New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) India’s T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer is excited about interacting with the country’s top athletes during the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, saying the multi-sport event will provide an opportunity to understand their mindset and cheer for them.
India face Japan in a historic T20I match before beginning their Asian Games campaign on September 28, and Iyer is looking forward to sharing the experience with athletes from other disciplines.
“Definitely an exciting time for me and also for the team because it is going to be my first time and there are a couple of players who have already been in the Asian Games. So, yeah, exciting time,” Iyer said.
He is also excited about one-off T20I against Japan before start of Asian Games.
“Our first match we are going to play against Japan. So, that is going to be a historic one. And sharing relationship with the hockey players and other Olympic players who would be there, athletes who would be there along with us, definitely would be a great interaction.”
Iyer said he would be keen to interact with the athletes and understand what drives them at the highest level.
“I would be eagerly waiting to go there and interact with them and know what their mindset is. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them as well.
“So, yes, we are going as a whole nation and definitely we want to see to it that we come back triumphant,” he said.
Iyer, however, is not looking too far ahead and wants his team to focus on the immediate challenge, with Afghanistan their first opponents before the Asian Games.
“We are thinking about the first game. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team and our preparation has also been promising for the last couple of days,” he said.
“Leading up to Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition. And yes, fingers crossed, we will deliver to the best of our abilities,” Iyer added.