India’s women’s football team has exposed serious mismanagement within the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The players received ill-fitting kits just a day before their opening AFC Women’s Asian Cup match against Vietnam in Perth.
All 26 players signed an unprecedented letter to AIFF Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayanan. They expressed frustration over the lack of proper clothing and playing kits. The players said it affected their morale and disrupted their focus.
“Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training apparel,” the letter stated.
Kits made for U-15 athletes
The training and match jerseys arrived via cargo on Monday. That was just two days before India’s opening match on Wednesday. The players discovered a serious problem immediately.
“The kits supplied are not fit for purpose. The sizes appear to have been manufactured for Under-15 or smaller athletes and do not fit at least 80% of the 26-player squad. The coaching staff kits are also incorrectly sized,” the letter said.
The squad held an internal meeting on March 2 at 2:00 pm. Captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam, the highest-capped player, Grace Dangmei, and six other senior players headed the meeting. All 26 squad members collectively agreed to send the letter.
“Over the past few days, players and staff have already faced challenges due to the lack of appropriate clothing during preparation. The arrival of incorrect match kits at this crucial stage has further affected morale and disrupted our focus in the final days leading up to the match,” the players wrote.
Players demand immediate action
The tournament marks India’s return to a major continental competition after 23 years. It represents a significant moment for Indian women’s football. The timing of the kit crisis made the situation even more frustrating.
The players made three urgent requests to the AIFF. First, the immediate provision of correctly sized kits for all 26 players and the coaching staff. Second, confirmation that replacements would arrive before kickoff. Third, clarification on steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We remain fully committed to representing our country with pride and giving our best performance. However, we require basic professional standards to do so. We look forward to your immediate intervention and resolution of this matter,” the letter concluded.
Rarely has an Indian football team taken up issues with the AIFF collectively in such a manner. The scathing letter exposed a clear lack of professionalism in AIFF management.
The AIFF responded on Tuesday. Deputy General Secretary Satyanarayanan told PTI that new kits had been provided to the players.
“New kits provided and cleared in this morning’s match commissioners meeting of the AFC,” he said.
The incident has raised serious questions about the AIFF’s ability to manage basic logistics for the national team. It also highlighted the challenges Indian women footballers continue to face despite their growing prominence in the sport.
