AFC Olympic Qualifiers: Indian eves to open campaign against Indonesia

Riding on the success of their fifth consecutive SAFF Championship triumph, the Indian senior women's national team will kick-off their forthcoming AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round-2 campaign against Indonesia on April 3.

The last time India and Indonesia played in Jakarta in January, India had won both the matches.

India landed in Myanmar for the tournament on Tuesday, eight days in advance. The national side has been clubbed with Myanmar, Nepal, and Indonesia in Group B.

"Arriving 8 days in advance for the Olympic Qualifiers will help us to acclimatize faster. It's an early advantage which we need to cash upon. If you look at bigger tournaments, teams always arrive early," head coach Maymol Rocky stressed.

"It usually takes two to three days for a player to fully acclimatize to a new set-up. We're confident that we shall be hundred per cent ready for the first match, despite the hot and humid weather."

"The temperatures in Biratnagar during the SAFF Championship served as a warm-up in this regard as well. The girls responded well to the conditions, and I am sure they will adapt in Myanmar too," she said.

India are currently unbeaten in the last 23 matches at the SAFF Championship and have headed to the AFC Qualifiers with an experience of 14 international matches since January 2019.

"Arriving early will help us to get a feel of the training pitches, and also the venues. Along with the physical part, it is important to get ready mentally. After all, switching to new surroundings can sometimes take time," Maymol said.