Sunil Chhetri – India’s all-time leading goal-scorer – has urged the national women’s football team’s players to be thorough in their preparation for the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted in India. The Indian legend advised the national women’s football team to look into ‘every small aspect’ of their game and encouraged them to start their preparations at the earliest.

“It is an amazing opportunity that they have – to play in such a high-level tournament, against some top opposition from Asia. These are the levels where you want to be. I’d like to urge all of them to start preparing for the tournament from now on itself,” Chhetri was quoted saying in a release issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

“Look into every small aspect of your game and try to improve it – your touch, speed, saving ability, shooting, burning those extra body fats – the process needs to start from right now,” he added.

Chhetri believes that players must enjoy their football once they have prepared in a detailed manner for the tournament. “Once you have taken every step and prepared yourself in every manner possible, make sure that you enjoy the tournament once you start playing it. It’s not every day that you play on the continental stage, and it is important for you to enjoy the moment,” the 35-year-old opined.

He also explained the need to play with happiness instead of being weighed down by pressure. “The pressure will always be there but it’s important to enjoy it because football is all about being happy. I’d be more than happy to watch you all from the stands, once the tournament starts,” Chhetri said.

Meanwhile, the senior women’s team head coach Maymol Rocky shared her delight with India being hosts for the 2022 Asian Cup and thanked Chhetri for his support. “Hosting the event itself is giving us goosebumps. The plan is already there to reach the level. We’ll also play in the qualifiers. On behalf of the team I would like to thank Sunil for all his support. We will give it our all. Everyone is looking forward to it,” she said.