New Delhi, March 19 India captain Shubhangi Singh says a rigorous month-long training stint in Europe has prepared the Indian U20 team for its return to the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
India will be entering the continental competition after two decades.
With just two weeks remaining before their opening match against Japan in Thailand, the Young Tigresses will aim to translate their preparation into performance, led by captain Shubhangi, when they take the field on April 2.
"We prepared very well. Spending a month in Sweden and playing against European clubs was a great experience. Those teams were physically taller and stronger than us, so it helped us understand how to handle that," Shubhangi said.
For the captain, the significance of qualification is already in the past. The celebrations in Myanmar, where India secured their long-awaited return, have given way to a sharper, more immediate focus.
"We went there with the mindset to qualify, and we did. When you already believe something is going to happen, it doesn't come as a surprise," she said.
That belief now anchors a squad bracing for a tough test in Group C. India will face Japan on April 2, Australia on April 5, and Chinese Taipei on April 8, with the top two teams and the two best third-placed sides advancing to the quarter-finals.
The four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
Currently training in Kolkata, the Young Tigresses will depart for Bangkok early Friday morning.
"Our focus is on the three difficult group games ahead. At this stage, we don't expect any easy matches. We're ready to go out there and perform against top teams. We'll also have some preparatory matches before the Asian Cup, which will help," Shubhangi said.
India's build-up has been extensive. Along with the Sweden camp, they have played multiple international friendlies against Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, gaining exposure to high-intensity, physical football.
A heavy 0-6 defeat to Hammarby IF's senior side in their opening game in Sweden proved a reality check, but also a turning point.
"The first game was the toughest. The loss wasn't acceptable, but it was a big learning experience. From the second game onwards, we adapted better. We had a couple of wins, a draw, and a loss before ending the camp with a 5-2 win. Overall, it helped us understand European playing styles and prepare for teams like Japan," the 19-year-old said.
Under head coach Joakim Alexandersson, India have adopted a more proactive approach.
"Since he joined, our playing style has changed. We're more attacking now. He encourages us not to be afraid of making mistakes and to express ourselves. Most importantly, he reminds us to enjoy football. That mindset has helped us grow and perform better," Shubhangi said.