Joakim Alexandersson to Coach Indian Arrows Women Juniors in IWL 2
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Synopsis
The Indian Arrows Women Juniors will compete in the 2024-25 Indian Women's League 2 with Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson. Their first match is against Pudhuvai Unicorns in Bengaluru.
Key Takeaways
- Coached by Joakim Alexandersson.
- Participating in Indian Women's League 2.
- First match against Pudhuvai Unicorns.
- Aim to gain exposure and experience.
- Preparation for upcoming championships.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The Indian Arrows Women Juniors are set to compete in the 2024-25 Indian Women's League 2 under the guidance of Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
They have been placed in Group B and will kick off their campaign against Pudhuvai Unicorns at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence Phase 2 in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
"Our goal is to provide these players with excellent training and match experience. We have undergone thorough preparations, and I have become familiar with the players. Additionally, we had a productive practice match against a boys' youth team," stated Alexandersson, who has been coaching the girls at The Sports School in Bengaluru.
With an average age of around 15 years, the Indian Arrows Women Juniors will gain invaluable exposure by competing in a senior tournament against teams from all over the country. This experience will be crucial for their preparation for the SAFF U17 Women's Championship (September 2025) and the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers (October 2025).
Anilkumar P, the AIFF secretary general, remarked, "The participation of the Indian Arrows in IWL 2 marks a pivotal step in nurturing young talent and offering them essential competitive exposure. This chance will help players gain key match experience, sharpen their skills, and adjust to high-pressure football at the national level, ultimately enhancing Indian women's football in the future."
This isn't the first time an Indian Arrows team has competed in a national women's league. In the 2021-22 IWL season, the Indian Arrows Women secured fifth place.
Satyanarayan M, AIFF deputy secretary general, added, "The camp for the U17 girls in Bengaluru commenced in January, and we have continued this initiative by including the team in IWL 2. It will adequately prepare them for the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship and the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers."
Following their opening match against Pudhuvai Unicorns, the Indian Arrows Women Juniors will compete against Inter Kashi (April 4), Roots FC (April 7), and Casa Barwani SC (April 9) in Group B. The top two teams from the group will advance to the six-team final round, which will include the winners and runners-up from Groups A and C, taking place in Goa.
"Our aim is definitely to finish in the top two and make it to the final round. We understand the challenges ahead, but we are eager for more matches. Competing against senior opponents means a lot. It will help the girls realize what it takes to face older and tougher competitors, and we will learn about their character and skills," Alexandersson concluded.
The Indian Arrows Women Juniors squad for IWL 2 includes:
Goalkeepers: Khushi, Konjengbam Tamphasana Devi, Munni, Surajmuni Kumari.
Defenders: Amrita Ghosh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Priya, Rupashree Munda, Tamanna, Viksit Bara.
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Anushka Kumari, Harmeen Kaur, Julan Nongmaithem, Lipi Kishan, Tonamabam Taniya Devi.
Forwards: Deepika Kumari, Gurleen Kaur, Gurnaz Kaur, Khushbu, Nisha, Reema Kumari, Shveta Rani, Valaina Jada Fernandes.
Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeper coach: Hameed KK
