There was a new development in the Indian women’s football team. It exposed the mismanagement within the All-India Football Federation (AIFF). Indian players complained about the lack of appropriate clothing during preparation. They have also written about ill-fitting kits delivered just before their opening game against Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Ahead of their match, they had written an unprecedented letter to AIFF Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayanan. All players of the squad expressed their frustration about the lack of proper clothing and playing kits. They expressed that it has affected their morale and focus.
The letter said, “Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training apparel.”
“Over the past few 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.” Eight players of the team signed the letter, including captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam and highest capped member Grace Dangmei. However, they emphasized that all members of the squad agreed with what’s written in the letter.
“This internal meeting took place on 2nd March at 2:00 pm between all the players. The decision to draft this letter is collective. The meeting was headed by the following players:
Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Panthoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari Xaxa, Shreya Hooda,” the letter said.
AIFF said that the new kits have been provided to the players on Tuesday. “New kits provided and cleared in this morning’s match commissioners meeting of the AFC.”
It is a rare instance when the Indian football team, men’s or women’s have taken an issue with the AIFF.
“We, the undersigned members of the Indian Women’s National Football Team, write to you with deep concern regarding the kits issued to the squad and support staff ahead of our AFC opening match against Vietnam in Perth,” the letter stated.
“This tournament marks our return to a major continental competition after 23 years and is a significant moment for Indian women’s football. Unfortunately, on Match Day minus 2, when the training and match jerseys arrived via cargo, we discovered a serious issue.”
“The kits supplied are not fit for purpose. The sizes appear to have been manufactured for Under-15 or smaller athletes and do not fit at least 80% of the 26-player squad. The coaching staff kits are also incorrectly sized.”
The players also asked the federation for “clarification on the steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
