NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian U20 women's football team is set to compete in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Myanmar. Coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-member squad after rigorous training in Bengaluru and Uzbekistan. The team will face Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and hosts Myanmar in Group D. A strong showing in friendlies has boosted confidence ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

Key Points: Joakim Alexandersson Picks India U20 Women's Squad for AFC Qualifiers

  • India U20 women's team to face Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and Myanmar
  • Squad trained in Bengaluru and Uzbekistan
  • Winners and best runners-up qualify for AFC Asian Cup
  • Coach Alexandersson confident after 4-1 friendly win
2 min read

India U20 women's coach Joakim Alexandersson names 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U20 women's football team gears up for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Myanmar under coach Joakim Alexandersson.

"The team showed great character in Uzbekistan friendlies, and we're ready for the qualifiers. – Joakim Alexandersson"

New Delhi, August 1

The Indian U20 women's team head coach, Joakim Alexandersson, on Thursday, announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Myanmar from August 6-10, 2025, as per a press release from AIFF.

The Young Tigresses are placed in Group D, and will face Indonesia on August 6, Turkmenistan on August 8 and hosts Myanmar on August 10 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The group winners and the three best second-placed teams across all eight groups will qualify for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup that will be held in Thailand in April next year.

India had been training for the Qualifiers at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellen in Bengaluru. As part of their preparations, they travelled to Tashkent to play two friendlies against Uzbekistan U20 earlier this month. Alexandersson's side earned a resounding 4-1 win in the second game after drawing 1-1 in the first, providing good confidence ahead of the all-important Qualifiers.

The Young Tigresses continued their camp in Bengaluru after returning from Uzbekistan. They will depart for Myanmar on Thursday night and arrive on the morning of Friday, August 1, five days before their first game.

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

Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara.

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

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson

Assistant coach: Paromita Sit

Goalkeeper coach: Hameed KK

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Karan Mane

India's schedule in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

August 6: India vs Indonesia (18:00 IST)

August 8: Turkmenistan vs India (18:00 IST)

August 10: Myanmar vs India (15:00 IST)

All matches will be played at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So many Northeastern players in the squad! Wonderful representation from Manipur, Mizoram and other states. Football talent is truly pan-India now 💪
A
Arjun K
The match timings are perfect for Indian viewers. Will definitely watch all games. Hope DD Sports or some channel broadcasts them live!
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Myanmar, I'll try to attend the matches! The Thuwunna Stadium is great. Wishing the girls all the best - bring home the qualification!
N
Nishima K
While I support the team, I wish AIFF would invest more in grassroots development. We still lack proper infrastructure compared to other Asian nations.
K
Karan T
The foreign coach Alexandersson seems to be doing good work. Our girls need this international exposure. Hope they make us proud like the senior women's team did recently!
D
Divya L
So many talented players from small towns! Babita Kumari from Jharkhand and Khushbu from UP - proves football is reaching every corner of India. Jai Hind! 🙏

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50