Indian men's team coach Igor Stimac has shared a long letter requesting coaches from the Indian Super League for allowing their players to participate in the national camp for the U-23 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, held in China from September 6 to 12. But on August 5, several of the ISL clubs sent a statement to the All India Football Federation requesting them to reconsider the plea to release players.

Many clubs from India's top football division cited the  ongoing Durand Cup and the upcoming AFC Cup matches as their reasons behind not sending players to the national camp. But, the Indian coach wrote a heartfelt letter asking coaches of the ISL clubs to send their players for the betterment of Indian Football.

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In the letter, the former Croatia international talked about how the Blues Tiger have been generating a lot of momentum over the last few months. Hence the team needs to build on the recent success with crucial tournaments like  AFC U23 qualifiers, Asian Games, World Cup Qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup coming up.

Igor Stimac's letter said, "  Indian Football is at a crucial junction right now. We've all worked very hard over the last few years to create a culture and build momentum to move towards our ultimate goals, and we need to continue working together and march forward."

"I urge all clubs to continue supporting our national teams, especially in the upcoming months packed with some major tournaments - AFC U23 qualifiers, Asian Games, World Cup Qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup. We as a nation want to be able to put our best players on the pitch against the footballing giants of Asia and the World and show them that we are not to be taken lightly."

"Each national team success is adding extra value to all the players and now we know that our boys can compete against the best teams only when we are given enough time for preparation prior to important challenges."

"The work that each and every club has put  into developing and nurturing our players over the last few years is really commendable and the results can undeniably be seen in the National Team's recent performances. I want to thank all the clubs and their respective coaches for the huge part they've played in developing Indian football and kindly ask you all to keep supporting our request for longer camps throughout November and December prior to the World Cup Qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup."

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"You dear coaches know best that short preparation time is killing any hopes for us doing well in these major tournaments.  I can assure you, our national teams will make sure to validate your support with our performances. Let's take our nation to the pinnacle of football, TOGETHER."