NewKerala.com

Key Points

The AIFF has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the Indian women's football team's preparation for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup. Key decisions include rescheduling the IWL season to September 2025 and adding U20 players for experience. The team will undergo intensive 83-day training camps with international friendlies. This structured approach aims to give players 30+ competitive matches before the tournament.

Key Points: AIFF Plans Indian Women's Team Roadmap After Asian Cup Qualification

  • AIFF schedules 2025-26 IWL season early for Asian Cup prep
  • 83-day national camp split into three phases planned
  • U20 team to compete in IWL for exposure
  • 10-12 international friendlies lined up before tournament
2 min read

AIFF charts roadmap for Indian women's national team after Asian Cup qualification

AIFF outlines 83-day prep camps, expanded IWL season & international friendlies for Indian women's team ahead of AFC Asian Cup 2026.

"Each player will play at least 30 matches between August and February – AIFF release"

New Delhi, July 11

The All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey on Friday convened a meeting with Deputy Secretary General, M. Satyanarayan, Technical Director, Syed Sabir Pasha, Director of National Teams, Subrata Paul, Indian Women's National Team Head coach Crispin Chettri and Assistant coach Priya PV, to chart the Indian Women's National Team's preparation plans for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026.

It was decided to organise the 2025-26 Indian Women's League season, featuring eight teams playing 14 matches each, from September 2025 to January 2026, a release said. The Indian U20 women's team will also participate in the IWL. The earlier than usual scheduling would allow for ample preparation time in the lead-up to the AFC Women's Asian Cup, scheduled for March 1 to 21, 2026.

In addition, the Blue Tigresses will undergo 83 days of preparation camps, conducted in three phases. This will include 10-12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams. To effectively manage this calendar, the AIFF will engage with all IWL club owners to seek their support and cooperation in releasing players for the camps as and when required for the national interest.

With this plan, each player is projected to play at least 30 matches between August and February, combining both club and international commitments. To facilitate uninterrupted national team preparation in the lead-up to the AFC Women's Asian Cup, it was also suggested that the Senior Women's National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025-26 be scheduled after the conclusion of the continental tournament.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative but where's the budget allocation? Without proper funding, all these plans will remain on paper. Also, why only 8 teams in IWL? Should expand to at least 12 to develop more talent.
A
Ananya R
As a football mom, I'm thrilled to see this roadmap! My daughter dreams of playing for India someday. The U20 team inclusion in IWL is brilliant - gives young players big match experience. More power to our Blue Tigresses! 💙
V
Vikram M
Hope AIFF doesn't repeat men's team mistakes. Need proper nutritionists, sports psychologists along with coaches. Our women deserve world-class facilities, not jugaad arrangements. The 30-match schedule looks intense - hope they manage workload properly.
S
Sarah B
Wonderful to see India investing in women's football! The international friendlies will be crucial - hope they schedule matches against top Asian sides like Japan and Australia to test themselves. More countries should follow India's lead in women's sports development.
K
Karthik V
While the plan looks good on paper, implementation is key. AIFF must ensure IWL clubs actually release players when needed. Remember how ISL clubs often refuse to release men's players? Need binding agreements this time.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50