The Indian men’s national team is drawn with the hosts China, Myanmar and fellow South Asian counterparts Bangladesh in the group stages of the Asian Games. The tournament is scheduled to be held from 23rd September to 8th October 2023 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. However, football at the Games will be held from 19 September to October 7, 2023. The competition will be played in a group and knockout format both in a single round-robin system. The top two teams of all five groups and the four best third-placing teams among all groups in the Group Stage, with a total of 16 teams will advance to the knockout stage.
India received permission to participate in the Asian Games a day before the draw took place on 27th July 2023. Both Men’s and Women’s teams will travel to China for the tournament in September after several requests from the fans, men’s national team coach Igor Stimac and the AIFF. The country was initially denied entry by the sports ministry for not meeting certain standards. This will be the nation’s first participation in the Asian Games since 2014 after not being allowed to participate in the last edition. Overall, it is the 14th participation for the men’s team and eighth for the U23 side since the age restriction came into place in 2002.
History
The pinnacle moment of Indian football in the Asian Games came in the inaugural year of 1951 when they hosted the tournament. The men’s national team won the gold with the team going on to repeat their feat in 1962. Their last highest achievement came in 1970 when they achieved the bronze medal in Thailand. India have failed to reach the same heights with three of the last four ending in group stages itself. Their last knockout round participation came in 2010 with China being the hosts that time as well.
Group A
China
Bangladesh
Myanmar
India
India U23 men’s team will start their Asian Games journey against China on 19th September 2023. They lost to the host nation in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers only a week away and will be seeking revenge. China are their main rivals for the top spot in the group as well so avoiding defeat is a priority for the opening game if victory is not possible.
Stimac’s side will then go on to face fellow SAFF nation Bangladesh’s U-23 team two days later. Hoping to collect a win in the fixture leaves them an all-important final group game against Myanmar whom the senior side won against in the Tri-nation Cup back in March. India could qualify as the best runners-up or even if they finish third. However, progressing to the last-16 stage by becoming group winners will be their objective for the tournament.
Fixtures
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
China vs India - Hangzhou (17:00)
Thursday, 21 September 2023
India vs Bangladesh - Xiaoshan (13:30)
Sunday, 24 September 2023
Myanmar vs India - Xiaoshan (17:00)
September 27 or 28
Men's Round of 16
Sunday, 1 October 2023
Men's Quarter-final
Wednesday, 4 October 2023
Men's Semi-final
Saturday, 7 October 2023
Men's Gold/Bronze medal match
Note: All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)
