India Women’s Soccer Squad Gears Up for Russia Friendlies, Coach Highlights Growth

Kolkata, 7 Oct – The Indian senior women’s soccer team will host Russia for two friendly matches on 8 and 11 October, a strategic opportunity for a side that sits at 69th in the world rankings to test itself against the 27th‑ranked Russians. Coach Crispin Chhetri affirmed that his players will strive to produce their finest football during the encounters.

Speaking to the press, Chhetri said, “Facing stronger nations is vital for our progress as a football nation. The lessons we gain on the pitch and in preparation shape our future. This period marks a transformational phase, and we are already envisioning our path toward 2029.”

He referenced the previous 2‑0 loss to Russia, noting that nine of those opponents are no longer part of the current Russian lineup. The Indian roster now boasts an average age of 23, with the youngest player at 19, combining seasoned campaigners with fresh talent. “The team is well‑balanced, and each player has a solid chance to prove their worth,” Chhetri explained.

The coach highlighted that the women’s side had not played a tournament since a June‑July match, making squad cohesion and fitness a challenge after a long break. “Re‑assembling the squad and rebuilding fitness is demanding, but the players have shown total commitment. We will give our best on the field.”

Goalkeeper Monalisa Devi expressed excitement about playing at home and noted two weeks of intensive training. “Our squad includes both senior and junior members, and the senior players provide full support. We aim to perform at our peak for the nation.”

These friendlies are intended to provide essential preparation time, allowing the team to assess abilities, fine‑tune tactics, and build confidence for upcoming continental competitions.