The Indian senior women’s national football team, the Blue Tigresses, secured the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 title by defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the final on 6 June 2026. Held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Fatorda Stadium), Goa, this victory marks India’s return to regional dominance after a seven-year hiatus, claiming their sixth overall title. India maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one.
Tournament Highlights and Honours
- Final Scorers: Pyari Xaxa (42′), Sanfida Nongrum (46′), and Lynda Kom Serto (82′).
- MVP: Sanfida Nongrum, for scoring decisive goals in both the semi-final and final.
- Top Goal Scorer: Aveka Singh (4 goals).
- Best Goalkeeper: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (conceded only 1 goal).
- Retirement: Veteran forward Dangmei Grace announced her international retirement after the final, concluding a career with 95 caps and three SAFF titles.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- SAFF History: Founded in 1997, it includes seven members: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan departed in 2015 for CAFA.
- Tournament Record: India won the first five consecutive editions (2010–2019). Bangladesh won the 2022 and 2024 editions.
- Administration: The All India Football Federation (AIFF), founded in 1937, governs football in India. It is a FIFA affiliate (since 1948) and a founding member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
- Coach: The team was led by head coach Crispin Chettri.