Crispin Chhetri appointed Indian women's football coach: Reports

The All India Football Federation has appointed Crispin Chhetri as the new head coach of the Indian women's team.

The 50-year-old from West Bengal will take over the duties of the national side from the Pink Ladies Cup next month, as per reports.

Much like Manolo Marquez with the men's set-up, Chhetri will serve a dual role. He will continue with his current role as the coach of the Indian Women's League outfit Odisha FC and will juggle it alongside the national team role.

Chhetri started his managerial career with Mohammedan SC in 2020-21 before heading Sethu FC the next season. He has been with Odisha FC since 2022 and led them to their first-ever Indian Women's League title in the 2023-24 season.

Chhetri had also guided the team to their first-ever domestic title in the Odisha Women's League during his first season with the team, earning them a promotion to the IWL.

Odisha FC had announced a two-year contract extension for Chhetri in July last year.

Chhetri will have a massive challenge when he sits in the Indian dugout for the first time at the Pink Ladies Cup. The women in blue are slated to face big names like Russia, South Korea and others in the competition.