Crispin Chettri: Our Goal is to Qualify for the Women's Asian Cup on Merit

New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Indian senior women's football team has commenced its initial national camp under the guidance of new head coach Crispin Chettri in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, as they gear up for the Pink Ladies Cup, a friendly tournament scheduled from 20-26 February in Sharjah, UAE.

This tournament will act as a crucial evaluation for the team ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, which represents India's major challenge this year.

A former youth international, Chettri brings four years of coaching experience in women's football, developing some of the nation's top players and acquiring trophies. The 50-year-old's notable achievements include leading Odisha FC to their inaugural Indian Women's League and the Odisha Women's League title, securing a Gold Medal at the National Games with Odisha, and finishing as runners-up in the IWL with Sethu FC.

With the Juggernauts, Chettri made history by qualifying for the group stage of the AFC Women's Champions League earlier this season, marking the first for an Indian club.

“It’s a pinnacle moment for me as a coach. Being head coach of the national team is something we all work towards. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and see Indian women’s football grow,” Chettri stated in an interview with AIFF.com.

Chettri is optimistic about the camp's composition, which features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents.

“Every woman player across India, even at the college level, deserves a chance in the national team jersey. It’s not solely about IWL players being good enough. There is talent everywhere. I aim to provide opportunities to all players who are passionate about the game. This time, I've invited a few players from Tamil Nadu (Priyadarshini S), Assam (Rupali Boro), and Uttarakhand (Anjana Thapa), who have caught the attention of our federation scouts. I'm in close contact with them,” Chettri explained.

His familiarity with Indian women's football is proving invaluable. Having coached stars such as Bala Devi, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ashalata Devi, and Aditi Chauhan, he recognizes the transition phase Indian football is currently navigating.

“It’s time for me as a coach to endure challenges, as a federation to endure challenges, and as a football-loving nation to endure challenges because we are in a transition period. To reach the highest level and consistently compete in the Asian Cup or aspire to be part of the World Cup in the future, we need this transition phase, which may not be well-received by many. However, tough decisions must be made,” he remarked.

The current squad includes seasoned players like Sweety Devi, Sanju, Panthoi Chanu, and Shreya Hooda, along with rising stars like Lynda Kom, Thoibisana Chanu, Kajol Dsouza, and Babina Devi.

India’s initial challenge under Chettri will be the Pink Ladies Cup, where they will compete against Jordan, Russia, and Korea Republic. These matches will be essential in evaluating India’s preparedness for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers later this year.

“To be the best, you must compete against the best. Understanding how top professionals operate, both on and off the field, is crucial. For context, I (Odisha FC) played against Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) in the AFC Women's Champions League this season. I learned so much about football there. Now, as we face teams like Korea and Russia, we’ll gain valuable game time against some of the best,” he commented.

The match against Jordan is particularly significant, considering India has previously triumphed over the West Asian team. Chettri views this as a prime opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the tournament.

“Jordan is a team we can defeat on a good day. However, they can also outplay us if they are in form. We can showcase our quality in these matches. We are preparing for Jordan already. I understand their playing style. We shouldn’t focus solely on FIFA Rankings; the quality gap isn’t vast, and with the right mindset, we can overcome them,” he stated.

“We must cultivate a winning culture and mentality. That’s my immediate priority. We need to give our utmost effort on the field in every situation. Even if we lose possession or concede a goal, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial,” he added.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers will adopt a centralized format, meaning all matches will occur in a single location within a tight timeframe. Chettri believes the Pink Ladies Cup will be an essential preparatory step for this challenge.

“A centralized venue has both pros and cons. The advantage is reduced travel, allowing quick acclimatization to the environment. However, the limited preparation time for subsequent matches can be challenging due to the tight schedule. Therefore, our advance preparation time is vital for these three or four matches. A more extended camp would allow better preparation. This tournament is crucial for testing ourselves against top-tier teams,” he concluded.