Bhubaneswar : India U-20 women’s football head coach Joakim Alexandersson has officially announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The young Indian side, known as the Young Tigresses, will travel to Myanmar to compete in Group D of the qualifiers, facing tough opposition from Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and the hosts, Myanmar.
The Group D fixtures are set to take place at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon between August 6 and 10, 2025. India kicks off its campaign against Indonesia on August 6, before taking on Turkmenistan (August 8) and Myanmar (August 10).
India U-20 Squad – AFC Qualifiers
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
Strong Preparations Ahead of Crucial Challenge
The Indian squad has undergone intensive training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. As part of their build-up to the qualifiers, they played two international friendlies against the Uzbekistan U-20 team. The Young Tigresses displayed grit and skill, managing a 1-1 draw in the first match and registering a dominant 4-1 win in the second—boosting morale ahead of their competitive fixtures.
The team departed for Yangon on the night of July 31 and arrived on August 1, ready for the group stage challenge.
Path to the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026
The AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers feature 33 teams divided into eight groups. The top team from each group will advance to the second round of qualifiers. India will need to top their group to continue moving forward in their quest for a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
With a balanced squad and positive momentum, coach Alexandersson and his players will be eager to make a statement on the continental stage.
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