Women’s team stars express delight over ‘amazing’ AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 opportunity

Members of the Senior National Women's Team expressed their delight after India was announced as the host of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 finals

Members of the Senior National Women’s Team expressed their delight after India was announced as the host of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 finals

Head coach Maymol Rocky stated that she is ‘very excited’ at the pronouncement and sounded confident that the team will put on a ‘good show’ when the competition arrives. “I am very excited that a tournament of this magnitude will take place in India and I thank the AIFF for bringing the Asian Cup to our country. We have one-and-a-half years to prepare for it and I am sure that we will put on a good show. I hope people will come out to support the team and the girls will do the rest.”

The Indian side is currently ranked 55 in the world, having won the gold medal in their most recent outing at the South Asian Games 2019 in Nepal and recording draws in friendly games away to Uzbekistan and Vietnam – both of whom are ranked higher.

Maymol added, “People are getting more and more aware of the progress made in women’s football in India. The girls will get the opportunity to play against the top countries in Asia and fans will get to see the best teams such as Japan, Australia, Korea and China live in the stadium, which will go a long way to develop interest among young girls and parents.”

Captain Ashalata Devi, who was among the three nominees for the AFC Women’s Player of the Year 2019, said that getting to play in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be a ‘dream come true’. “It was a dream to play in the AFC Asian Cup and now that we are hosting it, I am very happy and excited. I would like to thank the AIFF and Women’s Committee as they made a lot of efforts to bring the tournament to India. It’s a huge step for us and the entire continent’s eyes will be on us,” the centre-back mentioned.

She also shared a personal anecdote, highlighting the importance of the stage to her and the players. She said, “Ever since I have been playing football, I have never shown any of my matches to my mother. I was waiting for the right moment and now in 2022, I want my mother to come and watch me play against Asia’s best teams.”

Also Read: AFC grants India rights to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022

Goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan expressed her delight at the ‘amazing opportunity’ and termed it as a ‘huge responsibility’ at the same time.

“It is an amazing opportunity for us to prove and show our supporters why they should believe us when we say women’s team has the potential to play at the top level. There is now a huge responsibility for us to put forward the image that we want our supporters to have of women’s football.”

Women’s football in India has been growing leaps and bounds in recent years and with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2020 set to kick off in February next year, the effect of these two mega-events back-to-back is expected to give a gigantic push to the game.

According to Maymol, she expects to see a few names from the current U-17 team to step up to the senior ranks in time for the premier continental event. “I am confident that some players from the U-17 team will make their way in the senior team when the AFC Asian Women’s Cup comes around. The AIFF has been working really hard on this team for over a year now and with this tournament (AFC Asian Women’s Cup) also scheduled for 2022, it will certainly be an incentive for the youngsters to look up to after the World Cup,” the head coach commented.

Ashalata said that organising the two major women’s tournaments will be a big boost for future generations, saying, “As a result of these two tournaments, not only will we see women’s football get a lot of attention but there will also be upgradations in the infrastructure and facilities across the countries. As a result, it will greatly benefit the future generations of players in India.”

Aditi stated that the two events could ‘define the future of women’s football’ in the country and stressed the importance of continuing the building momentum.

“Women’s football in India has gathered good momentum right now because of our recent performances and results and there are a lot more people talking about women’s football now more than ever. So, the U-17 World Cup next year and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2022 are massive events that can define the future of women’s football in India. So, as players representing our nation, we need to really gear up and focus completely on ourselves, our fitness and our preparation for these events.”

– Courtesy AIFF media

Also Read: Revised schedule for India’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football 

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share