India’s senior women’s team is participating in the Tri-Nation Friendlies in Shillong and head coach Crispin Chettri has credited domestic pathways like the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and Khelo India ASMITA Leagues for raising the country’s footballing standards.
“What has really helped us grow in the last two to three years is the introduction of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) with home and away matches. We’re also getting good young talent from competitions like the Khelo India ASMITA Leagues, Subroto Cup, and SFI Games. This gives us a larger pool of players in the younger age groups, which benefits the national setup.
“Even though we’re missing some experienced players here, we take this as an opportunity to see new players. We still have four months (until the Asian Cup), so it’s good to expand our pool to 25 or more players. That way, we’re better prepared if injuries happen.”
Asked about India’s growing ambitions to reach the World Cup, Chettri didn’t hesitate to aim high.
“We’ll be going to Australia to face stronger teams, but this is the time to show our strength, not our weaknesses. I think I see myself in Brazil in 2027. I’m positive about it. The players have to believe in the dream too. We have embedded that seed in our mind that we are going to the World Cup. Now it’s about nurturing it through the right preparation and good friendly games.”
Senior forward Grace Dangmei, speaking ahead of the match, echoed her coach’s belief, spoke words of appreciation for the U17 and U20 teams that have also qualified for their respective Asian Cup, and talked about the balance of senior and junior players in the squad.
“It’s true that the younger teams have done really well. As senior players, we have a lot of responsibility, not only to perform but also to guide the juniors. At the same time, we also learn a lot from them. There’s always pressure on senior players to set standards and perform, but that’s what keeps us improving,” said the 29-year-old.
India Womens Squad 2025:
Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.
Defenders: Hemam Shilky Devi, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Martina Thokchom, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu.
Midfielders: Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Lisham Babina Devi, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sangita Basfore, Santosh.
Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Mousumi Murmu, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.
Head Coach: Crispin Chettri
Assistant Coach: Priya PV
Assistant Coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeping Coach: Mario Luis Aguiar
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto