Chinese Taipei coach Gary White ready for India challenge in Intercontinental Cup

A day before his side's first clash against India in the Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai, Chinese Taipei coach Gary White has said that playing against the host team in the opener is always a challenge and that his team are up to grab it.

Chinese Taipei will take on India in the opening match of Intercontinental Cup at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday before they lock horns with New Zealand (June 5) and Kenya (June 8).

"Life is all about newer challenges and the experience we take home with us. It's always challenging to play the host nation in the first game. The first game always sets the tone," he added. "It will be really motivating for us to play a higher ranked team in the tournament opener."

Captain Marvel Sunil Chhetri, who is just two matches away from playing his 100th International match for India, is giving the English coach quite a few sleepless nights and the coach didn't hide this at all.

"India are a strong team and they're going up step by step. Sunil is nearing to achieve a milestone. I hope he reaches it in the next two games but not against us (laughs). This tournament is going to add massive experience to our boys, more than any of the training sessions."

The former Guam coach thanked AIFF for the hospitality shown towards them and inviting them for this tournament.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank All India Football Federation. I always love coming to India. The hospitality shown towards us is warm and we are touched. Now, it is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves before the Asian games."

Meanwhile, White mentioned that it's a great platform for the youngsters to showcase their talent.

"It's a challenge for the youngsters to take up the responsibility and show the potential for the future. Playing against the opponents in the likes of India, Kenya and New Zealand in the first tournament is really special and that lies for our players ahead. We have to dig deep before the Asian Games in August and we're ready to do that," White concluded.