Indian Under-20 Women’s Football Team Prepares for Uzbekistan Friendlies
Football Matches Scheduled
The Indian Under-20 women’s football team is set to engage in two friendly matches against Uzbekistan on November 29 and December 2, 2025. Both games will occur at the FC Madras Academy located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. These encounters come at a strategic time during the FIFA Women’s International Match Window, although they will be conducted without any spectators.
Team Preparation and Squad Announcement
To bolster their readiness for the upcoming 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, head coach Joakim Alexandersson has announced a squad comprising 24 players for these matches against Uzbekistan. The Young Tigresses are positioned in Group C of the Asian Cup alongside formidable teams including Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan finds itself in Group B, contending against DPR Korea, South Korea, and Jordan.
Recent Performance Highlights
Since November 11, the team has been training rigorously at the FC Madras Academy. Their recent form included two friendly fixtures against Kazakhstan’s U-19 team, where they secured a narrow victory of 3-2 and achieved a draw of 1-1 in their encounters.
Squad Details
Full Team Roster
Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu.
Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara.
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Khushbu Saroj, Monisha Singha, Neha.
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.
Golfing News: Aditi Ashok’s Performance
In golf, India’s Aditi Ashok, renowned for her achievements on the Ladies European Tour, recorded a commendable score of 3-under 69, positioning her in 10th place after the first day of the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España in Malaga. She trailed behind Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Soenderby and Thailand’s Trichat Cheenglab, who both co-led the tournament at 6-under par.
Aditi’s round began with a bogey but she quickly recovered, finishing the front nine at even par. An eagle on the Par-5 10th hole followed, although she missed another potential eagle on the Par-5 12th. Closing the day with two birdies on the 16th and 17th holes, she concluded with a total of 69 strokes.
Fellow competitor Avani Prashanth shared the spotlight, finishing with a score of 71 (T-27th), while Hitaashee Bakshi, after an impressive showing at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, posted a score of 73 (T-45). Pranavi Urs and Diksha Dagar both recorded 2-over 74, placing them at T-49.
Cycling Event Announcement
In cycling news, India is set to host the inaugural Pune Grand Tour, marking the first road race under the Union Cycliste Internationale guidelines in the 2.2 category, scheduled for January 19-23. Two teams, ‘India A’ and ‘India B’, will compete, with the Cycling Federation of India conducting National Championship trials in Sambalpur, Odisha from December 2-6. An additional evaluation will follow at a National Road Race in Pune on December 28.
This initiative aims to provide a competitive platform for both emerging and experienced cyclists.
Motorsports: Atiqa Mir’s Remarkable Finish
Indian racer Atiqa Mir has made headlines by qualifying fourth in the COTFA international karting series, a significant achievement for a female driver in this championship’s history. Supported by the Formula 1 Academy, the 11-year-old demonstrated her skills on the track, maintaining the fourth position in both qualifying and the preliminary round, narrowly missing the podium by just 0.07 seconds.
On day two, she continued to impress during qualifying, clocking the fifth-fastest time. Despite fierce competition, a bold maneuver in the final race saw her maintain a top position until the end, ultimately finishing seventh out of 28 drivers.
Published on November 28, 2025
