‘They deserve that at least’: Chettri urges fans to back Indian women against Russia

Kolkata: “They (the players) deserve that at least,” head coach Crispin Chettri said of fans coming to watch the Indian women’s team play their first-ever international match, albeit unofficial, at Salt Lake Stadium here on Thursday.Indeed, with the frenzy surrounding the men’s team’s marquee friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay, it’s time for the 69th-ranked Indians to take on world No. 27 Russia in a return to action after their SAFF Championship triumph in June.“I think playing against higher-ranked teams is always good for us because we want to develop as a football nation, and we learn not only what is done on the field, but also how it is done off the field,” Chettri said after a training session at the venue on Wednesday.It also gives India an opportunity to expose youngsters to international football and start building a squad with the 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in mind.“We have a very young side. I think we already know we are going through that transition phase, thinking about 2029,” said the head coach. “We have a balanced side, and I have my trust in them.”Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.