Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand, Mr. Hafizul Hassan Ansari went to Jamshedpur, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, to pay a visit to the Indian Women’s Team that is currently camping in the city as part of the preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.

The Indian Women’s Team is currently training in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, for the continental tournament, with infrastructural aid being provided by the Jharkhand State Government and Tata Steel, with the aim of taking Indian Women’s Football forward together.

Mr. Hassan met with the players at the team hotel, which was followed by a press conference, where he addressed the local media. Also present at the press conference were Director of the Jharkhand Sports Department, Mr. Zeeshan Qamar, AIFF Deputy General Secretary Mr. Abhishek Yadav, Indian Women’s Team Head Coach Thomas Dennerby, and Captain Ashalata Devi.

While the Sports Minister outlined the Jharkhand State Government’s intention to popularise various sports in the state, he also promised to extend all the necessary facilities to help the Indian Women’s Team prepare for the AFC Asian Cup.

“The Chief Minister (Shri Hemant Soren) is very passionate about the development of sports and all possible efforts are being made for this. We are here to fully support the Indian Women’s Team, and extend all facilities to them,” Jharkhand Sports Minister Mr. Hassan said.

He also went on to thank Tata Steel for extending their facilities to help the team. “I’d also like to thank Tata Steel Vice President Mr. Chanakya Chaudhary for supporting the team by extending their facilities to them. I wish the Indian Women’s Team all the best for the Asian Cup, and all other upcoming tournaments. It is our hope that you play to the best of your abilities and even win the cup, if possible,” he said.

AIFF Deputy General Secretary Mr. Abhishek Yadav said, “I’d like to thank the Government of Jharkhand for extending their support for the Indian Women’s Team, to help them prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.”

Head Coach Dennerby stated that the preparations are in full swing for the Asian Cup, and that all the players are giving it their all.

“The preparations are going very well for the remaining months ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. All the players are extremely talented and are working hard to prepare for the tournament. We are satisfied with everyone’s performance so far. Hopefully, we will perform well in the Asian Cup,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Captain Ashalata Devi promised that the team will impress one and all with its performance. “This is the first time that I’ve come to Jharkhand to play, and the facilities provided by the Jharkhand Government are extremely good. On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to assure that we will play well and impress everyone with our performance,” she quipped.

(AIFF Media)