India handed tough group

Defending champions India were clubbed along with DPR Korea,Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan in a tough Group A in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup to be held here from February 16-27. Group A comprises Tajikistan,Myanmar,Bangladesh and hosts Sri Lanka.

India,Tajikistan and DPR Korea the top three teams from the 2008 edition were given direct entry into the main competition while five teams Myanmar,Turkmenistan,Kyrgyzstan,Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have progressed through a tough qualifying route.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals of Asias second-tier international tournament,whose winners will qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha. India,who won the competition in 2008 at home,have already qualified for Doha. They will field an under-23 side in the tournament.