Football

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a 23-member senior women's squad for two friendly matches against Myanmar in Yangon on July 9 and 12. The team will be led by head coach Chaoba Devi, who has expressed satisfaction with the squad's combination of senior and junior players.The goalkeeping department comprises Shreya Hooda, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, and Maibam Linthoingambi Devi. The defense will be handled by Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sanju, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, and Aruna Bag.The midfield includes Naorem Priyangka Devi, Sangita Basfore, Karthika Angamuthu, Neha, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, and Mousumi Murmu. The forward section consists of Kajol Hubert Dsouza, Anju Tamang, Soumya Guguloth, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Pyari Xaxa, Jyoti, and Rimpa Haldar.Coach Chaoba Devi praised the team's fitness and preparation during the training camp at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. She emphasized the importance of playing against higher-ranked teams like Myanmar, which is ranked 54th in the FIFA Rankings compared to India's 67th position.Chaoba Devi also credited the Indian Women's League (IWL) for helping in scouting new talents. She believes that more exposure tours and quality games will improve the team's performance.The friendly matches against Myanmar will provide the Indian team with valuable experience and help them prepare for future tournaments. The team's performance will be closely monitored as they aim to improve their FIFA ranking and establish themselves as a force in women's football.