Express View on India as South Asia football champions: A rare triumph

Express View on India as South Asia football champions: A rare triumph :::

For a nation that vicariously follows football while lamenting the ineptness of its own team on the

world stage, Tuesday’s South Asian Championship title comes as rare good news. By beating

Kuwait in the final, India lifted the trophy for the ninth time and extended its dominance over the

region. But this triumph will rank higher than all the previous ones because, en route to the title,

India defeated not one but two West Asian nations, which are far stronger than the southern

minnows.

Kuwait, along with Lebanon, was invited to be a part of the “South Asian” competition, where

some of the world’s lowest-ranked teams face off. The two guests lifted the quality of the

competition and, on cue, the hosts rose to the occasion. Before last week, India had beaten

Lebanon just once in 46 years (the win came days before the South Asian Championship) and the

last time they played Kuwait, back in 2010, it ended in a humiliating 9-1 defeat. Led by captain

Sunil Chhetri and shoot-out hero Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, India played with a courage and

freedom that’s seldom associated with them.

Chhetri and Sandhu are the experienced faces of a young team in which most players are aged

under 25. On the cusp of breaking into the top-100 of the world, this side led by coach Igor

Stimac, is yet to be beaten this year. And while that is a credible feat, India must remain

conscious that a majority of those wins came against obscure teams. Their real test will follow in

the coming months, when they take part in tournaments in Thailand and Malaysia, before

eventually competing in the Asian Cup in January next year. The current run gives India the

perfect launchpad for the tougher challenges ahead, but they must remain cautious not to get

diverted by the hype.

Summary of the Editorial

1. The editorial opens by highlighting India's recent victory in the South Asian Championship

football tournament.

2. It is a significant win as India defeated Kuwait in the final, lifting the trophy for the ninth

time.

3. This victory stands out due to India's wins against two West Asian nations, stronger in

comparison to South Asian teams.

4. The inclusion of Kuwait and Lebanon in the tournament elevated the overall competition

quality.

5. The article acknowledges that the host team, India, responded positively to this challenge.

6. It is noteworthy that India's previous encounters with Lebanon and Kuwait had resulted in

just one victory and a crushing defeat respectively.

7. India's performance this time, led by captain Sunil Chhetri and star player Gurpreet Singh

Sandhu, displayed a level of bravery and autonomy uncommonly seen.

8. The team, comprised mostly of players under 25, presented a promising future for Indian

football.

9. Under coach Igor Stimac's guidance, the team is unbeaten so far this year and is on the

verge of entering the world's top 100.

10. The article warns that while the unbeaten run is commendable, many of the wins have

been against less renowned teams.

11. The true test of the team's ability will be seen in the coming months as they participate in

tournaments in Thailand and Malaysia.

12. The team's ultimate challenge will be competing in the Asian Cup in January next year.

13. The recent winning streak provides an ideal momentum for India as it prepares for these

tougher challenges.

14. The editorial cautions that the team needs to remain focused and not be distracted by the

hype surrounding their current success.

15. In conclusion, the editorial lauds India's win but reminds the team to be prepared for

greater challenges ahead.