Crispin Chettri urges immediate Asian Cup build-up as India host Russia in Kolkata friendlies
India head coach Crispin Chettri called on his players and supporters to begin long-term preparations immediately as his team prepares to face Russia in friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8 (18:00 IST) and again on October 11; India enter the fixtures ranked 69th while Russia are 27th, and both matches will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel.
The fixtures mark India’s return to international action after winning their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship in June and represent the team’s first-ever senior international matches in Kolkata. Chettri has named a squad locked for the October FIFA window with an average age of 23 and the youngest players aged 19; several squad members have progressed from the U20 setup. Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those pushing to establish themselves at senior level, forward Renu has returned from injury, and Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P have been mentioned as candidates for greater responsibility.
Speaking at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, Chettri urged public backing and referenced the tournament target when stressing urgency. “I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least,” he said. “So I think it’s time for Kolkata to show that we really care about football irrespective of gender.” He added: “If you want to do good in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now.”
Chettri outlined selection complications ahead of the camp, citing East Bengal’s commitments in the AFC Women’s Champions League and the Indian Women’s League as factors that limited the availability of players for the longer camp. India will continue with the group that has trained together since the camp began on September 18, and the coach appealed to clubs to support the national programme. On the opportunity created by absences he said: “Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character.” He added: “And I think there is nothing to lose for us, but to show character and give our best for the country.” Renu, who attended the press conference, said: “I want to just be at my best for these two games and play well.”
Russia arrive in Kolkata with previous wins over India in their record, having beaten India 8-0 in 2021 and 2-0 in Sharjah on February 23, 2025, with Glafira Zhukova and Valentina Smirnova on the scoresheet in the latter match. Chettri warned against direct comparisons to those results, noting that very few players from that India side are in the current group. Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan said: “The previous game is history, it’s just statistics. Every new game is a new challenge for both teams,” and added: “We are preparing to get the win in this game.” The visitors arrived on Tuesday evening and held their first training session on Wednesday afternoon; defender Veronika Kuropatkina noted familiarity with India and recent match experience, saying: “We know the opponent, not just from the video, but we played last year against India.” The squad also reported benefiting from the ongoing Russian club season in terms of physical condition.
Chettri’s selected squad lists 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; and forwards: Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav.
Chettri has identified translating the work carried out since the September 18 camp start into a competitive display as the immediate priority, with India due to face Russia on October 8 at 18:00 IST at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan and to meet the same opponents again on October 11.