Indian defender Sandesh put up a heroic display from the back but ended up on the losing side on the day before yesterday.
Sandesh knows how much effort the Blue Tigers have put in.
India lost their final group game by 1-0 goal against Bahrain in the AFC Asian games and gets knocked out from the tournament, India finished at the bottom of the group with just three points from as many games.
The 25 year old defender has expressed his disappointment after they were on the cusp on making history for the first time by reaching to the knock out stage of Asian cup.
The Indian centre back voiced: “I’m disappointed as we defended really well today. I’m very disappointed how it turned out. But very important that the boys gave their all and we defended like warriors throughout the game. But that’s football. Congrats to Bahrain for the win. It has been a good Asian Cup. We have improved a lot.
“Everyone gave their best for the past four years since the qualification started. And finally thanks to everyone who turned up and supported us. From now on, upwards and onwards,”
The Chandighar born defender said that Team India improved their performance under the tenure of the British manager Stephen Constantine, and also he is proud for himself and for the other player who puts in amazing performance for the team in Asian cup.
He added: “We have really improved a lot. We played against UAE four years ago and they thrashed us 5-0 and now we almost beat them. So we have improved as a unit. We have worked hard. The passion and desire among the boys are crazy. And even though this is a heart-breaking loss, we are going to back each other up.
“There is always a tomorrow. What’s gone is gone. But we are proud to do so well in the tournament. Sometimes you end up on the wrong side and today is the wrong side,”