Pathum Thani, April 2 -- The Indian U20 women's national team suffered a 0-6 defeat at the hands of Japan in their opening match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The Young Nadeshiko led 1-0 at half-time.

According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Six-time champions Japan got the lead early on through an own goal by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (12' og). However, it was not until the second half that they really managed to start hurting the Young Tigresses, with Miki Kimura (54'), Noa Fukushima (57'), Natsumi Tago (75'), Miyu Matsunaga (81'), and Yura Honda (87') netting one each.

India, playing their first Asian Cup match in 20 years, ha...