Coach chettri

Asian Cup Australia: India senior women's team coach Crispin Chettri labelled the Blue Tigresses' group in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 an 'interesting and tricky' one. India were placed in Group C with Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei in the draw ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday.

"I think we have a very interesting, and at the same time, a tricky group. Japan is the cream of Asia. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are good sides, and we can compete with them and aim for favourable results," Chettri told the-aiff.com from Australia after the draw.

Midfielder Sangita Basfore had the privilege of being one of the draw assistants and picked out the ball containing her nation. After delicately unrolling the paper and displaying it to the camera, she proudly said 'India!' in an assertive voice as her eyes beamed with pride.