President Murmu congratulates India women's football team for winning SAFF championship
New Delhi, June 7
President Droupadi Murmu, on Sunday congratulated the Indian football team for clinching the South Asian Football Federation Women's Championship 2026.
President Murmu said women footballers displayed exceptional skill, determination and teamwork throughout the tournament
"Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women's Football Team on winning the SAFF Women's Championship 2026! Our women footballers displayed exceptional skill, determination and teamwork throughout the tournament. I am confident that their remarkable achievement will inspire young girls across the nation to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage," Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.
India clinched a record-extending sixth SAFF Women's Championship title with a commanding 3-1 victory over Bangladesh in the final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday.
Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, but Bangladesh's Ritu Porna Chakma equalised in first-half stoppage time. India responded immediately after the break when Sanfida Nongrum headed home just 40 seconds into the second half. Substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed the win in the 82nd minute.
The triumph marked India's return to the top of South Asian women's football for the first time since 2019 and ended Bangladesh's hopes of a third consecutive title. India dominated the tournament, winning all four matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding only once.
Sanfida was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Aveka Singh finished as top scorer with four goals. The victory also provided a fitting farewell to veteran Dangmei Grace, who retired after helping India secure her third SAFF title. Nepal received the Fair Play Award, while Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a brilliant performance by the girls! It's heartening to see football getting attention at the highest level. Dangmei Grace retiring with a third SAFF title is a storybook ending. Hope this inspires more investment in women's football grassroots in states like Manipur and Odisha where talent is abundant. Well done, team!
It's great to see the women's team dominate SAFF again. Retaining that 2019 form is impressive. I just hope the AIFF (All India Football Federation) gives these players more exposure beyond regional tournaments. More international friendlies and better leagues would help sustain this momentum. But for now, enjoy the victory!
Amazing comeback from that 2019 drought! Pyari Xaxa and Sanfida Nongrum really stood out in the final. The president's message is uplifting—these young women are role models for every girl in India. Also special mention to Panthoi Chanu for the Best Goalkeeper award—Goa's stadium must have been rocking! 🎉
A well-fought final against Bangladesh, who were aiming for a third straight title. The fact that India responded immediately after conceding—just 40 seconds into the second half—shows the grit and discipline the team has built. Respect to Dangmei Grace for her service to Indian women's football. A true legend.
Congratulations to the Indian team! 18 goals scored and only 1 conceded—that's incredible efficiency. I agree with the president that this will inspire young girls. It's a good moment for Indian sports to get
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