India to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2022

The Asian Football Federation (AFC) has granted the hosting right of 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup to India.

The decision was made after the AFC held meeting regarding the tournament. India was favorite to to host the mega event following the AFC Women’s Football Recommendation in February.

With the official date of the tournament not published yet, it is expected to be held in the second half of the year. In addition, there will be a total of 12 teams in next edition. Previously, it was eight teams only.

With India getting the hosting right, the Indian women’s team has already qualified for the tournament. The event will also serve as the final qualification tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As per quoted in ESPN FC, AIFF president Praful Patel said, “the tournament will galvanise the aspiring women players and bring in a holistic social revolution as far as women’s football in the country is concerned.”

The Asian cup will be the third major International tournament as a host for the Indian side. Previously, the AIFF has hosted the U-17 FIF World Cup back in 2017.

The AIFF is also hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which was rescheduled for February 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.