An Indian national team squad of 20 players landed in Thimphu from New Delhi for India’s forthcoming friendly practice match against Bhutan. The match, an unofficial one, is slated to be played on August 13.

The squad proceeded to Thimphu after a 13-day long pre-season training camp where National Coach Stephen Constantine looked at many first-timers in an effort to “expand the pool of players” for the National Team.

Speaking to AIFF Media prior to departure, Constantine mentioned that the squad needs to “acclimatise fast to the colder temperatures and high altitude” in Bhutan.

“I don’t think the weather in Bhutan will be a concern. Obviously the temperatures will be quite different from what we have at present in India,” he stated.

“It’s going to be a lot more colder than what we had in Delhi. But that’s something which we will have to adjust to. Dealing with different climatic conditions is part of international football and at the end of the day it all boils down to how you play,” he added.

“Obviously the match will be played at a much higher altitude but we will train for four days to acclimatise,” he felt.

Bhutan are presently preparing for their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers and the match will serve as a preparation for their first-leg match against Bangladesh on September 6.

INDIA SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Subrata Paul, T.P Rehenesh, Laxmikant Kattimani

Defenders
Sandesh Jhingan, Fluganco Cardozo, Chinglesana Konsham Singh, Aiborlang Khongjee, Koushik Sarkar

Midfielders
Isaac Chhakchhuak, Rowlin Borges, Dhanpal Ganesh, David Lalrinmuana, Vinit Rai, Germanpreet Singh, Pronoy Halder, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jackichand Singh

Forwards
Halicharan Narzary, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi

Officials
Stephen Constantine (Head Coach)