The game of futsal is still relatively new in India. But with up to 17 teams competing in the yearly AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the sport is gradually moving in the right direction.
The first Asian qualifiers for the Indian men’s futsal national team were held in Tajikistan two years ago. In preparation for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, which will take place in Kuwait from September 20 to 24, the national squad is now preparing once more. To get ready for the Asian qualifications, the Indian men’s futsal team gathered in Bengaluru for a 20-day camp after scouting the top players from the AIFF Futsal Club Championship.
In Rudrapur, the site of the Futsal Club Championship, Reza Kordi, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian futsal team, gathered the best players from the competition for the qualifiers. Originating in Iran, Kordi contributes his extensive expertise coaching futsal in Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Myanmar, Thailand, and his native country.
“I would like to appreciate the All-India Football Federation for giving me this opportunity,” stated Kordi. “I feel that India great potential, and that this is the right time to take this forward and develop a strong team culture.”
“There is not much difference (with other countries). The main gap is futsal knowledge and experience. Indian players are fast, intelligent, and have a strong mentality – they just need more exposure. With the right system and regular competition, India can reach the top four in Asia.”
India will play hosts Kuwait (September 20), Australia (September 22), and Mongolia (September 24) in Group A of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers. According to Kordi, the Futsal Tigers have a strong chance of making it to the qualifications. The top teams in each group, together with the top seven teams in second place (from of eight groups), will join the tournament’s hosts, Indonesia, the following year.
“Our opponents have been preparing for longer, which may be an area of concern, but honestly, we are not thinking much of it. We have very good players, and the Federation is supporting us well,” he stated. “We are all working hard in Bengaluru, and with this effort, I believe that India have a very good chance to qualify.”
As part of their preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, India will play a few friendly matches, which will be announced at a later date.
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