India Finalize Asian Cup Squad as Kit Mix-Up Surfaces Days Before Opener
The off-field lapse caps a curtailed build-up that left India short on international minutes before World Cup-qualifying tests in Perth.
Overview
- The players reported receiving incorrect, ill-fitting match kits in Australia and wrote to the AIFF, with most of the squad forced to source replacements locally, according to reports.
- India named a 26-player roster that blends first-timers with veterans, including captain Sweety Devi and forward Manisha Kalyan.
- The Blue Tigresses open against Vietnam on March 4 in Perth before facing Japan on March 7 and Chinese Taipei on March 10.
- After pledging an 83-day program with 10–12 friendlies, the federation delivered only three internationals since July and a delayed, compressed IWL season.
- New head coach Amelia Valverde has had roughly two months with the squad following scrapped November friendlies linked to visa issues.