India U20 Women Head to Sweden for Final Preparatory Camp Ahead of AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The India U20 women’s national football team has taken a decisive step in its build-up to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, departing for a month-long preparatory camp in Sweden.

The camp forms the final major preparation phase before the continental tournament, scheduled to be held in April, and reflects the All India Football Federation’s growing emphasis on structured exposure and long-term development in women’s football.

The 24-member squad, selected by head coach Joakim Alexandersson, left for Stockholm after spending close to a month training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence (PDCSE) in Bengaluru. The Sweden camp is designed to provide the Young Tigresses with sustained high-intensity training, European-style tactical exposure, and match situations that closely mirror the demands of elite Asian competition.

For India, this tour carries significance beyond preparation alone. The team will compete in a challenging Group C at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026, where they are set to face Japan on April 2, Australia on April 5, and Chinese Taipei on April 8. Each of these fixtures presents a distinct test Japan’s technical dominance, Australia’s physicality, and Chinese Taipei’s structured approach making this preparatory phase critical for fine-tuning both physical readiness and tactical clarity.

Joakim Alexandersson, who took charge of the Indian women’s youth programme as part of a long-term development plan, has prioritised cohesion and adaptability. The Swedish coach has consistently stressed the importance of compact defensive organisation, quick transitions, and decision-making under pressure areas where Indian teams have traditionally struggled at the continental level. Training in Sweden offers an environment where these principles can be drilled repeatedly against strong opposition and in unfamiliar conditions.

The squad itself reflects a balance between experience and emerging talent. In goal, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem leads the unit, bringing composure and leadership, supported by Nandini and Ribansi Jamu. The defensive line features a solid mix of reliability and versatility, with captain Shubhangi Singh expected to anchor the backline alongside Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi, Sahena TH, and Thoibisana Chanu Toijam. Their ability to maintain shape and handle sustained pressure will be central to India’s ambitions in Thailand.

The midfield group offers depth and dynamism, with players like Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Misha Bhandari, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, and Shruti Kumari expected to shoulder the dual responsibility of controlling tempo and supporting transitions. This unit has been a focal point during recent camps, as Alexandersson looks to improve ball retention and reduce turnovers in high-risk zones.

Up front, the attacking responsibility rests with a young but promising group comprising Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Sulanjana Raul. Their pace, movement, and willingness to press from the front align closely with the coaching staff’s emphasis on proactive football. Finishing consistency and composure in decisive moments remain areas of focus as the team prepares for the step up in quality at the Asian Cup.

India’s qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup marked the end of a 20-year absence from the tournament, underlining the progress made in recent seasons. The Sweden camp is seen as a continuation of that upward trajectory rather than an endpoint. By exposing players to European training standards and match environments, the federation aims to bridge the gap between South Asian competition and the demands of top-tier Asian football.

The broader significance of this tour lies in its alignment with India’s long-term vision for women’s football. Sustained camps, quality opposition, and continuity in coaching are all elements that have often been missing in the past. This preparatory phase suggests a shift towards a more professional, pathway-driven approach one that prioritises development cycles over short-term results.

As the Young Tigresses settle into life in Sweden, the focus will be on sharpening tactical understanding, building physical resilience, and fostering collective belief ahead of a daunting group stage in Thailand. While results in April will ultimately define success, the exposure gained during this camp is expected to leave a lasting imprint on a generation of players poised to shape the future of Indian women’s football.

India U20 Women’s Squad (Sweden Preparatory Camp):

Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Misha Bhandari, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari, Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul