India emerged as champions of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 after defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. The victory marked India’s return to the top of South Asian women’s football after a seven-year gap and secured their sixth SAFF Women’s Championship crown.
The final brought together the tournament hosts and defending champions Bangladesh in a contest between the region’s two strongest sides. India entered the match looking to reclaim a title they had failed to win in the previous two editions, while Bangladesh aimed to complete a historic hat-trick of championships.
India controlled much of the opening exchanges and created several opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Forward Pyari Xaxa showcased excellent footwork inside the penalty area before unleashing a shot that took a crucial deflection off a Bangladesh defender and found the back of the net.
Just when India seemed set to carry their lead into the interval, Bangladesh responded in stoppage time. Ritu Porna Chakma found space on the left flank and fired a low strike into the far corner, handing India their first conceded goal of the tournament and sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The hosts wasted little time regaining control after the restart. Less than a minute into the second half, Pyari Xaxa turned provider with a precise cross that was met by Sanfida Nongrum. The midfielder rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper and restore Blue Tigress’s advantage.
With the lead restored, Blue Tigress looked increasingly confident and dictated the tempo of the match. Bangladesh searched for an equaliser but struggled to create sustained pressure against a disciplined Indian defence.
Blue Tigress eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute. A defensive lapse inside the Bangladesh penalty area allowed substitute Lynda Kom Serto to pounce on the loose ball and calmly finish past goalkeeper Mile Akter to make it 3-1.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Indian players and coaching staff. Midfielder Sanfida Nongrum, who scored crucial goals in both the semi-final and final, played a key role throughout the tournament and was later recognised as the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
The triumph was particularly emotional for veteran forward Dangmei Grace, who announced her retirement from international football after the match. Having represented India since 2013 and earned 95 international caps, Grace concluded her national team career with a third SAFF Women’s Championship title.
Blue Tigress’s title-winning campaign was dominant from start to finish. The Blue Tigresses won all four of their matches, scored 18 goals, and conceded only once during the tournament.
Individual honours also reflected India’s impressive performances. Aveka Singh finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals, while Panthoi Chanu was awarded the Best Goalkeeper prize. Nepal received the Fair Play Award.
The victory reaffirms India’s status as the most successful nation in SAFF Women’s Championship history and signals a strong resurgence for the women’s national team on the regional stage.
SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final – India vs Bangladesh highlights
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