The Indian team in Australia was hit with a jersey fiasco days before their Women’s Asia Cup opener, as the squad was sent ill-fitting jerseys by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), according to a report from The Times of India. This forced the team to look for playing kits locally as the ones sent by the country’s football federation were manufactured for age-group teams. The kits sent reportedly didn’t fit atleast 80 percent of the 26-member squad.
According to the report, the consignment from Delhi was initially delayed due to permissions, prompting the team to ask the organisers to delay their photoshoot and official equipment check. However, when the jerseys arrived at the team hotel, two days before their opening match, players found that the kits didn’t fit them properly and were of a small size. Seniors Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Pathoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari Xaxa and Shreya Hooda wrote an official letter to the AIFF, seeking immediate intervention.
“Over the past days, players and staff have already faced challenges due to the lack of appropriate clothing during preparation,” the players said in a signed letter to the AIFF, “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.
“Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training apparel.”
The AIFF said that it has now sources the kits locally, with 55 jerseys or two different sets, one light blue and red, being sourced from an Italian company that had stock in Perth.
“We were told there is a problem with the jerseys since they were not fitting properly and we addressed the issue,” said a senior AIFF official, adding that the national team does not have a kit partner. “The kit will be available a day before the game (with names and numbers). We have made immediate provision of correct-size match and training kits for all players and coaching staff.”
TEAM FOCUSED DESPITE SETBACK
Despite the fiasco, the women’s team said they remain fully focused on representing India with pride and putting forth their best performance. India qualified for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup on merit for the first time since 2003 and now has the chance to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next year.
The Indian women will take on Vietnam in Perth on Wednesday, March 4.
