Margao, Goa | June 6, 2026

The Indian Women’s National Football Team were crowned champions of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3–1 in a thrilling final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.

The triumph secured India a record-extending sixth title in the competition and marked their return to the top of South Asian football for the first time since 2019.

India produced a composed and clinical performance to overcome a determined Bangladesh side in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

• 42’ – Pyari Xaxa gave India the lead with a well-taken goal.
• 45+1’ – Ritu Porna Chakma equalised for Bangladesh in stoppage time of the first half.
• 46’ – Sanfida Nongrum restored India’s advantage immediately after the restart.
• 82’ – Lynda Kom Serto sealed the victory with a decisive late strike.

After a closely contested first half, India dominated the second period, showing superior control and finishing to secure the title.

Tournament Achievement

India’s championship run reflected their dominance throughout the competition:

The victory also ended Bangladesh’s reign as back-to-back champions from 2022 and 2024.

Individual Awards & Honours

The tournament concluded with recognition of standout performers:

• Most Valuable Player: Sanfida Nongrum (India)
• Best Goalkeeper: Panthoi Chanu (India)
• Highest Scorer (Golden Boot): Aveka Singh (India) – 4 goals
• Fair Play Award: Nepal

Coaches’ Reactions

Speaking after the match, India’s head coach Crispin Chettri praised the team’s resilience and unity:

“This victory is the result of hard work, discipline, and belief. The players showed tremendous character, especially after conceding the equaliser. Their response in the second half was outstanding, and they fully deserved this title.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s head coach Peter Buttler acknowledged India’s performance while expressing pride in his team:

“Congratulations to India for a deserving win. We fought hard and had our moments, but India capitalised better on their chances. I am proud of my players for their effort and commitment throughout the tournament.”

24 May 2026 | GOA

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) successfully conducted a two-day conference aimed at enhancing the knowledge and operational capabilities of AFC Match Commissioners belonging to South Asia.

The conference that took place from 23-24 May, featured a blend of expert presentations, interactive discussions, and AFC-led case studies designed to address key aspects of match management. Major topics included preparations for upcoming SAFF competitions, Match Commissioner appointment procedures, handling match incidents, best practices in reporting, operational challenges, and decision-making in football competitions.

A total of 19 officials participated in the program that was held from 23-24 May. The 19 officials, included 15 Match Commissioners, two AFC facilitators, and two SAFF delegates. The sessions emphasized real-world learning, with AFC Match Commissioners sharing personal experiences from past assignments. These discussions highlighted practical challenges, critical match incidents, and effective strategies adopted during competitions.

Chetan Kulkarni, Head of Football Operations Competitions & Football Events, praised SAFF for organizing the initiative. “It is wonderful to see SAFF conducting such seminars and workshops for Match Commissioners across the region. This conference provides an excellent platform for officials to come together, share experiences from different competitions, and learn from real match situations encountered by fellow Match Commissioners,” he said, adding that such efforts help strengthen professional knowledge, improve coordination among officials, and significantly elevate the standards of football competition management in South Asia.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to apply the learnings in future assignments, contributing to the continued development and professionalism of football competition management across South Asia.