What is the 23-member India U20 women's squad for the Kazakhstan friendlies?
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Synopsis
India's U20 women's football team, under head coach Joakim Alexandersson, has announced a squad of 23 players for two crucial friendly matches in Kazakhstan. These fixtures are pivotal as they prepare for the upcoming AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup. Can this young team secure victory and build momentum for the tournament?
Key Takeaways
- Joakim Alexandersson leads a 23-member squad.
- Friendly matches in Kazakhstan are on October 25 and 28.
- Preparation for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup is underway.
- India's U20 women qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in 20 years.
- The team remains undefeated in their qualification campaign.
New Delhi, Oct 23 (NationPress) Joakim Alexandersson, head coach of the India U20 women's team, has revealed a squad of 23 players to compete against Kazakhstan's U19 team in two friendly matches during the October FIFA Women's International Match Window.
The matches are set to occur in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on October 25 and 28, serving as crucial preparation for India's participation in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, which is slated for April 2026.
After a short training period at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, the Indian women departed for Kazakhstan on the morning of October 23, arriving in Shymkent later that evening.
This marks a historic moment for the India U20 women, as they qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in two decades by defeating Myanmar in their last qualifying match in August. Conversely, Kazakhstan aims to use these fixtures as preparation for their upcoming UEFA Women's U19 Championship qualifiers.
In recognition of their remarkable performance, the AIFF announced a reward of USD 25,000 for the U20 Women's National Team, celebrating their qualification for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2006.
The U20 women's team showcased impressive performances, remaining unbeaten in their Group D qualification campaign, with matches against Indonesia (0-0), and Turkmenistan (7-0), culminating in a decisive victory over Myanmar (1-0) in front of a full crowd at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, successfully completing the campaign without conceding a single goal.
Here is the roster of the India U20 women's squad for the friendlies in Kazakhstan:
Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu.
Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara.
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Khushbu Saroj, Neha, Pooja.
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Kajol Dsouza, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.
Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Rutuja Shinde
Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK
Fixtures:
October 25: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
October 28: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
Venue: Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Point of View
The announcement of the U20 women's squad reflects India's growing commitment to women's football. With a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, the team is not just representing the nation but also inspiring future generations of female athletes. The upcoming friendlies in Kazakhstan are crucial for building experience and confidence.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the head coach of the India U20 women's team?
The head coach is Joakim Alexandersson.
What is the purpose of the friendlies against Kazakhstan?
The friendlies are part of India's preparation for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
When are the matches scheduled?
The matches are scheduled for October 25 and 28.
Where will the matches take place?
The matches will take place in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
How did India qualify for the Asian Cup?
India qualified by defeating Myanmar in the qualifying match.
