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India's U20 Women's Asian Cup Squad Announced After 20-Year Wait

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson has finalized India's 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand, marking the country's first qualification for the tournament in two decades. The Young Tigresses will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, with the knockout rounds offering a path to the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup. The team prepared with extended camps in Bengaluru, Sweden, and Kolkata before acclimatizing in Bangkok. The squad features a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards aiming to make a historic impact.

Key Points: India U20 Women's AFC Asian Cup Squad & Schedule

  • Squad announced for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
  • First qualification in 20 years
  • Matches vs Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei
  • Path to FIFA U20 World Cup
  • Camp included training in Sweden
2 min read

Joakim confirms India's 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Coach Joakim Alexandersson names India's 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand. Full squad list and match schedule inside.

"India, who qualified for the tournament after 20 years - AFC Report"

New Delhi, March 30

Joakim Alexandersson, head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup to be played in Thailand.

India, who qualified for the tournament after 20 years, will start their campaign against Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST at the Thammasat Stadium. They will then face Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST at the Pathum Thani Stadium, followed by Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST at the same venue.

The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams across all groups, will advance to the quarter-finals. The winners of the quarter-finals will then qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

The Young Tigresses arrived in Bangkok on March 20 and had 13 days to acclimate to the local conditions. The traveling group included 24 players, with defender Alka Indwar now released after Alexandersson finalized his 23-player squad for the final tournament.

India started their current training camp in Bengaluru in January following the conclusion of the first phase of the IWL. Subsequently, they held a month-long camp in Sweden, during which they played five friendly matches against senior teams from Swedish club sides. After returning from Scandinavia, the Young Tigresses resumed training in Kolkata before traveling to Bangkok, Thailand.

India's 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: 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

India's schedule at AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

April 2: Japan vs India

April 5: India vs Australia

April 8: Chinese Taipei vs India

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Tough group with Japan and Australia, but the preparation in Sweden sounds solid. Hope the exposure helps. Key will be the opening match against Japan.
R
Rohit P
Great to see names from across the country - Manipur, Bengal, everywhere. Football truly unites us. Best of luck to Coach Joakim and the entire team!
S
Sarah B
The schedule is packed! Three matches in 7 days. Fitness and squad rotation will be crucial. Hope they can pull off an upset against one of the bigger teams.
V
Vikram M
While the qualification is a big achievement, we must be realistic. The gap in infrastructure and grassroots development compared to Japan/Australia is vast. This tournament should be about learning and gaining experience for the future.
N
Nisha Z
So proud of these young women! Representing the nation on such a stage. Will be setting my alarm for the Japan match. Jai Hind!

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