The Indian women's football team will begin a two-match international friendly series against 27th-ranked Russia in Kolkata on Thursday, with the fixtures forming part of head coach Crispin Chettri's preparations for the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
The Blue Tigresses, ranked 69th in the world, will face Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan at 6pm IST. The second friendly between the teams will be played at the same venue on October 11. Both matches are being held during the FIFA Women's International Match Window.
The series is also a landmark occasion for Indian women's football, with the team making its first-ever international appearance in Kolkata. India had previously played in West Bengal at the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship in Siliguri, but has not hosted a senior women's international in the state since.
India looking to build towards Asian Cup
The matches are India's first international outings since the Blue Tigresses won their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title in June.
Chettri is using the fixtures to expose an emerging generation of players to international football while building towards the continental tournament.
“If you want to do good in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now,” Chettri said on the eve of the first match.
The Indian squad has an average age of 23, with several players having graduated from the Under-20 setup. Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those looking to establish themselves at senior level, while forward Renu has returned after recovering from injury.
Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P are also in contention for bigger roles.
Chettri has urged supporters to turn up for the historic occasion, saying the players deserve the backing after their recent success.
Club commitments open doors for youngsters
India's preparations have been affected by the unavailability of some players because of club commitments, particularly East Bengal's participation in the AFC Women's Champions League and the Indian Women's League.
The absence of some established players has, however, created an opportunity for younger members of the squad to gain valuable international exposure.
“Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character,” Chettri said.
India will also be without Aveka Singh and Manisha Kalyan, who have not been released by their clubs for the friendlies.
The Indian squad includes 24 players:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem and Nandini.
Defenders: Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam and Shubhangi Singh.
Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore and Santosh.
Forwards: Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam and Sushmita Jadhav.
Chettri is the head coach.
Russia hold a dominant head-to-head record
India face a significant challenge against a side ranked 42 places above them.
Russia have won both previous meetings between the teams. They recorded an 8-0 victory over India in 2021 before winning 2-0 at the Pink Ladies Cup in Sharjah in February 2025. Russia have therefore scored 10 goals across the two encounters without conceding.
Russia have also enjoyed a positive run in 2026, winning three of their four matches, including two victories over China in June. The Russian Football Union said all 23 players called up for the current training camp took part in the team's final training session in Kolkata before the first match.
The Russian squad arrived in India on October 6 and will remain in Kolkata until October 12, with both friendlies against India being played at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
Match details and live streaming
The first India vs Russia women's international friendly will be played on Thursday, October 8, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm Indian Standard Time. Entry for fans is free. The match will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel, while there is no confirmed television broadcaster for the fixture.
The second friendly is scheduled for October 11 at the same venue, although its kick-off time has not yet been confirmed.