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News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'For The Fun Of The Game': Aditi Chauhan Reflects On Dream Career Following Retirement
Last Updated: The shot-stopper, who has 57 caps for the Blue Tigresses, reminisced on her 17-year career, which she termed unimaginable at the beginning of the journey. Former Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, who called time on her decorated career on Thursday, reflected on her journey in the sport following her decision to hang up her gloves. The shot-stopper, who has 57 caps for the Blue Tigresses, reminisced on her 17-year career, which she termed unimaginable at the beginning of the adventure. 'Playing football, I didn't know there was a national team first of all. So I started because of the fun of the game," she opened up. 'When I started, I never imagined that, you know, everything that I achieved," the 32-year-old continued. 'It was not even a dream that I could imagine," the custodian said. Chauhan, who played for Women's Super League side West Ham in 2016, was part of the Indian national team that won the SAFF Women's Championship in 2012, 2016, and 2019. Chauhan expressed her desire to give back to the game by helping mold the next generation of players starting at the grassroot level. 'I would love to. These last few years also, I've been mentoring the other goalkeepers. I enjoy that role," she said. 'I don't want to commit that I want to get into coaching. But yes, I would definitely like to help out," the former India women's number one custodian said. Chauhan also touched upon the challenges she faced during her stint on the sidelines due to ACL injuries twice over and what kept her going through he testing phase. 'Last year when I came back from my second ACL and played the IWL, my whole reason for coming back was to find that joy again. I didn't want to leave football on a sour note with an injury," she said. 'There were other goalkeepers playing. So, I had to again earn that spot in starting 11… I knew that once I'm back on the field, I'll earn my number one spot. And I did." After a two-year stint at West Ham, she returned to India in early 2018 and joined Gokulam Kerala FC for the 2019-20 Indian Women's League. She led Gokulam Kerala FC to victory in the Indian Women's League in 2019-20 and 2021-22, reached the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Club Championship, and secured a third-place finish at the domestic level. 'I felt as long as I'm playing, I'll always compete for number one spot. And that means that no one else will be able to… So that was also a part of that decision to kind of step aside and let the young guns take it from here," she added. 'If I had the right professional setup around me, I wouldn't have to retire… I don't want a youngster to feel that way. That they didn't have the right resources, that's why they couldn't achieve their full potential," she said. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India U20 women all set for first friendly against Uzbekistan in Tashkent
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): The Indian U20 women's team have arrived in Tashkent to play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan U20. The first of them will be played on Sunday at the Do'stlik Stadium at 20:30 IST. The Young Tigresses, who had been training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, landed in the Uzbek capital on Friday morning and had a gym session in the evening. On Saturday evening, they had their official training session before the first game. India are using these friendly games to prepare for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers next month, where they will face Indonesia, Turkmenistan and hosts Myanmar. Head coach Joakim Alexandersson said, 'We wanted to face a strong opponent to get an idea of what awaits us in the Asian qualifiers. We also want to assess how all players perform their roles in such games, especially as we get closer to finalising the squad for the qualifiers. These matches also help us gain valuable experience, not just on the pitch, but also from travelling and adapting to different conditions. 'The weather in Tashkent is quite similar to Bengaluru so far, so no issues on that front. The hotel, accommodation and food are also fine.' India U20 women travelled with a squad of 24 players, which saw a last-minute change as Anika Devi Sharubam replaced goalkeeper Melody Chanu Keisham due to the latter being ill. Uzbekistan, led by head coach Vladimir Panov, are also preparing as hosts of Group G of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, where they will take on Bahrain, Northern Mariana Islands and Jordan. The Central Asian nation also hosted the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2024 but lost all games and finished at the bottom of Group A. Uzbekistan U20's 23-member squad for these friendlies against India includes four players who travelled to Bengaluru in May with the senior team for the two FIFA friendlies against India. For India, there are two such players -- goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem and defender Shubhangi Singh, who were in the two matchday squads against the Uzbekistan senior team as the Blue Tigresses lost 0-1 on both occasions. Sharing his thoughts on the opponents, Alexandersson said, 'They are a pretty physical team, especially their strikers. They play quite direct with minimal risk, often pressing high and looking to exploit the space behind the defenders quickly. So we need to be prepared for all of that.' The Indian senior team and the U20s were training in the same facilities in Bengaluru, preparing for their respective Asian qualifiers. They played a practice match against each other last month, and a few U20 players also trained with the senior team during the camp. While the Blue Tigresses got their job done, emerging victorious in Thailand to qualify for the AFC Women's Asian Cup, it's now time for the Young Tigresses to do the same. 'Preparations in Bengaluru have been very good. There were a lot of strength and conditioning sessions, and we've definitely improved physically. We also played a practice match against the senior team before they left for Thailand. That was a very motivating experience for the girls. It inspired them and gave them confidence for these upcoming games. We have a few players who weren't fit enough to travel to Uzbekistan and have stayed back in Bengaluru. After these friendlies, we will finalise the squad for the qualifiers,' Alexandersson said.(ANI)
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
India U20 women all set for first friendly against Uzbekistan in Tashkent
New Delhi: The Indian U20 women's team have arrived in Tashkent to play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan U20. The first of them will be played on Sunday at the Do'stlik Stadium. The Young Tigresses, who had been training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, landed in the Uzbek capital on Friday morning and had a gym session in the evening. On Saturday evening, they had their official training session before the first game. t an idea of what awaits us in the Asian qualifiers. We also want to assess how all players perform their roles in such games, especially as we get closer to finalising the squad for the qualifiers. These matches also help us gain valuable experience, not just on the pitch, but also from travelling and adapting to different conditions. "The weather in Tashkent is quite similar to Bengaluru so far, so no issues on that front. The hotel, accommodation, and food are also fine." India U20 women travelled with a squad of 24 players, which saw a last-minute change as Anika Devi Sharubam replaced goalkeeper Melody Chanu Keisham due to the latter being ill. Uzbekistan, led by head coach Vladimir Panov, are also preparing as hosts of Group G of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, where they will take on Bahrain, Northern Mariana Islands, and Jordan. The Central Asian nation also hosted the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2024 but lost all games and finished at the bottom of Group A. Uzbekistan U20's 23-member squad for these friendlies against India includes four players who travelled to Bengaluru in May with the senior team for the two FIFA friendlies against India. For India, there are two such players — goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem and defender Shubhangi Singh, who were in the two matchday squads against the Uzbekistan senior team as the Blue Tigresses lost 0-1 on both occasions. Sharing his thoughts on the opponents, Alexandersson said, "They are a pretty physical team, especially their strikers. They play quite direct with minimal risk, often pressing high and looking to exploit the space behind the defenders quickly. So we need to be prepared for all of that." The Indian senior team and the U20s were training in the same facilities in Bengaluru, preparing for their respective Asian qualifiers. They played a practice match against each other last month, and a few U20 players also trained with the senior team during the camp. While the Blue Tigresses got their job done, emerging victorious in Thailand to qualify for the AFC Women's Asian Cup, it's now time for the Young Tigresses to do the same. "Preparations in Bengaluru have been very good. There were a lot of strength and conditioning sessions, and we've definitely improved physically. We also played a practice match against the senior team before they left for Thailand," he said. "That was a very motivating experience for the girls. It inspired them and gave them confidence for these upcoming games. We have a few players who weren't fit enough to travel to Uzbekistan and have stayed back in Bengaluru. After these friendlies, we will finalise the squad for the qualifiers," Alexandersson said.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Long camps, young blood, and tactical clarity: How India's women qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2026
After years of dealing with a sense of apathy from stakeholders, cases of alleged harassment, and the Indian Women's League (IWL) being little more than an afterthought, the Indian women's national football team has quietly qualified for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup. This is the first time that the Blue Tigresses have made it to the continental tournament through the qualification route. In 2003, qualifiers did not exist. In 2022, India made it to the tournament as the host. The Crispin Chettri-coached squad topped Group B after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, which included dominant wins over Mongolia (13-0), Timor Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0), before grinding out a decisive 2-1 win against higher-ranked Thailand. Three years in the making Forward Pyari Xaxa, who top-scored for India in the qualifiers with five goals, still remembers the heartbreak she and her teammates suffered at the 2022 edition of the Asian Cup. After a goalless draw against Iran in its opening game, India was forced to withdraw from the tournament after a majority of its players tested positive for COVID-19. 'When I tested positive for COVID, it felt as if the ground beneath me opened up. I cried a lot, but I hid my tears from my teammates so that they wouldn't get disheartened. Unfortunately, most of them tested positive as well. All the hard work had gone to waste,' Pyari recalls to Sportstar. Cut to three years later, the 28-year-old seems to have manifested India's ticket to Australia, the host of the next edition. 'I'd written down my dreams in my diary about five to six years back. It's free to dream. After we qualified this time, I ticked it off the list. Next, the World Cup remains.' After Pyari, Sangita Basfore was India's next highest scorer in the qualifiers, netting four times. But it was her brace in the winner-takes-all match against Thailand that capped off a journey marked by perseverance and patience. 'I still haven't mentally returned from that stadium in Thailand,' she says of the match, at the end of which she broke down in tears. In 2021, during the home camp for the Asian Cup, Sangita suffered an ACL injury that sidelined her for nearly three years. While it took the Bengal player time to regain her rhythm and command in midfield, coach Chettri always believed in her potential. 'He gave me the confidence to go up the pitch and have a free role in midfield,' Sangita reveals. That decision bore fruit in the 29th minute against Thailand. Anju Tamang passed the ball to an onrushing Sangita, who took a touch and half-volleyed it into the far corner from outside the box. Her second goal – the winner in the 74th minute – was a team move straight off the training ground. Qualifying clutch: Sangita Basfore's stunning brace lit up Chiang Mai as India edged Thailand 2-1 in a high-stakes, do-or-die encounter. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Brushing up on the basics 'The set piece goal which Sangita scored, it was done for 53 days in training and then in three matches, but it came in use in the fourth match. That's why longer camps are always helpful,' India head coach Chettri says. In the lead-up to the qualifiers in Thailand, the Blue Tigresses trained at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru for almost two months. The extended camp allowed the team to play practice matches against local sides and two international friendlies against Uzbekistan, both narrowly lost 0-1. 🗣️ Sangita Basfore: It's not just about the Asian Cup! The World Cup is our target. 💫#WAC2026#BlueTigresses#IndianFootball ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 5, 2025 Chettri, who took charge in late January, believes such long camps are particularly important in the context of Indian women's football, where tactical basics are often underdeveloped. 'Women's football and men's football are completely different. The latter is thoroughly professional; they earn money in crores. But when it comes to women, as soon as the IWL is over, they are not that professional to take care of themselves.' Dynamic duo: After a carousel of coaching changes, the AIFF finally struck gold in 2025 — Crispin Chhetri took charge with Priya PV as his deputy, and together, the duo has forged a winning formula. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Planning ahead Chettri's first assignment was the Pink Ladies Cup in the UAE, where India faced Jordan, Russia, and South Korea. That tournament, along with his stint with Odisha FC in the AFC Women's Champions League, gave him insight into where India stood in comparison to stronger sides. 'I took a younger side because I knew technically we might not be there with these teams, but physically we could be. I needed more energy on the field. Mentally, I was building a team of players which could be suitable for all kinds of matches. While I did lose some players to injury, I had the core in mind,' he explains. 'I need hungry players. I need good players who make a team great, not great players who think about their names rather than the badge. I think I took a risk [taking a young side] but the federation supported me in this, and I think now we know the result.' The 24-member squad for the qualifiers featured players like Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Soumya Guguloth, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, and Kiran Pisda – all of whom brought valuable overseas club experience. 'When our players go to Europe, they play at a certain intensity which we don't get regularly in IWL. With intensity, you improve your decision-making. That helps when they come and be part of the national team and inspire others to become better.' Room for improvement 'There were no shortcuts to success – this achievement was the result of a long-term vision and structured preparation,' an All India Football Federation (AIFF) release stated, while announcing a USD 50,000 reward for the team. The release also cited the impact of the ASMITA Leagues – a nationwide initiative launched in 2023 – which has contributed to a 232% increase in registered women footballers over the past year. 'How many people know about it? Can we share data about it? What we have started is good, but we have to promote it, share data and be transparent. Now that everyone is aware, we have to make parents aware of it, so that good players come through,' Chhetri said. 'While the federation and States have been working towards improving the women's game, the speed has been slow. This [qualification] will boost this process as well,' says assistant coach Priya P.V. 'We need to improve scouting from the grassroots level. You can find talent in schools, colleges, and even in random pockets. We shouldn't just stick to professional players because they have the IWL to play in,' adds the former Kerala footballer, who's been coaching for the past 15 years. Road to Australia – and beyond Financial boost: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a reward of USD 50,000 (around ₹42.75 lakh) for the Indian women's team in recognition of its historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA Next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia will be the final edition that serves as a direct qualifier for the FIFA World Cup. The semifinalists will earn direct qualification for the 2027 tournament in Brazil, while losing quarterfinalists will contest for two additional spots through playoffs. Teams missing out here will still have a final chance via the inter-confederation playoffs. 'I'm showing them dreams here. It's important because when you have a dream, only then do you work towards it. After the Thailand match, I think everyone has started believing in themselves. We lacked that before,' says Chettri. The Asian Cup will also act as a qualification route for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with all quarterfinalists progressing to the second round of qualifiers. On July 11, the AIFF unveiled a 'roadmap' to support the team's preparation for the tournament. This includes an early IWL season (September to January) and an 83-day camp spread over three phases. The plan envisions '10-12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams'. 'According to the draw we get, we can dedicate one phase of the camp to each team. By the time the AFC comes, we have a camp of around 40 days and play friendlies against different nations with different playing styles. They could be an African country, a European team with a lot of intensity, or even a Latin American team that is very skilled. This will help us adapt to all situations,' Chettri explains. The draw will be held on July 29. Until then, the Indian team and its well-wishers can dare to dream about a successful tournament – one that could become a watershed moment for women's football in the country. 'It's high time we start supporting them. They should feel wanted. They should feel wanted. I think we'll go a long way,' Chettri concludes. Related Topics AFC Women's Asian Cup
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
IWL to start earlier to accomodate prep for Women's Asia Cup
CHENNAI: In a first, the Indian U20 women's national team will take part in the 2025-26 Indian Women's League (IWL) as part of a roadmap planned by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday for next year's AFC Asian Cup. Last week, the Blue Tigresses secured qualification to the tournament by beating Thailand 2-1 in a Qualifier match. The Women's Asian Cup is set to begin in March 1, 2026 in Australia. Eight teams will play 14 matches each, from September to January next year. The earlier than usual scheduling would allow for ample preparation time in the lead-up to the Asian Cup next year. The 2024-25 edition started from January and concluded on April. In addition, the Blue Tigresses will undergo 83 days of preparation camps, conducted in three phases. This will include 10-12 international friendlies and five to seven matches with domestic teams. To effectively manage this calendar, the AIFF will engage with all IWL club owners to seek their support and cooperation in releasing players for the camps as and when required for the national interest.
