In what appears to be a strategic shift back to familiarity and continuity, the All India Football Federation is poised to reappoint Crispin Chettri as head coach of the Indian senior women’s football team. The move comes at a crucial juncture, with the national side preparing for an important international window in April and aiming to rebuild momentum after a disappointing continental campaign.
Chettri’s likely return signals a renewed trust in domestic coaching expertise, especially after the federation opted not to extend the tenure of Amelia Valverde, whose short-term contract concluded following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. The Costa Rican tactician had been brought in specifically for the tournament, but India’s winless group-stage exit prompted a reassessment of direction.
Chettri is no stranger to the setup. In fact, his earlier stint with the team laid the foundation for one of Indian women’s football’s recent milestones, qualification for the 2026 Asian Cup on merit, highlighted by a crucial victory over higher-ranked Thailand.
However, in a surprising decision earlier this year, he was replaced just weeks before the continental tournament, transitioning into an assistant role under Valverde. The abrupt change raised eyebrows within Indian football circles, especially given the timing and the team’s familiarity with his system.
Now, with the team looking to stabilise and prepare for upcoming competitions, the AIFF’s technical committee has leaned towards continuity. Reports suggest that the committee, led by former India captain I.M. Vijayan, prioritised candidates who already understand the squad dynamics and domestic football ecosystem.
The decision was not without deliberation. Several prominent Indian names were in contention, including Anthony Andrews, Maymol Rocky, and Oinam Bembem Devi, each bringing unique experience in women’s football. However, as discussions progressed, Chettri emerged as the preferred candidate due to his recent involvement with the national team and proven track record at both domestic and international levels.
Sources indicate that the committee placed emphasis on continuity ahead of immediate international assignments, rather than experimenting with a new coaching philosophy at short notice.
If confirmed, Chettri’s first assignment will be a demanding overseas schedule. India is set to travel to Kenya for international friendlies, followed by participation in the FIFA Women’s Series, where they could face strong opposition such as Australia and other emerging football nations. These fixtures are expected to serve as both a testing ground and a rebuilding phase for a squad that struggled against top-tier Asian competition in the recent tournament.
Beyond the national team, Chettri has built a strong reputation in Indian women’s club football. His tenure with Odisha FC saw the side clinch the Indian Women’s League title, while he has also contributed to the development of several emerging players who now form the core of the national squad. His familiarity with the player pool is widely seen as a key advantage, particularly at a time when the team needs quick tactical adjustments and confidence rebuilding.
India’s early exit from the Asian Cup, where they suffered defeats against stronger sides including Japan and Vietnam highlighted the gap between the Blue Tigresses and Asia’s elite.
Chettri’s potential reappointment, therefore, is not just about returning to a former coach, it represents a broader reset in approach. The focus now shifts to long-term development, better preparation cycles, and building a competitive unit capable of challenging higher-ranked teams.
With the international calendar packed and expectations rising, the coming months could define the trajectory of Indian women’s football. And at the centre of this transition stands a familiar figure, tasked with turning past promise into future progress.
