Indian men's football team going against all odds at Asian Games!

This is an emotional one to write because little did I know that the Indian men's football team had it so hard to reach the Round of 16 at the Asian Games. They had three games in a span of five days and one or two days to practice with a whole new squad before they departed for the event taking place in China.

One must remember the football event is a U-23 tournament in which Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan could join the squad. It is just hard work and determination that the Indian team could make it here with a lack of sleep, lack of a single training session in China, and several players getting into roles they had never played.

They had a tough start enduring a 1-5 loss against hosts China in their first outing. Despite the shattering outcome, the unit defeated Bangladesh in a do-or-die encounter, and on Sunday they engaged in a 1-1 draw against Myanmar, which helped them qualify for the knockouts for the first time in 13 years.

But the road till here was tough!

The performances so far might be not as good as one sees, considering how the Indian team, assembled just two days before departing for China, has exceeded expectations by reaching the round of 16.

Coach Stimac also gave fans a glimpse of the work behind the scenes. In a series of tweets, the coach commended his players for the resilience they've shown despite the struggles.

“From completing their sleep in airports to activation/recovery sessions in parks in China, I wanted to personally show my appreciation to all my players here at the Asian Games. These boys are thorough professionals and doing everything they can to make India proud,” read the first tweet.

“Against all odds, we have obtained our primary goal of qualifying for the last 16 and these players deserve all your love and praise,” he wrote in the second.

The senior players Chhetri and Jhingan also had it hard! "It has been difficult, we are playing three games in five days. The good thing is we have qualified now and we will hang on. We need to be as fit as possible for the next match," Chhetri said.

Chhetri, along with Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, were named in a full-strength team. However, only Jhingan was released after Chhetri's appeal. "I am feeling guilty of forcing him in different ways to get him here. Because I realised it was only me with the young kids I have not played with before," Chhetri admitted.

"It has been difficult, we are playing three games in five days. The good thing is we have qualified now and we will hang on. We need to be as fit as possible for the next match," Chhetri said.

Despite the challenges, Chhetri praised his teammates for their resilience and determination. "We did not have anybody for substitution in the first match. Kudos to the players for giving their best," he said.

Chhetri spoke highly of Jhingan, describing him as a football brain as well as a "warrior". "A lot of people said this and that about his defending, but he is a good football brain and he is an absolute warrior. That is the best thing about Sandesh. His will to win is second to none. He will do anything to win."

Chhetri's dedication to his national duty, despite personal sacrifices, is a testament to his love for the game and his country. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in India's performance at the Asian Games, proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest Indian players of all time.

India now have an uphill task ahead of them as they meet heavyweights Saudi Arabia, who defeated Argentina in the World Cup, in their next match.