In a significant move aimed at strengthening the Indian Women Football Team ahead of next year’s AFC Women Asian Cup in Australia, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a comprehensive roadmap on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The plan was finalized during a key meeting chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, and attended by Deputy Secretary General Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Technical Director Mr. Syed Sabir Pasha, Director of National Teams Mr. Subrata Paul, Head Coach of the Indian Women’s National Team Mr. Crispin Chettri, and Assistant Coach Ms. Priya PV.
At the heart of the plan is the rescheduling of the 2025–26 Indian Women’s League (IWL), which will now run from September 2025 to January 2026. This edition will feature eight teams, each playing 14 matches, ensuring a more competitive and sustained league calendar.
In a strategic move to further deepen the talent pool, the Indian U20 women’s team will also participate in the IWL. This earlier than usual scheduling has been purposefully designed to allow the national team ample preparation time before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, slated for March 1–21, 2026.
Focused National Team Preparation
Beyond the domestic league, the AIFF has outlined an intensive 83-day national team preparation camp, which will be conducted in three phases. This will include between 10–12 international friendlies against strong opponents and five to seven matches with domestic sides. Together, these fixtures are intended to help the Blue Tigresses build tactical cohesion, match sharpness, and gain exposure to diverse playing styles.
The federation’s strategy ensures that each player will accumulate a significant amount of match time projected to be over 30 matches from August 2025 to February 2026. This mix of competitive domestic football and international exposure is a clear step toward bridging the performance gap at the continental level.
Collaborative Approach with Clubs
Recognizing the challenges of balancing club and national commitments, the AIFF plans to work proactively with IWL club owners to secure player availability for national camps and friendly matches. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, noting, “We believe that the success of the Indian women’s team on the continental stage will reflect positively on all stakeholders clubs, players, and the federation alike. We are counting on the clubs’ support to prioritize national interest during this critical phase.”
Adjustments in Domestic Calendar
To keep the focus firmly on Asian Cup preparations, the Senior Women’s National Football Championship for the prestigious Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025–26 will be scheduled after the conclusion of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. This change avoids calendar congestion and helps ensure that the national team’s build-up remains uninterrupted.
Key Highlights of the AIFF’s Roadmap:
- The 2025–26 Indian Women’s League to begin in September 2025 and end in January 2026, featuring eight teams and including the Indian U20 women’s team.
- The Blue Tigresses will undergo an 83-day national preparation camp divided into three phases.
- The national team will play 10–12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams to enhance match readiness.
- Each player is expected to feature in at least 30 matches (combining club and international fixtures) by February 2026.
- The Senior Women’s NFC will be rescheduled post the Asian Cup to avoid conflicts and ensure full focus on continental preparation.
A Step Forward for Indian Women’s Football
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 represents a crucial milestone for Indian women’s football. With Asia’s top teams competing, the tournament offers India not only a chance to measure itself against the continent’s best but also an opportunity to inspire a new generation of players.
Technical Director Syed Sabir Pasha remarked, “Structured planning, exposure, and competitive match practice are essential to building a resilient team. This roadmap is an important step toward creating a well-prepared squad ready to face tough continental competition.”
Head Coach Crispin Chettri also welcomed the plan, highlighting its importance in improving the team’s tactical discipline and mental strength. “The combination of domestic and international matches will allow us to test different systems, assess player combinations, and build consistency,” he said.
As the Indian Women’s National Team gears up for a pivotal year, the federation’s strategic roadmap is a statement of intent. By prioritizing match exposure, professional camps, and collaboration with clubs, AIFF is laying the groundwork for what it hopes will be a breakthrough performance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
While challenges remain including player workload, balancing domestic and international duties, and ensuring injury management the roadmap offers a clear vision: to give the Blue Tigresses the preparation, match experience, and support needed to compete at the highest level.
As preparations begin in earnest from September, fans and stakeholders alike will watch closely, hopeful that this comprehensive plan translates into improved performances and a stronger presence for Indian women’s football on the Asian stage.
