CONFIRMED! India to participate in Malaysia's Merdeka Cup after 10-year hiatus

India is all set to participate in the 42nd edition of the Merdeka Cup to be held in October 2023. This came after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed the participation of four countries i.e. Palestine, Lebanon, India, and hosts Malaysia.

 

The exact dates of the tournament are yet to be announced.

 

It should be noted that the last edition of the tournament was held way back in 2013. Merdeka Cup was one the oldest international football tournaments in Asia and one of the most prestigious ones in the continent. Indian legends – PK Banerjee and Tulsidas Balram have been part of the tournament in the 1960s.

 

 

 

The first edition of the Merdeka Cup was held in 1957 and was played annually till 1988. The Blue tigers have finished runners-up twice, in 1959 and 1964.

 

Igor Stimac’s men will have a tight schedule ahead of the Asian Cup. India will play two friendly matches against Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan Republic in the March FIFA window followed by the Intercontinental Cup in June or July. India will also host the SAFF Championships in June (dates aren’t confirmed yet).

 

The 2022 Asian Games which was postponed earlier, is set to be held in September in China.