India’s senior women’s football team is set to take on Jordan in their opening match of the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 in Sharjah. The team, currently in a transitional phase, is eager to make an impact in the FIFA International Window as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Head coach Crispin Chettri emphasised the significance of this phase, highlighting the presence of several new players in the squad. He noted that the team is striving to break barriers and push forward, encouraging the players to focus on the positives as they progress.
The Indian squad arrived in Sharjah on Tuesday, ahead of their match at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium. Following their game against Jordan, India will face Russia on February 23 and Korea Republic on February 26.
Chettri acknowledged Jordan’s progress in recent years but remained optimistic about India’s chances. He stated that such matches are crucial for the team’s development and that their squad, consisting of both young and experienced players, is prepared for a competitive encounter.
Prior to travelling to Sharjah, India held a 10-day training camp in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. With the longer Indian Women’s League season providing regular game time, players arrived in peak physical condition, allowing them to focus on tactical preparations.
Fullback Sanju echoed this sentiment, stressing the benefits of consistent match practice. She noted that regular competition has helped players maintain their fitness, enabling them to focus more on strategy and gameplay during national team duties.
India currently holds the 13th position in Asia and ranks 69th in the world, while Jordan is ranked 14th in Asia and 74th globally. However, Chettri downplayed the significance of rankings, highlighting that India is undergoing a transformation and focusing on long-term growth.