New Delhi, March 3 In a embarrassing development that exposed mismanagement within the All India Football Federation (AIFF), national team players complained about a lack of appropriate clothing during preparation and the arrival of ill-fitting kits just a day before their opening AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Australia.
In an unprecedented letter addressed to AIFF Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayanan ahead of India's opening match against Vietnam in Perth on Wednesday, all the 26 players of the squad expressed their frustration at the lack of proper clothing and playing kits, saying it has affected their morale and disrupted their focus.
"Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training apparel," the letter said, clearly suggesting a lack of professionalism in the AIFF management.
"Over the past days, players and staff have already faced challenges due to the lack of appropriate clothing during preparation. The arrival of incorrect match kits at this crucial stage has further affected morale and disrupted our focus in the final days leading up to the match."
The letter was signed by eight players, including captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam and highest capped member Grace Dangmei, but said all the members of the squad collectively agreed to its contents. The letter also listed all the 26 players who have agreed to the contents.
"This internal meeting took place on March 2nd at 2:00 pm between all the players. The decision to draft this letter is collective. The meeting was headed by the following players:
Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Panthoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari
Xaxa, Shreya Hooda," the letter said.
The AIFF, on its part, said new kits have been provided to the players on Tuesday.
"New kits provided and cleared in this morning match commissioners meeting of the AFC," Satyanarayanan told
