The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced Swedish tactician Joakim Alexandersson as the Chief Coach for India Women’s U20 and U17 national teams. This strategic appointment marks a new chapter for women’s football in India, aiming to elevate the game through international expertise and long-term planning.
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A New Era Begins with Alexandersson
Joakim Alexandersson, a former Sweden U21 international and a celebrated defender with IF Elfsborg, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His extensive coaching journey, which began in 2014 as a youth director at IF Elfsborg, has seen him develop numerous youth teams to championship victories and produce talents for senior squads.
Alexandersson’s tenure will kick off with a two-month U20 national camp in Bengaluru starting December 10, 2024. His appointment is part of a collaborative agreement between the AIFF and the Swedish Football Association.
Strategic Vision for Indian Women’s Football
AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey expressed optimism about this collaboration. “I would like to convey my gratitude to the Swedish FA for the partnership. It will help Indian women footballers to have better opportunities,” he stated. He also highlighted that four women coaches and two goalkeeper coaches, including Nivetha Ramadoss, Amrutha Aravind, Sradhanjali Samantaray, Nidhi, KK Hameed, and Dipankar Choudhury, will work closely with Alexandersson. Their efforts, along with the support of national scouts and Member Associations, aim to identify and nurture talent nationwide.
Building for the Future
The AIFF is preparing a two-year roadmap with Alexandersson to bolster preparations for major tournaments like the Asian Games 2026 and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan emphasized this vision: “This is part of our long-term planning for women’s football.”
Additionally, the federation plans longer training camps, spanning seven to eight months annually, and arranging 10-12 competitive exposure matches each year. Two friendlies between India U20 and Maldives are scheduled for December 30, 2024, and January 2, 2025, to provide the young team with vital match experience.
Expanding the Player Pool
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been instrumental in enhancing opportunities for women players. Through the Khelo India scheme, 90 leagues across three age categories will foster talent development. AIFF is also exploring increasing the quota of foreign players in the Indian Women’s League to enhance competitive standards.
Alexandersson’s Enthusiasm and Commitment
Excited by the challenge, Alexandersson expressed his determination: “I feel very excited about the challenge. I feel India has a big potential. Football is a big sport here, and everyone wants to progress, so I think I have a good opportunity here and I’m looking forward to it.”
Rising Aspirations for Indian Football
With India ranked 13th in Asia for senior women’s football, this new initiative aims to solidify the foundation at the junior level. Regular engagements with scouts and a focus on structured development will be pivotal under Alexandersson’s leadership.
This appointment marks a promising step for Indian women’s football, with aspirations of achieving greater milestones on the international stage.
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FAQs
Who is Joakim Alexandersson?
Joakim Alexandersson is a Swedish coach and former defender, previously a Sweden U21 international, and ex-captain of IF Elfsborg, with an extensive coaching career in youth football.
What is his new role in India?
Alexandersson has been appointed as the Chief Coach for India Women’s U20 and U17 national teams, under an AIFF-Swedish FA collaboration.
When does his tenure begin?
His tenure starts with a two-month U20 national camp in Bengaluru on December 10, 2024.
What is the AIFF’s long-term plan for women’s football?
The AIFF aims to prepare for the Asian Games 2026 and AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 with longer camps, exposure matches, and grassroots talent development.
Who will assist Alexandersson?
Four women coaches—Nivetha Ramadoss, Amrutha Aravind, Sradhanjali Samantaray, Nidhi—and two goalkeeper coaches, KK Hameed and Dipankar Choudhury, will assist him.
