Blue Cubs Aim to Make India Proud at AFC U-17 Asian Cup!

The India U-17 football team, popularly known as the Blue Cubs, have arrived in Thailand for their biggest challenge yet – the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Led by coach Bibiano Fernandes whose preparation has been lauded by Padma Shri awardee Bembem Devi, the former captain of India’s senior women’s team, the Blue Cubs are prepared for their first tournament since qualifying in March this year.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup will be held from June 17–23, 2023 and will feature teams from across Asia vying for top honours. India qualified from Group E by finishing ahead of hosts Qatar and DPR Korea in a closely contested group.

India’s preparation for the Asian Cup included tours of Spain and Germany, where they played a series of friendly games against age group sides from top clubs in both countries. As part of their preparation, the Blue Cubs have also been given detoxification programs to help improve their performance on the pitch.

Bembem Devi, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event in Delhi recently, said that she had full faith in the Blue Cubs and was confident that they will put up a good show at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. “The boys have worked hard and are capable of making us proud” she said.

The India U-17 team will open their campaign against Bahrain on June 18. The Blue Cubs are placed in Group D along with hosts Thailand, UAE and Bahrain and will look to make it to the knockout stages of the tournament.

As the curtain rises on this high stakes tournament, all eyes will be on the performance of the Blue Cubs as they take on some of the best Asian teams.

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