Indian Women's Football Team Heads to Turkiye for AFC Asian Cup Preparation

Blue Tigresses Depart for Training Camp

The Indian senior women's football team, known as the 'Blue Tigresses', has set off for a training camp in Turkiye with a roster of 26 players. Their departure took place on Thursday, January 15.

In preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 scheduled for March, the team conducted a short training session in Gurugram, Haryana, from January 12 to 14, as reported by the AIFF.

Upon their arrival in Antalya, Turkiye, on Thursday afternoon, the team is slated to engage in closed-door friendly matches against three European clubs. They will face FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv from Ukraine on January 18, FC Zurich Frauen from Switzerland on January 21, and FC Schlieren, also from Switzerland, on January 24. These matches will take place in Manavgat, approximately 75 kilometers from Antalya.

Unfortunately, winger Soumya Guguloth and midfielder Karthika Angamuthu will miss the trip due to injuries.

Here is the 26-member squad traveling to Turkiye:

Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Shreya Hooda, Adrija Sarkhel.

Defenders: Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju, Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Martina Thokchom.

Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Babina Devi Lisham, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Anju Tamang, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum.

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Shirvoikar, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, Kaviya Pakkirisamy.

Upcoming Friendly Matches in Turkiye:

January 18: India vs FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv, Emirhan Sport Center, 17:30 IST

January 21: India vs FC Zurich Frauen, Emirhan Sport Center, 17:30 IST

January 24: India vs FC Schlieren, Evrenseki/Ilica Stadium, 17:30 IST.