India Bids to Host 2031 AFC Asian Cup, Competing with Five Other Nations

• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed India's bid to host the 2031 Asian Cup, listing it among six bidding member nations.
• India will compete against Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, and a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had submitted an 'Expression of Interest' for the 2031 edition last year.
• Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has pledged the government's full support for India's bid, linking it to boosting the country's global stature and its aim to host the 2036 Olympics.
• India has never hosted the tournament and previously withdrew bids for the 2023 and 2027 editions, citing different strategic priorities at the time.