This will encourage more youngsters...: PM Modi praises India Women's SAFF Championship triumph
New Delhi, June 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian women's football team on clinching the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 title, stating that their success will inspire more youngsters to take up the sport in the future.
India women ended the wait of seven years to reclaim the SAFF championsip title after defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a gripping final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday.
The Prime Minister lauded the team's consistent performance throughout the tournament and extended his best wishes for their upcoming international campaigns.
The triumph capped a remarkable campaign for the hosts, who won all four of their matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just one, while ending Bangladesh's hopes of securing a historic third consecutive title.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to the Indian Women's Football Team on winning the SAFF Women's Championship 2026. They have played excellently through the tournament. This will encourage more youngsters to play football in the coming times. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours."
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.
The final had all the ingredients expected from a meeting between the region's two strongest sides. Bangladesh arrived as defending champions, while India were chasing a title that had eluded them for the last two editions.
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.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see women's football getting recognition in India. This championship win is a big deal - beating the defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final is impressive. The PM's message will help raise the sport's profile. Hopefully this leads to more funding and better facilities for women's football across the country.
Honestly, this is such a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 The women's team has been silently working hard while men's football gets all the attention. Sanfida Nongrum's goal just 40 seconds into the second half - that's the kind of determination we need. But let's be real, unless we actually build academies and scouting networks in villages, these wins won't translate into long-term growth. 🤔
Congrats to the team! But I wish the PM would also focus on improving basic infrastructure for football. We need better leagues, more tournaments, and proper coaching at school level. Wins like this are great but we need sustained support, not just tweets. That said, kudos to the players for bringing the trophy home after 7 long years! 🙌
Incredible performance by the Blue Tigresses! 🐯 Dangmei Grace retiring after winning the title - what a way to go out! The final had everything - early goal, equaliser, quick response in second half, and a late clincher. This is how you build a winning culture. Hope our state governments and AIFF use this momentum to promote women's football in schools and colleges. Well done, ladies! 👏
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