‘Hope girls do well in Bahrain’
The Indian football team at dinner after their arrival on Sunday night in Manama.
The Indian women’s senior national football team arrived in Manama for two friendlies against Bahrain to be played on Tuesday and Thursday.
The 23-member squad, which reached late on Sunday night, had been preparing for a month at a camp in Pune.
India will play in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (qualifiers) in Palestine in a week’s time from May 21.
The SAFF Cup Champions will open their account against Myanmar (May 21) followed by Chinese Taipei (May 23) and Palestine (May 25). They have been drawn in Group D.
“It feels good to be in Bahrain. The two international friendlies will be good preparation for the all-important AFC Cup qualifiers. The camp in Pune was a fruitful one and we are raring to go,” said national team coach Anadi Barua.
Goalkeeping coach Chitra Gangadharan also hoped the team would do well in the two friendlies.
“The last time we came to Bahrain was in 2011. It was a three-match series, which we won 2-1. I really hope the girls do well,” Gangadharan said.
Skipper Tuli Goon added: “I can’s wait to take the field. We have been practising hard in Pune for the AFC qualifiers. The two friendlies will be of great help as we will be able to asses ourselves before the real battle.”
Squad
Goalkeepers: Okram Roshini Devi, Tikina Samal, Usha Rani Das.
Defenders: Ashem Romi Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Suprava Samal, Gurumayum Radharani Devi, Tuli Goon, Lako Phuti Bhutia, Ansha.
Midfielders: Yumnam Kamala Devi, Yumlembam Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Amoolya Kamal, Dangmei Grace, Oinam Bembem Devi, Sasmita Malik, Paromita Sit.
Forwards: Irom Prameshwori Devi, Salam Rinaroy Devi, Jyoti Ann Burrett, Ngangom Bala Devi, Pinky Bompal Magar.
Coach: Anadi Barua; Assistant coach: Surmala Chanu, Goalkeeping coach: Chitra Gangadharan, Physiotherapist: Dimple Jitesh Maniar.
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