India’s head coach Joakim Alexandersson has announced a 23-member squad for the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 in Bhutan. Featuring a new double round-robin format, the tournament runs from August 20–31 in Thimphu, providing vital preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan this October.
The Indian U17 women’s national football team is set for another crucial challenge as head coach Joakim Alexandersson announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from August 20 to 31.
This announcement comes shortly after Alexandersson’s remarkable achievement with the India U20 women’s team, whom he guided to their first AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification in two decades earlier this month. With his growing reputation for nurturing young football talent, Alexandersson now turns his attention to the U17 side as they prepare for regional competition that also serves as a vital build-up to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October in Kyrgyzstan.
New Format for SAFF U17 Women’s Championship
This year’s SAFF U17 Women’s Championship introduces a double round-robin league format. Four teams – India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh – will compete in six matches each. The team finishing with the highest points at the end of the tournament will be declared champions.
This format ensures that every team gets more game time and exposure, a vital step in preparing young footballers for bigger stages. For India, it provides a chance to test new combinations, build cohesion, and sharpen skills before the continental qualifiers.
India’s Match Schedule
The tournament kicks off with India facing Nepal on August 20. The team will then take on Bangladesh on August 22, followed by Bhutan on August 24. After a brief rest, they will face Bhutan again on August 27, Nepal on August 29, and wrap up their campaign against Bangladesh on August 31.
All matches will be played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu and will be broadcast live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel, allowing fans to cheer for the young Blue Tigresses from across the globe.
India’s Fixtures (IST):
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August 20: Nepal vs India – 14:30
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August 22: India vs Bangladesh – 14:30
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August 24: Bhutan vs India – 14:30
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August 27: India vs Bhutan – 17:30
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August 29: India vs Nepal – 17:30
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August 31: Bangladesh vs India – 14:30
The 23-Member Squad
Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.
Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Priya, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Beena Kumari, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey.
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Jada Fernandes.
Coaching Staff:
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Head Coach: Joakim Alexandersson
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Assistant Coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
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Goalkeeper Coach: Dipankar Choudhury
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Strength & Conditioning Coach: Saifulla
Road to the Future
The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship will act as a stepping stone for the Indian youngsters, offering valuable international experience before the tougher tests in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. With a squad full of talent across all positions, Alexandersson and his coaching staff will aim to strike the right balance between attack and defense while also giving opportunities for emerging players to shine.
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The presence of experienced coaching support, combined with the hunger of young footballers to prove themselves, makes India a strong contender in the championship. The double round-robin format will test the squad’s fitness, adaptability, and consistency, ensuring that only the most deserving team lifts the trophy in Thimphu.
As Indian football continues to make strides at the youth level, this tournament will be watched closely not just by fans, but also by scouts and experts looking for the next generation of stars to take women’s football in India to greater heights.
