Indian Women’s Futsal Team Gears Up for Historic AFC Debut

The Indian national women’s futsal team is making strides in preparation for their maiden appearance in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers. The camp, underway in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, marks the final phase of rigorous training ahead of the qualifiers scheduled for January 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
This debut represents a significant milestone in Indian futsal, as the women’s team follows the men’s footsteps, who made their first competitive appearance less than two years ago. Led by head coach Joshuah Stan Vaz, the team aims to make history by securing qualification for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup to be held in China in May 2025.
Building from the Ground Up
The squad, selected from over 100 players who attended trials in November, is down to 18 players honing their skills for the qualifiers. Vaz expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, saying, “We had to start from scratch, teaching the rules, tactics, and systems of futsal. The players have adapted well despite their football background, learning quickly to play on the hard indoor court with a faster-moving ball.”
India will compete in Group D, facing Hong Kong (January 15), Indonesia (January 17), and Kyrgyz Republic (January 19). Vaz emphasized the importance of the opening match, stating, “The first match will be crucial for the girls to understand the international level. We’re going there to compete, not just to participate. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the main tournament in China.”
Focus Areas and Challenges
With limited experience in international futsal, the team is working on one-on-one skills, set pieces, and tactical details crucial for success. “In futsal, one-on-one battles are decisive. Losing them creates a numerical disadvantage, while winning them opens opportunities to score. We’re focusing on individual roles, two-player combinations, and goalkeeper responsibilities,” explained Vaz.
The transition from football to futsal has posed challenges, but the players are adapting well to the unique demands of the sport. Training on wooden surfaces and mastering the faster pace have been key adjustments.
A Legacy of Futsal in India
As the head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams in their debut tournaments, Vaz is shaping the future of futsal in India. However, he attributes his passion for the sport to his father, Socorro Vaz, who pioneered futsal in the country by founding the Youth Futsal Academy in Goa in 2012.
“Coaching the national teams is a proud moment for me and my family. My father laid the foundation for futsal in India, and I’m continuing his vision. Futsal isn’t here to compete with football; it complements it, creating better football players,” said Vaz.
Aiming for Glory
The top two teams from each group and the best third-placed team across all five groups will qualify for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup. Despite their lack of international exposure, the Indian team is determined to make a mark. With less than a month remaining, the women’s futsal squad is gearing up for a historic campaign, ready to showcase their potential on the Asian stage.