Pattaya: After an 18-year hiatus, the Indian beach soccer team has landed in Pattaya, Thailand, ready to compete in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025.
Drawn into a challenging Group A, India will face hosts Thailand on Thursday, followed by matches against Kuwait on March 22 and Lebanon on March 24.
The journey to Thailand began on March 16, with the team departing Gujarat and traveling via Delhi and Bangkok before reaching Pattaya.
As they soaked in the scenic landscapes of Thailand, anticipation and excitement for the tournament grew.
Head coach Mohd Faizal Bin So’od expressed confidence in the team’s ability to leverage its underdog status.
“We haven’t been part of this competition for nearly two decades, which makes us unpredictable. We’ve studied our opponents, but they have limited information about us. This element of surprise could work in our favour,” the Malaysian coach explained.
Adding to the pride of the moment, Faizal announced the team captain, Rohith Y., a fisherman’s son from Kerala.
With a deep connection to the sands he grew up playing on, Rohith’s leadership and natural talent made him the ideal choice to guide India’s campaign.
ALSO READ: ‘Primate Watch’ at Assam’s Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary to raise awareness
“We’ve worked hard for this opportunity,” said Rohith.
“Playing against the host nation is a challenge we embrace. It’s not going to be easy, but we are here to prove ourselves.”
India faces stiff competition, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
However, the team is fueled by determination and a desire to make their mark on beach soccer’s grand stage.
