India withdraw from Women's Asian Cup 2022, remaining matches cancelled due to Covid: AFC

India women's football team has withdrawn from the ongoing AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 tournament due to the COVID cases in the team.

The AFC confirmed on Monday that India were forced to withdraw from the Women's Asian Cup 2022 tournament following a number of Covid-19 cases in the home team.

With the withdrawal of India women's football team, all their matches remain canceled and with that, the hopes of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand have also diminished.

Earlier, India’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup group A match against Chinese Taipei was called off minutes before kickoff after as many as 12 players from the home team tested positive for Covid-19 and two were laid low by injuries.

"Following several positive cases of COVID-19, India failed to name the required minimum of 13 players for the Group A match against Chinese Taipei," the AFC stated.

The Group A match not taking place means the hosts’ chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-nation premier continental showpiece are bleak. The match was to take place at the DY Patil Stadium.

India were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their tournament-opener and there were a couple of COVID cases in the team even before that game.

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his statement said: “We are as disappointed as probably the entire nation would be right now with this unwarranted situation. However, the players' health and well-being are of paramount importance to us, and it cannot be compromised under any circumstances. I wish all the infected players and team officials a swift and full recovery. They will be well supported by the AIFF and AFC.”