AFC Asian Cup would be “immense” for India, said
Sunil Chhetri, one of the country’s all-time football greats. The
All India Football Federation (
AIFF) on Wednesday announced its candidature to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027, creating a buzz.
Blue Tigers skipper Chhetri, who has represented India at two Asian Cups in 2011 and 2019, stated that hosting the mega-event will be the “best gift” for the fans of the game.
“There is no bigger honour and privilege than playing for your country and for our nation to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 would be even bigger. I think it will be the best gift for the fans and for everyone in the country,” Chhetri was quoted as saying by aiff.com.
The world’s second highest goal scorer among active international players, Chhetri added, “We have already had the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 in India and it was such a huge success and you can see the prodigies from that tournament do so well. We also have the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 and I can’t wait for it.
To get the 2027 Asian Cup and get the best in Asia to come to our country to play would be immense. I wish the AIFF all the very best and I hope we get it.”
National team goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who earned the nickname ‘Spiderman’ for his fine performance in the 2011 Asian Cup, stated that the country is ready to host the tournament and become a “global football destination”.
“I consider myself very lucky to represent my country and play in big matches in front of our fans. But, nothing is bigger than hosting the Asian Cup.
