India Announce 23-Member U-19 Women’s Squad for SAFF Championship; Sikkim’s Abista Basnett Included
With the 2026 SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship set to begin later this month, a 23-member Indian U-19 women’s football team has departed for Pokhara, Nepal, to compete in the regional tournament scheduled from January 31 to February 7.
Adding pride to the squad selection, Sikkim’s rising football talent Abista Basnett has been named as a midfielder in the national team. Hailing from Pakyong district, Abista’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for football in Sikkim, reflecting her steady rise through the youth football ranks and her growing impact at the national level.
The SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, now in its 7th edition, is organised by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and features under-19 women’s national teams from across South Asia. The tournament aims to strengthen grassroots women’s football and provide young players with valuable international exposure.
The competition will follow a round-robin format among the four participating teams, with the final scheduled to be played on February 7. All matches will be held at Pokhara Stadium.
India’s fixtures in the group stage include matches against Nepal on January 31, Bangladesh on February 2, and Bhutan on February 4.
India’s 23-member squad for the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026:
Goalkeepers: Munni, Shelna Maria Sajit, Surajmuni Kumari
Defenders: Akashi Naik, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Abista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Anita Dungdung, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes
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