India U23 Squad Announced for Tajikistan Tour: A Key Step Towards AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
With a sharp eye on preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a 23-member India U23 men’s squad for a crucial tour of Tajikistan. The Blue Colts, under the guidance of head coach Naushad Moosa, will play two international friendlies against hosts Tajikistan on June 18 and Kyrgyz Republic on June 21 — at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda, about 60 km from Dushanbe.
These matches are set to kick off at 20:30 IST and are expected to offer a clearer picture of India’s U23 talent pool as the team builds towards a competitive qualification campaign scheduled for September.
Moosa’s Vision: Testing the Core
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Naushad Moosa emphasised the importance of these games in evaluating the squad’s readiness for high-level international competition.
“These two matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic will help us understand the level of our players, and what more we need to add to it,” said Moosa. “I’m happy with the way we have prepared. We won a couple of practice matches by big margins, but it wasn’t much of a competition.”
As mentioned to AIFF
The India U23 squad had been training at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata since June 1. Initially, 29 players were called up, before the list was pruned down to the final 23. The team flew to Tajikistan on the afternoon of Monday, June 16.
Senior Team Returnees Boost the Squad
In a significant boost to the squad’s quality and experience, three players returned from senior national team duty during the FIFA window earlier this month:
- Suhail Ahmad Bhat (Forward)
- Ayush Chhetri (Midfielder)
- Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Defender)
Their addition brings leadership and recent international exposure — vital ingredients as India prepare to face strong opponents in the upcoming qualifiers, which will feature Qatar and Bahrain in the same group.
India U23 Squad for June Friendlies
Goalkeepers:
- Mohd Arbaz
- Priyansh Dubey
- Sahil
Defenders:
- Bikash Yumnam
- Dippendu Biswas
- Muhammed Saheef AP
- Nikhil Barla
- Pramveer
- Subham Bhattacharya
- Tekcham Abhishek Singh
Midfielders:
- Ayush Chhetri
- Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh
- Lalremtluanga Fanai
- Lalrinliana Hnamte
- Macarton Louis Nickson
- Mohammed Aimen
- Vibin Mohanan
- Vinith Venkatesh
Forwards:
- Joseph Sunny
- Mohammed Sanan K
- Parthib Sundar Gogoi
- Suhail Ahmad Bhat
- Thingujam Korou Singh
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Naushad Moosa
- Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes
- Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhary
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar
Building Depth Ahead of September
These friendlies serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they give Moosa and his staff an opportunity to assess player combinations and tactical systems under international pressure. Secondly, they act as a performance barometer for youngsters pushing for starting roles in September.
“After these friendlies, we will get more understanding of our players and what else we need to work on,” Moosa said. “The opponents are of a pretty good level, I believe. It’s important to play against such teams when you’re preparing for the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.”
The AFC U23 Asian Cup is a critical step in the developmental pathway, often seen as the launchpad for senior national team prospects. India’s previous campaigns in the competition have been short-lived, but this cycle presents a unique opportunity given the investment in youth development and AIFF’s centralised high-performance setup in Kolkata.
Key Players to Watch
- Suhail Ahmad Bhat: One of the most promising forwards in Indian football, Suhail’s return from senior national duty adds edge and movement to the frontline.
- Ayush Chhetri: A natural playmaker, Chhetri’s composure on the ball and passing range make him a midfield lynchpin.
- Vibin Mohanan: Known for his control and distribution, Vibin will likely be central to India’s buildup in midfield.
- Bikash Yumnam: A regular in youth setups, Bikash brings defensive stability and experience.
- Parthib Sundar Gogoi: A clinical finisher, Gogoi has been in form at the club level and will look to carry that into the national setup.
Match Schedule
Venue: TALCO Arena, Tursunzoda, Tajikistan
June 18 – Tajikistan U23 vs India U23 (20:30 IST)
June 21 – India U23 vs Kyrgyz Republic U23 (20:30 IST)
The matches are expected to be live-streamed on the “Football TV | Tajikistan” YouTube channel, giving Indian fans an opportunity to follow the action and assess the next generation of talent.
The Bigger Picture
These two matches are more than just friendlies. For Naushad Moosa’s side, they are the foundation of a qualifying campaign that could redefine India’s status in Asian U23 football. With consistent exposure, focused preparation, and a crop of hungry young players, India’s U23 team is quietly setting the stage for a breakthrough.
What happens in Tursunzoda this week may go a long way in shaping the story of India’s campaign for AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 and beyond.
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