Why Was the India U20 Women’s Friendly Against Uzbekistan Canceled?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the highly-anticipated friendly match between India U20 Women and Uzbekistan has been called off due to operational difficulties. This cancellation poses a challenge for India's preparations for the upcoming AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers. Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduling efforts and the team's next steps!
Key Takeaways
- Match Canceled: The India U20 Women's friendly was called off due to operational issues.
- Training Base: The team trained at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
- Squad Adjustments: Anika Devi Sharubam replaced an ill goalkeeper.
- Upcoming Matches: India will face Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and Myanmar next month.
- Uzbekistan's Preparation: Uzbekistan is gearing up for their own qualifiers.
Tashkent, July 13 (NationPress) The India U20 Women's international friendly match against Uzbekistan, which was set for Sunday in Tashkent, has been canceled due to operational issues at Do'stlik Stadium.
These friendly matches are part of India's preparation for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers next month, where they will compete against Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and the hosts, Myanmar.
“The U20 Women's International Friendly between India and Uzbekistan, scheduled for today in Tashkent, has been canceled due to operational challenges at Do'stlik Stadium. Efforts are currently being made to reschedule the match,” stated the All India Football Federation.
The Young Tigresses, who have been training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, arrived in the Uzbek capital on Friday morning and participated in a gym session that evening.
India's U20 women's team traveled with a squad of 24 players, which included a last-minute adjustment as Anika Devi Sharubam replaced goalkeeper Melody Chanu Keisham due to illness.
Uzbekistan, managed by head coach Vladimir Panov, is also preparing as the hosts of Group G in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, where they will face Bahrain, Northern Mariana Islands, and Jordan. The Central Asian country previously hosted the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2024, finishing last in Group A.
The Uzbekistan U20 squad of 23 for these friendlies against India includes four players who traveled to Bengaluru in May with the senior team for two FIFA friendlies against India. India has two such players as well—goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem and defender Shubhangi Singh, who participated in both matches against the Uzbekistan senior team, resulting in two 0-1 losses for the Blue Tigresses.
Both the Indian senior team and U20s trained at the same facilities in Bengaluru, preparing for their respective Asian qualifiers. They held a practice match against each other last month, with several U20 players also training alongside the senior team during the camp.
While the Blue Tigresses successfully qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup after a win in Thailand, it is now the Young Tigresses' turn to achieve similar success.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the challenges faced by teams during international competitions. The cancellation of this match due to operational issues underscores the complexities of hosting international events. While it is disappointing for players and fans alike, we trust that the All India Football Federation will navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that the Young Tigresses are well-prepared for their upcoming qualifiers.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the India U20 Women's friendly match called off?
The match was called off due to operational challenges at the Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent.
What are the upcoming competitions for the India U20 Women's team?
They are preparing for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers next month.
Who are the other teams in India's qualifying group?
India will face Indonesia, Turkmenistan, and Myanmar in the qualifiers.
What changes occurred in India's squad for this match?
Anika Devi Sharubam replaced goalkeeper Melody Chanu Keisham due to illness.
What is Uzbekistan's preparation for their upcoming qualifiers?
Uzbekistan is also preparing as hosts of Group G in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.
