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India Women's Football Team to Make Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia
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News18•27-09-2026, 19:45
India Women's Football Team to Make Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia
- •The Indian women's football team will play their first-ever international matches in Kolkata against Russia on October 8 and 11, 2026, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
- •These friendlies mark India's first international games since winning the SAFF Women's Championship for a record sixth time in June 2026.
- •Ranked 69th, India will test themselves against 27th-ranked Russia, providing valuable experience against strong European opposition.
- •This will be India's first appearance in West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship in Siliguri, where they lifted the title.
- •Head coach Crispin Chettri emphasizes the importance of playing quality opposition for team development and exposing upcoming players to high-level competition.
Key Questions Answered
The Indian women's football team will play two international friendlies against Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8 and 11, 2026.
India previously faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 in the UAE, where they suffered a 0-2 defeat.
The Indian women's national team last played in West Bengal during the 2016 SAFF Women’s Championship held in Siliguri, where the Blue Tigresses lifted the title.
