The Blue Tigresses may have returned from Australia, but the post-mortem of their winless AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign is only just beginning. On Monday, Valanka Alemao, the head of the All India Football Federation’s Women’s Committee, sent a blistering letter to President Kalyan Chaubey.
Alemao alleged a "series of blunders", ranging from "bizarre" kit issues to a complete bypass of constitutional protocols, that she claims brought "shame to the nation." The critique paints a picture of a team that wasn't just beaten on the grass, but set up for failure by administrative chaos.
One of the most stinging allegations involves the basic logistical support provided to the team. Alemao questioned how junior-sized, ill-fitting jerseys were sent to Australia, forcing players to make public appeals for help just two days before their opening match.
News spread like wildfire that the local organisers helped the team secure proper jerseys... those who are responsible for such blunders which has brought shame to the nation must be taken to task.
Valanka Alemao
Alemao further alleged that the Technical Committee bypassed both the Executive Committee and the Women’s Committee regarding the hiring of head coach Amelia Valverde, violating the AIFF’s mandate for transparent and open tendering.
The side-lining of Crispin Chhetri, the architect of India’s historic qualification, remains a major point of contention. Chhetri, who was demoted to an assistant just six weeks before the tournament, admitted the timing was "very unfair" and left players confused.
Stability comparison: While India’s opponents, Japan (Nils Nielsen) and Vietnam (Mai Duc Chung), had coaches in place for years, India attempted a tactical overhaul in under 50 days.
"Anju" factor: Chhetri pointed to the late injury of star Anju Tamang as "50 per cent of the reason" for the poor result, noting that the entire attacking structure was built around her.
Future of Valverde: Despite the exit, the AIFF is reportedly ready to offer Valverde a contract extension for the next qualification cycle.
Despite his contract expiring this March, Chhetri revealed he has created a "bubble" of roughly 50 players in the 21–22 age group to ensure the team is ready for the future. He has also urged the government to grant a special exemption for the team to participate in the Asian Games in Japan this September.
Upcoming tour: India is scheduled to travel to Kenya in April for a four-nation tournament featuring Australia and Malawi.
Home soil: The SAFF Championship will be hosted in India in May, providing a chance for immediate redemption.
Rankings reality: The women's team remains ranked 67th, and players like Chhetri believe "playing against the best" is the only way to climb higher.
Accountability: Alemao has called for an immediate Executive Committee meeting to discuss these issues "threadbare."
The 2026 Asian Cup was a historic opportunity that vanished amidst a pandemonium of poor management. Whether the AIFF takes Valanka Alemao’s call for accountability seriously will define the next four-year cycle for the Blue Tigresses.
