India’s U20 women’s national football team has revealed its 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, to be held in Yangon, Myanmar from August 6 to August 10, 2025. The team, led by head coach Joakim Alexandersson, is set to compete in Group D against Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and hosts Myanmar. The Young Tigresses have been preparing at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, with recent friendly matches in Uzbekistan boosting the squad’s confidence after a strong 4-1 win and a 1-1 draw against the Uzbek U20 team.
Complete Squad List Announced
Coach Alexandersson has selected a balanced mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards for the crucial qualifiers. Here are the players named for the tournament:
- Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu
- Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara
- Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja
- Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul
Supporting the squad are Assistant Coach Paromita Sit, Goalkeeping Coach KK Hameed, and Strength & Conditioning coach Karan Mane. The team flies to Myanmar on August 1, allowing vital preparation time before their opening match.
Tournament Hopes and Schedule
India begins its campaign on August 6 against Indonesia, followed by a clash with Turkmenistan on August 8, and wraps up the qualifiers versus Myanmar on August 10. All matches will happen at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The group winners and the three best second-placed teams from all eight groups will advance to the main AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, set to take place in Thailand in April next year. The squad carries the hopes of the nation as they aim to qualify for the prestigious continental event, continuing their journey after solid international performances and dedicated training.