India's preparation for the 2024 Asian Cup is likely to begin on December 30 when the players assemble in Doha. The plan is to ring in 2024 as a family and do the best in the 12 days of training possible before the first game against Australia, said a team official here on Wednesday.
The official, who requested anonymity to protect relationships, ruled out friendlies to prepare for Asia's showpiece event citing lack of time and risk of injury. "To play one could cost us three training sessions at least, in terms of preparing for that game and recovering from it. Better we focus our energy on games against more superior opponents," the official said.
At least one of whom, according to India head coach Igor Stimac, are superior to Qatar. "Australia are better than Qatar," he said after India's 0-3 defeat to the reigning Asian Cup champions here on Tuesday.
India start on January 13. Uzbekistan, who came from behind to hold Iran 2-2 on Tuesday, are up next on January 18. They have forced draws against Mexico and Venezuela and beaten China and Vietnam this year. For the Asian Cup, Uzbekistan will be preparing for six weeks, said Stimac. India end the group league against Syria on January 24. This is the first time India have qualified for two consecutive Asian Cup finals.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
This crash course on India's freedom struggle tests your patience - in a good way
We are living in unpredictable times, more so because we have become unpredictable ourselves. Attention spans are now a few seconds, which explains why Reels or short videos are all the rage.
After Kamala Harris' election defeat, Eva Longoria reveals she no longer stays in US
Actor Eva Longoria, 49, who endorsed US Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election, reveals that her family no longer lives in the United States and she is splitting time between Mexico and Spain.
KANIKA DHILLON CLARIFIES DO PATTI IS 'NOT ABOUT TAKING LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS'
Kriti Sanon-starrer doesn't promote vigilantism, says Kanika Dhillon on chatter over film's plot
As a Punjabi, I feel immense pride in doing a film in my mother tongue: Nikitin Dheer
Having done films in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, actor Nikitin Dheer is now looking forward to doing a Punjabi film.
'IT'S TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY TO LOOK WITHIN'
Actor Huma Qureshi talks to us about how Bollywood needs to understand the audience's pulse better to reconnect with them
Delhiites bag cash prizes worth ₹50 lakh at Electronics Mart's festive lucky draw
Electronics Mart raised the festive spirit at its Rajouri Garden store in Delhi with the much-anticipated event titled India's Biggest Festive Offer ₹50 lakh Cashprize Lucky Draw.
A brand-new restaurant reinventing South Indian cuisine
Credited with taking Indian cuisine onto the global stage, ITC Hotels present their pioneering brand in reinvented South Indian cuisine from the ITC stable: Avartana at the ITC Maurya.
Vikrant Massey is effective in this decent recreation of the 2002 Godhra train burning, from the media's POV
Actor Vikrant Massey, after delivering the brilliant 12th Fail, is back to zero — Ground Zero — as he mentions in The Sabarmati Report. It is based on the horrific Godhra train burning incident that took place on February 27, 2002, in which dozens of people were charred to death.
Developing 16-year-old Dhamne still a work in progress
Last month after Indian teen Manas Dhamne had a hit with world No.1 Jannik Sinner his fellow former Piatti Tennis Centre trainee in Monte Carlo, Sinner's coach Darren Cahill had something to say.
How Manisha made it: Cricket mat 'jugaad' and the drag-flick
Midfielder is central to India chief coach Harendra's plan of building a sturdy group of drag-flickers
