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Indian Women's Football Team To Play Historic Kolkata Debut Against Russia

The Indian women's national football team will play their first-ever international matches in Kolkata, facing Russia in two friendly fixtures at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan stadium this month.

LSN India · 27 September 2026

The All India Football Federation has announced a landmark opportunity for the Indian women's squad, which will take on Russia in back-to-back friendlies on October 8 and 11 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The matches mark a significant milestone for Indian women's football, as they represent the national team's inaugural international fixtures in the eastern metropolis.

The friendly encounters come during an international break in the FIFA calendar, providing both teams with valuable preparation time ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. The Russian side presents a strong test for the Indian outfit as they look to build momentum and gain competitive experience against a well-established European footballing nation.

The matches are expected to draw considerable attention from football enthusiasts across eastern India, offering a rare opportunity to witness international women's football at the highest level in Kolkata. The venue, a premier sporting facility in the city, will host matches that underscore the growing investment in women's football across Indian states.

The Indian women's team has been working to elevate its competitive standing in recent years, and these international friendlies represent part of their broader development strategy. The fixtures will provide coaching staff and players valuable insights into their current form and areas requiring improvement before subsequent international commitments.