New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- A new chapter started in Indian women's football, when East Bengal signed Hitomi Tanaka from Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen side Hera United Women in September. In doing to, Tanaka became the first-ever Japanese female footballer to sign for an Indian club.

The signing of Tanaka particularly bolstered East Bengal defense ahead of their 2026-27 AFC Women's Champions League group stage campaign, which the Red and Gold started with a win over Vietnamese club Hồ Chi Minh City at home. East Bengal play South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO on Wednesday at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata.

Notably, Tanaka, who spent most of her club career in Spain, is one of the few from Japan to play in top leagues in the world. Her addi...