Blue Tigresses Begin SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 with Record-Breaking Win

by Chandler D'silva May 26, 2026

India women’s national football team launched their SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion with a dominant 11-0 victory over Maldives at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on May 25.

Playing their first-ever international fixture in Goa, the Blue Tigresses produced a commanding display from start to finish, showcasing the difference in quality and experience between the two sides. The emphatic result also marked India’s biggest victory in the SAFF Women’s Championship since their 12-0 triumph over Afghanistan in 2014.

Aveka Singh stole the spotlight with a sensational four-goal performance, while Priyangka Devi Naorem and Karishma Shirvoikar added two goals each. Pyari Xaxa, Grace Dangmei, and Sangita Basfore also found the net in a complete attacking performance by the hosts.

India began aggressively and immediately pinned Maldives deep inside their own half through relentless pressing and quick movement across the flanks. The opening goal arrived in the 11th minute when Priyangka bundled home from close range after a well-worked short-corner routine, marking a memorable return from injury with a goal.

The Blue Tigresses continued to dominate possession and create chances at will. Priyangka doubled India’s advantage in the 21st minute after being played through by Aveka, before Pyari Xaxa added a third with a composed finish from outside the box.

India’s attacking rhythm only intensified as Aveka scored directly from a long-range free-kick in the 34th minute, while Grace Dangmei made it five before halftime with a close-range finish following another dangerous set-piece move.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with India continuing to attack despite their comfortable lead. Karishma Shirvoikar made an immediate impact off the bench with two well-taken goals, while Sangita Basfore added another with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

Aveka then took complete control of the contest, scoring twice in quick succession to complete her first international hat-trick before adding a fourth goal late in the game with a diving header to round off a memorable evening.

India ended the match with complete dominance in every department, controlling possession, creating constant pressure, and maintaining intensity throughout difficult conditions in Goa.

The result sends the Blue Tigresses to the top of Group B with three points from their opening fixture. They will next face Bangladesh women’s national football team on May 31 at the same venue, while Maldives will take on Bangladesh earlier in the week. India could seal qualification to the semi-finals even before their next match depending on other results in the group.

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