India's Futsal Team Set to Compete in SAFF Championship 2026
Kickoff Against Bangladesh
The Indian men's futsal team is gearing up to face Bangladesh in their opening match of the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 on Wednesday. This event will take place at the Nonthaburi Stadium located in Nonthaburi, as reported by the All India Football Federation.
Coach's Vision and Preparations
Head coach Reza Kordi expressed the team's ambition to be competitive in every match, aiming to showcase significant progress in their playing style and establish India as a formidable force in South Asian futsal. Kordi, who is from Iran, took the helm during the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers last September.
He acknowledged the efforts behind the scenes, commending the organizers and outlining India's preparation strategy. "I want to extend my gratitude to SAFF and the Football Association of Thailand for being exceptional hosts. Our preparations began about a month ago in Bengaluru, and we arrived here a week prior to our first match, during which we played two friendly matches. I believe our players are ready in terms of tactics, physical fitness, and mental strength for the competition," he stated.
Tournament Schedule and Format
Following the match against Bangladesh, India will compete against Nepal on January 18, Maldives on January 20, Bhutan on January 22, Sri Lanka on January 24, and Pakistan on January 26, all at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand. The team that tops the table after all seven matches will be crowned the inaugural SAFF men's futsal champions.
Team's Progress and Collective Strength
In September, the Futsal Tigers made history by securing their first international win with a 3-0 victory over Mongolia. This success has boosted their confidence, and Kordi noted the team's evolution. Eight players from the Asian Cup qualifiers have been selected for the SAFF championship, including Aleef Rahman Mollah, Ozen Silva, Lalsangkima, Anmol Adhikari, K Roluahpuia, Nikhil Mali, Seaon D'souza, and Jonathan Lalrawngbawla.
"Compared to the Asian Cup qualifiers, the team is now more tactically organized and physically prepared. The players have a better grasp of futsal's demands," he remarked.
"Our greatest strength lies in our collective mentality. The players are dedicated to each other and fully committed to representing our country," he added.
Captain's Perspective
Nikhil Mali, the captain of India, shared his coach's optimism, emphasizing the importance of their recent international experience. "I want to thank SAFF and Thailand for hosting this historic tournament. Our team has gained valuable experience since the Asian qualifiers, and we had a productive training camp in India under our esteemed coach. Our primary focus will be to apply what we've learned during the tournament. Everyone is feeling confident as we head into the competition," he stated.
The 29-year-old also conveyed a message to fans back home as India prepares for their matches in Thailand. "I assure our supporters that we will play with all our heart and pride, giving our best on the court. I am confident they will be cheering for us, and we aim to deliver a strong performance for them," he concluded.