India’s senior women’s football team faced an unusual challenge just days before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener against Vietnam’s women’s national team in Perth, Australia, after undersized kits meant for junior teams were mistakenly sent to the senior squad.
The incorrect kits, which arrived only two days before India’s first Group C match, did not fit the majority of the players, putting the team at risk of failing an official equipment check by tournament organisers. Such a scenario could have jeopardised India’s participation, recalling the heartbreak 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 swiftly. Federation staff arranged for new kits to be produced locally overnight, ensuring that players received properly fitted kits before the match, an AIFF official told Reuters.
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With the kit crisis averted, the Indian women, nicknamed the Blue Tigresses, are now ready to begin their campaign in Group C, facing Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday. This marks India’s first Asian Cup qualification on merit, following a stellar qualifying campaign last year.
Head coach Amelia Valverde, appointed earlier this year, reflected on past setbacks and the opportunity ahead:
“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,” she said.
India captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam echoed her coach’s sentiments, praising the three-week early arrival in Perth for acclimatisation and preparation.
“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,” she said.
India face a tough Group C, alongside former champions the Japan women’s national team and the Chinese Taipei women’s national team, with the top two teams and the best third-placed team advancing to the quarterfinals. Vietnam, led by coach Mai Đức Chung, remain a strong and experienced opponent.
“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,” Valverde added.
After overcoming the kit mishap, the Blue Tigresses are now focused entirely on making a mark at their first Asian Cup on merit, aiming to progress and secure a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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