oi-Sauradeep Ash

The Indian Women’s Football Team, currently in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup, had a shocker when they opened their kitbag on Monday (March 2).

Merely 48 hours before their first match in the continental opener, they found out that none of the jerseys was fit to wear for at least 20 of the 26-membered squad.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has come under sharp criticism following a major logistical blunder that left the Indian women’s national football team without properly fitting match kits just days before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener in Australia.

The senior Blue Tigresses squad, currently in Perth for the continental tournament, received their official jerseys shipped from Delhi, only to discover that the kits were undersized and manufactured for junior teams rather than the senior side. Reports indicate that the ill-fitting jerseys did not suit at least 80% of the 26-member squad, forcing players and staff into an urgent scramble to source replacements locally.

MyKhel understands that the consignment arrived at the team hotel just two days before India’s Group C opener against Vietnam on March 5. The error risked putting the team in breach of tournament equipment regulations and threatened to disrupt preparations at a critical stage.

India Women Players sends Letter to AIFF

Senior players – including Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Pathoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari Xaxa, and Shreya Hooda, signed and sent an official letter to the AIFF highlighting the issue, as it was reported by Times of India.

The letter stated: “Over the past 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. Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training apparel.”

In response, the AIFF arranged for 55 replacement jerseys (covering two sets in light blue and red) to be procured overnight from a local Italian company with stock in Perth. The new kits, featuring proper player names and numbers, were delivered to the team a day before the Vietnam clash. Notably, the rushed local sourcing means the jerseys will carry no official kit sponsor, unlike standard national team apparel.

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