2012 AFC Challenge Cup: Sunil Chhetri to captain India!

India National Team Head Coach Savio Medeira has appointed star striker Sunil Chhetri to lead Team India in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from March 8 to 19, 2012. Meanwhile allrounder Syed Rahim Nabi has been made his deputy in the Team Meeting on Monday in Kathmandu.

Coach Savio Medeira expressed confidence on the choice and said, "Both Sunil and Nabi are quality players. They have earned the respect of every one, by their team play and leadership quality."

"Sunil did a good job last December at the SAFF Championship, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot. While Nabi has been one of the consistent performers for India in the recent times and has an experience to Captain at the club level," he maintained.

"It's a matter of pride and great responsibility to lead the country in such an important tournament. I feel privileged for such an honour. I would try my best to win the title and qualify for the Asian Cup," quipped Sunil Chhetri.

India play their first match of the tournament against Tajikistan on March 9, face the Philippines on March 11 and final their group engagements against North Korea on March 13.