There is a steely determination and quiet confidence about the Indian women’s football team as it prepares to take on the best of Asia.
“We are hungry,” said captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam, as the team counts down to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off this weekend and will be staged across Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.
It will be the Blue Tigresses’ first appearance at a finals since 2003. India hosted the 2022 tournament but were forced to withdraw when half the squad came down with COVID. Making it to the finals this time is a chance to prove themselves.
“We didn’t come this far just to reach the tournament. We want to win every group game and qualify,” Ngangbam said. “The World Cup dream is there.”
The Asian Cup features 12 teams and doubles as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. To make it through, India must make the last eight.
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India will face Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei at the Asian Cup.(Supplied: AIFF)
They face a formidable task, playing three matches in seven days against Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and Asian football heavyweights Japan.
As a result, the preparation has been intense. The focus has been on living the demands of elite football early, understanding expectations, rhythms and accountability long before the tournament begins.
Turkey camp to help prepare
Rather than assembling only for short windows, the squad has spent two weeks together in camp in Turkey, training, travelling, and competing as a group.
The Blue Tigresses played four games over seven days against various European clubs, winning two, drawing one and losing one.
The aim of the Turkey camp was to replicate tournament life as closely as possible, where recovery, preparation, meetings, and match days flow into one another with little margin for error.
“This time together is crucial,” saidi Ngangbam, 26, a composed presence in defence.
“It helps us understand the level and standards required if we want to do well in Australia. It’s not just about matches, but about learning how to be a team in every situation.”
The group has now arrived in Perth prior to their first group game against Vietnam on March 4.
Sweety Devi in action. (Supplied: AIFF)
Ngangbam has won 67 caps and has grown into leadership, carrying experience from domestic and international football into a squad still finding its feet at this level.
The friendly fixtures in Turkey were deliberately demanding.
“We are playing tough opponents, and that helps us understand the demands from the coaching staff,” she said.
“The expectations are clear, perform in these games, take the lessons forward, and build momentum for the Asian Cup.”
New coach brings new perspective
A change in the coaching staff has helped focus the squad’s efforts.
Former under-19 international Crispin Chettri guided the team to the Asian Cup finals after a historic win against Thailand in July last year.
When the team arrived in Turkey for camp, they were joined by Costa Rican Amelia Valverde. Chettri has stayed on as part of the coaching staff.
Valverde, 39, brings extensive international experience to the role. She previously served as head coach of the Costa Rica women’s national team from 2015 to 2023, making her the longest-serving manager in that role and leading her side at two World Cups.
“We’ve only had a few sessions so far, but the excitement is there,” Ngangbam said.
“Everyone wants to learn from her experience and use that knowledge to our advantage as a team.”
Former Costa Rica national coach Amelia Valverde has been brought in to take charge of the Indian women’s football team at the 2026 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.(Amanda Perobelli, Reuters)
Within the squad, responsibilities are still taking shape, particularly with several players stepping into senior international football for the first time.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be trusted with this responsibility [as captain],” Ngangbam said.
“As a senior player, I know how important it is to build camaraderie, on and off the pitch. We need to be together, with the same mentality and hunger, if we want to represent the country the right way.”
Match preparation has shifted towards specifics, with sessions built around recognising opposition patterns, likely game situations and decision-making within different phases of play.
“Our preparation is very detailed,” Ngangbam said.
“The staff help us understand each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. It gives us clarity on what we are going to face and how we need to respond.”
First big tournament for many players
For many players, the Asian Cup in Australia will be their first senior international experience.
“Playing the Asian Cup in Australia will be a very big learning experience for us,” said defender Astam Oraon. “We will get a better understanding of match intensity, physicality, and the speed of the game.”
Oraon, 20, captained India at the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup in October 2022, when India hosted the tournament.
It was a landmark moment, leading her nation on one of the biggest stages and gaining invaluable experience against elite youth sides.
India’s squad arrived in Perth to continue their preparation for the Asian Cup which kicks off on March 1. They will face Vietnam in their first match.(Supplied: AIFF)
“In the Under-17 team, I was the captain, and now in the senior team, I am a young player, so there is a big difference,” Oraon said.
 “At the Under-17 level, I had leadership responsibilities, but in the senior team, I’ve learnt when to listen and when to learn.”
That change has highlighted the standards expected at the highest level.
“Playing with senior players has helped me understand the importance of professionalism and preparation,” she said. “Also, how small details can make a big difference in our game at the international level.”
Eyeing off Brazil 2027
Alongside the physical demands, there is an awareness of the mental challenges the tournament will bring.
India have been drawn into Group C for the Asian Cup. They will begin their campaign against Vietnam on March 4, at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, before taking on Japan, on March 7, also in Perth. They’ll then fly 4,000km across Australia to face Chinese Taipei on March 10 at the Western Sydney Stadium.
Two wins should ensure making the last eight and World Cup qualification.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is our dream,” Ngangbam said.
“But we want to show that we belong at this level and to make sure India is at every Asian Cup from here on.”
Prajakta Bhawsar is part of ABC International Development’s Women in News and Sport Initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.