Chhetri Joins National Camp as India Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India’s preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers received a timely boost as captain Sunil Chhetri joined the national camp in Bengaluru, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Monday. The veteran forward’s arrival comes just a week before India face Singapore in back-to-back fixtures scheduled for October 9 (away) and October 14 (home in Goa).

Chhetri was one of three players from Bengaluru FC to report for camp, alongside defenders Rahul Bheke and Naorem Roshan Singh. His inclusion marks his first call-up under newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil, after being left out of the squad that finished third in the CAFA Nations Cup earlier this year.

Several other clubs have also begun releasing their players. East Bengal’s Anwar Ali and Naorem Mahesh Singh joined the camp the day before Chhetri’s arrival, while Punjab FC released four players—Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Nikhil Prabhu, and Muhammed Suhail—on September 27.

Coach Khalid Jamil had initially named 30 probables for the camp, which began on September 20. However, only half of those players joined immediately, with 14 unavailable due to club commitments and one absent due to illness. Three players—Brandon Fernandes, Asheer Akhtar, and Farukh Choudhary—were later added, bringing the total to 27 in camp.

Jamil acknowledged the challenges caused by staggered arrivals and missing players, but emphasized the importance of focusing on team development with the resources currently available.

“Our preparations are always team-oriented, not dependent on individuals. Still, the absence of players in some positions has naturally affected training,” Jamil said. “Some players will be joining in phases, and we are working to make the best of the available resources. In the long run, I believe it is important to work together to find a solution that balances club and national commitments.”

Despite the logistical hurdles, the current camp features a blend of experience and emerging talent across all positions. The squad includes established names like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Lallianzuala Chhangte, alongside young prospects such as Irfan Yadwad, Parthib Gogoi, and Muhammed Sanan K.

As the countdown begins for the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers, Jamil will be hoping for a full-strength squad in the days ahead to finalize preparations and fine-tune his strategies with India’s long-term continental ambitions in sight.