Latest news with #FIFAWomen'sInternationalFriendlies
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women's National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand on Sunday, according to a release from AIFF. The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign, convincingly winning all four matches. India recorded emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0) before clinching the group stage with a crucial 2-1 win against the higher-ranked hosts, Thailand. While the results may have appeared seamless on the pitch, they were the culmination of sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years. There were no shortcuts to success--this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation. In recent years, the AIFF, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the grassroots and youth structures in women's football. One such initiative is the ASMITA Women's Football Leagues, which witnessed the successful conduct of 155 leagues across the country from 2023 to 2025 at the U13, U15, and U17 levels. The 2023-24 edition saw participation from 6,305 junior players, a number that rose to 8,658 in 2024-25. As a result of these efforts, the number of registered women footballers in India has increased by 232% over the past year. The team's preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers included a 53-day national camp, during which the squad not only engaged in local practice matches in Bengaluru but also competed in two FIFA Women's International Friendlies against Uzbekistan, who also qualified for the continental tournament. Looking ahead, the AIFF remains fully committed to ensuring the best possible preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Australia in March 2026. The Federation will work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate extended training camps and secure high-quality international exposure for the team. The aim of the Federation is not only to make the players physically and mentally fit through training, but also to make them ready to rub shoulders with the best in Asia. Opportunities for the AIFF to arrange quality opponents to play preparatory matches are also being looked at. (ANI)
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
India women's football team fall to 1-0 defeat against Uzbekistan
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): The senior Indian women's national football team fell to a second narrow defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan. According to India lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the second of two FIFA Women's International Friendlies at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on Tuesday. Despite an improved and spirited performance, the Blue Tigresses were outplayed by a moment of brilliance from Nilufar Kudratova early in the second half. India entered Tuesday's encounter in the aftermath of a 0-1 loss in the first friendly. India showed signs of improvement, especially in their intensity and intent; however, the scoreline, unfortunately, remained the same. Unlike the first fixture, where the team struggled in transition, the hosts played on the front foot, pressing higher up the pitch and trying to take the game to the visitors. The defence, led by the tireless efforts of Thokchom Martina and her backline partners, worked hard to contain Uzbekistan's swift attack. Their positioning and communication appeared to be much sharper, and when the backline was breached, goalkeeper Payal Basude stood tall. She made a string of crucial saves in the first half, most notably after Nozimakhon Ergasheva rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike in the 11th minute. In midfield, India looked more cohesive as a unit, with players utilising the width of the pitch to stretch the Uzbek defence and find the crucial openings. Sangita Basfore assisted in building attacks from deep, while fullback Ranjana Chanu injected pace and creativity. The best chance for India came in the 21st minute. Ranjana whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, which Pyari Xaxa met with a strong header at the far post. The Uzbekistan keeper managed a reflex save, and though the rebound fell kindly to Sangita, she failed to direct her shot into the back of the net. That missed opportunity came back to haunt India. Just four minutes into the second half, Uzbekistan struck, which turned out to be the decisive goal. Kudratova picked up the ball on the edge of the box, skipped past two Indian defenders with elegant footwork, and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that flew past Payal Basude into the top corner. The setback seemed to momentarily unsettle the Blue Tigresses, but they regrouped and pushed forward for an equaliser. Soumya Guguloth and Pyari Xaxa continued to test the Uzbekistan defence, while substitutes brought fresh energy. However, despite several promising moves, the final pass or shot often lacked the sharpness needed to level the score. (ANI)
News18
03-06-2025
- General
- News18
Indian Women's Football Team Endures Disappointing 1-0 Loss Against Uzbekistan In Friendly
The senior Indian women's national team endured another narrow defeat against Uzbekistan, losing 0-1 in the second of two FIFA Women's International Friendlies at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on Tuesday. Despite a more spirited performance, the Blue Tigresses were undone by a moment of brilliance from Nilufar Kudratova early in the second half. Following their 0-1 loss in the first friendly, Tuesday's match offered hope for redemption. India showed marked improvement in their intensity and intent, but the scoreline, unfortunately, remained the same. India approached the match with renewed determination and tactical discipline. Unlike the first fixture, where the team appeared cautious and struggled in transition, the hosts played more aggressively, pressing higher up the pitch and trying to take control. The defense, led by Thokchom Martina and her backline partners, worked hard to contain Uzbekistan's pacey attack. Their positioning and communication were much sharper, and when the backline was breached, goalkeeper Payal Basude stood tall. She made several crucial saves in the first half, most notably after Nozimakhon Ergasheva hit the crossbar with a powerful strike in the 11th minute. In midfield, India looked more cohesive, with players using the width of the pitch to stretch the Uzbek defense. Sangita Basfore helped build attacks from deep, while fullback Ranjana Chanu injected pace and creativity. India's best chance came in the 21st minute. Ranjana sent in a dangerous cross from the right, which Pyari Xaxa met with a strong header at the far post. The Uzbekistan keeper made a reflex save, and although the rebound fell kindly to Sangita, she failed to direct her shot on target. That missed opportunity would come back to haunt India. Just four minutes into the second half, Uzbekistan struck. Kudratova picked up the ball on the edge of the box, skipped past two defenders with elegant footwork, and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that flew past Payal Basude into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any match. The setback momentarily unsettled the Blue Tigresses, but they regrouped and pushed forward again. Soumya Guguloth and Pyari Xaxa continued to test the Uzbekistan defense, while substitutes brought fresh energy. However, despite several promising moves, the final pass or shot often lacked the sharpness needed to level the score. In the end, India fell short, but the performance was anything but disheartening. The Blue Tigresses displayed resilience, tactical awareness, and attacking hunger, qualities they had been criticized for lacking in the previous outing.
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Debutants Manisha Naik, Malavika, Priyadharshini dream of more Blue Tigresses caps
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] June 1 (ANI): As the Blue Tigresses faced Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA Women's International Friendlies, three youngsters got a taste of what international football at the highest level was actually about - Manisha Naik, Malavika P, and Priyadharshini Selladurai, according to AIFF website. While Manisha and Malavika made their India debuts as part of the starting XI, Priyadharshini got her first cap when she replaced Dangmei Grace in the 74th minute. For Manisha Naik, May 30, will forever be etched in memory. 'I was really happy and proud when I got the call-up. It felt surreal. But I was also nervous, wondering how I would perform in my first match. Thankfully, the seniors supported me and helped me settle in,' she said. Her rise has been steady and impressive - seven goals for Sports Odisha in the 2022-23 Odisha Women's League, followed by a standout season with Nita FA in the 2024-25 IWL, where she netted a brace against HOPS FC. While India didn't clinch the win on her debut, Manisha's perspective remained positive. 'We tried to give our best, but the match didn't go our way. Still, we'll come back stronger. We've seen how Uzbekistan play and will use that experience to prepare better for the next game,' she said. At age 21, Malavika P from Kasargod, Kerala, is known for her pace and creativity on the wing. Her footballing journey has been one of steady rise. Starting from sub-junior levels, she worked her way in women's football in her state, even being named the Best Female Player of 2024 in Kerala by the Kerala Football Association. Thereafter, she worked her way to Sethu FC, where she has played a crucial role in the 2024-25 season. 'There were people in my own village who criticised me for playing football, but my mother stood by me through it all. She's my strength. So is my coach and family, they've been my backbone, and it's because of their support that I'm here today,' she shared. Looking back at her international debut, she said, 'It's my first match for India, and honestly, I don't even know how to put this feeling into words. I'm just so happy and proud. It's like a dream come true. We played well, but this is football anything can happen. What matters now is that we come back stronger.' When Priyadharshini Selladurai pulled on the Indian jersey for the first time, it was more than just a personal milestone, it was a moment of pride for her village, her family, and every young girl who dares to dream. The 22-year-old midfielder from Savalakaran village in Tiruchirappalli became the first-ever player from her community to represent India at the senior level. 'It's exciting that my dream is coming true. I've been waiting for this chance to wear the India jersey and represent my country,' she said. Her football journey began back in sixth standard when her school coach, V Muthukumar, encouraged her to pursue the sport despite societal barriers. Already a top scorer in the 2024 Kerala State League, a Khelo India representative for Tamil Nadu, and part of the IWL runners-up team with Gokulam Kerala, Priyadharshini is determined to inspire the next generation: 'I'll work hard and do my best to represent the country. I hope my story inspires more girls back home to chase their dreams, too.' (ANI)
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Debutants Manisha, Malavika, Priyadharshini reflect on 'dream come true' after first India cap
As the Blue Tigresses faced Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA Women's International Friendlies, three youngsters got a taste of what international football at the highest level was actually about – Manisha Naik, Malavika P, and Priyadharshini Selladurai. While Manisha and Malavika made their India debuts as part of the starting XI, Priyadharshini got her first cap when she replaced Dangmei Grace in the 74th minute. For Manisha Naik, May 30, will forever be etched in memory. 'I was really happy and proud when I got the call-up. It felt surreal. But I was also nervous, wondering how I would perform in my first match. Thankfully, the seniors supported me and helped me settle in,' she said. Her rise has been steady and impressive – seven goals for Sports Odisha in the 2022–23 Odisha Women's League, followed by a standout season with Nita FA in the 2024–25 IWL, where she netted a brace against HOPS FC. While India didn't clinch the win on her debut, Manisha's perspective remained positive. 'We tried to give our best, but the match didn't go our way. Still, we'll come back stronger. We've seen how Uzbekistan play and will use that experience to prepare better for the next game,' she said. At age 21, Malavika P from Kasargod, Kerala, is known for her pace and creativity on the wing. Her footballing journey has been one of steady rise. Starting from sub-junior levels, she worked her way in women's football in her state, even being named the Best Female Player of 2024 in Kerala, by the Kerala Football Association. Thereafter, she worked her way to Sethu FC, where she has played a crucial role in the 2024-25 season. 'There were people in my own village who criticised me for playing football, but my mother stood by me through it all. She's my strength. So is my coach and family, they've been my backbone, and it's because of their support that I'm here today,' she shared. Looking back at her international debut, she said, 'It's my first match for India, and honestly, I don't even know how to put this feeling into words. I'm just so happy and proud. It's like a dream come true. We played well, but this is football anything can happen. What matters now is that we come back stronger.' When Priyadharshini Selladurai pulled on the Indian jersey for the first time, it was more than just a personal milestone, it was a moment of pride for her village, her family, and every young girl who dares to dream. The 22-year-old midfielder from Savalakaran village in Tiruchirappalli became the first-ever player from her community to represent India at the senior level. 'It's exciting that my dream is coming true. I've been waiting for this chance to wear the India jersey and represent my country,' she said. Her football journey began back in sixth standard when her school coach, V. Muthukumar, encouraged her to pursue the sport despite societal barriers. Already a top scorer in the 2024 Kerala State League, a Khelo India representative for Tamil Nadu, and part of the IWL runners-up team with Gokulam Kerala, Priyadharshini is determined to inspire the next generation. 'I'll work hard and do my best to represent the country. I hope my story inspires more girls back home to chase their dreams, too.'
