The Indian team in Australia has been hit by a kit fiasco days before the start of the Women’s Asia Cup as ill-fitting kits were sent to the team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), according to a report by The Tech Word News. This forced the team to look for playing kits locally as those sent by the country’s football federation were made for age group teams. It is said that the equipment sent did not fit at least 80 percent of the 26-member cadre.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Complete coverage
According to the report, the shipment from Delhi was initially delayed due to clearances, prompting the team to request the organizers to delay the photo shoot and official inspection of the equipment. However, when the jerseys arrived at the team hotel, two days before the opening game, the players discovered that the jerseys did not fit and were small. Seniors Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Pathoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari Xaxa and Shreya Hooda have written an official letter to the AIFF seeking immediate action.
“In recent days, players and staff have already faced problems due to lack of suitable clothing during preparation,” the players said in a signed letter to the AIFF, “The arrival of incorrect match kits at this crucial stage has further affected morale and disrupted our focus in the final days before the match.
“Representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitting and appropriate match and training wear.”
The AIFF said it was now sourcing kits locally, with 55 jerseys or two different kits, one light blue and one red, from an Italian company that had stock in Perth.
“We were told there was a problem with the jerseys as they did not fit properly and we have addressed the issue,” said a senior AIFF official, adding that the national team does not have a kit partner. “The kit will be available the day before the match (with names and numbers). We have immediately arranged the correct match and training kit sizes for all players and coaching staff.”
FOCUSED ON IT DESPITE NON-JUDGEMENT
Despite the fiasco, the women’s team said they remain fully focused on representing India with pride and giving their best performance. India qualified for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup for the first time since 2003 on merit and now has a chance to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Indian women will take on Vietnam in Perth on Wednesday, March 4.
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Published on:
March 3, 2026 08:28 IST
