Asian Games 2023: Fan celebrating Rahul KP's goal against China asked to sit down - WATCH

The inaugural match of the Asian Games pitted the Indian football team against China. Under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri, Igor Stimac selected a fairly formidable starting team for India, who were hoping for a successful Asian Cup campaign, but ultimately fell 5-1. Afterwards, the Blue Tigers have additional group-stage matches against Bangladesh and Myanmar scheduled.

3 things you need to know 

• The full-time of India vs China was 5-1 in China’s favour 
• Team India performed well on the pitch but failed to convert against the Chinese wall
• Sunil Chhetri and the team will now face Bangladesh in the next group-stage match 

Also Read: India Vs China: Rahul KP Stuns China With Goal From Almost Impossible Position - WATCH

India vs China: Chinese official restricts Indian supporters to celebrate 

Team India, captained by Sunil Chhetri, opened the 2023 Asian Games on Tuesday, September 19 against China at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou. The Indian team, known as the Blue Tigers, put up a valiant effort in the first half but ultimately lost 5-1 to the home squad.

Rahul KP scored India's lone goal in first-half stoppage time thanks to a valiant effort. The Kerala Blasters' 23-year-old forward, a star performer in the Indian Super League, scored a spectacular goal to demonstrate his talents. The stadium was filled with jubilant Indian supporters who immediately began celebrating the goal.

A member of the organising team surprisingly asked one Indian fan displaying the Indian flag to sit down amid the celebrations. The enthusiastic Indian fan who had travelled to watch the Blue Tigers ignored the request and kept waving the Indian flag after Rahul KP scored and equalized for India in  the 45+1 minute. Since then, this event has gained traction on social media, thanks in large part to a video that has gone viral.

An Indian fan celebrating Rahul KP's goal against China was instructed by stadium officials to sit down, but he continued his celebration. 🇮🇳👀 #IndianFootball #SFtbl pic.twitter.com/yd68APM3Rw

— Sevens Football (@sevensftbl) September 19, 2023

Also Read: 'If I knew certain elements...': Igor Stimac lashes out at Indian Super League organisers

How can India qualify for the second round of the Asian Games 2023? 

After a crushing loss to China in their opening game, India's chances of competing for a medal at the Asian Games in 2023 are doubtful. In order to advance to the second round, their prospects now depend on winning their next two games against Bangladesh and Myanmar. In the group game, Myanmar defeated Bangladesh 4-2 to win.

The Indian squad had already won the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship earlier in the year. They most recently finished fourth in the Kings' Cup. All the same, their biggest test was always going to come in the Asian Games 2023 football competition. In addition, the Indian team had extra challenges because they had a delayed flight from Singapore, arriving in China the night before the first game.