India will kick off their preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 with three international friendlies in Alanya, Turkey from February 17-23.

India, who will host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022, face Serbia on February 17 followed by Russia two days later before wrapping up against Ukraine on February 23.

The squad has been undergoing preparation in Goa for the last two months. It will be the squad’s first international outing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head Coach Maymol Rocky said the players are excited to return to international football after months of lockdown.

“We have a very young and talented squad at our disposal. This will be a good experience for the girls as we prepare for challenges ahead. The matches in Turkey will give us a good barometer on where our players stand in terms of being match-fit,” Rocky said.

“This may be our first tournament in a long time. The girls are eager to prove themselves. We will be playing against European teams. It will not be easy, playing against them. But we are ready for the challenge.”

“Playing against strong European teams will help us prepare for the Asian Cup. These experiences will be vital for the girls in these two years,” she said.

India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.
Defenders: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Ritu Rani, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Kritina Devi Thounaojam.
Midfielders: Manisha, Sangita Basfore, Sumithra Kamaraj, Pyari Xaxa.
Forwards: Anju Tamang, Indumathi Kathiresan, Soumya Guguloth, Dangmei Grace, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Heigrujjam Daya Devi, Sumati Kumari.