MARGAO
With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 just five months away, the Indian women’s football team, the Blue Tigresses, is finalizing preparations for what promises to be a landmark tournament.
The team has been drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled from March 1“21, 2026, in Australia, with matches to be held in Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast.
Karishma Purshotam Sirvoikar, a forward from Goa, expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s a matter of pride to represent India in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our talents and gain invaluable international experience. I hope to make India proud.”
Sirvoikar added, “Our goal is to qualify from the group stage. We are up against strong teams, and the world will be watching us. This tournament opens new doors for players like me.”
The 24-year-old, who plays for Kickstart in the Indian Women’s League, is preparing under coach Crispin Chetri, whom she describes as a major inspiration. “I feel very comfortable approaching him with questions. He corrects and guides me during training and emphasizes international friendlies to prepare the team,” she said. The team’s first friendly against Iran ended in a 0-2 loss in Shillong, providing valuable lessons ahead of the Cup.
Karishma hails from Odxel, a small seaside village near Panaji, Goa. Despite family challenges”her mother, Anjani, sells vegetables for a living, and her father, Purushottam, is unwell”she has risen through the ranks, training under coach Carol Fernandes Gomes during her school years at Our Lady of the Rosary Higher Secondary School, Dona Paula.
Reflecting on the tournament, Karishma said, “This is my first major international tournament. We hope to advance as far as possible and showcase India’s true potential in women’s football.”
