The Indian women’s football team has taken an important step in its preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, departing for a training camp in Türkiye on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
With a 26-member squad, the camp marks the beginning of a decisive phase in India’s build-up to the continental showpiece, where the Blue Tigresses will look to make a strong impression after qualifying on merit for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Before flying out, the team underwent a brief three-day preparatory camp in Gurugram from January 12 to 14. While short in duration, the camp allowed the coaching staff to assess fitness levels, fine-tune tactical basics, and align the squad ahead of a more intensive overseas schedule. The focus now shifts to Antalya and Manavgat in Türkiye, where India will face European club opposition in a controlled, high-quality environment.
India’s qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 represents a significant milestone for the national program. Unlike previous editions, where India featured as hosts, this time the team earned its place through competitive qualification.
The reward, however, comes with a demanding group draw. India has been placed alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei, making preparation, exposure, and tactical clarity essential.
The Türkiye camp has been structured with those exact objectives in mind. The team will be based in Antalya, with matches scheduled in Manavgat, around 75 kilometers away. All three friendly matches will be played behind closed doors, allowing head coach Crispin Chettri and his staff the freedom to experiment with formations, combinations, and in-game strategies without external scrutiny.
India will play three European clubs during the camp. The first match, on January 18, will be against FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv of Ukraine, followed by a clash with FC Zürich Frauen of Switzerland on January 21. The tour concludes with a match against FC Schlieren, also from Switzerland, on January 24. All matches are scheduled for a 17:30 IST kickoff, providing consistency in match-day routines.
These opponents offer varied tactical challenges. Metalist 1925 Kharkiv bring physicality and intensity, Zürich Frauen are known for their structured and technical style, while FC Schlieren are expected to test India’s squad depth and adaptability. Collectively, the fixtures are designed to mirror different aspects of what India can expect against Asian heavyweights later in the year. There are, however, a couple of setbacks. Winger Soumya Guguloth and midfielder Karthika Angamuthu have been ruled out of the Türkiye tour due to injuries. Both players are key contributors, particularly Guguloth’s pace on the flanks and Karthika’s control in midfield.
Their absence places added responsibility on the rest of the squad but also opens opportunities for younger players to stake their claim.
The squad composition reflects a careful balance between experience and transition. In goal, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu leads a unit that includes Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Shreya Hooda, and Adrija Sarkhel. The defensive line features a mix of established names like Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, and Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, and emerging options such as Astam Oraon, Sushmita Lepcha, and Martina Thokchom.
Midfield duties will be anchored by Sangita Basfore, one of India’s most consistent performers in recent years, alongside Babina Devi Lisham, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Anju Tamang, Jasoda Munda, and Sanfida Nongrum. In attack, the responsibility of providing goals and width will rest on forwards such as Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika P, Karishma Shirvoikar, and Lynda Kom Serto.
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The importance of this camp cannot be overstated. With Japan in the group, one of Asia’s strongest and most technically refined sides, India will need exceptional defensive organization and tactical discipline. Matches against Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are likely to be more direct contests, where physicality, transitions, and set pieces could prove decisive. As the Blue Tigresses settle into their base in Türkiye, the focus will be on cohesion, resilience, and adaptability. The outcomes of the friendly matches matter less than the lessons drawn from them.
For India, this tour is about sharpening identity, building belief, and ensuring the team arrives in Australia not just as participants, but as competitors ready to test themselves against Asia’s best.
