She didn’t just cry—she collapsed on the pitch at Chiang Mai Stadium in Thailand, tears streaming as the final whistle blew, releasing a flood of deep emotion.
Her teammates rushed to her side, a joyful mix of cheers and tears filling the air. For the first time in history, the India Clinches football team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit, powered by Sangita’s two goals in their 2-1 win.
Qualifying “on merit” is crucial. Previously, India only entered the tournament as hosts, and that edition soon became a disappointment. In recent years, the team faced multiple setbacks and challenges before this historic breakthrough.
The nightmare of Indian women’s football
January 2022 – The AFC Women’s Asian Cup, meant to be India’s crowning moment as hosts, ended in disaster. A Covid-19 outbreak within the squad forced India’s withdrawal after just one group stage game. Hopes of World Cup qualification evaporated, leaving players devastated. Many later admitted they still suffered sleepless nights remembering that tournament.
June 2022 – U-17 women’s team coach Alex Ambrose was suspended over alleged misconduct with a minor. The case remains unresolved, lost in bureaucratic red tape. The AIFF largely avoided public scrutiny.
September 2022 – India exited the SAFF Women’s Championship in the semifinals, losing to Nepal.
October 2022 – The U-17 side, now under coach Dennerby, endured a humiliating FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, crashing out at the group stage after three heavy defeats on home soil.
May 2023 – The Indian Women’s League (IWL) was marred by poor organization—4 AM match preparations, extreme heat, subpar food, and inadequate lodging. Gokulam Kerala, the champions, were given barely any recognition before being rushed off for a local youth tournament’s award ceremony.
September 2023 – The senior national team finished bottom of their Asian Games group after losses to Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
November 2023 – India ended the Olympic qualifiers winless, with a goal difference of -12, further deepening the crisis.
October 2024 – Another SAFF Women’s Championship campaign ended in heartbreak, once again losing to Nepal in the semifinals.
April 2025 – The IWL returned with minimal promotion, underscoring the AIFF’s continued neglect of women’s football. The league remained a token effort, devoid of professional backing or visibility.
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Against All Odds: Indian Women’s Football Team Secures Historic AFC Asian Cup Qualification
Few could have imagined it. Amid years of neglect, instability, and overlooked talent, the Indian women’s national football team delivered one of its most remarkable achievements—direct qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
The odds were stacked high. Coaching changes by the AIFF had left the team without stability. Thomas Dennerby was followed by a carousel of names—Suren Chhetri, Chaoba Devi, Santosh Kashyap (for just three games), and briefly, Swede Joakim Alexandersson with the youth squad. Crispin Chhetri finally took charge this year, with Priya PV as assistant.
Expectations were low when the team landed in Thailand for the qualifiers. Many players still bore the psychological scars from the pandemic-affected 2022 tournament. Some, like Hemam Shilky Devi and Lynda Kom, had also experienced the turmoil of the U-17 Ambrose episode.
For years, India’s women footballers endured a system that gave little in return—uncertain camps, a neglected league, and sometimes, even unsafe accommodations. Yet, they persisted. Players like Manisha Kalyan, Soumya Gugoloth, and Jyoti Chauhan sought opportunities abroad, with Manisha even scoring in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Others made the most of domestic football, limited as it was.
Still, success eluded the national team. So, even after big wins over Mongolia (13-0), Iraq (5-0), and Timor Leste (4-0), expectations remained cautious. Thailand—higher ranked, World Cup-experienced, and coached by Japan’s Futoshi Ikeda—stood in their path.
On paper, India had no business challenging them. Thailand struck the woodwork twice. But India held firm. Sangita Basfore rose to the moment with two brilliant goals—a volley from the edge of the box and a decisive header. Her words after the match revealed the depth of her motivation: “I remembered Sunil Chhetri’s words—‘Remember why you started playing.’ This could be our last chance.”
For Sangita, the moment carried even more weight. A mainstay since 2019, she missed the 2022 Asian Cup due to an ACL injury and lost her father during recovery. Her return, after years of pain and resilience, helped steer India into the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup—a tournament that doubles as World Cup qualification, where 8 of 12 teams will earn a FIFA Women’s World Cup spot.
Her tears at full time weren’t just personal—they were symbolic. This wasn’t a triumph of the system. It was a victory despite it.
The AIFF doesn’t own this success. It belongs entirely to the 23 women who gave everything—blood, sweat, and even broken bones, as in Soumya’s case—for their country. They deserve far more.
And they will give us more. Scars and all, they’ll face Asia’s best in Australia 2026—with nothing but belief, grit, and a will stronger than any federation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Indian women’s team qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026?
India qualified directly after defeating Thailand 2-1 in a crucial qualifier match. Midfielder Sangita Basfore scored both goals, sealing a historic win.
Why is this qualification historic for India?
This marks the first time India has qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit. Previous entries were as host nation (2022), not through competitive qualification.
Who is Sangita Basfore and why is her story significant?
Sangita is a senior team midfielder who missed the 2022 Asian Cup due to an ACL injury and personal loss. Her comeback and game-winning goals against Thailand symbolize resilience and leadership.
Who is currently coaching the national women’s team?
As of 2025, Crispin Chhetri is the head coach, with Priya PV serving as his assistant.
What was the state of Indian women’s football between 2022–2025?
The team saw setbacks including early exits in SAFF Championships, Asian Games, Olympic qualifiers, and ongoing neglect of the IWL. However, players continued to push forward, some even earning overseas contracts.
What role has the AIFF played in the team’s struggles?
Critics argue the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has failed to prioritize women’s football, offering poor logistical support, lack of investment in development, and minimal promotion for domestic leagues.
What’s next for India in international women’s football?
India will compete in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where 8 out of 12 teams could secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It’s a massive opportunity for the team to prove itself on the global stage.
Conclusion
The Indian women’s football team’s qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is more than just a sporting milestone—it’s a powerful statement of resilience, talent, and perseverance in the face of systemic neglect. Despite years of instability, inadequate support, and limited opportunities, these players have continued to rise, carrying not only their dreams but the hopes of an entire nation.