Latest news with #Women'sAsianCup2026
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First Post
8 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
'Indian women's football is headed towards bright future': Dalima Chhibber reflects on recent surge, historic Asian Cup qualification
At the curtain-raiser event for the 64th Subroto Cup, Indian footballer Dalima Chhibber reflected on the recent historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and the rise of women's football in India. read more As the tournament is approaching the commencement date, a beaming curtain raiser event of the Subroto Cup was held at the Akash Officer's Mess in Delhi on August 12. Image: Special Arrangement Given that the men's team is struggling to put the Indian flag on the global stage, those who have only followed the Blue Tigers would hardly consider India a footballing nation. However, the sport has a long history in the country, ruling the landscape long before the rise of cricket. The platforms for the youngsters to showcase their mettle in the field of football were always there, and one among the most prominent of those is about to complete its 64th year of existence in 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Subroto Cup, the inter-school tournament that promises to push the young raw talent to the professional avenues of the sport, is scheduled to begin on August 19, 2025. The tournament will feature Sub Junior Boys (U-15), Junior Girls (U-17), and Junior Boys (U-17) categories, and a total of 106 teams will compete in this year's edition. Besides the local teams, international participation from Nepal and Sri Lanka will also be witnessed this time. More from Football Subroto Cup 2025 trophy launched in Delhi The trophy for the upcoming Subroto Cup was held on Tuesday in Delhi in the presence of the Indian Air Force Air Marshal S Sivakumar and Indian footballer Dalima Chhibber. Air Marshal S Sivakumar VSM, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration & Vice Chairman SMSES (left), along with Indian footballer Dalima Chibber (right). On the sidelines of the event, defender Dalima, who last played for India in 2024, shared her thoughts on India's historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in July this year, and what it says about the strength of Indian women's football. This is the first time that the senior Indian women's football team has . They have been drawn against Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei in Group C of the tournament, which will take place in March next year. It's a golden opportunity for India as the semi-finalists will gain a direct entry into the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil. The losing quarter-finalists will take part in a play-off. 'India are going to be going in headstrong' Dalima is confident that the Indian football team, which includes star players like Pyari Xaxa and Sangita Basfore, will enter the Asian Cup 2026 to qualify for the World Cup. 'It means everything to us because we have qualified in our caliber on our abilities. Our dream is to reach the FIFA World Cup, and of course Asian Cup is a stepping stone towards that dream, and we are looking forward. We are prepared, and we are going to be going in headstrong, physically strong,' Dalima said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dalima was also asked to share any advice she may have for the team, to which she said, 'The only tip is going to be to keep working hard.' However, when asked by Firstpost about giving a prediction about how India would fare in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, she did not give a clear answer, replying, 'I think we'll talk about that once the time comes.' India Footballer Dalima Chibber during the presser of Subroto Cup 2025. No comparison between men's, women's team While women's football has made a noteworthy stride, the men's football team, led by Sunil Chhetri, is facing a frustrating spell, being ranked 133 in the world and having only won one game in the last eight matches. Chibber was asked to draw parallels between the two sides. To which she said, 'We can't compare the men's team with the women's team but I myself have been playing for the women's football for the past 15 years. 'What we have achieved recently after 25 years of hard work, showcases the capabilities of our footballers and in what direction we are moving. We are headed towards a good future, a bright future.'
NDTV
02-08-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Hindustan Zinc And AIFF Launch Girls Football Academy In Zawar
Hindustan Zinc Ltd, in partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), inaugurated the Zinc Football Girls Academy on Thursday in Zawar, near Udaipur, Rajasthan. The AIFF will lend technical and strategic support to Zinc Football Girls Academy to develop women's football. "Zinc Football is a one-of-its-kind grassroots football development initiative, at the core of which is a full-fledged residential girls' football academy in Zawar, Udaipur, with world-class facilities and the country's first ever 'technology-hinged football training' – the unique F-Cube technology," the statement read. "The initiative aims to contribute to the development of Indian football while leveraging on the power of the world's most loved sport to impact lives and ensure social upliftment of women, children, and people," it added. Zinc Football Academy also announced that it has entered into a collaboration with the AIFF, wherein the AIFF will be the strategic and technical partner for the girls' residential academy. Under the alliance, AIFF will provide operational guidelines and technical support, share best practices, assist in capacity building for coaches and scouts, and engage in knowledge sharing. Speaking on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., said, "Hindustan Zinc's commitment to empowering women and driving inclusive growth is reflected in every step we take — including the launch of our premier residential football academy for girls. We believe that building world-class athletes begins at the grassroots, with access to opportunity, mentorship, and the right environment. This academy is not just about developing football talent — it is also about shaping confident, resilient young leaders of tomorrow." The academy, which features a fully equipped residential hostel, has identified its first batch of 20 extremely talented young girls, all under the age of 15. The programme will provide these children with all the opportunities and right guidance to groom them into professional footballers while also taking care of their formal education. Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation (AIFF), said, 'We are delighted to partner with Hindustan Zinc to launch the Zinc Football Girls Academy. I believe it will help not only in developing girls' football in Rajasthan but also at the national level. The timing of this partnership is very significant, especially when AIFF has seen 232% growth in women player registration in the CRS portal, and the Senior Women's National Team has qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to be played in Australia. AIFF will be happy to extend technical assistance for the success of this academy.' The initial batch of 20 girls will see representation from different states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, and Jharkhand. The academy also plans to increase the number to 60 girls over the next 12-18 months from the current 20. In F-Cube Training and Assessment Technology, key developmental parameters for this football academy are continuously evaluated, monitored, and analysed through a well-regulated player data tracking system, with support from qualified staff to ensure appropriate steps are taken for optimal player development.
United News of India
31-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Hindustan Zinc & AIFF launch Indian Women Football Academy
Udaipur, July 31 (UNI) Expanding its horizon to usher into a new era of fostering equality, empowerment and driving a football revolution in India, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India's only and the world's largest integrated zinc producer, today, announced their plans to embark on a massive grassroots programme for girls with Zinc Football as part of their social investment programmes and initiatives. The All India Football Federation will lend technical and strategic support to Zinc Football Girls Academy in Zawar, near Udaipur, in Rajasthan, to develop women's football. Zinc Football is a one-of-its-kind grassroots football development initiative, at the core of which is a full-fledged residential girls' football academy in Zawar, Udaipur, with world-class facilities and the country's first ever 'technology-hinged football training' – the unique F-Cube technology. The initiative aims to contribute to the development of Indian football while leveraging on the power of the world's most loved sport to impact lives and ensure social upliftment of women, children, and people. Zinc Football Academy also announced that it has entered into a collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), wherein the AIFF will be the strategic and technical partner for the girls' residential academy. Under the alliance, AIFF shall provide operational guidelines and technical support, share best practices, assist in capacity building for coaches and scouts, and engage in knowledge sharing. Speaking on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. said, "Hindustan Zinc's commitment to empowering women and driving inclusive growth is reflected in every step we take — including the launch of our premier residential football academy for girls. We believe that building world-class athletes begins at the grassroots, with access to opportunity, mentorship, and the right environment. This academy is not just about developing football talent — it is also about shaping confident, resilient young leaders of tomorrow." The academy, which features a fully equipped residential hostel, has identified its first batch of 20 extremely talented young girls, all under the age of 15. The programme will provide these children with all the opportunities and right guidance to groom them into professional footballers while also taking care of their formal education. Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation, said, 'We are delighted to partner with Hindustan Zinc to launch the Zinc Football Girls Academy. I believe it will help in not only developing girls' football in Rajasthan, but also at the national level as well." "The timing of this partnership is very significant, especially when AIFF has seen 232% growth in women player registration in the CRS portal and the Senior Women's National Team has qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to be played in Australia. AIFF will be happy to extend technical assistance for the success of this academy,' he said. The initial batch of 20 girls will see representation from different states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, and Jharkhand. The academy also plans to increase the number to 60 girls over the next 12-18 months from the current 20. In F-Cube Training and Assessment Technology, key developmental parameters for this football academy are continuously evaluated, monitored, and analysed through a well-regulated player data tracking system, with support from qualified staff to ensure appropriate steps are taken for optimal player development. UNI BM
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India stun Thailand, qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup
Indian women's football team (AIFF) 'We did it!' India's star for the day, Sangita Basfore, could be heard crying to her teammates after the final whistle was blown in the 'knockout' Women's Asian Cup Qualifier fixture at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Saturday. And the tears of joy in the Indian women's eyes reflected the tall task they achieved in beating world No. 46 Thailand 2-1 in their last match of the qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and booking a ticket to the Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The two-time World Cuppers — boosted by a huge crowd cheering on the home side — showed their class with their trademark constant press. But the Indian defence stood strong and Basfore pounced on two of the few golden chances created by the visitors — one on either side of the break — to earn a memorable victory, India's first against the opponents who lie 24 rungs above them on the Fifa ladder. 'We played as a team and that's why I could score the two goals and qualify for the Asian Cup,' Basfore said at the postmatch presentation. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞! 𝑨𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑨 🇦🇺 🔥 #THAIND #BlueTigresses #WAC2026 #IndianFootball ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 5, 2025 The gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju kept the hosts at bay while Panthoi Chanu under the bar made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. But it was the Indians' day on the field as after receiving a pass from Anju Tamang outside the Thailand box, Basfore sent in a brilliant volley that left 'keeper Tiffany Sornpao flying but unable to reach the ball. Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised in the 47th minute. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept raiding the rival box and Basfore rose to the occasion in the 74th minute and nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India qualify for Women's Asian Cup
"We did it!" India's star for the day, Sangita Basfore, could be heard crying to her teammates after the final whistle was blown in the 'knockout' Women's Asian Cup Qualifier fixture at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Saturday. And the tears of joy in the Indian women's eyes reflected the tall task they achieved in beating world No. 46 Thailand 2-1 in their last match of the qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and booking a ticket to the Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. The two-time World Cuppers — boosted by a huge crowd cheering on the home side — showed their class with their trademark constant press. But the Indian defence stood strong and Basfore pounced on two of the few golden chances created by the visitors — one on either side of the break — to earn a memorable victory, India's first against the opponents who lie 24 rungs above them on the FIFA ladder. "We played as a team and that's why I could score the two goals and qualify for the Asian Cup," Basfore said at the post-match presentation. The truth in her statement was evident throughout the game where the hosts enjoyed a major chunk of possession but were met by the gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju. On the other hand, star winger Manisha Kalyan kept troubling the Thai defence with her sharp runs, pace and dribbles up the left wing. It was also an unforgettable game for Panthoi Chanu under the bar as she made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. With Thai skipper Saowalak Pengngam, star attacker Jiraporn Mongkoldee and winger Pattaranan Aupachai leading constant attacks into the Indian box, Panthoi made a crucial save off a Saowalak shot at goalmouth in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, it was the woodwork that came in the way of Jiroporn's opener. But it was the Indians' day on the field as after receiving a pass from Anju Tamang outside the Thailand box, Basfore sent in a brilliant volley that left 'keeper Tiffany Sornpao flying but unable to reach the ball that dipped into the top left corner. Crispin Chettri and stand-in coach Priya Valappil's 4-2-3-1 combination worked wonders as Thailand failed to find an equaliser in the first half, aided by another crucial save by Panthoi in the 36th minute to a Jirapon volley that looked destined for the goal. But Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised with a touch to a Saowalak long cross in the 47th minute. This time Panthoi could only dive for it as the ball evaded the woodwork and swerved into the right bottom corner. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept up their optimism and attacks into the Thailand half and a set piece in the 74th minute brought the Indian efforts to fruition as Basfore nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick. With the score reading 2-1 in India's favour, Thailand continued their desperate search for an equaliser. But there was no break in the Indian women's grit as they held on and scripted a day to remember for Indian football fans. As Basfore signed off at the presentation, "Our next target is the World Cup!" But for now, they can bask in the glory they have rightfully earned for themselves and the country.
