India U20 Women's Team Arrives in Thailand for AFC U20 Asian Cup

The Indian U20 women's football team has arrived in Thailand to prepare for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, their first appearance in 20 years. With 13 days to acclimatize before facing Japan, the team is focused on training and strategy. Under the leadership of coach Joakim Alexandersson, they have undergone extensive preparation, including training camps in Bengaluru and Sweden. The tournament will be crucial for the team's future, as the top performers will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland 2026. Stay tuned for updates on their journey and matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 13:08 IST

Arrival and Preparation in Thailand

Bangkok, March 20: The Indian U20 women's football team, consisting of 24 players, landed in Thailand on Friday to prepare for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. This trip aims to help the team acclimatize to the local environment ahead of their first Group C match scheduled for next month.

After a 20-year gap, the Indian women's team has qualified for the Asian Cup and will have a total of 13 days to adjust to the conditions in Bangkok before facing Japan on April 2. Following this match, they will compete against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8.

The top two teams from the group, along with the two best third-placed teams across all groups, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four winners of these quarter-finals will secure spots in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland in 2026.

Under the guidance of Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson, the team commenced their training camp in Bengaluru in January, following the first phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL). They later spent a month training in Sweden, where they played five friendly matches against senior teams from Swedish clubs.

Upon returning from Scandinavia, the young Tigresses continued their training in Kolkata before departing for Thailand early Friday morning.

Closer to the tournament, Alexandersson will finalize the 23-member squad.

Here is the list of the 24 players traveling to Thailand for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alka Indwar, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson

Assistant coach: Paromita Sit

Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK