IGOR STIMAC EXCLUSIVE
It was 6pm in India, and Anurag Thakur, the Sports Minister, had just tweeted the news that all of India’s football players and fans were waiting for. That both the Indian men’s and women’s football teams would be traveling to China for the Hangzhou Asian Games. As soon as the news came in, I got a message from Igor Stimac, the India men’s team coach, which said, “We have done it.” And just as I called him back, Stimac was all excited. “It is a huge moment for every Indian football fan,” he said. “It is a great opportunity for our youngsters, and a great moment for the sport in India.”
As we settled down for a long conversation, it was evident that Stimac was delighted and looking forward to enjoying the moment.
Boria: Big moment. Take it on, coach.
Stimac: May I first thank Prime Minister Modi, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, my dear (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran for their support. But most importantly, I need to thank every football fan who has backed us in the last two weeks and made this possible. It is a huge win for Indian football, and we will do everything possible to make the people of India proud with our efforts at the Asian Games.
Boria: You did a presentation to the ministry on Monday is what I have been told. Tell me more about it?
Stimac: Not exactly a presentation. I am aware how busy these people are, so I was ready to tell them in brief why we needed to send our team to China. Why is it important for Indian football to make use of this opportunity, and how it will help us sustain the momentum. I was only trying to get my point across, for I was sure that each one of them will be supportive. And that’s what has happened.
🚨 IGOR STIMAC EXCLUSIVE
“Playing in #AsianGames2023 a huge win for Indian football but there’s a lot of work to be done” – @stimac_igor tells @BoriaMajumdar in this interview
Listen in 👇@ThumsUpOfficial @stimac_igor @IndianFootball #IndianFootballTeamForAsianGames pic.twitter.com/S5b1wqcDrE
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) July 26, 2023
Boria: May I say this – all of India was united behind this issue. And that’s what has pleased me the most.
Stimac: Yes, and that’s where we are one. Sport is the realm where we see India become one, and football is the means to do this. This is the best thing to happen and that’s why I am saying this to you – it is a huge moment for Indian football and for every Indian football fan. Each one has stood behind the sport and deserves credit for it.
Boria: So now that the mission is accomplished, you will have the responsibility of doing justice in China. How confident are you?
Stimac: I can tell you this very confidently. We will do our absolute best to make people proud. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done, and a lot of things need to happen in the next two months. It is still some distance away. But I am sure that each of the players who play in the blue shirt in China will give it their all, and will enjoy the opportunity. For them, this is a huge opportunity and they need to value it and make the most of it.
Boria: So, how do you wish to get the team ready?
Stimac: I will use the King’s Cup possibly to get the youngsters ready for the big stage. We will play against Iran, Thailand and whosoever else is there, and that will be a good opportunity to test ourselves. Then we will use the FIFA window between 4-12 September, and I am sure all ISL clubs will cooperate by releasing players for the Asian Games to give us the opportunity to do the best we can. So we will go step by step, but like I said, there will be no stone unturned to make each football fan proud of this team.
Boria: So will be it Sunil [Chhetri] who will be leading the team to China?
Stimac: Let’s say this – whoever leads the team will lead for India, and do his best for the blue shirt. There are still some calls to be taken, and we need to check who all are ready and available. But needless to say, we will put our best foot forward. Every youngster who will go will play for the millions back home. Rest assured.
Boria: So, when are you back, and how soon will you start the preparation?
Stimac: As coach, my bags are always packed and ready. And within the next few days, I will start speaking to the AIFF top management about our plans for August and September – for the King’s Cup, the FIFA window and, of course, the Asian Games. I will also start talking to them about the Merdeka Cup in October and the Asian Cup. But what is priority for me is the World Cup qualifiers. For the first time, India is in pot 2 of the qualifiers and that’s what matters the most. We must be ready to win our home games, and get points from our away games. That’s where Indian football will surge ahead, and that’s what I want to achieve in the next few months.
Boria: Excellent. And all of India will be supportive of the vision.
Stimac: I also want to express my sincere thanks to you and everyone from the media for standing by us at this time. It means a lot to see this wave of support for Indian football. We grow as a collective and I am sure you all will see the results you want to see. See you all soon.
Also Read: Will Walk Away if my Four-Year Plan isn’t Implemented, says Igor Stimac