The commencement of the campaign is scheduled for September 19, marking the initiation of the Indian Football team’s journey at the Asian Games 2023. This will be their ninth appearance at this prestigious event.
For the Indian men’s team, their campaign kicks off on the same day, September 19, when they face their first opponent, China. The team has been drawn into the same group as China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
In the latest FIFA rankings, India stands at the 99th position, making them the second-highest ranked team in their group, with China leading at the 80th position. Myanmar holds the 160th spot, and Bangladesh is positioned at 189th place. The Indian men’s football team has a storied history, winning gold medals in 1951 and 1962 in New Delhi and securing a bronze medal in Bangkok in 1970. The upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023 will mark their 16th appearance in this competition.
The inclusion of the Indian football squad in the Asian Games is a significant achievement, and anticipation is building as the event draws closer. An exception has been made for the Indian team to compete in the Hangzhou Games, owing to their outstanding recent performance, including victories in the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Cup.
Here’s a look at the Indian Football Team’s Asian Games 2023 Fixtures for both men and women:
Indian Men’s Football Team Schedule:
- September 19: China vs India (17:00 IST, Hangzhou)
- September 21: India vs Bangladesh (13:30 IST, Xiaoshan)
- September 24: Myanmar vs India (17:00 IST, Xiaoshan)
- September 27 or 28: Men’s Round of 16
- October 1: Men’s Quarter-final
- October 4: Men’s Semi-final
- October 7: Men’s Gold/Bronze medal match
The Indian women’s football squad, ranked 61st in FIFA rankings, finds itself in Group B alongside Chinese Taipei (38th) and Thailand (46th). The women’s category at the Asian Games does not have age restrictions, and the Indian women’s team has previously participated in the 1998 Bangkok Games and the 2014 Incheon Games.
For the Indian women’s team, their journey begins on September 21 with a match against Chinese Taipei, followed by a clash against Thailand on September 24.
Indian Women’s Football Team Schedule:
- September 21: Chinese Taipei vs India – Women’s Group B (17:00 IST, Wenzhou)
- September 24: India vs Thailand – Women’s Group B (17:00 IST, Wenzhou)
- September 30: Women’s Quarter-final
- October 3: Women’s Semi-final
- October 6: Women’s Gold/Bronze medal match
The Indian football fans are eagerly awaiting these exciting matches, and the teams are poised to give their best in this prestigious sporting event.