Injured Anju Tamang ruled out of Asian Cup

PANAJI: India have been dealt a heavy blow with experienced midfielder Anju Tamang ruled out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The attacking midfielder with over 70 appearances for India was the senior most player in the team. But an injury during training early this week has ended her dream of playing in the Asian Cup.Anju had also missed the Asian Cup in 2022 after hosts India were scratched out of the tournament with several players testing Covid-positive. An Indian Women’s League (IWL) champ with East Bengal last season, Anju has now been replaced with Karishma Shirvaikar. India head to Australia looking to punch above their weight and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. India have been placed in group C, alongside Vietnam (March 4), Japan (March 7) and Chinese Taipei (March 10).