India's Bengaluru FC get warm welcome in Doha

Some 10-15 ardent fans were there to welcome the Blues at the Hamad International Airport early in the morning.

JSW Bengaluru FC will be playing Iraq's Air Force Club on Saturday.

Despite the scheduled flight being cancelled, it did not deter the passionate members of Qatar Indian Association, which had a short 'meet n greet' session with the Bengaluru FC contingent.

"We got to know that their scheduled flight was cancelled but there was no question of going back from the Airport without welcoming our heroes," Safeer, General Secretary, Qatar Indian Association for Sports and Games (QIA), said.

Coach Albert Roca seemed overwhelmed with the support and said: "It was a long and tiring journey but to be greeted by the members of the Indian community despite the late arrival was very heartening to see. I hope they turn out in big numbers on matchday and motivate the boys even more"

Team captain Sunil Chhetri, also the Indian with the highest number of goals in international football, was not surprisingly the crowd favourite.

Chhetri, who led India to the SAFF Cup gold in January, was seen posing with the fans at the airport as well prior to leaving for the team hotel.