Kolkata January 12: India women team officially began their preparations for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 with the start of a training camp in Gurugram, Haryana.
Head coach Crispin Chhetri’s 29-member squad assembled on January 12, 2026, as head coach and his support staff oversaw the first training session of the camp. The team will continue their on-field preparations in Gurugram until January 14.
On January 15, the Blue Tigresses will travel to Antalya, Turkiye, where they are scheduled to play three closed-door international friendly matches. These fixtures form a crucial part of India’s build-up towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Several domestic clubs have made significant contributions to the national squad, underlining the depth of talent in Indian women’s football, and East Bengal Women lead the way with nine players selected, Panthoi Chanu, Sweety Devi, Shilky Devi, Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Sangita Basfore, Karthika Angamuthu, and Soumya Guguloth.
From Sethu Madurai, six players have earned call-ups, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Martina Thokchom, Malavika P, Lynda Kom Serto, and Babina Devi Lisham.
Sribhumi FC contribute five players, Karishma Shirvoikar, Anju Tamang, Rimpa Haldar, Sanju, and Grace Dangmei.
Nita FA also have five players in the squad, Adrija Sarkhel, Juli Kishan, Jasoda Munda, Pyari Xaxa, and Malati Munda.
Gokulam Kerala FC are represented by three players, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, and Priyadharshini Selladurai, while Garhwal FC are represented by Sanfida Nongrum,
The squad also highlights the growing influence of Bengal in Indian women’s football, with five players hailing from the region, Sangita Basfore, Astam Oraon, Sushmita Lepcha, Adrija Sarkhel, and Rimpa Haldar, all set to feature in the national camp.
This national camp comes immediately after the conclusion of the first phase of the Indian Women’s League 2025–26, where all the named players impressed with their performances for their respective clubs, showcasing intensity, discipline, throughout the competition. The strong domestic showings have translated into confidence within the national setup, with head coach Crispin Chhetri closely monitoring several IWL fixtures from the stands.
As the team steps onto the training pitch in Gurugram and prepares to take on international opponents abroad, the focus remains firmly on growth, consistency, and belief, key pillars for the Blue Tigresses as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
India Women will play three friendly matches during their stay in Türkiye, all kicking off at 17:30 IST:
January 18: India vs FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv at Emirhan Sport Center.
January 21: India vs FC Zürich Frauen at Emirhan Sport Center.
January 24: India vs FC Schlieren at Evrenseki/Ilıca Stadium.
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