My boys can face bigger challenge next year: Sukhwinder

New Delhi: On cloud nine after India clinched the SAFF championship title under his coaching,

Sukhwinder Singh has no doubt that his under-23 wards can face bigger challenge, including the AFC Challenge Cup and Asian Games, next year. "It`s a nice feeling. I am very happy for my boys and this is a proud moment for the country. Boys have done it this year where we failed last year," he told agency from Dhaka today before departing for Mumbai. India defeated Maldives 3-1 via penalty shootout in the summit clash yesterday to claim their fifth crown. Last year, a full strength Indian senior side under the captaincy of Baichung Bhutia had lost to Maldives 0-1 in the final. Sukhwinder, who will be in charge of the under-23 side in the AFC Challenge Cup in February-March in Sri Lanka and 2010 Asian Games in China, said the challenge ahead was tough but the boys could deliver the results. "The challenge ahead is tough but these boys can bring the results considering what they had done in this tournament. The boys did an extremely wonderful job despite the odds against them and continued the process of winning. I am very happy," he said. The former JCT coach, who was also at the helm of affairs when India won the SAFF Championship in 1999, said the boys would be rewarded by the AIFF for winning the title. "The AIFF had promised Rs 10,000 to each player for winning every group match and Rs 25,000 for winning the semifinal against Bangladesh. The team has also got USD 50,000 as winners cheque. May be AIFF would announce more," he said. He also said that midfielder Jewel Raja, who had to be taken to a hospital in Dhaka after colliding with a Maldives player, was fine and there was no need for worry. "Jewel was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and after check up there was nothing serious. He is fit and fine," said the coach. PTI