Sikkimese footballer Ashish Rai in national football team for upcoming King’s Cup and Asian Games

In a proud moment for Sikkim, footballer from the state Ashish Rai, has been selected in the 23-member Indian national team for the forthcoming 49th King’s Cup, which will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from September 7 to 10.

Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian senior men’s national team, announced the 23-member national team squad on Tuesday.

According to the AIFF, India (ranked 99th) will face Iraq (ranked 70th) in the semi-final on September 7 at the 700th Anniversary Stadium. On the same day, hosts Thailand (ranked 113th) will take on Lebanon (ranked 100th). The finals will be held on September 10.

Asish Rai, hailing from Pachey in Pakyong, East Sikkim, plays as a defender for Indian Super League club Mohan Bagan. He is among the eight defenders on the Indian national team for the King’s Cup.

Ashish began playing football professionally in the I-League for the AIFF-owned Indian Arrows. He gained national attention with Hyderabad FC, who went on to win the Indian Super League in 2021–2022.

Ashish, along with eight other football players from the Northeast, have also been named in the Indian squad for the Asian Games 2023, to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023.

Six footballers from Manipur—Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Roshan Singh Naorem, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, and Naorem Mahesh Singh—have been included in the squad.

Two from Mizoram—Lalchungnunga and Lalengmawia Ralte—have also been listed in the squad for the Asian Games.

Also Read: 9 football players from Northeast named in Indian squad for Asian Games 2023