India's Strength & Conditioning coach Luka Radman honoured unsung hero by Igor Stimac

Luka Radman lost his father on the morning of match against Kuwait

The Indian national men’s team created history by defeating Kuwait 0-1 away from home in the first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Thursday. The Blue Tigers brought an end to their poor run of form away from home and clinched all three points.

Igor Stimac’s side were certainly the better team on the night and deserved to win the game. A perfect build up from the back was executed to perfection by Manvir Singh who scored past the keeper with a left footed strike.

Luka Radman: The Unsung Hero

While the Blue Tigers created history in Kuwait, a lot of credit goes to the national team’s strength and conditioning coach Luka Radman who stayed back to help the team despite losing his father the very same morning.

The Croatian coach displayed courage and dedication towards his work and Indian Football by staying back with the team. He has played a crucial role behind the scenes to make the win against Kuwait possible for the Blue Tigers.

Igor Stimac reacts

Sharing his thoughts on the same, India’s head coach Igor Stimac took to his social media and expressed his appreciation for Luka Radman. Stimac wrote that while the country celebrated India’s win over Kuwait, the team mourned in silence.

“While the country celebrated a historic win against Kuwait, the team mourned in silence for one of our own. Our strength and conditioning coach Luka Radman lost his father the same morning, but decided to stay with us in this crucial time,” Stimac wrote.

He also appreciated Luka Radman’s strength and spirit and sent condolences to him and his entire family.

“The strength you showed for the sake of this team is heroic. On behalf of the entire team, we pray your father rests in peace. Sending all our love and strength to the family,” wrote the Indian head coach.

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