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India to Make Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia

India to Make Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia
Indian Women's National Football Team To Make Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia · deccanchronicle.com

India’s women’s football team will play Russia twice in Kolkata.

The matches will happen on October 8 and 11, 2026.

They will be held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan stadium.

These will be India’s first international games in Kolkata.

India recently won the SAFF Women’s Championship for the sixth time.

Russia is ranked much higher than India in world football.

India lost its two earlier games against Russia.

Coach Crispin Chettri says the matches will help players gain experience and prepare for the future.

Key facts

Match dates
October 8 and 11, 2026
Venue
Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
India ranking
69th in the world
Russia ranking
27th in the world
India’s latest title
Sixth SAFF Women’s Championship, won in June 2026
Previous meetings
India lost 0-8 in 2021 and 0-2 in 2025
India’s West Bengal return
First appearance in the state since the 2016 SAFF Women’s Championship

Quotes

Crispin Chettri

Head coach of the Indian women's national team

“Playing against quality opposition is always valuable for the development of the team. We have already faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, where we lost 2-0, so these matches will give us another opportunity to test ourselves against a strong side. While results are important, we also have to look at these games with a long-term vision. It is important to give opportunities to upcoming players, expose them to high-level opposition and continue developing a squad that can perform at the”
thehansindia.com deccanchronicle.com
“Having Kolkata host these matches will also be a huge opportunity for the players. They will not only get to play against a quality team like Russia, but, hopefully, in front of a good crowd as well. Experiencing the expectations and atmosphere that come with playing in front of fans is also part of their development. These are the habits and experiences we need to build if we want to compete at a higher international level.”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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