Manipur girls will lead the Indian challenge in the Asian Football Confederation women's tournament, to be held in Thailand, from June 10 to 25.

India have been clubbed with Uzbekistan, Vietnam and China.

Out of the 25 probables, 12 are from Manipur, three each from Orissa, Goa, Punjab and Bengal, and one from Tamil Nadu. The number will be reduced to 20 after the final selection on May 25.

India coach M Ratan Singh, who is supervising the ongoing camp at the Sports Authority of India, at the Salt Lake stadium, in Kolkata, said India has a fair chance of qualifying for the knock-out phase this time.

He said though China is the strongest team in the group, India will do well.

Strategically, India will try for a draw against China and go all out for wins against Uzbekistan and Vietnam, said Singh, who is being assisted by Mary Victoria of Bangalore.

India lost 0-17 to China in the last Asian Championship, but this time the side is an improved lot, with better fitness and cohesion in the forward line, the veteran Manipur coach said.

India is banking heavily on Manipur's O Bembem Devi, Tababa Devi and Sujata Kar of Bengal in the frontline.

Singh said Bembem Devi, who was named 'Woman Footballer of the Year' last season, and Tababi are the backbone of the team's attack.

Singh said his players match the power and stamina of the best in Asia but lack skill, coordination and killer instinct.

He suggested the introduction of a National league for women to hone players' skills.