Shillong Set to Roar as Blue Tigresses Face IR Iran in Tri-Nation Opener

Football fever grips Shillong as the Indian senior women’s team returns to the picturesque hill city after nine years to face IR Iran in the opening clash of the Tri-Nation International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.

For head coach Crispin Chettri, the game marks a key starting point in India’s buildup to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, and a chance to test new combinations and emerging players.

“After our Asian Cup qualification, this will be our first match in almost four months. We’re looking at several new faces from the Senior Nationals to build a larger group for the future,” Chettri said ahead of the match.

Fresh Faces, Familiar Determination

The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with several players earning call-ups based on performances in the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy. The emphasis, Chettri said, is on expanding India’s core group to prepare for upcoming international challenges.

India last played in Shillong during the 2016 South Asian Games, making this homecoming a special moment. The Tri-Nation also features Nepal, who will meet Iran on October 24, before India wraps up the FIFA window against Nepal on October 27.

“Shillong has been very welcoming. The facilities and support have been excellent. We’re excited to play here and give our best,” Chettri added.

Iran Offer Stern Test

Ranked 70th in the world — seven places below India — IR Iran are expected to provide a strong challenge. The teams last met in the 2022 Asian Cup, a goalless draw that was later voided after India’s COVID-related withdrawal. Their previous encounter in 2019 saw India edge Iran 1–0 in the Gold Cup in Bhubaneswar.

Iran’s qualification for the 2026 Asian Cup, after defeating Jordan, Bhutan, and Singapore in July, makes them a formidable test.

“Iran are physical and disciplined. It’s a good chance for us to test our strength and endurance,” Chettri noted.

Grassroots Growth Fuels National Ambition

Chettri credited India’s growing women’s football structure — especially the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and grassroots competitions like the Khelo India ASMITA Leagues, Subroto Cup, and SFI Games — for nurturing young talent.

“We now have a wider pool of 25-plus players. Even with some seniors missing, this is an opportunity to build depth and readiness for any situation,” he said.

Looking ahead, the coach made his ambitions clear:

“We’re aiming for the World Cup 2027. The players must believe in that dream — we’ve planted that seed; now it’s about nurturing it through preparation and experience.”

Grace Dangmei: Seniors Must Set the Standard

Senior forward Grace Dangmei echoed her coach’s optimism, emphasizing the balance between seasoned and young players in the squad.

“The younger teams have done really well. As seniors, we have a responsibility to guide them while learning from their energy. The pressure to perform keeps us improving,” said the 29-year-old striker.