Nation

Blue Tigers Return to Hong Kong After 16 Years: A Comeback to Remember!

2025-06-06

Author: Ying

Historic Return of the Blue Tigers

After a long 16-year hiatus, the Indian senior men's football team, famously known as the Blue Tigers, has landed in Hong Kong for an exciting and crucial match. The last time they played here was in 2009—a friendly match that ended in disappointment. Now, on June 10, 2025, they will take on Hong Kong once again in an important qualifier for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Setting the Stage for Victory

As soon as the team touched down from Bangkok, Coach Manolo Márquez and his staff wasted no time. They headed directly to Hong Kong Stadium to catch the hosts in action against Nepal, which resulted in a scoreless draw just two hours later.

India's last game resulted in a 0-2 loss against Thailand, but spirits remain high. The squad is gearing up for their first training session in Hong Kong at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre. Notably, Sunil Chhetri stands out as the only player on the current roster who has previously played in Hong Kong.

A Saga of Old Memories

Assistant coach Mahesh Gawali reminisced about the dramatic 2009 encounter in which India fought valiantly but suffered a heart-wrenching injury-time defeat. "We were trailing 0-1, and it was really balanced. I assisted Bhaichung Bhutia for an equaliser, but we conceded late. The crowd support was amazing, especially with some Indian fans cheering for us so far from home," Gawali recalled.

Analyzing the Competition

After observing the Hong Kong-Nepal match, Gawali noted the improvement in the Hong Kong team, particularly with several naturalized players making their mark. "We beat Hong Kong in the last qualifiers, but they're quite different now. We must build on the positive aspects from our game against Thailand if we want to secure a win here."

The Rise of Naturalized Players

Marc Gamon, the goalkeeping coach, added insight into the evolving football landscape in Hong Kong. "When I worked here, we hardly saw foreign-born players in the national team. Now, with the opportunity to gain citizenship, we're seeing an influx of Brazilian and Spanish talents. It’s a game-changer for the national squad!"

Football Culture Still Thriving

Despite horse racing being the top sport in Hong Kong, football has secured a passionate following. Gamon emphasized, "The football culture is vibrant. Although league games don't always attract large crowds, the national team generates immense support. With many fans, including a strong Indian community, the atmosphere will be electric come Tuesday."

The Blue Tigers are poised to make their comeback a memorable one—will they reclaim their glory on Hong Kong's turf? Only time will tell!