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Asia Cup will be a boon for India: Bhutia

India could become a good footballing side over the next three years after their AFC Challenge Cup victory earlier this month qualified them for the 2011 Asian Cup, according to the side’s captain Baichung Bhutia.

“It was a massive victory because we have qualified to play in the Asian Cup… the biggest tournament in Asian football,” Bhutia said.

“It changes things for us because now you get to play with the biggest teams,” the 32-year-old striker said.

India, with a world ranking of 153 and 24th in Asia, claimed a berth in the elite 16-team competition by beating holders Tajikistan 4-1 in the final to avoid having to take the tougher qualifying route to Qatar.

Tags: 2011 Asia Cup, afc challenge cup, AFC Cup, Baichung Bhutia, India