Team India's former captain Bhaichung Bhutia who is now the new co-opted Executive committee member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is looking forward to the men’s national team’s international friendlies in Vietnam which he feels will be an important experience for the side.

Igor Stimac has been given a new contract by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), but it comes with a condition: get the men's team to the Asian Cup quarterfinals or lose your job. The AIFF top brass is expected to speak with Stimac while he is presently in Kolkata, where the team is staying.

Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri has admitted that it would be very fruitful and satisfying to be a part of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, which can well be his last major outing. The legendary footballer has already been a part of two Asian Cups, in 2011 and in the most recent edition, in 2019.