Bhubaneswar welcomes the Indian Women's Football Team for National Camp including Manisa Panna, Juli Kishan, Tudu Jabamani and Pyari Xaxa

Bhubaneswar is set to host the National Camp for the Senior Indian Women's Football Team as they prepare for the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 later this year. The All-India Football Federation has announced a 34-member core group for the camp, which will commence on July 30th. The camp will take place at the newly inaugurated Odisha Football Academy, showcasing Odisha's commitment to fostering exceptional sporting facilities and promoting women's participation in sports. Four talented local players, namely Manisa Panna, Juli Kishan, Tudu Jabamani, and Pyari Xaxa, have been selected to be a part of this prestigious squad.

Manisa Panna, a veteran defender from Odisha, expressed her excitement about the upcoming training camp and the ample time available for preparations ahead of the AFC qualifiers. She takes immense pride in the fact that the camp is happening in her home state, which has rapidly emerged as a football hub in India. Over the years, Odisha has witnessed substantial football development and hosted numerous international events, including the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, IWL, Hero Intercontinental Cup, and ISL matches.

 "I am really looking forward to the training camp.  With the AFC qualifiers three months away, this gives us a lot of time for preparations and training. It is also a matter of pride for me that the camp is happening in my state."

Manisa Panna

The state of Odisha has been committed to nurturing women's football, as evident from its participation in the IWL. Manisa Panna emphasized the significance of the IWL in enhancing players' skills in a competitive environment, providing more opportunities for young girls to take up the sport.

The collaboration between the Government of Odisha and the All-India Football Federation has been instrumental in promoting football not only in the state but also across the country. The recent inauguration of the Odisha Football Academy, Bhubaneswar Football Academy, and Capital Arena Football showcases the state's dedication to providing top-notch infrastructure for aspiring footballers, with six FIFA-certified pitches and state-of-the-art amenities.

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Bhubaneswar has been a thriving centre for football events, hosting the Hero Intercontinental Cup and serving as the home base for the India U16 and U19 teams. Additionally, Odisha FC has been actively involved in strengthening grassroots efforts, utilizing the prestigious Kalinga Stadium as their home ground free of cost.

List of 34 probables selected for camp:

Goalkeepers: Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Shreya Hooda.

Defenders: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Sanju, Ritu Rani, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Michel Margaret Castanha, Dalima Chhibber, Manisa Panna, Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Shilky Devi, Jabamani Tudu.

Midfielders: Priyangka Devi, Anju Tamang, Indumathi Kathiresan, Sangita Basfore, Kajol Hubert Dsouza, Asem Roja Devi, Karthika Angamuthu.

Forwards: Dangmei Grace, Soumya Guguloth, Manisha Kalyan, Apurna Narzary, Neha, Sumati Kumari, Renu, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Pyari Xaxa, Jyoti, Ngangom Bala Devi.

Coaching Staff: Thomas Dennerby (Head Coach), Anthony Samson Andrews (Coach), Maymol Rocky (Assistant Coach), Ronibala Chanu (Goalkeeping Coach)