India’s women’s senior national team is all set for the AFC Asia Cup 2026. The Blue Tigresses will take part in the event not as hosts, but this time it’s their qualification match. The Indian team is one step away from the chance to compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their new head coach, Amelia Valverde, also feels that the team has a chance.
In a recent interview with The Bridge, Valverde said, “It is a combination of young players and players with more experience, which is always important in tournaments like this. What I see now is a team with a lot of hunger and a real desire to keep improving.”
Adding to that, Valverde believes the scenario of women’s football in India has seen a rise, and through these increased efforts, the exposure will be widened.
“When a country begins investing in women’s football and giving women the opportunity to play, results start appearing. That is never a coincidence,” she added.
The Blue Tigresses’ road to the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is a story of hardships that the team has undergone in the process of rebuilding itself since their disappearance from the 2009 FIFA Rankings. The 17-year journey without any major tournaments has given the Indian team a chance to push back harder and bring to everyone’s attention their comeback story.
Among the squad, Manisha Kalyan is said to be the ace player bringing in all the attention towards herself. She is the first Indian woman to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In January 2026, the Indian midfielder signed up with Peruvian club Alianza Lima. Speaking about her presence and availability in the team for the tournament, Valverde wants her ace player back in the Indian squad.
“Regarding Manisha, she is still with her club and we are waiting for news about when she can join. We hope it will be as soon as possible because we know how important she is to us,” she mentioned.
Indian squad for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju, Sarita Yumnam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sushmita Lepcha, Sweety Devi Ngangbam
Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore
Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth
(Quotes sourced from The Bridge)
