On a warm June evening in Margao, Goa, India's women's football team reclaimed their throne in South Asian football, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3–1 in the final of the 2026 SAFF Women's Championship. The victory marked India's sixth continental title and their triumphant return to the top of the region after a seven-year absence, having last won in 2019.
The tournament, held from 25 May to 6 June at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, showcased the rising competitive spirit of women's football across South Asia. Six nations—India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives—competed for continental glory in what was the eighth edition of this regional championship. Notably, Pakistan withdrew from the tournament due to strained diplomatic relations with the host nation.
India's path to the title was dominant. In the group stage, the hosts demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring 14 goals across just two matches, while conceding none. That overwhelming performance was anchored by Aveka Singh, who emerged as the tournament's top scorer with four goals and became a vital force in India's offensive strategy. The Indian team's clinical finishing and defensive solidity set them apart from the outset, signaling their intentions as clear favorites heading into the knockout rounds.
Nepal, ranked 87th in the world at the time of the tournament, also impressed during the group stage, winning both their matches without conceding a goal. Their steady performance earned them a place in the semi-finals alongside the group winners. The tournament as a whole proved entertaining for fans, with 35 goals scored across nine matches—an average of 3.89 goals per game—suggesting an open, attacking style of play across the region.
Beyond individual statistics, the tournament recognized excellence across multiple dimensions of the game. Sanfida Nongrum was honored as the best player of the tournament, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam earned the award for best goalkeeper, acknowledging India's balanced strength in both attack and defense. Nepal received the fair play award, reflecting the spirit in which the competition was conducted.
For India, this championship represents more than just silverware. It signals the team's resurgence in regional football after Bangladesh had won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2024. The victory comes at a time when women's football across South Asia is gaining visibility and investment, with increasingly competitive matches and growing attendance figures. As India looks ahead to the next edition in 2028, they have re-established themselves as the region's standard-bearers, while also highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the broader South Asian football community. The tournament demonstrated that the future of women's football in the region is bright, competitive, and full of promise.