Building India’s Blue Tigresses for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Success

The Indian Women’s National Team, known as the Blue Tigresses, achieved a historic milestone by leading Group B qualifiers in Thailand for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, earning a place in the final tournament in Australia. They netted 24 goals, allowed only one, and delivered impressive performances, including a victory over host Thailand (FIFA #46). India’s FIFA ranking is expected to rise from 70 before the finals in Australia (1–21 March 2026).

India was one of the pioneering countries in Asia to support women's football, starting in the early 1970s. The nation has participated in previous AFC Women's Asian Cups, but only as an invitee or host, never by qualifying. The latest Women's Asian Cup in 2022 took place in India, and the team seemed promising before the tournament began. Unfortunately, after their match against Iran, India had to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the team. Overall, it was a disappointing tournament for the Indian women's team. Prior to 2022, India's last appearance in the Women's Asian Cup was in 2003.

In the 1979 and 1983 editions of the Women's Asian Cup, India finished as runner-ups on both occasions. The Indian women's team was among the strongest in Asia during the 70s and 80s. This victory over the higher-ranked Thailand and reaching the AFC Women's Asian Cup final round on merit is a significant achievement, and credit goes to the team for making history. To turn this qualifying momentum into a successful run in Australia, the Federation must implement a comprehensive preparation plan focused on exposure, support, and training.

Understanding the Stakes

• Top 4 in Australia earn direct slots for FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

• Losing quarterfinalists enter playoff rounds for two more World Cup spots, with intercontinental playoffs for the final two.

• Women's Asian Cup is a 12-team format (3 groups of 4), the top two teams and the best two third-placed sides advance to the quarterfinals.

  
  

India is expected to be in Pot 4 for the draw on 29 July 2025. Potential opponents from Pot 3 may include the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan. Teams in Pots 1 and 2, are Australia (hosts), Japan (7), North Korea (9), China (17), South Korea (21), and Vietnam (37), are established competitors. To advance to the quarterfinals, it will be essential for India to secure at least one victory against a Pot 3 team and achieve at least one draw against higher-ranked teams.

Intensive Competitive Exposure (Next 7 Months)

To build resilience and tactical sharpness, the Blue Tigresses should target:

• 15–20 competitive friendlies against higher-ranked Asian, European, African, and South American teams.

• Participation in elite tournaments or invitationals to simulate knockout pressure.

• Long-duration central camps, minimizing travel disruptions and building team cohesion.

  
  

Preparation & Training Focus

Head Coach Crispin Chhetri and his support staff have crafted a disciplined, united squad. Their calm, judicious rotation in qualifiers showcased strong man-management.

• Emphasize goalkeeping excellence, there is a scope of improvement in the goalkeeping area.

• Personalized development plans for emerging talents such as Rimpi Haldar (focused on ball mastery) and seasoned lead player Manisha Kalyan, to ensure their skills are effective against top defenses.

• Strengthening organisational set ups - both defensive, attacking and set plays.

Player Welfare & Economic Equity

The harsh reality is that female players in India do not receive adequate salaries, and their financial situations may not be promising. Measures need to be taken to enhance the economic value chain surrounding female players in India.

• Institute a minimum salary for national women players to professionalize careers and attract new talent.

• Leverage the Federation’s USD 50,000 qualification bonus as a springboard for ongoing performance incentives.

• Secure full funding from Sports Authority of India/MYAS for overseas tours, camps, nutrition, and sports science support till the end of AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.

  
  

Aligning Domestic Competitions

Presenting a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the Blue Tigresses reach their peak performance during the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is crucial.

• Schedule the Indian Women’s League 2025–26 to dovetail with national team camps, allowing seamless player availability and fitness management.

• Encourage IWL clubs to adopt best-practice standards in coaching, facilities, and player contracts.

  
  

Strengthening the Women’s Football Pyramid

This achievement should lead to significant measures to enhance the framework of women's football. There are substantial gaps at all levels of the women's football hierarchy.

• Expand grassroots participation through school programmes, district leagues, and talent scouting camps.

• Address infrastructure gaps: training grounds, medical support, and women-specific facilities.

• Drive community engagement in football hotspots: Manipur, Bengal, Tamilnadu, Odisha, and emerging pockets.

  
  

Spotlight on the Blue Tigresses

These players overcome adversity to represent India:

• Manisha Kalyan: creative force on the wing and finishing

• Sangita Basfore: engine of midfield resilience

• Rimpi Haldar: An emerging star in the making. She dominates the entire pitch and never gives up

• Pyari Xaxa, Anju Tamang, Sanju: dynamic links between defence and attack

• Sweety Devi, Shilky Devi: tireless work-rate and team unity

• Soumya Guguloth: a dynamic player with boundless energy and a fierce competitive spirit

  
  

Their collective spirit and coach Chettri’s leadership form the bedrock for a historic run.

Don't Stop: Time to Mobilize

With just seven months until kick-off in Australia, immediate action is essential. All stakeholders: AIFF, SAI/MYAS, state associations, sponsors, and clubs must rally behind the Blue Tigresses. By combining elite exposure, expert coaching, economic support, and structural reform, India can aspire not just to qualify but to break new ground in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Let’s unite to give these trailblazing women the platform they deserve and usher in a new era for Indian women’s football.

Wishing the Blue Tigresses every success on their journey to Australia!