India at the AFC Asian Cup: From creating history in 1964 to heartbreak in 2019!
NewsBharati 10-Jan-2024 15:18:23 PM
With the 2023 AFC Asian Cup to start on January 12, India is determined to give their best in the event being hosted by Qatar. As India has qualified for five Asian Cups, in 1964, 1984, 2011, 2019 and 2023, NewsBharati takes a look at how Blue Tigers performed in the continental tournament.
India's campaign in 1964 will always be remembered as a golden moment in Indian football. India gained a direct qualification to the finals of the tournament after several Western Zone teams pulled out due to political reasons. Led by the iconic English coach Harry Wright, India reached the final, a feat unmatched since. The Blue Tigers defeated Thailand and South Vietnam before succumbing to Israel in the final. India lost just one game in the competition, to the hosts themselves, and ended up finishing runners-up to Israel. Thus, this was India's best finish in the continental competition which came 55 years ago
After a 20 years, India came back to the Asian Cup in 1984, however, its journey ended in the group stage. Drawn into a tough Group, they had to lock horns with China, Iran, the UAE, and hosts Singapore. Led by Serbian coach Milovan Ciric, India lost three games and held Iran to a goalless draw to come away with just a point in 1984. Krishanu Dey, a legendary figure in Indian football, was part of the team that battled against these Asian giants.
Another wait ended in 2011 as the Blue Tigers returned to the tournament after 27 years. A hat-trick and a goal by Bhaichung Bhutia helped India to defeat Tajikistan in the final of the Challenge Cup and they got qualified for the Asian Cup 2011. However, the happy moments did not last long as they suffered three group-stage losses, sending them back home without a single point and leaving behind a trail of heartbreak.
India roared back onto the AFC Asian Cup stage in 2019, a team led by Stephen Constantine. Sunil Chhetri’s brace against Thailand secured a historic first win in 55 years, a testament to the Blue Tigers’ progress. But, two subsequent losses saw its Asian Cup event end, marking the third consecutive group-stage exit.
But now, of course, things have changed! The Blue Tigers have created several historic moments in the last year giving the nation hope to bring glory.
India at the AFC Asian Cup-
Historic Moment in Indian Football in 1964!
India's campaign in 1964 will always be remembered as a golden moment in Indian football. India gained a direct qualification to the finals of the tournament after several Western Zone teams pulled out due to political reasons. Led by the iconic English coach Harry Wright, India reached the final, a feat unmatched since. The Blue Tigers defeated Thailand and South Vietnam before succumbing to Israel in the final. India lost just one game in the competition, to the hosts themselves, and ended up finishing runners-up to Israel. Thus, this was India's best finish in the continental competition which came 55 years ago
Wait Ends in 1984!
After a 20 years, India came back to the Asian Cup in 1984, however, its journey ended in the group stage. Drawn into a tough Group, they had to lock horns with China, Iran, the UAE, and hosts Singapore. Led by Serbian coach Milovan Ciric, India lost three games and held Iran to a goalless draw to come away with just a point in 1984. Krishanu Dey, a legendary figure in Indian football, was part of the team that battled against these Asian giants.
Another wait ends but another heartbreak in 2011!
Another wait ended in 2011 as the Blue Tigers returned to the tournament after 27 years. A hat-trick and a goal by Bhaichung Bhutia helped India to defeat Tajikistan in the final of the Challenge Cup and they got qualified for the Asian Cup 2011. However, the happy moments did not last long as they suffered three group-stage losses, sending them back home without a single point and leaving behind a trail of heartbreak.
Progress in 2019!
India roared back onto the AFC Asian Cup stage in 2019, a team led by Stephen Constantine. Sunil Chhetri’s brace against Thailand secured a historic first win in 55 years, a testament to the Blue Tigers’ progress. But, two subsequent losses saw its Asian Cup event end, marking the third consecutive group-stage exit.
But now, of course, things have changed! The Blue Tigers have created several historic moments in the last year giving the nation hope to bring glory.
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Anjali Ankad
Anjali Ankad has completed graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication and Masters in Journalism. While working as a sub-editor to Newsbharati, she aims to make her hand robust on sports.