Are women footballers from Odisha not good enough to represent India in international matches any more? This seemed true as none from the State was selected in either of the 23-member Indian senior and the Indian U20 women teams for Pink Ladies Cup international friendly tournaments to be held this month.

This has happened notwithstanding the fact that two teams from Odisha (Odisha FC and Nita Football Academy) are competing in the Indian Womens League (IWL) 2024-25. This has also happened despite Odisha winning silver medals in both the Senior Women National Championship and the National Games within three months.

It may be noted that defender Juli Kishan was the only Odisha player in the Indian senior team that lost to Nepal in the semifinals of the SAFF Women Championship at Kathmandu four months back. Star forward Pyari Xaxa did not get a place in that Indian team. Young Odisha trio of Manisha Naik, Malati Munda and Deepa Nayak were also not considered for the Pink Ladies Cup.

The Indian senior team will compete in the Pink Ladies Cup to be held at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from February 20 to 26, during the FIFA International Match Window. India will face Jordan on February 20, Russia on February 23 and Korea Republic on February 26.

The Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup will take place at the Emirhan Sport Center in the city of Manavgat, Antalya (Turkey) from February 19 to 25. India will face Jordan on February 19, Hong Kong on February 22 and Russia February 25.

INDIAN SENIOR WOMEN TEAM FOR PINK LADIES CUP: Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Payal Basude, Shreya Hooda. Defenders: Aruna Bag, Kiran Pisda, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sanju, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi Ngangbam. Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Grace Dangmei, Mousumi Murmu, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Ratanbala Devi Nongmaithem. Forwards: Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Manisha, Renu, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Soumya Guguloth. Head Coach: Crispin Chettri.

INDIAN U20 WOMEN TEAM FOR PINK LADIES YOUTH CUP: Goalkeepers: Keisham Melody Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Ribansi Jamu. Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Nishima Kumari, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, Viksit Bara. Midfielders: Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Kajol Dsouza, Kayenpaibam Anju Chanu, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi, Monisha Singha, Nameirakpam Arina Devi. Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Saroj, Lhingdeikim, Neha, Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi, Pooja. Head Coach: Joakim Alexandersson.
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PHOTO: Odisha women football team that won the silver medal at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand earlier this month.