India’s months of preparation are set to culminate as they embark on their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 qualification campaign in Vientiane, Laos. The Blue Colts will kick off their Group G journey at the Lao National Stadium KM16 against Mongolia at 2:30 PM IST on Wednesday, September 25. The stakes are high, with the top teams from each group, along with the five best second-placed teams from ten groups, qualifying for the final tournament.
India head coach Ranjan Chaudhuri expressed optimism during the pre-tournament press conference, emphasizing the team’s goal.
“We’ve been preparing well for the last three months, and the boys are ready for the challenge,” Chaudhuri said. “Our aim is to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup for the first time, which will set a great precedent for our boys. Not only will it be a good experience for them, but it will also put India on the Asian stage at this age group level.”
The Blue Colts are eager to begin the qualifiers on a high note by securing three points against Mongolia.
“The first match of any tournament is crucial, and we must ensure that we get three points from it. That would set the tone for us,” Chaudhuri added. “Mongolia are a very good side, and we have to be at our best, but we will try to maintain our focus and remain positive.”
India arrived in Vientiane on Monday evening, September 23, and after a night’s rest, coach Chaudhuri gathered the squad on Tuesday morning to announce Thomas K. Cherian as the team captain. The young defender quickly embraced the role.
“We have a great responsibility from our nation, and we’ve prepared well for it. The mindset of the boys is extremely good, and we just have to do our job with a positive mindset,” Cherian stated.
Mongolia, having arrived in Laos earlier, are working to adjust to the playing conditions, particularly the switch from artificial to natural turf.
Mongolia head coach Anar Batchuluun shared his thoughts on the challenges ahead.
“We thought the weather conditions would be the biggest factor for us, but we have been pleasantly surprised by it. The only thing we have to adjust to is the natural turf on which we will play, as all the turfs back home are artificial. We’ve got India in our first match, and they are a very strong team, but we will try our best. We have done our research on all the teams, and we will play accordingly,” Batchuluun explained.
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