AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Meet Indian players playing outside the country

With the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup just around the corner, India looks set to end its unfortunate withdrawal from the 2022 edition. The Women’s Asian Cup will be held in Australia this year and will take place between March 1 and 21.

India announced its 26-player squad for the tournament on February 20, with Costa Rican Amelia Valverde at the helm as the team’s manager. Of the 26 players announced in the squad, only two players currently play for clubs outside India and are considered big difference makers for the team.

Who are the players from India’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup squad currently playing for international clubs?

Manisha Kalyan (Alianza Lima)

The Punjab-born forward is currently on the books of Peruvian club Alianza Lima, in the Primera Division Femenina. Kalyan previously signed for Peruvian side Greek side PAOK on a free transfer. Kalyan stands out as one of the more experienced players in the squad when it comes to exposure outside India.

In 2022, the forward signed for Cypriot side Apollon Ladies where she became the first-ever Indian woman to win a European League title by claiming the 2022-2023 Cypriot Women’s League. Kalyan is also the first Indian footballer to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Aveka Singh (alongside HG)

Aveka Singh currently plays for Danish Women’s First Division side, Næstved HG, and made a name for herself playing for American university side, UC Irvine Anteaters, where she was scouted by the Danish club.

Aveka also played for Spanish lower division side Terrassa during the American offseason. The midfielder will be a key player for India in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Published on March 4, 2026