India captain Sunil Chhetri, flanked by teammates and officials, hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of India’s 68th Independence Day, at The Chancery Hotel, Lavelle Road, Banaglore on Friday morning.

The India U-23 national team, including three senior players Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes, are preparing for the upcoming 2014 Incheon Asian Games in September and are scheduled to play two matches in a Friendly Series against the Pakistan U-23 national team on August 17 and 20.

National coach Wim Koevermans and his support staff were also present along with the hotel staff including the General Manager during the flag hoisting ceremony at the hotel premises where the team is currently based.

The ceremony took place at 9 o’clock in the morning followed by sweet distribution.

The mood was prevalent even in the team bus as the Indian contingent stuck to the patriotic flavour on their way for the afternoon practice session at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

On any other day, all sorts of Bollywood numbers and western beats would have lit up the mood. But captain Chhetri, who took up the DJ’s job stuck to patriotic numbers. Vande Mataram, sung by AR Rahman stayed the pick.

India renew acquaintance with Pakistan on Sunday at 15.30 IST. The match will be telecast live on DD Sports.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)