How Are Strong Friendlies Crucial for Success in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, Asserts India Football Captain Sweety?
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Synopsis
With the AFC Women's Asian Cup on the horizon, the Indian women's football team faces a challenging Group C. Captain Sweety emphasizes the importance of friendlies for preparation. Learn about their journey and the innovative Zinc Football Girls Academy aiming to elevate women's football in India.
Key Takeaways
- Strong preparation through friendlies is essential for the Indian women's football team.
- The AFC Women's Asian Cup presents a significant challenge for the Blue Tigresses.
- The Zinc Football Girls Academy aims to elevate women's football standards in India.
- AIFF's support is crucial for the development of young female footballers.
- Captain Sweety Devi's leadership plays a pivotal role in the team's ambitions.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) The Indian women's football squad is gearing up for a formidable challenge in the forthcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup scheduled to take place in Australia next year. They find themselves in Group C alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei. Captain Sweety Devi underscored the significance of performing well in friendly matches to adequately prepare for the tournament.
The Blue Tigresses will kick off their campaign in Group C against Vietnam on March 4, 2026. Following that, they will compete against Japan on March 7 and Chinese Taipei on March 10.
"This tournament poses a significant challenge for us, but we are fully prepared. We plan to engage in numerous friendlies leading up to March next year, aiming to achieve positive outcomes in those games. Maintaining our momentum is crucial," Sweety stated during the inauguration of the Zinc Football Girls Academy in Zawar, near Udaipur.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will provide technical and strategic support to the Academy aimed at fostering women's football.
Zinc Football represents a unique grassroots football development initiative, featuring a comprehensive residential girls' football academy equipped with world-class facilities and the country's first-ever technology-driven football training using the innovative F-Cube technology.
This initiative seeks to advance Indian football while harnessing the power of the world's most beloved sport to make a positive impact on lives and promote the social upliftment of women, children, and communities.
The Hindustan Zinc academy will begin with an inaugural batch of 20 girls from various states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
The Indian women's football team qualified for the tournament under Sweety's leadership after overcoming hosts Thailand with a score of 2-1 in the recent qualifiers. She relished her role as captain and identified the FIFA Women's World Cup as the team's primary goal.
Sweety expressed, "I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to lead the Indian women's football team. I will strive to excel for India and work towards our ultimate objective, which is securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup. I am confident in our abilities, and we must continue to put in the effort to reach this milestone."
Point of View
I observe that the commitment of the Indian women's football team, led by Captain Sweety, is commendable. Their focus on friendlies to build momentum ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup reflects a strategic approach that could pave the way for significant achievements in the future. The support from AIFF and initiatives like the Zinc Football Girls Academy are essential for the growth of women's football in India.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges does the Indian women's football team face in the AFC Women's Asian Cup?
The team will compete in Group C against strong opponents such as Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei, making their preparation through friendlies crucial.
How is the Zinc Football Girls Academy contributing to women's football?
The Academy aims to develop women's football by offering world-class facilities and innovative training methods, supported by the All India Football Federation.
What is the significance of friendlies for the Indian women's football team?
Friendlies are vital for building team cohesion, assessing strategies, and maintaining momentum ahead of major tournaments like the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
