It's been almost two years since India last visited Qatar, when they faced the reigning Asian champions in the first leg of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers. Star forward Sunil Chhetri couldn't hit the pitch that time round due to an injury, even as the two teams played out a goalless draw at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

However, the 36-year-old still has fond memories from his time in the Qatari capital when he lined up for the 2011 Asian Cup and the 2016 AFC Cup final with India and Bengaluru FC respectively.

“Doha has always had an emotional connection with me. It was there that I played in the 2011 Asian Cup, and also the AFC Cup final for my club Bengaluru FC,” the Indian captain told the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.

“It’s such a relief to be back in the National team squad – after all, home is where the heart is. Personally, I am eagerly looking forward to being in Doha. The last time I was in Doha, I couldn’t be a part of the match against Qatar owing to illness,” Chetri, who has 72 International goals to his name, said.

“The matches in June are extremely tough and we need to take them one at a time. Given the fact that we don’t have much time, the preparatory camp will add immense value helping all to gel together, and strike that chord ahead of the first match,” he added.

The 28-member Indian national team landed in Doha on Thursday and are slated to play three matches as part of the 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. India are currently on 3 points from 3 matches in Group E, and face the hosts Qatar on June 3, followed by Bangladesh on June 7 and then Afghanistan on June 15.

The Indians have already had a camp earlier this year in Dubai, after the completion of the domestic season, following which, they participated in two FIFA International Friendlies against Oman and UAE.

The 28 players and the support staff are in compulsory quarantine till they receive the test results of the conducted RT-PCR tests in Doha. The squad will thereafter, be allowed to kick-off their preparatory camp as part of their preparation for the matches.

Head coach Igor Stimac stated that although it is not the “ideal situation” ahead of the qualifiers, the Blue Tigers will be putting in “intense” sessions before their matches get underway.

“It’s not an ideal situation as we move ahead to the Qualifiers in June. Due to the pandemic, our National Camp which was slated to begin in Kolkata at the beginning of May had to get cancelled. The pandemic also robbed us of a friendly match in Dubai,” he said.

“However, we understand the magnitude of the situation, and it will be intense sessions in Doha to raise the tempo and try to get ready for the matches which starts with the one against the Asian Champions Qatar in Doha.”