The Indian women’s team is all set to kick-off its preparations for the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup with three international friendly matches in Alanya, Turkey where in the first of these three matches, it will square-off against Serbia on Wednesday.
Coached by Maymol Rocky, the team has had a two-month training camp in Goa, before setting sail for Turkey—where midfielder Sangita Basfore will be leading the side. The head coach believes that two months in the camp has given the coaching staff a good opportunity to assess the players.
“We’ve had a good couple of months of camp in Goa, where we have had the opportunity to assess all the girls,” All India Football Federation (AIFF) quoted Maymol as saying.
After a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the players are all raring to go, and the prospect of returning to international football is something that has induced excitement amongst everyone. “Serbia are a strong side, and we will have to be at our best to get the desired result against them. All my players are really excited to be playing international football once again. They are all pumped ahead of this game,” stated Maymol.
Defender Ashalata Devi echoed these emotions, expressing how happy she is, to be back donning the blue jersey once again. “I am very happy that the team is once again preparing for International football. It’s an altogether different feeling, really, to represent your country, and anticipation is running high in the camp. Everyone is really excited,” she said. After the game against Serbia, the Indian women’s team is set to face Russia (19 February) and Ukraine (23 February).
