The Senior Indian Women Football Team, featuring Odisha player Pyari Xaxa, suffered a hat-trick of defeats, losing all three of their International Friendlies, played in Alanya, Turkey. This was the first outing for Indian women after the Covid Pandemic lockdown.

Indian Women lost to Serbia 0-2 in their first game on February 17. They continied their losing run by going down to Russia 0-8 and to Ukraine 2-3 on February 20 and February 23 respectively. Pyari Xaxa, however, performed well, scoring the first goal against Ukraine.

According to Head Coach Maymol Rocky, playing against European teams would help Indian women prepare for the Asian Cup 2022. However, Odisha defender Jabamani Tudu, a regular member of the Indian women team, was not considered for the Turkey tour.

INDIAN WOMEN TEAM: Goalkeepers: Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayanasamy. Defenders: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Ritu Rani, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Kritina Devi Thounaojam. Mid-fielders: Manisha, Sangita Basfore, Sumithra Kamaraj, Pyari Xaxa. Forwards: Anju Tamang, Indumathi Kathiresan, Soumya Guguloth, Dangmei Grace, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Heigrujjam Daya Devi, Sumati Kumari.

RESULTS:
February 17: India lost to Serbia 0-2.
February 20: India lost to Russia 0-8.
February 23: India (Pyari Xaxa 14, Manisha 31) lost to Ukraine (Daria Apanashchenko 41, 62-P, 90+3) 2-3.
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PHOTO: Undated file picture of Odisha player Pyari Xaxa.