Shillong, Jan 30: Meghalaya’s Alisha Lyngdoh has been included in a 23-member Indian squad for the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026, it was announced yesterday.
The Indian team have left for Nepal where the tournament will take place from January 31 to February 7.
India will participate in the tournament with their U-17 squad, who are preparing for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. Alisha was part of the Indian team that won the SAFF U-17 Women’s title in August last year.
The defender was also in the squad for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in October but supported the team in both matches. It was from there that India qualified for the U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
Prior to the tournament, the Young Tigresses had camped in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and travelled to Nepal on Thursday. The four-team SAFF Championship will be played in a round-robin format, followed by a final between the top two teams on February 7.
This will be the first test for the new U-17 women’s team coach Pamela Conti. She was appointed to the role earlier this month, along with her brother Vincenzo Conti, who will be one of two assistant coaches.
India will face Nepal on January 31, Bangladesh on February 2 and Bhutan on February 4. All matches will be played at the Pokhara Stadium.
India squad:
Goalkeepers: Munni, Shelna Maria Sajit, Surajmuni Kumari
Defenders: Akashi Naik, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Anita Dungdung, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes
Support staff: Pamela Conti (head coach), Vincenzo Conti (assistant coach), Nivetha Ramadoss (assistant coach), Chandi Das (goalkeeping coach)
