Imphal, March 4: Manipur’s enduring legacy in Indian women’s football has once again come to the fore, with nine players from the state named in India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. The tournament marks India’s return to the continental stage after a 12-year absence, having last competed in 2014.
India secured qualification for the 2026 edition with a strong third-place finish in the 2025 qualifiers. Placed in Group C, the Blue Tigresses are set to face formidable opponents in Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
At the core of India’s campaign is a formidable group of players from Manipur. Goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, now firmly established as the team’s first-choice custodian with 26 international caps, will provide stability at the back. Captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi, with 67 caps to her name, will lead the defensive line alongside the adaptable Shilky Devi Hemam and Sarita Yumnam. Martina Thokchom and Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi bring added depth and versatility across defensive and midfield roles.
In the attacking third, the seasoned Grace Dangmei—India’s most capped player in the current squad with 92 appearances—adds experience and leadership. She is joined by emerging talents Lynda Kom Serto and Babina Devi Lisham, both products of Manipur’s rich footballing culture. Grace and Panthoi played decisive roles during the qualifiers, delivering key performances against Iraq and Timor-Leste to help secure India’s place in the tournament.
With nearly one-third of the squad hailing from Manipur, the state’s influence on Indian women’s football remains unmatched. As India prepares for a challenging campaign in Australia, hopes of a historic run and a maiden World Cup qualification will rest significantly on the defensive resilience, midfield dynamism and attacking prowess of its Manipuri contingent.
