The Indian women’s football national team suffered a major blow ahead of the AFC Asia Cup 2026 event with midfielder Anju Tamang ruled out due to injury. Tamand is a two-time winner of the Indian Women’s League. She scored her recent goal during a friendly match against Swiss club FC Schlieren held last month. India won the match 2-0.
On Tuesday, February 24, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) released a statement updating the news on the midfielder. “Midfielder Anju Tamang has been ruled out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 due to an injury. Forward Karishma Shirvoikar will replace Anju in India’s 26-member squad.”
The Blue Tigresses have earned their qualification for the Asian Cup for the first time based on merit. They have been drawn in Group C alongside Vietnam, Japan and Chinese Taipei. On March 4, they will open their campaign at the event against Vietnam followed by their match against Japan on March 7 and later with Chinese Taipei on March 10.
In absence of Tamang, the Blue Tigresses captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam and senior forward Grace Dangmei will have to play a major role in leading the team. Meanwhile, Karishma Shirvoikar has been named as replacement for Tamang. The forward plays for Sribhumi FC in her domestic career. Shirvoikar’s addition will give the team a tactical gameplay along with pace and attack.
With experience under the Goa football ecosystem and the Vedanta Women’s League, Shirvoikar is considered to lead the attacking areas. In Phase 1 of the 2025–26 Indian Women’s League, she was a standout performer by scoring three goals and playing a key role in the attacking end.
Blue Tigresses Full Squad for Women’s Asia 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, Karishma Shirvoikar
