The Indian women’s football team have been going through their paces at the national camp in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand in preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

India is hosting the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in January 2022.

At a time when the pandemic continues to impact normal life, the football players are elated to be able to attend the camp.

The team toured Turkey and Uzbekistan, where they played Uzbekistan, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and other teams, earlier this year.

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India is coached by Thomas Dennerby, a Swede with over 30 years of experience with several national squads.

The UEFA Pro Diploma Holder guided Sweden’s women to a third-place finish at the 2011 FIFA World Cup and the quarterfinals at the 2012 London Olympics.

The 62-year-old was appointed coach of the Indian team earlier this month. He replaces Maymol Rocky, who stepped down in July due to personal reasons.

Indian football team captain Ashalata Devi and her players are thankful for the chance to be able to attend the national camp.

In a statement to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Devi said:

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Winger Sanju Yadav said the entire team is aware of the enormous challenge that lies ahead in the form of the AFC Cup.