New Delhi, Aug 5 - The revival of the Nehru Cup in 2007 seems to have rejuvenated Indian football and the draw for the six-team 2009 edition will be made here Thursday.

The tournament, being sponsored again by the state-owned ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Commission), is lucky to retain the Rs.35 million sponsorship money at a time when recession has crippled global sports activities.

Last year's runners-up Syria will be the highest ranked team, followed by Thailand, champions India, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka in that order.

The tournament, which will be played at the Ambedkar Stadium here from Aug 18-30, will prepare the national team for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha.

Syria, who lost 0-1 to India in the 2007 final, are 96th in the FIFA rankings. Thailand, at 117th place, are the second highest ranked team.