Friday, Mar 29 2024 | Time 14:33 Hrs(IST)
image
Sports


India clubbed with Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria in AFC Asian Cup 2023 Draw

India clubbed with Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria in AFC Asian Cup 2023 Draw

Doha, May 11 (UNI) India have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, after the draw ceremony was conducted at the Qatar Opera House, in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday.
The Blue Tigers, who are ranked 101 in the FIFA Rankings, and will be playing the AFC Asian Cup for the fifth time, are set to meet Australia (ranked 29th), Uzbekistan (ranked 74th), and Syria (ranked 90th) in the tournament proper.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Senior Men’s National Team head coach Igor Stimac, and Women’s national coach Maymol Rocky were present at the Qatar Opera House for the official draw ceremony.
Beginning from Pot 4, India were the first team to be drawn into Group B, gaining B4, after which they were successively placed alongside Syria (B3), Uzbekistan (B2) and Australia (B1), respectively.
Men's National Team head coach Igor Stimac said after the draw, 'We will be facing Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in the AFC Asian Cup, and it's going to be a tough battle for us. It's much tougher than four years ago, but we will be there to fight every step of the way.
"It's all about the time we have in front of us to prepare well, to obtain the work that is needed, and
to be at the strongest possible point by next January."
Speaking ahead of the Official Draw Ceremony, Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said, “The last time the AFC Asian Cup was played in Qatar was 12 years ago, and there has been great progress since then. We have also initiated key enhancements. There are 24 teams in the AFC Asian Cup now, a new trophy, and $15 million in prize money. The impact is clear to see. On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to express our gratitude to the QFA and the LOC, and we also thank the 24 participating nations. The stage is now set for a truly memorable chapter in the history of the tournament. We wish all the teams the very best.”
Maymol Rocky, who was conducting the draw along with other representatives from around Asia, said, “This is the first time that India has qualified for consecutive editions of the AFC Asian Cup, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our country to be back at this stage. I’m sure the team has prepared very well, and hope we can create history by qualifying for the Round of 16.”
In other groups, tournament hosts and defending champions Qatar are the top seeded team in Group A with their title defence to begin against two-time runners-up China PR, Tajikistan and Lebanon.
Three-time winners Islamic Republic of Iran, 1996 runners-up United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China and Palestine will vie for the knockout stage spots in Group C while record four-time winners Japan, Indonesia, 2007 champions Iraq and Vietnam were drawn in Group D.
Twice champions Korea Republic, the top seeded team in Group E, will have Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain to contend with while Group F will have three-time winners Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic and Oman fighting for the knockout stage spots.
The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup, while the four best third-placed teams will join them in the knockouts to make up the numbers.
Draw Result:
Group A: Qatar, China PR, Tajikistan, Lebanon
Group B: Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, India
Group C: IR Iran, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Palestine
Group D: Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam
Group E: Korea Republic, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain
Group F: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic, Oman.
UNI BM

More News
Corey Anderson named in USA’s squad for T20I series against Canada

Corey Anderson named in USA’s squad for T20I series against Canada

29 Mar 2024 | 2:24 PM

Washington, Mar 29 (UNI) Former New Zealand international Corey Anderson has been included in USA’s squad to face Canada, starting on April 7.

see more..

Pakistan confirm schedule for three-match T20I series in Ireland

29 Mar 2024 | 2:22 PM

Islamabad, Mar 29 (UNI) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the dates for the three-match T20I series against Ireland.

see more..
Honoured to be nominated for Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of Year: Deepika

Honoured to be nominated for Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of Year: Deepika

29 Mar 2024 | 2:19 PM

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) Over the last year, Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Deepika Kumari has emerged as one of the team’s potent weapons in attack.

see more..

New York Strikers Set for an action packed calendar year

29 Mar 2024 | 2:05 PM

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) In a remarkable testament to the prowess and determination of the New York Strikers franchise, the team swiftly ascended to the zenith of cricketing excellence, achieving unparalleled success in a remarkably short span of time.

see more..
Over 1500 players seen in action as Sub-Junior National Wushu C’ship begins in Jammu

Over 1500 players seen in action as Sub-Junior National Wushu C’ship begins in Jammu

28 Mar 2024 | 10:12 PM

Jammu, Mar 28 (UNI) More than 1500 players were seen in action on Thursday at the opening of the 23rd Sub-Junior National Wushu Championship for boys and girls at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu.

see more..
image