Young India Women Face Russia Test as New Generation Eyes Senior Breakthrough

India, currently ranked 69th in the world, will play Russia on October 8 and October 11, with both matches scheduled to begin at 6 pm IST. The fixtures will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

The matches will be India's first international outings since they won their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title in June. They will also mark the Indian women's team's first international appearances in Kolkata.

Head coach Crispin Chettri sees the two matches as an important test for a relatively inexperienced group, particularly against a higher-ranked opponent. He also urged Kolkata's football fans to come out in large numbers and support the women's team.

"I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least, so I think it's time for Kolkata to show that we really care about football irrespective of gender," Chettri said at the pre-match press conference.

The squad has an average age of 23, with the youngest members aged 19. Several players have come through the India Under-20 system and are now seeking to establish themselves in the senior side.

Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those looking to make an impression, while forward Renu has returned to the squad after recovering from injury. Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P. are also in line for increased responsibility.

Chettri said preparations for the Asian Cup need to begin immediately, with the current matches providing valuable opportunities to build the team.

"If you want to do well in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now," he said.

Renu said she was focused on performing at her best during the two matches against Russia.

"I want to just be at my best for these two games and play well," she said.

India's preparations have been affected by the absence of several players, with East Bengal's participation in the AFC Women's Champions League and the Indian Women's League reducing the options available to Chettri during the extended camp.

The coach, however, believes the situation can provide an opening for younger players to demonstrate their ability and character.

"Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character, and I think there is nothing to lose for us but to show character and give our best for the country," Chettri said.

Russia have won both previous meetings between the teams, scoring 10 goals without conceding. They recorded an 8-0 victory in 2021 before securing a 2-0 win over India in Sharjah in February 2025.

Chettri, however, stressed that the current Indian team is considerably different from the side that faced Russia last year.

Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan also played down the relevance of the previous results, saying each match presents a fresh challenge.

"The previous game is history; it's just statistics. Every new game is a new challenge for both teams. We are preparing to get the win in this game," Krasnozhan said.

Russia arrived in India on Tuesday evening and will have limited time to prepare for the opening fixture. Defender Veronika Kuropatkina said the ongoing Russian club season had helped ensure the squad arrived in good physical condition.

"We know the opponent, not just from the video, but we played last year against India," she said.

India's 24-member squad

**Goalkeepers:** Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini

**Defenders:** Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Shubhangi Singh

**Midfielders:** Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Santosh

**Forwards:** Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P., Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav