India Women’s senior camp features young talents Nandini and Sibani alongside experienced players, while East Bengal stars are yet to join ahead of the Russia friendlies.

After winning the SAFF Championship for the sixth time, India Women are all set for their first international match against Russia for two friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on October 8 and 11 during the FIFA International match window. This will be India’s first appearance in West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women’s Championship, which took place in Siliguri and saw the Blue Tigresses win the title. The last time the Russian women travelled to play in India was in 1994, to play in the Jaylalitha Cup in Chennai, where India failed to cross the group stage, and Russia finished as runners-up. Before this occasion, the Blue Tigress had faced the Russian team thrice.

Young players like Nandini and Sibani got the national call-up

Young tigresses Nandini and Sibani are aiming for a senior team debut. The 19-year-old girls are set to light up the stage. Nandini, who is a goalkeeper, was part of the U17 Indian team; notably, she earned a place in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup squad earlier this year. Nandini praised the positive environment within the senior team camp, highlighting the support and togetherness between senior and junior players. She also spoke about learning from experienced players, particularly Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, whom she considers an inspiration.

Sibani has followed a steady path through India’s youth national teams, progressing from the U17 side in 2023 to the U19 team in 2024 and the U20 setup in 2025. Her journey included a brace against Chinese Taipei in the U20 Asian Cup in April, helping the Young Tigresses secure their first win in the competition in 22 years. Now part of the senior camp, Sibani highlighted the welcoming environment created by the senior players, saying their care and discipline made her feel included and taught her valuable lessons.

Team overview: East Bengal stars are yet to join

Other than the young talents, Sibani and Nandini, players like Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Anju Chanu Khayenpaibam, Khambi Chanu, Ranjana Chanu, and others will join the team.

However, the stars of the East Bengal camp have not joined the camp yet. Soumya Guguloth, Panthoi Chanu, Shilky Devi, Sulanjana Raul, Karthika, Susmita Lepcha, Priyangka Devi, Astam Oraon, and Sarita Yumnum are with the East Bengal team and preparing for the AFC Women’s Champions League.

Although the squad will be announced soon, it is expected that the Blue Tigresses, having delivered a strong performance in the SAFF, are well-prepared for the historic challenge ahead. They will undoubtedly strive to make India proud once again.