PM Modi Congratulates India Women's Team on SAFF 2026 Title

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. pic.twitter.com/U18avWmpP6

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2026

The congratulatory note was among several official reactions to a result that India's football administrators have described as a turning point for the women's game.

How the final unfolded

India took the lead in the 42nd minute through Pyari Xaxa, before Bangladesh's Ritu Porna Chakma equalised in first-half stoppage time, according to the All India Football Federation's match report. Sanfida Nongrum restored the hosts' advantage seconds after the restart, and substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed the win in the 82nd minute.

The goal Bangladesh scored in the final was the only one India conceded across the tournament, AIFF records show. India scored 18 goals on their way to the title under head coach Crispin Chettri. Nongrum, who also scored in the semi-final against Bhutan, was named player of the match in the final.

Background and rivalry

The 2026 edition, the eighth staging of the championship, was hosted in India from May 25 to June 6 at the Margao venue. Bangladesh entered the final chasing a third consecutive crown after wins in 2022 and 2024, the two editions in which they had ended India's dominance.

India, ranked 69th by FIFA, went into the final as favourites against Bangladesh, ranked 112th, and have historically held the edge in the fixture. Pakistan did not take part in the tournament.

What it means for women's football

The result is expected to renew attention on investment and structures in the Indian women's game, which has seen gradual expansion of its domestic league in recent seasons. AIFF officials have linked the title to efforts to widen the player base, echoing the Prime Minister's reference to inspiring younger players.

The tournament also marked a personal milestone: veteran winger Dangmei Grace announced her retirement from international football during the post-match celebrations, according to AIFF reporting.

With the SAFF title secured, the team's focus is expected to shift to continental qualifiers and friendlies in the next FIFA international window. AIFF has not yet announced the squad's next assignment.