India Ready To Play Without Fear At AFC U-17 Women’s Cup

India women's national under-17 football team has arrived in Suzhou for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 with confidence and determination as the team prepares for one of the biggest tournaments in its history. Led by head coach Pamela Conti, the Young Tigresses are aiming to compete fearlessly against some of Asia’s strongest football nations and fight for a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Morocco.

India will begin its Group B campaign against Australia women's national under-17 football team on May 2 before facing Japan women's national under-17 football team on May 5 and Lebanon women's national under-17 football team on May 8. All matches will take place at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre.

The tournament is especially important for India because the top-performing teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year. For the Indian squad, this competition represents not only a chance to challenge Asia’s best teams but also an opportunity to make history on the international stage.

Coach Pamela Conti made it clear before the team’s departure that India would not enter the tournament with a defensive mindset despite being considered underdogs against teams like Japan and Australia. She said the team’s objective is to compete directly with stronger opponents and show courage on the field.

Conti stated that the players are ready to give everything for the country and will play attacking football instead of simply defending against stronger teams. According to the coach, the aim is to make opponents respect India’s style of play and fighting spirit.

The Italian coach also stressed that pressure surrounding the tournament does not worry her. She explained that representing the nation at a major tournament is a positive challenge and said the players are focused only on improving and competing at the highest level.

India’s preparation for the tournament has been long and demanding. The team spent several months in training camps, mostly in Bengaluru, and also participated in the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in Nepal earlier this year, where the side performed strongly and won the tournament. The squad later played international friendly matches in Myanmar and Russia as part of preparations for the Asian Cup.

Conti praised the commitment and discipline shown by the young players during the preparation period. She noted that many players stayed away from their families for almost four months while training continuously for the tournament. According to the coach, the sacrifices made by the squad show their dedication and passion for representing India.

The Indian team features several talented young players, including captain Julan Nongmaithem, who is already regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Indian women’s football. At just 15 years old, Julan has already made her senior national team debut and will now carry the responsibility of leading the U-17 side at the continental tournament.

Conti described Julan as a very important player with a bright future but emphasized that the success of the team will depend on collective effort rather than individual stars. She repeatedly highlighted that the focus remains on teamwork, balance, and discipline across all areas of the field.

India will also depend on attacking players such as Anushka Kumari and Pearl Fernandes, who have impressed with their goal-scoring ability in youth competitions. However, the coaching staff believes the overall structure and unity of the team will be more important than individual performances.

Football fans across India will closely follow the team’s journey in China as expectations continue to rise around women’s football in the country. While recent Indian women’s teams have struggled to move beyond group stages in major Asian competitions, the U-17 squad hopes to change that record with a fearless and positive approach.

With strong preparation, growing confidence, and a motivated squad, India now enters the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup ready to challenge stronger opponents and chase a historic place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.