India travel to Istanbul on Monday where they will be playing two matches against U-17 Romania on February 16 and 19.

"It is a really good opportunity to play two matches against Romania. It's important for us to start implementing what we are doing in training sessions. We also have plans to introduce a new formation. It's always good for players to learn different formations," said head coach Thomas Dennerby mentioned.

"Romania are very strong in tackling, as well as in one-on-one situations. I expect both games will be played in a high tempo."

The recent appointment of Dennerby as India’s U-17 women’s coach raised a few eyebrows, and underlined the ambitions of the nation hosting next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

As a veteran of three FIFA Women’s World Cups with Nigeria and his native Sweden, the 60-year-old is one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the female game.

The event, which will be the second FIFA tournament that the country will host in three years, will see a marquee emblem launch ceremony on Saturday as the one-year countdown starts.

Ahead of the launch, the-AFC.com caught up with Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee, Roma Khanna.

With one year to go before the start of the tournament, fans from across India and around the world experienced the excitement and optimism as the Official Emblem for the tournament was revealed to the public.

Representatives from the Local Organising Committee, FIFA, and the Indian government spoke about how the power of football – and youth competitions in particular – can promote positive change in society, with a focus on accessibility and gender equality.

The event culminated in a spectacular outdoor light projection to reveal the Official Emblem, which was attended by a host of stars from India and the world of football.