The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Women's Football Committee has convened and laid out a decisive roadmap, placing the highest priority on preparing the Indian women's national team for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. The committee, under the leadership of chairperson Pinky Bompal Magar, held a virtual meeting to strategize and accelerate the team's journey towards the prestigious continental tournament.
Strategic Blueprint for Asian Cup Success
In a significant move, the committee has decided to forward a comprehensive plan to the AIFF Executive Committee for final approval. This plan is centered on crafting a detailed and intensive preparation schedule for the national team. The core objective is to ensure the Indian squad receives maximum exposure and high-level competition in the lead-up to the Asian Cup, which is now less than two years away.
The proposed strategy is multi-faceted. It emphasizes the creation of a robust annual calendar specifically designed for the women's team. This calendar will be packed with international friendly matches and exposure tours to countries with strong women's football programs. The aim is to test the team against varied playing styles and elevate their competitive experience. Furthermore, the committee stressed the critical need for an extensive and systematic domestic and overseas scouting mechanism. This initiative is designed to identify and integrate fresh, talented players into the national setup, widening the talent pool.
Focus on Grassroots and Domestic Structure
The committee's vision extends beyond the immediate needs of the senior team. Recognizing that sustainable success is built from the ground up, members also engaged in discussions about strengthening the entire ecosystem of women's football in India. A key part of this is the revival and restructuring of age-group national teams (U-17 and U-20). Ensuring a steady pipeline of talent is considered fundamental for the long-term health of the program.
Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of the Indian Women's League (IWL), the premier domestic competition. Plans are being formulated to enhance the league's competitiveness, duration, and overall quality. A stronger IWL is seen as the essential bedrock for developing players ready for international challenges. The committee also discussed potential partnerships and collaborations that could provide further impetus to domestic football development.
Unified Push for Historic Qualification
The meeting was attended by key figures in Indian football, including AIFF Acting Secretary General M. Satyanarayan and committee members such as Sujata Kar, Madhu Kumari, and others. The presence of national team head coach Langam Chaoba Devi and director of national teams, Menla Ethenpa, ensured that technical and coaching perspectives were integral to the planning.
The collective resolve from the meeting is clear: to leave no stone unturned in preparing the Indian women's football team. The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 represents a monumental opportunity for the team to shine on the continental stage and inspire a new generation. With a focused plan now in motion, which includes strategic friendlies, exposure tours, and strengthened domestic scouting, the AIFF Women's Football Committee has signaled a new, proactive chapter in the quest for success. The entire football community now awaits the Executive Committee's approval to set this ambitious plan into action.
