New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the Indian senior women’s football team, marking a significant step in the team’s preparations for upcoming competitions. This announcement was made on Monday and comes at a crucial time as the Blue Tigresses gear up for the SAFF Women’s Championship.

A dedicated squad of 29 players will convene in Goa from September 20 to start their training camp. This camp is pivotal as it prepares the team for the SAFF Women’s Championship, which will take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30, 2024. Santosh Kashyap, a former India international footballer, brings with him nearly a decade of coaching experience in the I-League. He has managed prestigious clubs such as Mohun Bagan AC, Aizawl FC, Mumbai FC, Salgaocar FC, Royal Wahingdoh FC, Rangdajied United FC, ONGC, and Air India. Additionally, Kashyap has served as an assistant coach for NorthEast United FC and most recently for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, according to a press release by AIFF.

Kashyap’s coaching team will include Priya PV as the assistant coach and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as the goalkeeper coach. These appointments are aimed at strengthening the technical and tactical aspects of the team.

In an interview with the-aiff.com, Kashyap expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to lead the national team. He thanked AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, and other senior members of the federation for their trust and support. “Coaching the National Team is always an honour,” Kashyap remarked.

Kashyap’s journey in coaching began with training the Maharashtra U19 women’s team for the National Championship in the early 2000s. He has since risen through the ranks to become a well-respected coach at both club and national levels. Currently serving as the Head of Youth Development and Technical Director of Odisha FC, he believes in the potential of the current players in the Senior Women’s National Team. “They are all bright players,” he said. “But what we require to improve is tactically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the National camp.”

Reflecting on past performances, Kashyap acknowledged that the team’s results in the previous SAFF Championship did not meet expectations. However, he is optimistic about the future. “This time, with the right tactics, approach, and decision-making ability, we can regain the title,” he asserted. He emphasized that football has become extremely competitive at the international level, and no team should be underestimated. “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,” Kashyap concluded.

The list of 29 players called up for the Indian senior women’s team 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.

*Head coach: Santosh Kashyap.