Khumukcham bhumika chanu

Coach Joakim Alexandersson: In the first game of 2025, the Indian senior women's team will face Maldives in the second of two FIFA international friendlies at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence here on Thursday. After winning 14-0 in the first meeting on December 30, coach Joakim Alexandersson has made six changes to his squad of 23 for Thursday's match.

Five of them - Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, Grace Dangmei, Juli Kishan, and Sanju, all of whom started the first game, have been released from the team. Lynda and Pyari scored four and three goals, respectively, as well. They have been replaced by Monisha Singha (striker), Anusha Mandala (midfielder), Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi (defender), Khumukcham Bhumika Chanu (midfielder), and Tamanna (defender) from the U20 camp which began on December 10 at The Sports School in Bengaluru. Other than that, goalkeeper Nandini has been replaced by Ribansi Jamu.

"The reason for these changes is that we thought we were a bit too big for these opponents so we sent a few experienced players back we're going to replace them with some younger players who are now in the senior squad for the first time, so it will be a good experience for them.