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India U20 Women's Football Team Arrives in Thailand for Historic Asian Cup

The India U20 women's national football team has arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, to acclimatize for the upcoming AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup. This marks India's first qualification for the tournament in two decades. The team, led by Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, prepared through extended camps in Bengaluru, Sweden, and Kolkata. Their Group C campaign begins on April 2 against Japan, followed by matches against Australia and Chinese Taipei.

Key Points: India U20 Women's Team in Thailand for AFC Asian Cup

  • First Asian Cup in 20 years
  • Camp in Sweden & Kolkata
  • Group C with Japan, Australia
  • Top two advance to quarters
  • Quarter-final winners go to FIFA U20 World Cup
2 min read

Indian team arrives in Thailand for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

India's U20 women's football team arrives in Thailand to acclimatize for the AFC Asian Cup, their first qualification in 20 years. Matches begin April 2.

"India women qualified for the Asian Cup after 20 years. - AFC Report"

Bangkok, March 20

The India U20 women's team of 24 players arrived in Thailand on Friday for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup to acclimatise to the local conditions before their first Group C match next month.

India women who qualified for the Asian Cup after 20 years, will have 13 days to acclimatise to the local conditions in Bangkok before their first Group C match against Japan on April 2. India will then take on Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8.

The top two teams in the group and the two best third-placed teams among all three groups will make it to the quarter-finals. Further, the four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

India, under Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, had begun their current training camp in Bengaluru in January after the conclusion of the first phase of the IWL.

Later, they had a one-month camp in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against the senior teams of Swedish club sides.

After their return from Scandinavia, the young Tigresses continued training in Kolkata, from where they departed for the Thailand capital in the wee hours of Friday.

Alexandersson will announce the final 23-member squad closer to the tournament.

Alexandersson will announce the final 23-member squad closer to the tournament.

India's 24-member travelling squad to Thailand for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alka Indwar, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson

Assistant coach: Paromita Sit

Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Tough group with Japan and Australia, but the girls have had solid preparation. Good to see a mix of players from across the country - Manipur, Bengal, etc. Hope they can cause an upset. The World Cup spot is the real prize!
R
Rohit P
While the effort is commendable, I hope the AIFF provides better long-term support. We qualify after two decades, but where is the domestic structure to sustain this? Need more IWL teams and youth academies. Still, best of luck to the team!
S
Sarah B
Great to see women's football getting this platform. The exposure in Sweden playing against senior clubs must have been invaluable. Fingers crossed for the matches. Go India!
N
Nikhil C
The squad looks promising! Shubhangi Singh in defense is a rock. And having a foreign coach with experience is a good step. 13 days to acclimatise should be enough. Let's hope they play without pressure and enjoy the game.
M
Meera T
So many young talents from the North-East! Lhingdeikim, Thoibisana Chanu... they bring such flair to the game. Their journey from local grounds to an Asian Cup is inspiring. Will be cheering for them from home! 💙

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