WATCH: Rahul KP scores a BULLET goal for India against China in the 2023 Asian Games

India will face Bangladesh on the 21st of September.

WATCH: Rahul KP scores a BULLET goal for India against China in the 2023 Asian Games

Rahul KP (L) celebrates after scoring a thunderous goal (R) for India. (via FirstSportz and Screengrab from twitter: kalp_taru)

Rahul KP has scored an incredible goal for India as the Blue Tigers face China in the Asian Games. The goal comes after an incredible run that equalized the score 1-1, before half-time, beating the keeper at his near post. Currently, the Blue Tigers are trailing the home side 5-1 owing to the abysmal 2nd half-performance.

India is currently facing China as a part of the 19th Asian Games. Unbeaten against India, this makes the 16th time the two sides face each other. China has come out on top on eight different occasions. In the team’s last three meetings, India has lost 1-2, 2-0, and drew their latest game 0-0 against the East. Indian coach Igor Štimac would have hoped to write his name in history by achieving India’s maiden win against China. But it was not to be as the Chinese players came out stronger in the second half scoring 4 goals to lead by 5-1.

YouTube video

India conceded early on in the game after a Tianyi Gao goal gave China the early lead in under 17 minutes. Gurmeet Singh played a huge role in the first half keeping the gap at only one after an incredible penalty save against Zhu Chenjie. India looked good this first half however the team was still one nil down until Rahul KP scored near halftime to equalise the score.

FS Video

It was a stunning strike, as he made a dashing run forward before slotting it past the keeper from a tight angle to equalize.

This marks India’s first appearance in over 9 years. Facing the likes of China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, India will need all the support it can get to make it through to the next round.

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India’s aspirations for the Asian Games

India is in for tough competition that consists of countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China. Japan currently stands in 20th place when it comes to FIFA rankings. India on the other hand is at 99. The country has opted out of adding their main left-winger, Lallianzuala Chhangte who scored 10 goals in the ISL last season due to his commitments to Mumbai City’s AFC Champions League run.

Indian Football Team in Asian Games
Indian Football Team (via AIFF)

As India proceeds with the tournament, it is important to know that the nation almost did not make it to the Asian Games this year. Igor Stimac had revealed that he planned on taking the U-23 side for the Asian Games this year. The Indian Olympic Association however refused to send India as the country was not in the top 8 in Asia when it came to FIFA rankings. India sitting at 18th instead. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) revealed its intentions to appeal to the sports ministry.

Indian football fans will be jubilant as they get to watch their nation on the main stage. One important factor to remember, however, is that the Asian Games is mainly a U-23 tournament with 3 players above the age limit being permitted. India has already announced Indian Captain Sunil Chettri as part of the squad to motivate and help the newer generation come through.

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