‘Only football on our mind’: India players assured with Dhaka security

India's key players have expressed their assurance over the security arrangements made for them ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Dhaka on Tuesday, affirming that they have only football on their mind.

The Indian team, on Saturday evening, was received with full security arrangements at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, coordinated by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the local police. The team bus was led by a police escort to the hotel.

With nationwide security beefed up ahead of ICT-1 verdict in the case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina slated for Monday, the India team were provided with foolproof security and haven't had an interaction with the local media so far. However, the team's veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu told the Indian football federation media that they felt assured since arriving in Dhaka.

"We were aware of the domestic situation here. It's obviously not a very ideal one. But we are here to play football and that's all on our mind. Since arriving yesterday, we haven't felt unsafe. So far it's been good -- everything has been very well organised. We just need to focus on what we have ahead of us and what we have to do on the pitch," Sandhu said.

Veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan concurred with the goalkeeper, saying: "I would like to thank the Bangladesh federation for the warm hospitality since we arrived. They've been really kind and helpful. We were briefed before coming here. But I trust the Indian High Commission and the local authorities with everything. We, as athletes, are only focused on putting our best foot forward while playing. Sport is something that unites people, and I hope this game can also unite and bring a good feeling. So far, we've felt fine."

Sheikh Morsalin clicks a picture of Hamza Choudhury with his fans. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Both players had previous experience of playing in Dhaka before – Jhingan during the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in 2015 and both Jhingan and Sandhu for Bengaluru FC in AFC Cup match against Abahani in 2017. Sandhu believes that it won't be an easy outing for either side.

"The experience over here has always been a learning one. You know it's not an easy place to come because it's very competitive. Being our neighbours, the team here wants to do well against us and give us a tough time. That has been my experience with the national team and also with club football whenever we have visited in the past.

"But yeah, that was a long time ago. Bangladesh have developed their infrastructure and invested heavily. Their love for football has grown, and the national team is also doing better."

The match will take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka at 8:00 pm on Tuesday.