The Indian team, known as the Young Tigresses, is aiming to secure qualification for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup. Drawn into Group E, the squad is scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur on October 2 to begin their campaign. Their opening match is against Iraq on October 5, followed by a fixture against Syria on October 8, and a final group stage encounter against host nation Malaysia on October 11. All matches are set to take place at the MP Selayang Stadium, with only the group winners advancing to the final tournament.
A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Sonam’s inclusion in the national squad follows a productive season where she established herself as a key figure in the Zinc Football Academy setup. Her recent experience includes participating in multiple national training camps and travelling to Tashkent last month for international friendly matches against Uzbekistan. She was also involved in closed-door friendlies against the Philippines, further refining her skills at the international level.
Hailing from Arambagh in West Bengal, Sonam was part of the inaugural batch of the Zinc Football Academy’s residential girls' programme, which launched in 2025. Her domestic performance has been equally notable, having played a central role in the academy’s campaign in the Rajasthan Senior Women's League and helping the team reach the semi-finals of the inaugural AIFF U-17 Women's Youth League.
Academy Success and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on her selection, Sonam expressed her gratitude for the support she received at the academy. She noted that the environment and guidance provided by the programme were instrumental in her development as a footballer. The young goalkeeper hopes her progression from academy training to the national stage will serve as an inspiration for other girls pursuing the sport.
The selection of Sonam highlights the growing impact of the Zinc Football Academy, an AIFF 3-star rated institution. Since its inception, the academy has focused on providing structured training, education, and holistic development for young players. The success of the girls' programme, which supports athletes from rural backgrounds, underscores a broader commitment to fostering talent within Indian football. As the team prepares for the qualifiers in Malaysia, the academy continues its tradition of contributing to the national talent pool, building on the achievements of previous players who have represented India at various age-group levels.
