Shilarze Saha Roy
AIFF Media Team
KOLKATA: For the Indian women’s national team, Thursday’s meeting with Russia is an opportunity to test a new generation against stronger opposition. For Kolkata, it is a chance to welcome the Blue Tigresses for their first-ever international appearance in the city.
India, ranked 69th in the world, face 27th-ranked Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8 at 18:00 IST, before the teams meet again on October 11. The matches will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel. The fixtures mark India’s return to international action following their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in June.
Head coach Crispin Chettri hopes the occasion will bring both a demanding football examination and the support his players deserve. “I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least,” Chettri said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “So I think it’s time for Kolkata to show that we really care about football irrespective of gender."
The squad carries a different look from the one that faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup last year. Chettri said its average age is 23, with the youngest players aged 19, and several have progressed from the U20 setup.
Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those seeking to establish themselves at senior level. Forward Renu, who attended the press conference alongside Chettri, returns after an injury absence, while Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P are in contention for greater responsibility.
“If you want to do good in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now,” Chettri said.
Renu also echoed her coach’s views but wants to first focus on the Russia matches. “I want to just be at my best for these two games and play well,” she said.
The preparations have not been without complications. Chettri said East Bengal’s commitments towards their AFC Women's Champions League campaign and the Indian Women’s League had affected the availability of players he wanted for the longer camp. India will proceed with the group that has trained together, with the coach urging clubs to support the national team.
Those absences, however, have also opened a door.
“Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character,” he said. “And I think there is nothing to lose for us, but to show character and give our best for the country.”
Russia have won both previous meetings, scoring 10 goals without conceding. Their 8-0 victory in 2021 was followed by a 2-0 win in Sharjah on February 23, 2025, when Glafira Zhukova and Valentina Smirnova scored.
Chettri cautioned against a direct comparison with that encounter, pointing out that very few players from that India side are in the current group. His immediate challenge is to ensure the work done since the camp began on September 18 translates into a competitive performance.
For Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan, the previous results offer no guarantees. “The previous game is history, it’s just statistics. Every new game is a new challenge for both teams,” he said. “We are preparing to get the win in this game.”
Krasnozhan also acknowledged India’s progress, referring to Russia’s experience against both the senior side and the Indian U17 team.
The visitors have had limited time to settle in. Having arrived on Tuesday evening, their first training session is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Defender Veronika Kuropatkina, however, believes the ongoing Russian club season has helped the players arrive in good physical condition.
“We know the opponent, not just from the video, but we played last year against India,” she said.
For India’s younger players, Thursday brings its own responsibility: to compete against a higher-ranked side while handling the expectations of a home crowd.
As Chettri put it, “It’s not only about the opponent. It’s about performing under pressure when fans are there.”
India's 24-player squad for the October FIFA women's international friendlies:
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
Head Coach: Crispin Chettri
Indian women's national team's schedule:
October 8: India vs Russia
October 11: India vs Russia
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
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