New Delhi, 30 March (H.S.):

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson announced India's 23-member under-20 women's football team on Monday for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 marking the Young Tigresses' return to the tournament after two decades.

India opens its Group C campaign April 2 against Japan followed by Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at venues in Pathum Thani with top two teams per group plus the best two third-placed sides advancing to quarterfinals where winners qualify for FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

The squad arrived in Bangkok March 20 acclimatizing for 13 days after defender Alka Indwar was released from the traveling 24-player group with live coverage on FanCode.

Training kicked off in Bengaluru post the Indian Women's League phase then shifted to a month-long Sweden camp facing senior club sides in five friendlies before Kolkata sessions and Thailand departure.

India's AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Squad:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem Nandini Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Cindy Remruatpui Kolne Nishima Kumari Remi Thokchom Ruchi Yadav Sahena TH Shubhangi Singh Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam Arina Devi Namairakpam Bhumika Devi Khumukcham Monisha Singha Neha Pooja Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari Deepika Pal Lingdekem Shilji Shaji Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam Sulanjana Raul.

Staff: Head Coach Joakim Alexandersson Assistant Coach Paromita Sit Goalie Coach Hamid K.K.

India Schedule (all times IST):

April 2 1830: Japan vs India (Thammasat Stadium Pathum Thani)

April 5 1430: India vs Australia (Pathum Thani Stadium)

April 8 1430: Chinese Taipei vs India (Pathum Thani Stadium)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar