New Delhi, August 17 (H.S.):

India’s preparations for the upcoming SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 received a major boost on Sunday as head coach Joakim Alexandersson announced the 23-member national squad for the tournament. The championship will be hosted in Thimphu, Bhutan, from August 20 to 31, 2025.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officially confirmed that Alexandersson, who recently guided the Indian U-20 women’s side to AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification for the first time in two decades earlier this month, will now lead the U-17 team as well.

Tournament Format & Fixtures

Four nations—India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh—will compete in a double round-robin league format. India will begin their campaign against Nepal on August 20 before facing Bangladesh (August 22), Bhutan (August 24 and August 27), Nepal again (August 29), and rounding off against Bangladesh on August 31.

All matches will be held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

India’s 23-Member Squad for SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025

Goalkeepers:

Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.

Defenders:

Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Priya, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.

Midfielders:

Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Beena Kumari, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey.

Forwards:

Anushka Kumari, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Jada Fernandes.

Coach’s Rising Influence

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Indian women’s football, with coach Alexandersson being credited for instilling belief and tactical resilience in the national youth setups. His back-to-back leadership roles demonstrate the AIFF’s trust in his ability to nurture India’s next generation of stars.

With India facing familiar regional rivals in Nepal, Bangladesh, and hosts Bhutan, the SAFF U-17 Championship is expected to serve as both a testing ground and a confidence booster ahead of larger continental challenges.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar