Bishkek, Oct. 13 -- The Indian U17 women's team will be aiming to script history as they begin their AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers campaign against hosts Kyrgyz Republic in Group G's opening game at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on Monday.

India last participated in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in 2005, so the Young Tigresses are tasked with ending a 21-year wait to play at the continental stage. Uzbekistan are the third and final team in the group, and only the group winners will qualify for the 12-team final tournament in China in May 2026. Should India make it through, it will be their first time doing so via the qualifiers route.

In Sunday's pre-tournament press conference, head coach Joakim Alexandersson...