Following their 0-4 defeat in the opening friendly, the Blue Tigresses will look for improvement when they face Russia again on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The match will kick off at 18:00 IST and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel.
Thursday’s outing marked the India women’s national team’s first-ever international fixture in Kolkata. The Blue Tigresses matched the visitors for much of the first half before Russia eventually pulled ahead.
Despite the result, having played the entirety of 90 minutes in the first of the two friendlies, India defender Juli Kishan identified India’s first-half chances – created by Malavika O, Lynda Kom Serto, Sanfida Nongrum, and Juli herself – as one of the major positives from the opening match.
“From the last game, we learned that in the first half we created a few chances early on but could not finish them. In the next match, that is exactly what we want to work on and focus on finishing,” said Juli.
Midfielder Babysana Devi Thingbaijam echoed Juli’s assessment and the need for sharper execution. “We will try to learn from the things that did not go our way and improve in the next game,” Babysana said.
The 25-year-old Manipuri was one of the six players to make their senior international debuts on Thursday alongside Malati Munda, Dhurga Perumal, Cindy Colney, Sibani Devi Nongmeikpam, and Shubangi Singh.
Reflecting on her first senior team appearance, Babysana spoke of the nerves and pride she felt at being handed a berth in the starting eleven.
“I was a little nervous when I got to know I’ll be in the playing eleven but it also felt very good. Getting the opportunity to play, wearing the India jersey and stepping onto the field gave me a very proud feeling,” said Babysana.
Beyond the adrenaline rush of her first senior national team game, the debutant saw room for improvement. “I learned a lot from my first match. There were a few passes where I could have done better. If I get the opportunity in the next match, I want to be more accurate, work on my runs and contribute more to the team,” she said.
The Blue Tigresses’ return to international action comes three months after India’s remarkable run in the SAFF Women’s Championship under head coach Crispin Chettri. The inclusion of younger players forms a central part of the team’s ongoing development, and the coaching staff’s long-term strategy.
Acknowledging the scoreline, Chettri underlined the level of performance India are aiming to achieve. “A 0-4 loss is not acceptable to anyone, not to me, the players or the fans. I take full responsibility for it. The standard Russia showed is what we strive for and are working towards,” he said.
Juli also spoke of the squad’s efforts to put the coaching staff’s plans into practice. “The coach always tells us that the work and effort we put in matters the most. If we are able to execute what we practice, we’ll know we are on the right track,” she said.
Calling on the supporters, Juli urged the fans to back the team from the stands. “The matches are being held here in Kolkata and entry is free. Please come and support us, because when you come, it gives us even more motivation to play,” she said.
