Indian Football Team Welcomes Long-Awaited GPS Equipment After 200 Days, Yet Faces Shortage of Analyst and Psychologist

 

in a plot twist that could rival a Bollywood movie, the Indian football team found themselves in a peculiar predicament during the AFC Asian Cup 2023. They were the only squad competing without GPS vests. This wasn’t a bold tactical decision or a new training method. No, the team had simply lost their vests!

The Disappearing Act

The GPS vests, valued at around Rs 45 lakhs, mysteriously disappeared after a knockout match against Saudi Arabia during the 2023 Asian Games. Despite the All India Football Federation (AIFF) spending approximately Rs 92 lakhs annually on meetings, it took over 200 days to replace the vests. Talk about misplaced priorities!

The Vest-less Streak

Consequently, India played nine international matches without this crucial equipment. This included three matches in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and four FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. It was like showing up to a gunfight with a spoon!

The Vest Returns

Finally, during their preparation camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar in Bhubaneswar, the coaching staff received the new GPS vests. It is like Christmas in May for the team!

The Road Ahead

Despite the return of the vests, preparations are still not ideal, as the team is without a dedicated analyst and sports psychologist. It seems the team is playing a game of musical chairs with their coaching staff!

The saga of the missing GPS vests serves as a humorous reminder of the unexpected things that keep happening in Indian football. As the Indian team gears up for their upcoming matches, one can only hope that they keep a closer eye on their equipment. After all, you never know when a GPS vest might decide to go on an adventure of its own!

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