New Delhi, Aug 4: All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday set out the Indian national football team’s calendar for the remainder of 2021. Amidst the impact of the pandemic on sports globally, international football has seen a hold up forcing AIFF to revisit the calendar faced with uncertainties, postponements, and unfortunate call-offs. ”The Federation has endeavored to make the most of the lost opportunities of the past 15 months arising due to the pandemic with an effort to work in sync with its international commitments and the importance of the domestic events,” the AIFF said in a release. As per the calender, the action begins with Bengaluru FC playing their (pending) AFC Cup qualifier against Club Eagles (Maldives) on August15. This will be followed by the league stage draw featuring ATK Mohun Bagan from 18-24 August. Fans could be in for a double treat if Sunil Chhetri led BFC manage to cross the first hurdle. These matches will be brought live from Maldives to Indian homes. Concurrently, the Federation will convene a 15-day camp for its senior men’s team starting August 15 in preparation for the two International games India is likely to play during the FIFA window of Aug 30-September 7. According to AIFF, conversations are ongoing with a few federations and a final confirmation will be made in the coming days.
