India's Women's Football Team Eyes World Cup Glory Through Asian Cup Journey
A World Cup Dream Through the Asian Cup
Long before the final whistle in Thailand confirmed India's qualification for the continental event six months ago, Sangita Basfore envisioned this journey as more than just a ticket to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup. At the outset of last year's qualifying campaign, while the immediate goal for the Indian women's national team was to secure a spot in the Asian Cup, Sangita's aspirations extended beyond that. For her, the Asian Cup was merely a stepping stone towards the FIFA Women's World Cup. The tournament, hosted by Australia, is set to take place from March 1 to March 21 this year.
Intensive Preparations and a Game-by-Game Focus
Sangita's forward-thinking mindset has been pivotal throughout the campaign. When India clinched qualification, thanks to her two-goal performance against Thailand in the final qualifying match, it felt more like the beginning of a larger mission than the end of a journey. As the Blue Tigresses gear up in Australia, where they arrived ahead of their competitors to optimize preparation and acclimatize to new conditions, Sangita emphasizes the team's consistent message: "From the start of the Asian Cup qualifiers last year, our focus has been on qualifying for the World Cup. But that is just one step. Our first match is on March 4, and we are concentrating solely on that. Winning will boost our confidence for the subsequent games. Everyone is committed to taking it one game at a time," she stated in a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Adapting to Australian Conditions
The preparation for this moment has been extensive and well-structured. The squad spent a month and a half together, including a training camp in Turkiye, before heading to Australia. The significant shift in climate, from the cold of winter to the warmth of Australia, made their early arrival essential for competitive readiness. "It has been crucial. We have been together for 45 days. Initially, we trained in Turkey, where it was quite cold, but the weather here is much warmer. Arriving early allowed us to adapt effectively. At first, it was challenging, but now we are adjusting to the heat and improving our performance. Coming early was a wise decision," Sangita remarked.
Reflecting on a Historic Qualification
Sangita's contribution to India's qualification is a significant milestone not only for the campaign but also for Indian football history. Her two goals in the decisive qualifier garnered attention and recognition, yet she views that night as a collective achievement rather than a personal triumph. "That was not just my effort; it was the entire team's hard work. If the team hadn't provided me with the right passes, I might not have scored. The credit belongs to the whole team, the staff, and all the players. While there were many interviews and much attention afterward, for me, it was just part of the experience. It was a great moment, and now I aim to keep performing well for the national team and advance my career," she expressed.
Embracing New Leadership
In addition to tactical preparation and acclimatization, the squad is also adapting to new leadership under Amelia Valverde. For Sangita, the most significant aspect has been the sense of fairness and opportunity within the team. "Coach Amelia has been with us for over a month now. Each coach has different philosophies regarding player treatment and gameplay. What I appreciate about this coach is her equal treatment of all players and the chances she provides. This is beneficial for the team. We have primarily observed this in training, and now we need to translate it into match performance. The coach is doing her part in preparing us, and now it is our responsibility to deliver on the field," she noted.