Hitomi Tanaka set to become first Japanese women’s footballer to join Indian club

Japanese defender Hitomi Tanaka is set to make history by becoming the first Japanese women's footballer to join an Indian club, East Bengal Women. The 26-year-old, currently playing for Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen side Hera United Women, is expected to arrive in time for the AFC Women’s Champions League group-stage campaign. Tanaka, who has spent the majority of her professional career in Europe, notably in Spain's second division and the Netherlands, can also play in midfield, adding versatility to her skills.

She expressed her excitement about joining a club with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase, stating her readiness to give her best to help the team succeed in the continental competition. East Bengal, two-time Indian Women's League champions, will face off against Ho Chi Minh City WFC, Hwacheon KSPO WFC, and DPR Korea's 4.25 SC in Group B from November 1 to 7 in Kolkata.