When the scoreboard of Kuwait’s Qushaian Al-Mutairi Hall read Mongolia zero, India three, on Wednesday evening, there weren’t just numbers glowing in; it was history. For the first time ever, India’s men’s national futsal team walked away with an international victory.

For a side 135th in the world rankings, beating Mongolia, 25 places above them, was a statement and also about proving a point, India can play futsal, India can grow, as per the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

“This victory means a lot to the team, the country, and to me personally,” said skipper Nikhil Mali, who has been with the Futsal Tigers through every step of the way since the team played their first game just over two years ago, as quoted from the official website of AIFF.

“I think th

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