Know your player for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Shreya Hooda

Shreya Hooda and Panthoi Chanu will compete for the Indian goalkeeping spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is set to kick off in Australia on 1st March. Twelve teams will compete for the title, with the final being played on 21st March at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Aside from the title of being crowned the champions of Asia, the Asian Cup will also serve as a qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 with 6 slots up for grabs.

Competing in the tournament will be the Indian national women’s football team, who have been grouped alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei in Group C. Given the intensity of the tournament, India’s defense will have to be resilient.

Shreya Hooda and Panthoi Chanu Elangbam will be contesting for the goalkeeper spot in the Indian women’s team. Whoever starts, will have their work cut out against quality opposition and will have to be at their best throughout the tournament.

Shreya Hooda’s career so far:

Born on 25th May 1999 in Sonipat, Haryana, Shreya Hooda took up football in her early years by representing her school and playing in local and national tournaments. Owing to her prowess, the goalkeeper represented India in the U-14 and U-16 level. She was also part of the Indian U-16 squad in AFC U-16 Women’s Championship qualifiers in 2014.

With respect to club football, Shreya started her career with Hans Capital FC before representing PIFA Sports FC and FC Kolhapur City. With the latter, she also played in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) – second division as a goalkeeper.

Owing to her strong performances, Shreya was signed by Gokulam Kerala in 2021 and was part of their 2021-22 IWL winning campaign. A key part of the squad, she also played for Gokulam in the 2022 AFC Women’s Club Championship as her team reached the quarterfinals.

Odisha FC added Shreya to their roster in 2022, and the goalkeeper once again tasted success by helping the Kalinga Warriors to the IWL 2023-24 title. She became the captain of the club in 2023 and was also awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the league in Odisha FC’s title winning campaign. In 2025, Shreya Hooda returned to the Gokulam Kerala women’s team and is currently representing them.

The goalkeeper made her debut with the senior women’s national team in 2021. She has since played for the Blue Tigresses in the Asian Games, Olympics qualifiers, and the AFC Asian Cup Women’s qualifier tournaments.

What does Shreya bring to the table?

Shreya Hooda is known for her strong shot-stopping and calm presence in goal. She reacts quickly in one-on-one situations and positions herself well to reduce scoring angles.

She is also confident when coming off her line to collect crosses or clear danger. With the ball at her feet, she stays composed and can start attacks with accurate short passes or long clearances.

At the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, these skills will be vital for India. The team may face strong attacking sides, and Hooda’s ability to make key saves can keep India in the game. Her communication helps organize the defense, while her distribution can launch quick counterattacks. If she maintains form, she can play a major role in India’s campaign.

Player profile: Shreya Hooda

• Name: Shreya Hooda
• Age: 26 years
• Date of Birth: 25th May 1999
• Place of Birth: Sonipat, Haryana
• Height: 5’ 7” (1.71 mtrs)
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Preferred Foot: Right-footed player
• Current Club: Gokulam Kerala

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