Prez Droupadi Murmu lauds Indian women's football team for winning SAFF C'ship
New Delhi, June 7
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended her "heartiest congratulations" to the Indian women's football team for clinical execution and lifting the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 title.
India reclaimed the SAFF Women's Championship title after seven years, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a gripping final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday.
Lauding the team's performance throughout the tournament, the President said their historic triumph would serve as a powerful catalyst for aspiring young female athletes across the country.
"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," the President posted on X.
Pyari Xaxa gave India the lead in the 42nd minute before Ritu Porna Chakma equalised in first half stoppage time. Sanfida Nongrum restored the Blue Tigresses' advantage just 40 seconds into the second half, while substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed the victory in the 82nd minute as India lifted a record-extending sixth trophy.
As the final whistle sounded, the significance of the achievement was evident across the Indian camp. Sanfida Nongrum, who played a decisive role throughout the tournament, scoring in both the semi-final and the final, dropped to her knees before embracing teammate Dangmei Grace, who announced her retirement after the match.
Around them, players and staff celebrated as India returned to the summit of South Asian women's football for the first time since 2019. Grace, a legend of the Indian women's game, represented the country 95 times since her debut in 2013, and ended her international career on a high after winning her third SAFF title.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news for Indian football! SAFF title after 7 years - that's a long wait. Sanfida Nongrum was brilliant throughout. But we need more grassroots development, not just celebrate one tournament win. Hope the federation builds on this momentum.
Dangmei Grace retiring on a high - what a career! 95 caps for India, three SAFF titles. She's a role model for every girl in the Northeast who dreams of playing football. 🏆✨
Honestly, while I celebrate this win, I also feel sad. Our women's team gets barely any media coverage or sponsorship. The President's tweet is nice but where's the real support? Trainings, facilities, leagues? Let's not just cheer when they win and forget them otherwise.
As someone who follows women's football globally, this is a big moment for India in the region. The 3-1 scoreline against defending champions Bangladesh shows real progress. South Asian football is getting competitive and India needs to keep investing in its women's program.
The second goal just 40 seconds after halftime changed the game completely. Sanfida Nongrum is a star! And Lynda Kom Serto coming off the bench to seal it - that's depth we've never had before. So proud of these 'tigresses'! 🐯💪
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