New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – Former India youth international Crispin Chettri has been named the head coach of the national senior women’s football team, with his first challenge set for the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai from February 20-26, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Sunday.
The 50-year-old Chettri, who previously represented India’s youth team on a tour of Mauritius in 1999 and played in the AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers in 2000, will assume a dual role as he continues to coach Odisha FC in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). However, with no IWL matches scheduled during the Pink Ladies Cup, his focus will be solely on the national team.
Uncertain Tenure, but a Big Challenge Ahead
The AIFF has not specified the duration of Chettri’s tenure with the national team. His appointment follows a period of short-term coaching stints, with Langam Chaoba Devi and Santosh Kashyap leading the team in 2024 after the exit of Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby. Another Swede, Joakim Alexandersson, took charge of a mixed junior-senior squad that played friendlies against the Maldives in late 2024 and early 2025.Chettri has been a pivotal figure in Indian women's football, leading Odisha FC to an IWL title in the 2023-24 season. His contract with the club was extended for two years following that triumph.
Pink Ladies Cup: A Tough Test for India
Chettri's first task will be the Pink Ladies Cup, a prestigious senior international women's tournament featuring six teams—Korea Republic (ranked 20), Russia (ranked 27), Thailand, Uzbekistan, Jordan (ranked 74), and India.India's fixtures in the tournament:
- February 20 – Jordan vs India (16:30 IST)
- February 23 – Russia vs India (20:30 IST)
- February 26 – India vs Korea Republic (12:30 IST)
32 Probables Announced for the Tournament
The national squad will begin its preparatory camp at the Anantapur Sports Village in Andhra Pradesh from February 7, following the conclusion of Round 6 of the ongoing IWL 2024-25 season. The list of 32 probables named by Chettri includes a mix of experienced and young players.Squad List:
Goalkeepers:Shreya Hooda, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Payal Ramesh Basude, Maibam Linthoingambi Devi
Defenders:
Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Martina Thokchom, Sanju, Aruna Bag, Juli Kishan, Purnima Kumari, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Rupali Boro
Midfielders:
Priyangka Devi Naorem, Anju Tamang, Grace Dangmei, Kajol Dsouza, Grace Lalrampari, Lisham Babina Devi, Sangita Basfore, Anjana Thapa, Priyadarshini S
Forwards:
Soumya Guguloth, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Pyari Xaxa, Malavika P, Mousumi Murmu, Rimpa Haldar, Manisha
With a tough set of opponents ahead, the Blue Tigresses will be aiming to make a mark under their new coach as they gear up for their first major international challenge of 2025.