their best campaign to date. They lost just one game against Israel and finished the tournament as the runners-up.

Their next appearance came 20 years later in 1984 when India managed to draw only one match with Iran. Following that, India featured in the 2011 and 2019 editions of the AFC Asian Cup but failed to make any impact.

In their opening game this year, the Indian brigade will go head-to-head against Australia, with the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar hosting the contest on January 13.