New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the national senior women’s team, taking over from former international player Chaoba Devi. This strategic move aims to elevate the team’s performance on the international stage.

Kashyap’s inaugural assignment will be steering the team through the SAFF Women’s Championships, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30. In preparation for this crucial tournament, a comprehensive training camp involving 29 players will be held in Goa starting September 20.

Kashyap brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been a former India international himself. His coaching career spans nearly a decade in the I-League, where he has managed prominent clubs such as Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, and Mumbai FC. At 58 years old, Kashyap has also gained valuable experience as an assistant coach in the Indian Super League with NorthEast United FC and most recently with Odisha FC.

Joining Kashyap’s coaching staff will be Priya PV as the assistant coach and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as the goalkeeper coach. This trio aims to bring a balanced and experienced approach to the team’s preparation and performance.

Expressing his gratitude, Kashyap stated, “Coaching the National Team is always an honour. I am grateful to the AIFF President, Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, the technical department, and other senior members of the federation for providing me this opportunity.”

Kashyap emphasized his confidence in the current roster of players but identified technical improvements as a key area for development. “They are all bright players. But what we require to improve is technically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the national camp.”

Regarding the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championships, Kashyap acknowledged past shortcomings but expressed optimism about reclaiming the title. “I am aware that our result in the previous SAFF Championship didn’t meet the expectations. But this time, with the right tactics, approach and decision-making ability, we can regain the title.”

He stressed the competitive nature of international football and cautioned against underestimating any team. “Football has become an extremely competitive sport, especially at the international level. So, we shouldn’t take any team lightly.”

Looking beyond SAFF, Kashyap hinted at broader ambitions. “SAFF is only the first step. Thereafter, I have a bigger plan in mind. I am sure this team is capable of delivering the goods.”

The 29-member squad selected for the national camp in Goa includes:

**Goalkeepers**: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Payal Ramesh Basude

**Defenders**: Aruna Bag, Dalima Chhibber, Jabamani Tudu, Juli Kishan, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Mousumi Murmu, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Sanju, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Yumlembam Pakpi Devi

**Midfielders**: Anjana Thapa, Anju Tamang, Dangmei Grace, Hemam Shilky Devi, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Karthika Angamuthu, Manisha, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth

**Forwards**: Jyoti, Ngangom Bala Devi, Rimpa Haldar, Sandhiya Ranganathan

With this blend of experienced and emerging talents guided by an adept coaching team, India aims to make a significant impact at the SAFF Women’s Championships and beyond.