Showing posts with label Support Team India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Support Team India. Show all posts
Saturday, April 2, 2011
2012 Olympics Qualifiers: India face Qatar in Round 2
2012 Olympics Qualifiers: India face Qatar in Round 2
The draw for the second Round of Asian qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympic men's football tournament was held today at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. And India have been given a tough draw as our side will have to face Gulf nation Qatar home-and-away on June 19 and June 23.In the first round India had beaten neighbours Myanmar 3-2 on aggregate in a home-and-away tie. After a convincing 2-1 home win in Pune, India drew away to Myanmar in Yangoon one-all through a 90th minute strike from forward C.S. Sabeeth. But now a stronger opponent awaits the India Under-23 team. One hopes that the Indian Arrows boys with the exposure in international games and the I-League plus addition to the squad of some older boys will enable us to challenge Qatar. A win and moving into the group stage would be a big boast for Indian football.
Overall Asia has been allotted 3,5 slots for the 2012 London Olympics. The 12 winners from Round 2 will be divided into three groups of four teams each in the third round. Again, a home-and-away format from September 21, 2011, to March 14, 2012, will determine the winners who will represent the continent in the Olympics.
The three second-placed teams from the third round will clash in a playoff at a centralised venue from March 25 to 29, 2012, and the winners of this group will meet an African representatives for a berth at the Olympics.
2nd ROUND MATCH-UPS
Qatar vs. India
Iraq vs. Iran
Bahrain vs. Thailand
Australia vs. Yemen
Japan vs. Kuwait
Syria vs. Turkmenistan
North Korea vs. United Arab Emirates
South Korea vs. Jordan
Uzbekistan vs. Hong Kong
Saudi Arabia vs. Vietnam
China vs. Oman
Lebanon vs. Malaysia
Watch Cricket Worldcup Final - India vs Srilanka
Watch Live on Cric-Fan
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| Mahendra Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara looking relaxed with the Cricket World Cup trophy |
Friday, April 1, 2011
India draw UAE in 2014 Football World Cup Qualifier
With India being pitched against UAE in the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, coach Bob Houghton gives his opinion on the same…
By Rahul Bali
While facing UAE is by no means an easy task for Team India on their road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, coach Bob Houghton preferred to look on the brighter side of things and hinted that facing the 11th ranked nation was a better prospect than coming up against the likes of Saudi Arabia, Iran or Iraq.
“We have got a good draw but I must say it could have got worse for us. We have a good group of younger players from the Challenge Cup qualifiers and if we get a good preparation, we can have a go at UAE,” said a confident Houghton.
“We have got a good draw but I must say it could have got worse for us. We have a good group of younger players from the Challenge Cup qualifiers and if we get a good preparation, we can have a go at UAE,” said a confident Houghton.
The English coach will take heart from the fact that India did manage to beat the Gulf nation 1-0 in Bangalore back in 2001 but lost the away fixture with the same scoreline. However the last time the two teams took to field at Al Wasl Stadium on November 18 2010, it was a day to forget as the Men in Blue were thrashed 5-0.
Houghton was pleased with his young squad he took to the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 qualifiers who not only managed to qualify for the main tournament but also won their group which comprised of Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
“In the Challenge Cup qualifiers, we left out a lot of our senior players and roped in those who were with us during the Asian Cup and didn't play much like Rakesh Masih and Baldeep Singh alongside the younger ones who did very well especially Jeje, Denzil (Franco) and others. It was a good to win the group with a young team.
"For the World Cup Qualifiers, we will combine the young and the older team and a good preparation would mean we can do very well,” concluded Houghton.
Houghton was pleased with his young squad he took to the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 qualifiers who not only managed to qualify for the main tournament but also won their group which comprised of Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
“In the Challenge Cup qualifiers, we left out a lot of our senior players and roped in those who were with us during the Asian Cup and didn't play much like Rakesh Masih and Baldeep Singh alongside the younger ones who did very well especially Jeje, Denzil (Franco) and others. It was a good to win the group with a young team.
"For the World Cup Qualifiers, we will combine the young and the older team and a good preparation would mean we can do very well,” concluded Houghton.
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil – Asian Qualifiers
Round 1
Malaysia vs. Chinese Taipei
Bangladesh vs. Pakistan
Cambodia vs. Laos
Sri Lanka vs. Philippines
Afghanistan vs. Palestine
Vietnam vs. Macau
Nepal vs. Timor Leste
Mongolia vs. Myanmar
First leg, June 29
Second leg, July 3
Round 2
Thailand vs. Afghanistan/Palestine
Lebanon vs. Bangladesh/Pakistan
China vs. Cambodia/Laos
Turkmenistan vs. Indonesia
Kuwait vs. Sri Lanka/Philippines
Oman vs. Mongolia/Myanmar
Saudi Arabia vs. Hong Kong
Iran vs. Maldives
Syria vs. Tajikistan
Qatar vs. Vietnam/Macau
Iraq vs. Yemen
Singapore vs. Malaysia/Chinese Taipei
Uzbekistan vs. Kyrgyzstan
UAE vs. India
Jordan s. Nepal/Timor Leste
First leg, July 23
Second leg, July 28
Round 3
September 2, September 6, October 11, November 11, November 15, 2011; February 29, 2012
Round 4
June 3, June 8, June 12, September 11, October 16, November 14, 2012; March 26, June 4, June 11, June 18, 2013
Round 5 (AFC playoff)
September 6 and September 10, 2013
Round 6 (Inter-continental playoff)
October 15 and November 19, 2013
Round 1
Malaysia vs. Chinese Taipei
Bangladesh vs. Pakistan
Cambodia vs. Laos
Sri Lanka vs. Philippines
Afghanistan vs. Palestine
Vietnam vs. Macau
Nepal vs. Timor Leste
Mongolia vs. Myanmar
First leg, June 29
Second leg, July 3
Round 2
Thailand vs. Afghanistan/Palestine
Lebanon vs. Bangladesh/Pakistan
China vs. Cambodia/Laos
Turkmenistan vs. Indonesia
Kuwait vs. Sri Lanka/Philippines
Oman vs. Mongolia/Myanmar
Saudi Arabia vs. Hong Kong
Iran vs. Maldives
Syria vs. Tajikistan
Qatar vs. Vietnam/Macau
Iraq vs. Yemen
Singapore vs. Malaysia/Chinese Taipei
Uzbekistan vs. Kyrgyzstan
UAE vs. India
Jordan s. Nepal/Timor Leste
First leg, July 23
Second leg, July 28
Round 3
September 2, September 6, October 11, November 11, November 15, 2011; February 29, 2012
Round 4
June 3, June 8, June 12, September 11, October 16, November 14, 2012; March 26, June 4, June 11, June 18, 2013
Round 5 (AFC playoff)
September 6 and September 10, 2013
Round 6 (Inter-continental playoff)
October 15 and November 19, 2013
Sunday, March 27, 2011
India-Pakistan World Cup Semifinal : Sania Mirza Vs Shoaib Malik
With India and Pakistan gearing for a much-awaited clash for a slot in the 2011 World Cup final match, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has declared war on her cricketer hubby Shoaib Malik, a Pakistani national, who will be supporting the visiting team.
Expectations are high in the cricket-crazy region for a mouth-watering Indo-Pak encounter in the semi-final match on March 30 in Mohali, and the couple seem to have been caught in the battle of loyalities.
A "war" seems to be brewing between Indo-Pak couple of Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik ahead of the high-voltage World Cup semifinal clash between India and arch-rivals Pakistan in Mohali next week.
The much-awaited clash of the neighbours seems to have caught the couple in a battle of loyalty with the Indian tennis diva, Sania strongly coming out in support of her native nation, while hubby Shoaib cheering for Pakistan.
"I support India and shoaibmalik will support Pakistan as usual!the war is on," said Sania Mirza.
Well well, India VS Pakistan.. Last time (when) they played in Mohali, I watched the match live..what a semfinal on the line..wish I could be there!" She added.
Pakistani Cricketer Shoaib Malik replied to his wife's tweet saying "Yes pls (please) be ready baby, it's on... lol... hahaha,"
Expectations are high in the cricket-crazy region for a mouth-watering Indo-Pak encounter in the semi-final match on March 30 in Mohali, and the couple seem to have been caught in the battle of loyalities.
A "war" seems to be brewing between Indo-Pak couple of Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik ahead of the high-voltage World Cup semifinal clash between India and arch-rivals Pakistan in Mohali next week.
The much-awaited clash of the neighbours seems to have caught the couple in a battle of loyalty with the Indian tennis diva, Sania strongly coming out in support of her native nation, while hubby Shoaib cheering for Pakistan.
"I support India and shoaibmalik will support Pakistan as usual!the war is on," said Sania Mirza.
Well well, India VS Pakistan.. Last time (when) they played in Mohali, I watched the match live..what a semfinal on the line..wish I could be there!" She added.
Pakistani Cricketer Shoaib Malik replied to his wife's tweet saying "Yes pls (please) be ready baby, it's on... lol... hahaha,"
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sehwag doubtful for Australia clash
Opener Virender Sehwag is doubtful for India's World Cup quarter-final against Australia with a right knee problem.
"On Viru (Sehwag) we are taking a call late in the evening or tomorrow morning before the start of the game," India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said."Apart from him everybody else is fit for the game."
Sehwag missed India's last Group B match against West Indies on Sunday after suffering an allergic reaction to an injection on his right knee but the co-hosts will be keen to play him against Australia as he has the ability to blunt Australia's formidable pace attack.
"It's really good to have Virender Sehwag opening the innings for you, because... deliveries will be short and to the body... and he's the kind of batsman, if you are slightly wrong with it, he can make the most out of that kind of a bowling," Dhoni said.
"He can play an aggressive game, he can change the course of the game in the first five overs and give your team the kind of momentum that is needed."
The explosive batsman had earlier been hit on the rib during a net session last month and rushed to Delhi to consult his personal physician before joining the squad.
Sehwag scored a blistering 175 in India's tournament opener against Bangladesh and is among the tournament's top five scorers with 327 runs.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Yuvraj stars as India finish second...Face Australia in QF
Fine all-round performance by Yuvraj Singh (113 and 2/18) guided India to a commanding 80–run win over West Indies in the World Cup Group B match at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
With this victory, India would now play champions Australia in the last eight on March 24 in Ahmedabad while West Indies would face Pakistan in their quarterfinal clash.
Chasing 269, West Indies lost the plot after fine start as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals against India.
Yuvraj Singh struck again to dismiss seamer Andre Russell as West Indies lost four wickets in no time and were reduced to 165 for 7 from 154 for 3 in the period of five overs.
West Indies skipper Darren Sammy couldn't stay for long in the middle as he got run out in quest of a cheeky single.
Yuvraj Singh also came to the fore, after his fine stint with the bat, to dismiss Devon Thomas. Thomas was stumped by skipper MS Dhoni.
Zaheer Khan gave India crucial breakthrough against West Indies as he dismissed Devon Smith, who scored 81 off 97 balls, to break the vital 63-run stand between Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan.
Harbhajan Singh got rid of dangerous Kieron Pollard cheaply soon after Smith's dismissal to reduce West Indies to 157 for four.
Suresh Raina accounted Darren Bravo's dismissal to break the crucial partnership between Bravo and Devon Smith.
Opener Devon Smith, who slammed his second fifty in the 2011 World Cup, kept the scoreboard ticking alongwith Darren Bravo as the duo added 57 runs for the second wicket after losing Edwards early.
Off-spinner R Ashwin opened the account for India as he trapped West Indies opener Kirk Edwards in front of the wicket.
Earlier, Yuvraj Singh's maiden World Cup century was the cornerstone of India's 268 all out against the West Indies but the host nation lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs.
Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul marked his World Cup debut with a career-best five for 51 which surpassed his 4-37 against India in Kingston in June 2009 -- the last time the West Indies beat a leading nation in a one-day international.
Yuvraj, who had already scored three fifties this tournament, made 113 to help revive a 38,000 capacity Chidambaram Stadium crowd stunned into silence by the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar.
Left-hander Yuvraj and Virat Kohli (59) shared a third-wicket stand of 122 after India were reduced to 51 for two following an early double strike by Rampaul, in for Kemar Roach, which included the prize scalp of Tendulkar.
India had already booked their place in the quarterfinals and many fans at the Chidambaram Stadium had hoped to witness cricket history by seeing Tendulkar score his 100th international century.
But Rampaul had Tendulkar, undone by a lifting delivery, caught behind for just two off the last ball of the first over.
Australian umpire Steve Davis rejected Rampaul's raucous appeal but a sporting Tendulkar walked off anyway.
Yuvraj was dropped twice by West Indies captain Darren Sammy -- once on nine at backward point and on 13 when the medium-pacer failed to hold an equally difficult return chance.
He piled on the agony for Sammy by striking him for two sixes.
Kohli offered sound support before he was bowled aiming across the line by Rampaul.
Yuvraj went to 96 by sweeping leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo for a boundary before a single off Kieron Pollard saw him to his hundred.
He was out caught and bowled by Pollard just before India were obliged to take the batting powerplay in the 45th over.
This again caused problems for India, with four wickets falling for 28 runs.
Brief scores
India 268 (Yuvraj Singh 114, Kohli 59, Rampaul 5-51)
West Indies 188 (Smith 81, Zaheer Khan 3-26)
Results India won by 80 runs
MOM Yuvraj Singh (India)
Points India 2, West Indies 0
With this victory, India would now play champions Australia in the last eight on March 24 in Ahmedabad while West Indies would face Pakistan in their quarterfinal clash.
Chasing 269, West Indies lost the plot after fine start as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals against India.
Yuvraj Singh struck again to dismiss seamer Andre Russell as West Indies lost four wickets in no time and were reduced to 165 for 7 from 154 for 3 in the period of five overs.
West Indies skipper Darren Sammy couldn't stay for long in the middle as he got run out in quest of a cheeky single.
Yuvraj Singh also came to the fore, after his fine stint with the bat, to dismiss Devon Thomas. Thomas was stumped by skipper MS Dhoni.
Zaheer Khan gave India crucial breakthrough against West Indies as he dismissed Devon Smith, who scored 81 off 97 balls, to break the vital 63-run stand between Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan.
Harbhajan Singh got rid of dangerous Kieron Pollard cheaply soon after Smith's dismissal to reduce West Indies to 157 for four.
Suresh Raina accounted Darren Bravo's dismissal to break the crucial partnership between Bravo and Devon Smith.
Opener Devon Smith, who slammed his second fifty in the 2011 World Cup, kept the scoreboard ticking alongwith Darren Bravo as the duo added 57 runs for the second wicket after losing Edwards early.
Off-spinner R Ashwin opened the account for India as he trapped West Indies opener Kirk Edwards in front of the wicket.
Earlier, Yuvraj Singh's maiden World Cup century was the cornerstone of India's 268 all out against the West Indies but the host nation lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs.
Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul marked his World Cup debut with a career-best five for 51 which surpassed his 4-37 against India in Kingston in June 2009 -- the last time the West Indies beat a leading nation in a one-day international.
Yuvraj, who had already scored three fifties this tournament, made 113 to help revive a 38,000 capacity Chidambaram Stadium crowd stunned into silence by the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar.
Left-hander Yuvraj and Virat Kohli (59) shared a third-wicket stand of 122 after India were reduced to 51 for two following an early double strike by Rampaul, in for Kemar Roach, which included the prize scalp of Tendulkar.
India had already booked their place in the quarterfinals and many fans at the Chidambaram Stadium had hoped to witness cricket history by seeing Tendulkar score his 100th international century.
But Rampaul had Tendulkar, undone by a lifting delivery, caught behind for just two off the last ball of the first over.
Australian umpire Steve Davis rejected Rampaul's raucous appeal but a sporting Tendulkar walked off anyway.
Yuvraj was dropped twice by West Indies captain Darren Sammy -- once on nine at backward point and on 13 when the medium-pacer failed to hold an equally difficult return chance.
He piled on the agony for Sammy by striking him for two sixes.
Kohli offered sound support before he was bowled aiming across the line by Rampaul.
Yuvraj went to 96 by sweeping leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo for a boundary before a single off Kieron Pollard saw him to his hundred.
He was out caught and bowled by Pollard just before India were obliged to take the batting powerplay in the 45th over.
This again caused problems for India, with four wickets falling for 28 runs.
Brief scores
India 268 (Yuvraj Singh 114, Kohli 59, Rampaul 5-51)
West Indies 188 (Smith 81, Zaheer Khan 3-26)
Results India won by 80 runs
MOM Yuvraj Singh (India)
Points India 2, West Indies 0
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Watch India Vs West Indies Live on Cric-Fan
Middle order batsman Suresh Raina and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play Sunday's World Cup Group B match against West Indies, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hinted on Saturday.
"You have to wait until tomorrow morning to get the playing XI but by the start of the knockout stage, everyone would have played at least one game," Dhoni said.
Dhoni's backing of Piyush Chawla over Ashwin, even when the leg-spinner generously conceded runs, baffled many and pressure was mounting on the Indian captain to give the off-spinner a chance in his home town.
Raina could not find a place for himself in a middle order teeming with stroke-players.
Dhoni conceded India's famed batting line-up, which lost nine wickets for 29 runs in their last match against South Africa, has been inconsistent but reckoned they are better prepared now going into the knockout stage.
"One good thing that has happened so far is that everybody has got a chance to bat, under pressure or no pressure, chasing and batting first. That's a big positive," he said.
"Yes, seven batsmen taken together, we have not fired to our best which means if we have a real good day on the field, we are quite capable of scoring par-plus score."
Dhoni also took the occasion to pay tribute to Sachin Tendulkar who is one century away from scoring his 100th ton in international cricket.
"He keeps it really simple. He does not look at the milestones. Playing for 20-21 years and the kind of form he has been throughout his career, he knows every game that he plays, some kind of milestone is there around the corner," he said.
"He practises well, still works on his techniques and where he feels an extra bit of effort is needed, he does that. What really helps him is how he analyses the wicket and accordingly plans his innings.
"It has been really good to have him in the side... He always assists you as a senior player with plenty of ideas you can always pick and choose. If you are short of ideas, you can definitely walk up to him and there will always be 2-3 ideas."
Times of India
Raina, Ashwin set to play against West Indies
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Watch India vs Netherland Cricket Free Live on CricFan
| India squad | |
| MS Dhoni*†, V Sehwag, R Ashwin, PP Chawla, G Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, V Kohli, A Nehra, MM Patel, YK Pathan, SK Raina, S Sreesanth, SR Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh | |
| Netherlands squad | |
| PW Borren*, Adeel Raja, W Barresi†, Mudassar Bukhari, AF Buurman†, TLW Cooper, TN de Grooth, AN Kervezee, BP Kruger, BP Loots, PM Seelaar, ES Szwarczynski, RN ten Doeschate, BA Westdijk, B Zuiderent | |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Congrats Yuvraj & Yusuf
Yuvraj Singh registered his maiden five-wicket haul before hitting an unbeaten 50 as India beat Ireland by 5 wickets in their World Cup clash...

Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bend it like Bhutia: Meet India's David Beckham
Sitting in the lobby of his team's hotel, it is clear why Baichung Bhutia is often compared to David Beckham. With his softly spoken voice, good looks, rock-star lifestyle of TV endorsements and fashion shows, not to mention his evergreen footballing ability, the 35-year-old captain of the Indian national football team has been an ambassador for a game in arguably the one part of the world that football forgot.
Yet he has become a hero to millions after becoming India's first -- and so far only -- professional footballer in Europe whilst captaining the national team to their most successful period in living memory - namely their appearance at the 2011 Asian Cup
Yet he has become a hero to millions after becoming India's first -- and so far only -- professional footballer in Europe whilst captaining the national team to their most successful period in living memory - namely their appearance at the 2011 Asian Cup
In India it is a cricket dominated country but we have some areas where football is really big
--Baichung Bhutia
--Baichung Bhutia
I felt it was not right for me to carry the torch and it was the only way I could help them and support them
--Bhutia
--Bhutia
Courtesy: CNN
Friday, January 14, 2011
Indian Supporters at Al Saad Stadium - India v/s Bahrain
Indian fans to support their team as they play against Bahrain in an AFC Asian Cup group C soccer match at the Al-Saad stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday Jan. 14, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Well done Subrata!!
Well done Subrata!!


The Indian supporters completely outnumbered those of Australia and several fans were seen waving Indian tri colour with some carrying placards -- one writing 'I love India'.
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| Goalkeeper Subrata Paul played his heart out and denied the Aussies more goals... |
Well done Subrata!!
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India's Sunil Chhetri (left) is challenged by Australia's Sasa Ognenovski during their 2011 Asian Cup Group C soccer match at Al Sadd stadium in Doha |

The Indian supporters completely outnumbered those of Australia and several fans were seen waving Indian tri colour with some carrying placards -- one writing 'I love India'.
Despite India losing the match, the crowd kept supporting the players till the end.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Team Indian Plays Asian Cup after a gap of 27 years.
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| Team India for Asian Cup 2011 |
DOHA: The Indian football team led by captain Baichung Bhutia on Thursday arrived to take part in the Asian Cup after a gap of 27 years.
The team under the charge of Englishman Bob Houghton reached in the afternoon from Dubai where they had camped for more than two months to prepare for the showpiece event.
Bhutia said his side would look to rise to the occasion and are not afraid of any team.
"It is a great feeling to get the exposure of playing against some of the big names in world football. But we will not be intimidated by any team in the tournament," Bhutia said.
The Indian team will have their first practice session at Al Wakrah Stadium on Friday morning.
Their first match opponents Australia also arrived on Thursday and their coach Holger Osieck said he considered India a "decent team".
"I think our group (Group C) is very tough. Everybody knows about (South) Korea and about their development programmes in recent years. Bahrain are one of the top teams in the Gulf region. India qualified through a not-so-easy tournament. They are not so well known, though I have seen them on tape and they look a pretty decent team," he said.
The AFC flagship event kicks off on Friday with hosts Qatar taking on Uzbekistan in a Group A league match at the Al Khalifa Stadium.
After playing Australia on January 10 at Al Saad Stadium at 1845 hrs IST, India will take on Bahrain in their second Group C match at the same venue at 2145 hrs IST.
India's last group match against South Korea will be played at Al Gharafa Stadium at 1845 hrs IST
The team under the charge of Englishman Bob Houghton reached in the afternoon from Dubai where they had camped for more than two months to prepare for the showpiece event.
Bhutia said his side would look to rise to the occasion and are not afraid of any team.
"It is a great feeling to get the exposure of playing against some of the big names in world football. But we will not be intimidated by any team in the tournament," Bhutia said.
The Indian team will have their first practice session at Al Wakrah Stadium on Friday morning.
Their first match opponents Australia also arrived on Thursday and their coach Holger Osieck said he considered India a "decent team".
"I think our group (Group C) is very tough. Everybody knows about (South) Korea and about their development programmes in recent years. Bahrain are one of the top teams in the Gulf region. India qualified through a not-so-easy tournament. They are not so well known, though I have seen them on tape and they look a pretty decent team," he said.
The AFC flagship event kicks off on Friday with hosts Qatar taking on Uzbekistan in a Group A league match at the Al Khalifa Stadium.
After playing Australia on January 10 at Al Saad Stadium at 1845 hrs IST, India will take on Bahrain in their second Group C match at the same venue at 2145 hrs IST.
India's last group match against South Korea will be played at Al Gharafa Stadium at 1845 hrs IST
































