THE HISTORIC WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP 2022 edition, set to be staged in India for the very first time, now has confirmed dates.
The continental championship will begin on 20th January 2022, which is 357 days from today. The final will take place on 6th February.
Following the FIFA U-17 World Cup, this will be the first major international football championship hosted by India. Although the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2020 was supposed to be held in India, the COVID-19 pandemic caused it to be cancelled; with India being awarded the rights to host the 2022 edition instead.
With two major competitions with global implications to be hosted in India next year, the spotlight of Asian football and world women's football will be on this country, giving a boost to AIFF's endeavour to host future top tournaments including the Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA U-20 World Cup for both men and women.
The Women's Asian Cup 2022 will also be the biggest in the tournament's history, with 12 teams participating for the first time. Other than crowning the Champions of Asia, it will also serve as a qualifying competition for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
In a press release, AFC General Secretary Dato Windsor John commented on this upcoming tournament,
“India has seen incredible growth in recent years, in both the men’s and women’s game and we are confident that the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 will present another historic step in the incredible journey of Indian football – one that will strengthen the passion for the game and leave a lasting impact for future generations of women footballers and passionate fans."
Other than India who have qualified as hosts, top ranked teams Japan, Australia and China have also qualified for the competition. Others will undergo a qualifier tournament that will take place from 13th September to 25th September 2021.