Sunil Chhetri to lead India in AFC Challenge Cup

Star striker Sunil Chhetri will lead India in the AFC Challenge Cup while defender Syed Rahim Nabi will serve as his deputy.

The decision was taken in the Team Meeting on Monday.

India coach Savio Medeira expressed confidence in 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 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.

Chhetri was quite happy to have been given the job.

"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," said Chhetri.

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

The team is as follows:

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.