India is preparing for a historic 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign having qualified for the tournament for the first time on merit with the competition also serving the chance for them to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup next year. The team is in their deep preparation period with a series of friendlies lined up ahead of their opening game at the Asian Cup against Vietnam on 4th March 2026, with Chinese Taipei and Japan being the other opponents, having reached Australia early this month. Head coach Amelia Valverde also called up the final 26 member squad for the competition with a talented side in the offing. However, they have been dealt with a blow only a week away from the tournament.
Anju Tamang suffers tournament ending injury; Karishma Shirvoikar called in as replacement
Star midfielder for Blue Tigresses, Anju Tamang has suffered an injury that has now ruled her for the entire AFC Women's Asian Cup. It comes as hugely disappointing news for the Indian women's national team with Valverde having already chosen her final players for the tournament. The current East Bengal player is a vital cog at the middle of the park for the side also offering her versatility with getting deployed on the flanks at times while her energy and work rate is second to none. Anju also offers creativity from her position and also vastly experience having played in the Women's Asian Cup before and also other major competitions for the national team. She will be a big miss with her absence forcing Valverde to rethink her plans for the team's setup for the competition.
In her place, forward Karishma Shirvoikar has been drafted into the main squad for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The 24-year-old has earned 14 caps for her nation and is a talented addition to the frontline. The Sribhumi FC player is one of the highly rated talents in the Indian Women's League (IWL) and she will hope to shine on the Asian stage now. However, there was no change for Anju Tamang who was expected to play an integral part in the tournament. Instead, the 30 year old is forced to watch the AFC Women's Asian Cup from home, supporting her teammates and wait for the IWL season to restart, expected to be in April 2026. For India, it is a show of temperament to handle the situation well and keep the right mindset for the competition.
