India head coach Crispin Chettri opens up on facing Iran, Asian Cup preparation, squad selection and more

India and Iran qualified for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after topping respective groups

The opening clash of the Tri Nations Friendly will take place between two time Asian Cup finalists India and Islamic Republic of Iran. Both teams have qualified for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after emerging as the table toppers of their respective groups.

Ahead of the opener in Shillong against Iran, head coach of the Indian women’s senior team, Crispin Chettri and the 29 year old midfielder from Manipur, Grace Dangmei spoke to the media about their preparation for the Tri Nations Friendly and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, squad selection, facing Iran and more.

Chettri and his girls are excited to play in Shillong

The Indian senior women’s team are coming after a historic campaign in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand. The Blue Tigresses managed to not only beat every single team, including home team and higher ranked Thailand, but also managed to score 24 goals and conceded merely a solitary goal in four games.

The gaffer said, “It will be our first match after a long 4-5 months break post our AFC Asian Cup Qualifier campaign. We will be looking at some new players also and we will try to play good football. For the past three years, Shillong has been very welcoming to us and we have been given the best of facilities to train.”

Chettri feels Iran would be a tough nut to crack

India Women’s team head coach Crispin Chettri is wary of the threats posed by the Persian Ladies. He feels that Iran is a very tricky side to play. Last time both these sides locked horns against each other at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the game ended in a goalless draw. The Iran team also features players who have been plied their trade in the AFC Women’s Champions League.

Chettri said, “Iran is a very very tricky side to play. They have got some really good physical players. I don’t know whether they have invited players from Europe, who are playing abroad. So I think it will be a very good match for us to test our place when it comes to strength and physicality.”

IWL’s new home and away format and importance

Crispin Chettri feels that tournaments like the Indian Women’s League, Khelo India and Asmita League played a massive role to induct more youngsters into the women’s nation across all age categories. Indian women’s team will be playing in Asia across three age categories in the next edition.

He said, “We used to dominate women’s football in late 80s. But slowly, every country has been progressing. In the last few years, we have been doing well. If you look at rankings, we are ranked 63rd, whereas Nepal and Bangladesh are ranked over 100. But on any given day, they can put up a good fight.”

“What has helped us to grow as a footballing nation for the past few years has been the introduction of IWL, home and away games. Now we are getting more youngsters through Khelo India, Asmita League and SFI Games. Subroto Cup has also now introduced women’s football.”

Also Read: India aim to kick off Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament campaign with win against Iran in Shillong

Chettri hopeful to see more teams in IWL & playing good teams

The gaffer said, “Men and women’s football are very different in nature. Unlike the men’s national team, women players are mostly government employees, who work while playing for the nation alongside. IWL has seen increased game time and if more teams come in IWL, it will be a longer season. If that happens, coaches could just stick to the tactical part.”

“We also have a longer international window from January. I have already given my blueprint to the Federation. It is difficult to bring European teams, but let’s see, we might play against some clubs. We will train extensively from January and go to Australia with a good momentum”

Reason behind new names and old names missing in squad

Chettri said that he wished he had all his players with him for the Tri Nations Friendly. Few players from India’s Qualifier campaign are missing and some new faces have also been introduced to test the bench strength. Chettri aspires to have more than 25 core players ready before the Asian Cup.

“We have selected a few players from the junior sub categories to try some new faces. Players like Somia, Kartika, Payal are missing from the squad. This could be a blessing for us as we want to have more than 25 core players to select for the Asian Cup.”

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