The India vs Russia Women’s Football Friendly Series begins on October 8 in Kolkata. India will face higher-ranked Russia in the opening match.
The Blue Tigresses return to international action after winning their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in June. India will also give several younger players a chance against strong opposition.
The two-match series brings the Blue Tigresses to Kolkata for the first time. Here is the match schedule, India squad, previous record and live streaming information.
India vs Russia Friendly Series: Match Details
India will face Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8. The opening match will start at 6:00 PM IST.
India currently ranks 69th in the world, while Russia sits 27th. The teams will meet again on October 11, with both matches taking place at the same venue in Kolkata.
The series also marks India’s return to international football after winning their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in June.
The two fixtures give head coach Crispin Chettri an opportunity to assess his young squad against a higher-ranked side.
India Women’s National Team Squad
India have named 24 players for the October FIFA women’s international friendlies. The squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards.
Several younger players have progressed through the U20 setup. The squad has an average age of 23, with the youngest players aged 19.
Here is the complete India squad for the Russia friendlies.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini |
| Defenders | Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Shubhangi Singh |
| Midfielders | Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Santosh |
| Forwards | Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav |
| Head Coach | Crispin Chettri |
Blue Tigresses Enter Series With a Younger Squad
Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among the players seeking senior-level opportunities.
Forward Renu also returns after an injury absence. She wants to focus on performing at her best across the two matches.
Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P could also take on greater responsibility during the series. Chettri sees the fixtures as an important part of India’s preparation for the Asian Cup.
Kolkata Set to Welcome the Blue Tigresses
Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata will host the Blue Tigresses for their first-ever international appearance in the city.
Chettri hopes supporters will attend in large numbers and back the Indian team. He also wants the occasion to highlight equal support for football regardless of gender.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Chettri said, “I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least.”
The home crowd will add another element to the challenge for India. Chettri also expects his players to handle the pressure of playing in front of supporters.
He said, “It’s not only about the opponent. It’s about performing under pressure when fans are there.”
Source: AIFF Media Team
India Face Preparation Challenges For Women’s Football Friendly Series
India’s preparations have faced some challenges because of club commitments. East Bengal’s AFC Women’s Champions League campaign and Indian Women’s League schedule affected the availability of some players.
As a result, Chettri could not work with the larger group he had hoped for during a longer camp. India will instead continue with the players who have trained together.
At the same time, the situation has created opportunities for younger players to establish themselves. Chettri wants them to use the chance to show their character.
With India’s camp beginning on September 18, the squad now enters the two matches with a mix of younger players and senior experience.
India vs Russia Head-to-Head Record
Russia hold the advantage in their previous meetings against India, having won both encounters without conceding a goal.
Russia recorded an 8-0 victory over India in the Turkish Women’s Cup in 2021. Then, four years later, the Indian senior women’s team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Russia in their second Pink Ladies Cup match at Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium on February 23, 2025.
Glafira Zhukova and Valentina Smirnova scored Russia’s goals in the 2025 match.
Where to Watch India vs Russia Women’s Football Friendly Series Live?
Fans in India can watch both matches live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel. The official channel will stream the two international friendlies.
The October series gives Indian fans in Kolkata their first chance to watch the Blue Tigresses play an international fixture in the city.
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Conclusion
The India vs Russia series gives India two strong tests against a higher-ranked opponent. The matches also mark an important occasion for women’s football in Kolkata.
Chettri has a young squad with several players looking for greater senior responsibility. Russia’s experience will provide a demanding examination.
The two fixtures can help India assess their younger players while building towards future international challenges.
