New Delhi [India], March 31 (HBTV): Indian U20 women’s football team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026.
India, who qualified for the tournament after 20 years, will begin their campaign against Japan on April 2 at the Thammasat Stadium, followed by matches against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at the Pathum Thani Stadium, according to a release from the All India Football Federation.
The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams across all three groups will progress to the quarter-finals. The four quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
The team arrived in Bangkok on March 20 and had 13 days to acclimatise to local conditions. The travelling contingent initially included 24 players, with defender Alka Indwar released as the final squad was confirmed.
India began their training camp in Bengaluru in January following the first phase of the Indian Women’s League. The team later trained in Sweden for a month, playing five friendly matches against senior teams of Swedish club sides. After returning from Scandinavia, the squad continued preparations in Kolkata before travelling to Thailand.
The squad includes goalkeepers Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, and Ribansi Jamu. The defensive unit comprises Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, and Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.
Midfield options include Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, and Shruti Kumari, while the forwards are Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Sulanjana Raul.
The coaching staff includes head coach Joakim Alexandersson, assistant coach Paromita Sit, and goalkeeping coach Hameed KK.
India’s fixtures in the tournament are scheduled for April 2 against Japan, April 5 against Australia, and April 8 against Chinese Taipei. All matches will be streamed live on FanCode. (ANI)