The national football team is currently ranked 18th in Asia and the sports ministry's rule states that in team sport, only those in top-eight will get the nod.
The national federation, which was able to stitch together the team just three days before its departure for China, still thanked the Indian Super League clubs and the FSDL "for coordinating with it for the release of players".
Chhetri has been India's primary weapon in this tournament, as he has so far netted five goals from three matches
With Chhetri and Stimac at helm, AIFF hoping for strong show in Asian Games
In a game that had its moments, India had a great chance of scoring from a free kick after Gurkirat Singh was fouled near the Bangladesh box.
FIFA has now created a special series about India's football captain in recognition of his glorious career.
India head coach Igor Stimac feels this may be the final season of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri's career.
Chhetri is 38 but still continues to be the spearhead of Indian attack
This was Kuwait's second win of the tournament after they beat Nepal 3-1 in their first Group A match.
'I know it's a pressure on the boys that it has been one year, but soon we will win a game. Don't worry, we are on the right track.'
Inter Kashi knock Bengaluru FC out of Kalinga Super Cup with penalty shoot-out win
Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri scored a hattrick as India handed Pakistan a 4-0 loss in their SAFF Championship match in Bengaluru.
Talisman Sunil Chhetri, senior defender Sandesh Jhingan and first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu were on Tuesday named in a 22-member Indian men's football squad for the upcoming Asian Games.
Punjab FC ended their seven-game winless streak in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC.
The Islanders thus finish the league season at the sixth spot with 36 points, whereas the Gerard Zaragoza-coached side end their league campaign with 38 points.
This was Bengaluru FC's fourth defeat from 15 matches, leaving them with 27 points in second place, while Mohammedan SC remain in 12th spot with 10 points.
MBSG have added the ISL trophy to their League Winners' Shield they had won earlier in the season for a ISL double.
Mumbai City FC secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League, thanks to a second-half offensive surge.
Sunil Chhetri was once again the man of the moment as he struck a brace to inspire India to a 2-0 win over Cambodia in the third round of qualifying for next year's Asian Cup.
wo months into his stint as West Bengal governor, La Ganesan copped national criticism for pushing Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetri, in order to get clicked during the Durand Cup prize distribution ceremony in Kolkata.
Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Mirabai Chanu have joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to combat obesity, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Odisha ended their four-match losing streak.
Stimac had said he would need at least a four-week camp to do well in the Asian Cup while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) top brass had indicated that his demand would be difficult to meet as the clubs may not agree to release their players for such a long period in the midst of the domestic season.
India captain Sunil Chhetri on Saturday said that he is "fossilized" and the country may not find his exact replacement.
Delhi Capitals will be aiming to claim the top spot, while UP Warriorz will be desperate to register their first victory of the season when the two sides face off in the Women's Premier League in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Sunil Chhetri will be the cynosure of all eyes as the Blue Tigers look to regain the Intercontinental Cup
Bengaluru FC will head into the second leg of the ISL semifinal with a narrow advantage after registering a 1-0 lead over Mumbai City FC in the first leg in Mumbai.
India face tough Iraq test sans Chhetri
Jamshedpur FC now have 34 points, while FC Goa tally 33.
Hyderabad now have 29 points from 16 games, four more than second-placed Jamshedpur FC who have played two matches less. Bengaluru remain third with 23 in their kitty from 16 outings.
There is speculation about his retirement and the Indian captain happily responds with a smile that 'I don't know yet'.
The Mission Olympic Cell is also considering higher incentives for retired Olympians and world-class players who want to take up coaching, in an effort to retain top talent within India.
'Sixteen years to the day I met you and I can't thank you enough for braving it, stealing your dad's (and my coach's) phone and sending me that text.'
An Indian Super League play-off match descended into chaos when the Kerala Blasters walked off the pitch in protest after Bengaluru FC's Sunil Chhetri scored from a quickly-taken free kick on Friday.
Not only the senior team but the young Blue Colts also emerged victorious in the SAFF Men's U-19 champions after hammering Pakistan in the final and clinching a vigorous 3-0 victory.
Mohammedan SC staged a remarkable comeback to hold Chennaiyin FC to a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League.
In the 74th minute, the home team eventually broke the deadlock courtesy of a goal from Colaco from outside the box.
'At the same time, this may encourage some youngsters in some parts of the country to pursue football.'
'Saare coaching sessions ka ek hi invoice bheju, ya aasan kishton mein chukaoge champ?'
Spanish striker Iker Guarrotxena scored a brace as FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC 3-1 in the Indian Super League, ending a 13-game winless streak against the Islanders.
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