Kolkata : Russian head coach Krasnozhan Iury has appreciated India’s Footballing infrastructure and also threw light on their potential to develop as a major Footballing nation.
Russia played 2 FIFA Women’s International Friendlies against India at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on October 8 and 11. They won 4-0 and 8-0 against Blue Tigresses in both games. In patches, 69th Ranked India did show good character against 27th Ranked Russia who was in fine form recently winning 2 Friendlies against China as well before coming to India.
Overall, the performance of India impressed Russian coach Krasnozhan Iury along with infrastructure – one of the most talked about aspect of Indian Football. Russia women’s team practiced at NCE ahead of first friendly. In 2nd friendly, they had 2 practice sessions in Salt Lake Stadium Practice Grounds which is being decked up for ISL 2026-27 post hosting historic friendlies of Brazil and Uruguay.
Iury stated that Indian Football is developing and matches like these are important for that.
“India is developing right now – this game is important for their development”, he said.
Iury continued, “We did 2 training sessions in Salt Lake Stadium, we saw the large stadium and facilities and they really impressed us along with fans and crowd of kids. We see huge potential of Indian Football to grow”.
Upon being asked about key advices to develop Indian Football as Russia being a superio Footballing nation , the coach advised the importance of infrastructure, educating coaches and players regarding the game as 3 important aspects of development.
“Development of infrastructure , education of coaches and players are 3 key aspects for Indian Football to grow”.
Indian Footballers will gain exposure in IWL starting this week. India U17 have also qualified for U17 AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2027 and the competitiveness in talent pool is just getting started.
