Football
Crispin Chettri back at the helm of Indian women’s football team as head coach
After a short period of three months, Crispin Chettri is back as the head coach of the Indian women’s football team, marking his return to the role ahead of the upcoming international window.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement of Chettri’s re-appointment on Tuesday.
The Indian football team is currently in Nairobi for the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya. The Blue Tigresses will take on hosts Kenya in the semifinal on April 11, while Australia and Malawi will play the other semifinal earlier on the same day. The semifinal winners and losers will clash in the final and the third-place play-off, respectively, on April 15. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Chettri replaces Amelia Valverde, whose short stint with the national side ended following India’s disappointing campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup earlier this year. Amelia had replaced Chettri as head in January.
Chettri, who had previously overseen the team during the qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup after being appointed in February last year, has named a 22-member squad for the friendly tournament.
Joining the coaching staff, Sujata Kar, the 2025 AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year, has been appointed assistant coach, while Fysal K Bapu will serve as the goalkeeping coach.
Valverde’s tenure concluded after India endured a disappointing outing at the continental showpiece in Australia, exiting at the group stage without registering a win in their first appearance in over two decades. The AIFF Technical Committee opted not to extend her contract last month.
India’s squad: Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam.
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam.
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.
Head coach: Crispin Chettri. Assistant coach: Sujata Kar. Goalkeeping coach: Fysal K Bapu.