The victory ended a seven-year wait for the title as the Blue Tigresses lifted a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy, dethroning defending champions Bangladesh in front of a jubilant home crowd.

India’s journey to the title was nothing short of impressive. The hosts won all four of their matches during the tournament, scored 18 goals, and conceded just once, underlining their dominance throughout the competition.

The final lived up to expectations as the region’s two strongest sides battled for supremacy. India controlled much of the early proceedings and created several opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Pyari Xaxa showcased excellent footwork inside the penalty area before seeing her effort take a deflection and find the back of the net to hand India a deserved lead.

However, Bangladesh responded moments before halftime through Ritu Porna Chakma, whose well-taken finish drew the defending champions level and set up an intriguing second half.

India wasted no time regaining control after the restart. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Pyari turned provider as her delivery into the box was met by Sanfida Nongrum, who powered a header into the net to restore India’s advantage.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour as the Blue Tigresses began dictating the tempo of the match. Bangladesh attempted to find another equaliser but struggled to create meaningful openings against a disciplined Indian side.

The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when substitute Lynda Kom Serto capitalised on a defensive lapse and calmly slotted home India’s third goal, effectively putting the contest beyond doubt and sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

As the final whistle blew, scenes of joy unfolded across the stadium as players and staff celebrated a long-awaited return to the top of South Asian football. The triumph was made even more special for veteran forward Dangmei Grace, who brought an end to her international career on a high, winning her third SAFF Women’s Championship title after representing India for over a decade.

Individual accolades further highlighted India’s successful campaign. Aveka Singh finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, while Sanfida Nongrum was named the Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performances throughout the competition. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was awarded the Best Goalkeeper prize after a superb tournament between the posts.

For India, the title represents more than just another trophy. It marks the return of the Blue Tigresses to the top of South Asian football and serves as a statement of intent for the future as they continue to build on an exciting new generation of talent.

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The matches will be played in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on October 25 and 28, and will form part of India’s preparations for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in April 2026.

After a brief camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, the Young Tigresses departed for Kazakhstan on the morning of October 23 and will arrive in Shymkent in the evening.

India U20 women’s 23-member squad for Kazakhstan friendlies:

Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Khushbu Saroj, Neha, Pooja.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Kajol Dsouza, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Rutuja Shinde
Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

Fixtures:
11:30 IST, October 25: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
11:30 IST, October 28: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
Venue: Shymkent, Kazakhstan

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