Coach Igor Stimac looks forward to massive fan support for the Blue Tigers at the AFC Asian
Cup Qatar 2023™

India is set to make its fifth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ that kicks off in less than
a month. With the national team arriving in Doha on December 30, Indian fans across the globe will
be rooting for a roaring performance of the Blue Tigers at Asia’s biggest football tournament.
This is the first time that India has qualified twice in a row for the continental championship since its
debut in 1964 – a clear sign of the team’s steady progress in the recent years, under the tutelage of
head coach Igor Stimac.
The former Croatian national player was appointed as head coach of the Indian national team in
2019. For Stimac, the past year alone has put the Indian football squad on the radar, following
notable victories at the South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF) Championship, the
Hero Intercontinental Cup and the Tri-Nation Series.
Stimac now looks forward to India’s AFC Asian Cup 2023™ campaign in Qatar, hoping the squad will
leave a strong impression in the competition. The tournament will be a key milestone for the Blue
Tigers in their quest to reclaim a spot amongst Asia’s best as they get ready to qualify for the FIFA
World Cup™ in 2026.
“Considering the setback we faced due to the pandemic for nearly two years, we have made
amazing progress in our football philosophy. We have fulfilled our goals of qualifying for the Asian
Cup in style and also winning various preparatory tournaments. We have a clear vision of how to get
back into the top ten in Asia,” said Stimac.
The Blue Tigers also took part in the AFC Asian Cup 2011™, also hosted by Qatar. This time around,
fans will be able to watch the Blue Tigers play in FIFA World Cup™ stadiums for the first time.
Stimac expects fans to attend in droves, knowing well that their presence in the stands would be
valuable for the team, especially given the strong contenders India will face at the group stage. “Our
group is challenging. Australia are one of the favourites; Uzbekistan is one of the best teams from
the second pot; and Syria has a strong physical side. All teams have different football styles, but all
three are technically and physically stronger than us,” he said.
“I just want our boys to believe in themselves and to enjoy the game. This will be an opportunity to
gain more experience at Qatar’s beautiful World Cup stadiums. I am sure our fans will turn out in
huge numbers to support the Blue Tigers and help them to reach the needed level of confidence,”
he added.