Visa issues force Indian women’s team to cancel European tour

In what could be a blow to the Indian women’s national team’s preparation for next year’s Asian Cup, its planned European tour had to be called off due to visa issues.

Sports stars understands that North Macedonia, the country India was scheduled to visit for the November international window (November 24 to December 2), has not approved visas for the Blue Tigresses.

The reason for the rejection is unknown. It is learned that the Indian team, which had been camping in Kolkata at the National Center of Excellence since November 10, had even traveled to the North Macedonia Embassy in New Delhi. But it had to return empty-handed.

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Now that the European tour has been cancelled, the national team is looking for alternatives. Travel to the Philippines is being looked at, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

India qualified for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time in history after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, which included defeating higher-ranked Thailand.

However, the Crispin Chettri-coached side has not won a match since qualifying for the continental tournament. They suffered losses to Iran (0-2) and Nepal (1-2) in a friendly Tri-Nation tournament in Shillong in October. India also lost to Nepal on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular time in a practice match in Gangtok, Sikkim.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will take place in Australia in March next year. India has been placed in Group C alongside Japan, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam.

Published on November 22, 2025