India's Women's Football Team Overcomes Kit Mishap Ahead of Asian Cup Opener

India's senior women's football team encountered a significant challenge just days before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener against Vietnam in Perth, Australia. A mix-up resulted in undersized kits, originally designed for junior teams, being sent to the senior squad. The incorrect kits arrived only two days before India's first Group C match, failing to fit the majority of the players. This situation put the team at risk of not passing an official equipment check mandated by the tournament organizers, which could have jeopardized India's participation in the tournament. This incident echoed the disappointment of 2022 when the team withdrew from the tournament on home soil due to a COVID outbreak.

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Fortunately, the issue was resolved quickly. Staff from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) arranged for new kits to be produced locally overnight, ensuring that players received properly fitted uniforms before their match. An AIFF official confirmed that the players received their new shirts, shorts, and socks just in time for the opening game.

The Straits Times

With the kit crisis averted, the Indian women's team, known as the Blue Tigresses, is now focused on their campaign in Group C. This marks their first Asian Cup qualification on merit, following a successful qualifying campaign last year. Head coach Amelia Valverde, appointed earlier this year, emphasized the importance of this opportunity, stating, “That was four years ago. There are no coincidences in life, though, and we are back here again with a chance to prove ourselves.”

The Statesman

India captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam expressed confidence in the team's preparation, noting, “We have prepared very well. The squad is ready, and we are fully focused on giving our best performance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.” The team faces a challenging Group C, which includes former champions Japan and the Chinese Taipei women's national team, with the top two teams and the best third-placed team advancing to the quarterfinals.

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As the Blue Tigresses prepare to face Vietnam, they are determined to showcase their skills and compete effectively. Coach Valverde acknowledged the strength of their opponents, stating, “We are well aware of the kind of opposition we’re facing. But our job is to exhibit the best version of the Indian team and make sure there’s no doubt that we will be out there to compete and give our best.” Following the resolution of the kit mishap, the team is now fully focused on making a significant impact at their first Asian Cup on merit, with aspirations of securing a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Statesman

• “That was four years ago. There are no coincidences in life, though, and we are back here again with a chance to prove ourselves. This is a new opportunity for us to represent our team in the best possible manner,” — Amelia Valverde, Head Coach

The Statesman

• “We have prepared very well. The squad is ready, and we are fully focused on giving our best performance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” — Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Captain

The Statesman

• “We are well aware of the kind of opposition we’re facing. But our job is to exhibit the best version of the Indian team and make sure there’s no doubt that we will be out there to compete and give our best,” — Amelia Valverde, Head Coach

The Statesman