AFC challenge Cup 2012: Sunil Chhetri to lead India

India National Team Head Coach Savio Medeira has named star striker Sunil Chhetri to lead India in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012, while defender Syed Rahim Nabi, has been made his deputy, in the Team Meeting on Monday. Coach Savio Medeira expressed confidence on the choice and said, “Both Sunil and Nabi are quality players. They have earned the respect of every one, by their team play and leadership quality.”

Sunil Chhetri

“Sunil did a good job last December at the SAFF Championship, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot. While Nabi has been one of the consistent performers for India in the recent times and has an experience to Captain at the club level,” he maintained.

“It’s a matter of pride and great responsibility to lead the country in such an important tournament. I feel privileged for such an honour. I would try my best to win the title and qualify for the Asian Cup,” quipped Sunil.

India play their first match against Tajikistan on March 9th, 2012.

The team is as follow:

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Arindam Bhattacharya.

Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Raju Gaikwad, Sameer Naik, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar Ali, Kinsukh Debnath, Syed Rahim Nabi (Vice Capt.), Gurjinder Singh.

Midfielders: Adil Khan, Anthony Pereira, Reisangmi Vashum, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes, Jewel Raja, Lenny Rodrigues, Lalrindika Ralte.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Capt.), Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches.