India has confirmed it will challenge Iran for the right to stage the 2011 Asian Cup football tournament, aiming to become the first country from the sub-continent to host the tournament.

"We have bid for the 2011 tournament," an Indian football federation spokesman said on Wednesday.

The hosts for the event are expected to be announced at the end of the 2007 Asian Cup, which will be co-staged by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

India will be seen as favourites with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), who are eager to tap the country's potentially huge market.

Iran hosted the Asian Cup in 1968 and 1976, winning both times.