Crispin Chettri announces 26-member preliminary squad for SAFF Women's Championship
New Delhi, May 19
Indian senior women's national team head coach Crispin Chettri on Tuesday announced the 26-member preliminary squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 that will be held in Margao, Goa, from May 25 to June 6.
The majority of the players assembled in Goa on Tuesday after the Indian Women's League 2025-26 concluded in Kolkata on Monday. East Bengal's players will join the camp on Wednesday after the conclusion of the Calcutta Women's Football League on Tuesday, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Aveka Singh, who plays for Naestved HG in Denmark, will arrive in Goa later this week. Manisha Kalyan, who plies her trade in Peru for Alianza Lima, can only join when the FIFA International Match Window begins on June 1.
The final squad of 23 players will be announced closer to the tournament.
India, placed in Group B, will open their campaign against the Maldives on May 25 before taking on Bangladesh on May 31.
Group A contains Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The top two teams from each group will make it to the semi-finals, which will be held on June 3. The final will take place on June 6 at 18:30. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be the venue for all matches of the SAFF Women's Championship 2026.
India's preliminary squad for SAFF Women's Championship 2026:
Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Ribansi Jamu, Shreya Hooda.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Sarita Yumnam, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Shilky Devi Hemam.
Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.
Head coach: Crispin Chettri
India's fixtures:
Monday, May 25:19:30, Maldives vs India
Sunday, May 31:19:30, India vs Bangladesh
Wednesday, June 3 (Semi-finals):16:00, Group A Winners vs Group B Runners-up20:00, Group B Winners vs Group A Runners-up
Saturday, June 7:18:30, Final
VENUE: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao, Goa.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some serious preparation happening for women's football. The overseas players like Aveka Singh and Manisha bring valuable experience. But the real test will be against Bangladesh - they have improved a lot in recent years.
Only 26 players in the preliminary squad? Should have called up more youngsters to gain exposure. Anyway, best of luck to Chettri and the team. Goa will be rocking! 🇮🇳⚽
Good selection overall. I'm particularly excited to see how Grace Dangmei and Pyari Xaxa perform upfront. The midfield looks strong with Sangita Basfore anchoring it. Let's bring the title home!
Happy to see players from Northeast getting chances - Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Sanfida Nongrum. But why no one from Kerala or Tamil Nadu? Selection should be more pan-India. Just saying. 🤷♀️
Finally, some clarity on the schedule. Maldives first up should be easy, but Bangladesh in the group stage will be a proper test. The semi-final and final in Goa - perfect setting. Hope the stadium fills up!
Good squad, but I'm concerned about the goalkeeping depth. Only three keepers named - hope Panth
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