Suzhou: The India U17 Women’s National Football Team has arrived in Suzhou for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, marking a significant return to the continental stage after more than two decades.
The team, which recently completed a preparatory camp in Gurugram, touched down on April 27 and is set to begin training immediately as they gear up for their Group B campaign. India will open their tournament against Australia on May 2, followed by matches against Japan on May 5 and Lebanon on May 8. All fixtures will be held at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre.
Qualification for the tournament marks a major milestone, with the side returning to the competition after 21 years. The stakes are high, as the top teams from the tournament will secure qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
Under the guidance of head coach Pamela Conti, the squad has undergone an extensive training programme spanning over three months, primarily in Bengaluru. The preparation phase included competitive exposure, with the team clinching the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship title earlier this year and securing victories in friendly matches against Myanmar.
Although the team faced defeats in a series of recent friendlies against Russia, the experience is expected to aid their development against stronger opposition. The final phase of training in Gurugram helped fine-tune strategies ahead of the tournament.
The 23-member squad features a balanced mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, reflecting a well-rounded unit prepared for the challenge. With momentum from recent successes and valuable international exposure, the Young Tigresses now aim to make a strong impact on the Asian stage.
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