Swedish former footballer Joakim Alexandersson, a 48-year-old ex-defender, has been appointed as the Chief Coach of India’s U20 and U17 Women’s National Teams by the All India Football Federation.
Former Sweden U21 international and IF Elfsborg legend Joakim Alexandersson brings a wealth of experience to India. A decorated defender who captained Elfsborg to multiple trophies, Alexandersson stepped into the coaching world in 2014 as a youth director at IF Elfsborg.
Joakim Alexandersson to Lead U20 & U17 Women’s Teams with a Vision for Excellence
He coached boys’ and girls’ U14 to U17 teams, winning multiple youth league titles and helping young players move up to senior teams. Now, he’s ready to bring his expertise to India’s U20 and U17 women’s teams.
Regarding Alexandersson’s appointment, AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey remarked “I would like to convey my gratitude to the Swedish FA for the collaboration. It will help Indian women footballers to have better opportunities. Four of our women coaches, along with two goalkeeper coaches will be closely working with Mr. Alexandersson. The team of support staff will play a role with national scouts and Member Associations to identify talent across the country”.
Joakim Alexandersson will be supported by a team of assistant coaches, including Nivetha Ramadoss, Amrutha Aravind, Sradhanjali Samantaray, and Nidhi. The goalkeeper coaching responsibilities will be handled by KK Hameed and Dipankar Choudhury.
The new Swedish coach, “I feel very excited about the challenge. I feel India has a big potential. Football is a big sport here and everyone wants to progress, so I think I have a good opportunity here and I’m looking forward to it.”
Alexandersson will start his coaching journey in India with a two-month U20 national camp in Bengaluru from December 10, 2024. India U20 is expected to face the Maldives in two friendly matches on December 30, 2024, and January 2, 2025. Additionally, the AIFF aims to organize extended camps lasting seven to eight months for the women’s football teams.
India’s senior women’s football team is ranked 13th in Asia and 68th in the FIFA rankings. To improve further, the AIFF plans to strengthen the junior levels, with the Swedish coach working closely with scouts.
