AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation acting General Secretary Mr. Sunando Dhar wished India’s eTigers “good luck” prior to the team’s departure to Copenhagen, Denmark for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022. This is the first time that India have qualified for the FIFAe Nations Cup.

In an interaction with the team members -- Charanjot Singh, Sidd Chandrana and Saransh Jain -- at the Football House on Friday evening (July 22, 2022), Mr. Dhar said: “I wish you all the best for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022. Don’t put yourself under any sort of pressure. Play with an open mind. Go and enjoy yourself on this big occasion.”

“We see you as the pathbreakers, and we are extremely proud of you. I am confident that your achievements will inspire more to venture into FIFAe. The future of eSports in India is immense,” Mr. Dhar averred.

India have been clubbed with The Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Mexico and Morocco in Group D. The 24 participating teams have been divided into four groups, where the six teams will be playing against each other twice in the Group Stage. The top four from each group makes it to the Round of 16.

“It was a privilege to meet the General Secretary. His words of wisdom spur us on. He mentioned to us about staying calm in crunch situations,” Charanjot Singh expressed. “It was also satisfying to be at the Indian Football headquarters, and we were overwhelmed by the gestures of the staff. We will do our best,” he added.

As the eTigers also had a practice session amongst themselves at the Football House, Sidd Chandarana stated: “It is great to meet the other teammates and fun to practice amongst ourselves. It was also a great honour to meet the GS. His words motivate us.”

Saransh Jain mentioned it is a “dream come true to be at the FIFAe Nations Cup".

"Getting to interact with the General Secretary inspired us. We were floored by the gesture as he came over to meet us. It's now time to get back to some serious work."

The trio departed for Copenhagen, Denmark earlier today (July 23, 2022).