AFC Media Release :
COLOMBO: The AFC Challenge Cup 2010 draw was held on Monday here in the Sri Lankan capital at the Galadari Hotel.
A total of eight teams, including defending champions India, came out of the pots to be grouped into two sections of four teams each for the competition, which takes place from 16-27 February.
India are in the tough Group B with DPR Korea, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, while Group A comprises Tajikistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and hosts Sri Lanka.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
India, Tajikistan and DPR Korea - the top three teams from 2008 - enjoy direct entry into the main competition while five teams (Myanmar, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) have progressed through a tough qualifying route.
The winners of the 2010 edition as well as India, the 2008 champions, have automatic entry to the AFC Asian Cup 2011 to be held in Doha, Qatar.
AFC CHALLENGE CUP 2010 GROUPINGS
Group A: Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Group B: India, DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan