Crispin Chettri Returns as Head Coach of India Women's Football Team
In a significant development for Indian football, Crispin Chettri is poised to reclaim his position as the head coach of the women's national team. This decision comes just over two months after he was asked to step aside to accommodate a foreign coach for the AFC Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. The All India Football Federation's technical committee, led by former India captain IM Vijayan, has opted to bring back Chettri following a review of the team's recent performance.
Technical Committee Recommends Change After Asian Cup
The AIFF technical committee held its first meeting after the AFC Asian Cup and concluded that Amelia Valverde's contract should not be extended. Valverde, a Costa Rican coach, was specifically appointed to guide India at the continental tournament in Australia, where eight FIFA World Cup spots were available. However, India's campaign ended without a single point from three group-stage matches, prompting the committee to reconsider the coaching strategy.
The committee felt it was best to revert to a domestic coach for the upcoming assignments, which include the FIFA Series in Kenya and the SAFF Women's Championship. A technical committee member explained, "Crispin was a natural choice since he has already been in-charge of the national team. There were options, but we could not look beyond Crispin since there's little time for any experiment."
Chettri Edges Out Competitors for the Role
Crispin Chettri is understood to have secured the coaching assignment over other candidates, including East Bengal's Anthony Andrews and Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the India U-20 women's team. His previous experience with the national team played a crucial role in this decision. An official stated, "Crispin has already agreed to take up the job. It was made clear that his role will be till the conclusion of the SAFF Championship in May-June. A decision on a long-term appointment will be taken later."
Chettri's tenure will initially focus on the immediate tournaments, with a review planned after the SAFF Championship to determine if a permanent arrangement is warranted.
Background and Previous Achievements
Crispin Chettri had previously steered India to its first-ever Asian Cup qualification on merit, achieving a notable victory over higher-ranked Thailand at home. However, just six weeks before the tournament, he was relegated to the assistant coach's role as the AIFF opted for the experienced Amelia Valverde, who had guided Costa Rica to the World Cup twice. This move was part of a strategy to leverage international expertise for the high-stakes competition.
The decision to bring Chettri back underscores the AIFF's shift in focus towards stability and familiarity, especially with critical matches on the horizon.
Upcoming Assignments for the Team
Crispin Chettri's first assignment upon his return will be the FIFA Series in Kenya, where India will compete against hosts Kenya, Australia from Asia, and Malawi from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The schedule includes a match where Kenya will face India after Australia plays Malawi on April 11, with the third-place playoff and final scheduled four days later.
Following this, the team will participate in the SAFF Women's Championship, which will be held in Goa next month. These tournaments present an opportunity for Chettri to demonstrate his coaching prowess and guide the team towards improved performances.
The return of Crispin Chettri marks a pivotal moment for Indian women's football, as the AIFF seeks to build on past successes and address recent challenges. With his proven track record and deep understanding of the team, Chettri is expected to bring a renewed sense of direction and motivation to the squad as they prepare for these important competitions.
